paige elizabeth photography

Ashley & Brian are getting married...

Feet in the sand. Doesn't look like it does it?

I love it when a couple knows exactly what they want. For Ashley & Brian's wedding they are very clear. Feet in the sand. And that's where we'll be next July for their fabulous Malibu wedding. Given the frigid weather of late here in Colorado I can't wait!

But their love story is here in downtown Denver where Bentley (the most wonderful dog ever!) gets his walks. So in extreme contrast to their wedding plans we headed out into the cold and had soooo much fun! I think Ashley & Brian and I might have stayed out even longer, but thankfully we had Bentley to announce to us that he was a bit chilled and well past ready to be done. He was right. And chill or not, I love these photos!

Congratulations! I can't wait to photograph for you on the beach...

Samantha & Andrew... got married!

It's official. I love photographing weddings so much that it has turned me into possibly the world's biggest sappy romantic ever! And I find it absolutely impossible to make short blog posts. There are just too many wonderful things.

Samantha & Andrew kindly invited me to Iowa in very, very chilly December to photograph their beautiful day together and I absolutely fell in love with them and their families. I have always said that the Midwest is like nowhere else. The incredible warmth and love with which these folks approach everything always gives me faith in humanity.

I felt like family while I was there... and what an amazing family. It felt like everyone came out of the woodwork (in their parkas and mittens) to celebrate with Samantha & Andrew. And the love pouring in around them shines in their smiles.

Congratulations! I wish you a lifetime of joy. Thank you for inviting me to be there to capture the beginning of your new family...

Sasha continues to steal my heart...

I was so very fortunate to be invited to photograph Sasha and her wonderful parents for the holidays... and her grandparents. Tony's dad flew in and Natalia's parents came all the way from Russia. Natalia's mom is about the nicest lady I have ever met. She was completely determined to have a great conversation together regardless of the fact that I speak not a single word of Russian. Although Natalia does try valiantly to get me to learn more every time I see them.

Sasha on the other hand is almost more fluent in Russian than in English! Her little ears perk right up to Russian, so does her giggle. Especially when talking about her fancy new patent leather shoes...

Get undone for Valentine's Day

It may seem early, but it's time to plan for Valentine's Day! Photography takes just a bit of time and so does the publishing for the amazing package I'm putting together...

I love doing undone sessions. They're boudoir photos, but boudoir that embraces the way that the men who love us love us. Laughing with the sheets pulled up, revealing a little behind his dress shirt, his favorite lingerie... It's the gift for the man who has everything.

And there's no need to feel self-conscious about these! We reveal only what you want to and really play up the parts of you that you (and he) love. It's about celebrating the amazing women we are!

- We'll be photographing at a gorgeous hotel in downtown Denver
- January 12th & 13th only
- 1 hour sessions
- Beautiful hard cover book with your photos to give to him on Valentine's day
- Have a glass of wine, laugh a lot, and embrace just how incredible you are!
- Valentine's special $375

These sessions will fill up fast! Please do call right away to reserve your spot.

101 in 1001

So here's the deal... 101 goals accomplished in 1001 days. (See Day Zero) Big, small, huge, difficult, simple, all measurable and achievable and designed to help you grow. Dream big, do big. It's daunting just to create the list. And publishing it here is giving me butterflies in my stomach.

But here's the thing, when was the last time we focused on the big stuff and a long term plan? When we're in school we just want to finish. As adults we may have goals about our retirement savings or our careers. But when was the last time you sat down and looked at what you really love to do? What you really want to do? Who you really want to be?

I have had the most wonderful time creating my list! Jodie thinks there's no way I'll actually get to take the sabbatical that's on the list (#21) because there's so much on the list that I'm going to be really busy. But really, some of the items are very small (#60) and some are admittedly huge (#17) and some have been goals for a long time (#8). Some of the items I hope will make me a better person (#98) and some I hope will make the world a better place in the very little ways that become huge when added together (#33). And one item on the list celebrates the idea that there may be such a thing as true altruism (#88).

The things I love are on there... chocolate (#50), wine (#54), travel (#16), family (#84). And the things I want to love (#30). And things I've wanted to do for a long time (#85). It's about more than just business (#91). It's about life (#70) and love (#68) and the reasons we do what we do every day (#100).

Make a list! Celebrate your list! Make lists with the people you love. Grow. And I'll keep you posted on mine...

(You can see my full list here: 101 in 1001 And it's linked under more info.)

Happy Christmas morning light...

I'm an early riser. Sleeping in looks like 7am if I'm lucky. But this morning, Christmas morning, it worked out to my benefit. Awake early I peeked out the window to see what the weathermen thought we had slim chance of receiving this holiday... snow. And at this quiet hour when even the most anxious of Christmas children haven't stirred yet, not even my husband, it feels like magic. If I listen closely I can almost hear Santa's sleigh winging out of sight.

Merry Christmas to all! In the first morning light...

(My Christmas surprise was my sweet husband coming out the door just after this photos was taken. He thinks his girls, the dog and I, are nuts. But came out to join us in celebrating Christmas snow anyway. Our own little Christmas miracle... :) )

Samantha & Andrew are getting married...

Cold, cold, cold it was in Iowa... and Samantha & Andrew are so adorable together I probably would have stayed out photographing all day! They were such troopers as we explored the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. We found the coolest little house all overgrown with ivy, even the door, and we found a bandstand and a great rusted metal shed. We couldn't find much to get warm indoors but they were so giggly and schmoopie outside that I'm not sure how much they noticed the cold.

(And for the photogs reading the blog, check out the tilt and shift lens on the bandstand shots! Sooooo much fun.)

Joe is graduating...

It was cold, really cold, in Iowa. But Joe is even more intrepid than I am! We had a blast inside a gorgeous furniture store and then Joe was the one who wanted outside to get something different from the usual senior portraits. He took us to this great bridge in a more industrial area in Cedar Rapids... and wow! If I lived there I'd be shooting here with Joe all the time! It was the coolest location and I loooove the pics in the crazy snow!

(And I completely adore Joe's mom and sister! Thank you so much for welcoming me with open arms!)

Amanda & Branden... got married!

Wow. What a beautiful day! We really couldn't have asked for a more lovely Colorado afternoon to celebrate Amanda & Branden's wedding. Giggles and tears and just too much love of family to ever capture in just a few, but here are some of my favorites. And a wish for many, many years of love and joy!

Ceremony: Denver Colorado Temple
Reception: Columbine Country Club

Lilly & Xerxes are getting married...

I hiked. Yes, me, the adamantly sedentary soul that I am. I hiked. Only Lilly & Xerxes could have gotten this out of me. I love doing engagement sessions at locations that are important to the couple and hiking the mesa is one of their favorite things. It was so worth it! Gorgeous light, so in love, and Lilly packed a picnic.

Of course, the other reason it was so worthwhile is that they treated me to apple pastries after we hiked back down. Lilly is the most magnificent personal chef and I could probably be induced to all kinds of craziness if I knew her cooking was waiting on the other side...