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I'm the gal behind the lens, and the founder of paige elizabeth photography. 

If I'm not working you can usually find me exploring new towns, eating sushi, or cuddling with my pup and cat. Explore my blog to learn more about me, my couples, and even learn a thing or two!

Hey, there! I'm Paige.

Preventing the Wedding Hangover

Most photographers know what the term “Wedding Hangover” means, but in case you don’t, let me bring ya in on the secret:

 

In wedding vendor world, “wedding hangover” refers to the way you feel the day after a wedding. No, not from drinking alcohol, but from being on your feet for hours on end, with little to no food/water, all while constantly bending at weird angles, squatting, and all kinds of gymnastics you have to do to capture “the shot”. Oh, and this is all while carrying around 15+ lbs of gear on your person, and lugging around whatever other gear/trunks you need to have access to! Being a wedding vendor is both physically and mentally exhausting. You don’t generally get breaks like you do at a 9-5 for coffee or to waste 10 minutes on YouTube watching cat videos. You have to be fully on your game for 8+ hours, and hopefully you’ll have a quick 30 minutes to sit down, start importing photos if you’re like me, and hopefully shovel some food in your face if the venue was nice enough to give you your meal the first time you asked (If not, you’ll have to wait until they finish serving to get your meal, by which time you’ll have approximately 5 minutes, maybe, to eat a plateful of food before you have to be taking pictures again. Ask me how I feel about this, lol).

 

Now for some people, they can do all of that and feel perfectly fine the next day. They are superhuman unicorns and I don’t know how they do it. When I was a teenager, this wouldn’t have been a problem for me. I was always an athlete, and have always been in decent shape. However physical limitations and auto-immune diseases (fibromyalgia, lupus, eds, potts, the list goes on) run in my family, and as I’ve gotten older a lot of those issues have translated into me being less quick to recover long bouts of being on my feet. For example, I have the hips of a 95 year old. I’m not kidding, I own a cane that can fold up into my purse! On top of that I have back issues, digestive issues that act up whenever they please, and my muscles get extremely sore and painful very easily. So much so, that when I first started shooting weddings, I woke up the next day and felt like I’d been run over by a truck. Twice. I never wanted to feel like that again after doing something I enjoy as much as I do, and quickly started trying to find ways to prevent most of my post-wedding pain!

 

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this, so I’m going to share with you the steps I take to help! To be clear, this does not get rid of my pain. I am still very sore the day after a wedding. But it’s gone from legitimately not being able to walk to the bathroom because my joints and muscles are so stiff, to being able to get up and go to Mother’s Day Brunch the morning after! So here’s how I do it:

 

2 Days Pre-Wedding:

2 days before the wedding I am making sure I am not eating ANYTHING that could set my stomach off. I’m also increasing my water intake. I normally am constantly sipping on water, and I’ve recently been eating a lot better, so these two steps aren’t much of a change for me now, but they were when I started this 2 years ago!

 

I also make sure I am beginning my wedding prep so that I don’t leave any prep for the last minute that could stress me out. When I get stressed out, I carry it all in my shoulders, neck, and back in physical pain, so I do this to prevent any last minute stressors from triggering pain!

 

1 Day Pre-Wedding:

The day before the wedding I continue to make sure I’m drinking lots of water and eating healthy. In addition to that, I do not work out the day before a wedding, and I typically will not make any plans that night so that I can be in bed at a normal time and get plenty of sleep! Not working out and getting lots of sleep may seem like an obvious answer, but honestly it makes a huge difference for me.

 

Day of Wedding: 

The day of the wedding I make sure I drink a smoothie for breakfast (this is my new daily breakfast routine and I’m addicted! I don’t get bloated, it keeps me full, and gives me energy!) Throughout the wedding day I’m drinking plenty of water (I’ll bring 3-4 bottles with me and have one in my ShootSac bag at all times), and will have a protein bar or two. I typically have an entire box of the Luna Protein Bars in my trunk, and will offer them to other vendors too because I know we all forget to eat!

 

About 2-4 hours into the wedding day, depending on how I’m feeling, I’ll go ahead and take some ibuprofen. This helps prevent my back from getting too sore throughout the wedding day and allows me to be feeling better! The other game changer for this? My shoes. When I first started shooting weddings, I wanted to look cute and fashionable at a wedding day, and would wear cute sandals/flats/booties. This would absolutely destroy my back. By the end of the night it would be excruciating for me to even stand upright. So last August I’d had enough and I purchased a pair of Brooks GTS 18 Adrenaline Shoes (link is to the current model, which actually are a bit cuter!). Now I’m gonna be honest with y’all, these shoes are not cute. But oh my word, they are a GODSEND. The first time I used them it was for a 13 hour wedding day. I felt so great after that I put on heels and went to the afterparty!! For any of you who struggle with back pain from a wedding day, I highly recommend investing in good shoes. I can’t shoot a wedding without them anymore. And yes, while my outfits suffer greatly because of them, honestly I’m there to do a job and do it to the best of my ability, not look cute. So these are VITAL to me.

 

On top of the shoes, I make sure to sit down whenever I can during a wedding day! Any time there are a few seconds to spare, or during my dinner break, I find someplace to sit for a minute or two. I also do not wear my dual camera harness the entire day. I will only put both camera bodies on (usually) right before the ceremony, and will take it off once the main reception events are over. Being able to slim down the amount of time I’m wearing two full camera bodies, lenses, flashes, PLUS my ShootSac bag with more gear inside of it, has been a huge help as well.

 

Day After: 

SLEEEPPPP. I let myself sleep the heck in the day after a wedding! However, once I am awake and up, I make myself move around. Whether it’s taking my dog for a walk, running some errands, or doing an easy workout, I make sure to move my body a bit. I also will usually take a hot shower or bath with Epsom Salts to soothe any ache. I recently have been trying to take less over-the-counter drugs, so if it’s really bad, I’ll also use some CBD-infused muscle relaxer cream to help things feel better.

 

All of these things combined have truly changed the game for me and my pain levels post-wedding. While it doesn’t cure it, and it never will for me, it has really given me a whole day of my life back! I’m still not sure I could be one of those photographers that does a double-header wedding weekend (or if I did it would have to be some sort of perfect situation), but I’m thankful to be able to do what I love! And if it means I feel kinda crappy or have to go to extra lengths to make sure I’m okay afterwards, I think that’s a pretty great price to pay for doing what you love!

 

So tell me, do you have any secrets that you utilize to prevent the wedding hangover? Or do you not even deal with the hangover pains?!

 

 

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- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a “covid couple” who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- Claudia + chris

Paige was an amazing photographer for our engagement and wedding pictures! We got along with Paige immediately and she made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. Paige is very genuine and fun and our guests noticed this as well. The wedding party had fun joking with her during portraits and our guests loved that she danced while photographing the reception.

Paige kept track of the schedule once we started the portraits which allowed us to focus on our friends and family and having fun. She also looked over the tentative schedule during the planning process to ensure we had enough time for each part of the day.

Paige gave us clear expectations for when we could expect the finished pictures and delivered hundreds of high quality pictures within those timeframes. We love Paige’s documentary style photography that captures the moments as they unfold rather than staging them.

We would recommend Paige to anyone looking for a photographer and we will definitely be booking her again in the future!

"Genuine and fun"

- amanda and mo

I have hired Paige for several things, but she SLAYED my wedding this past September! Not only were my pictures amazing (which I knew they would be), but she was phenomenal with shot ideas and even breathing techniques to help keep me calm right before the walk down the aisle. Photos came back super quick and we will be ordering prints from her soon! HIRE THIS WOMAN!!!!

"SLAYED"

- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a “covid couple” who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- emily

Paige is the absolute best photographer you could have! We took our engagement photos with her and was blown away how at ease she made us feel and how amazing the photos turned out. When she sent us our sneak peak photos from our wedding, our mouths dropped. They were better than we could have ever imagined! I still have family members talking about how much they loved her. She is also not afraid to kick everyone off a deck to get some night time pictures if they are in the way hahaha! She is truly the best. BOOK HER!

"Better than we could have ever imagined!"

- Sam + Ryan

Paige is the best! We met first when we booked her for our 2019 wedding and engagement. She was our first vendor booked and obviously our favorite. We just knew we HAD to work with her. She is incredibly understanding, warm, and always smiling. She does her best to feel like family and make your shoot full of ease. She completely understands when people feel “awkward in front of the camera”. We’ve continued to use her through the years, taking anniversary shots, mini sessions, and most recently family photos as our family grew. We have loved watching her succeed over the years and having her document our successes as well :) book her!

"Book her!"

- Sydney + andrew



"I WAS NOT READY! 

Paige, these are absolutely everything and have helped us relive the most special day. You not only captured all of the sweetest moments but somehow all of the FUNNIEST and most memorable moments that we are all still laughing about. Have no idea how you were so many places seemingly at once but we are forever grateful. 

Thank you for making us feel so comfortable and celebrated throughout the entire process. We'll be looking at these photos forever. I only wish we could do it all together again!"

"I was not ready!"

- Mackenzie

Paige has been such a gift to our family over the past 3 years since we started booking her as our photographer. From family sessions, to boudoir and maternity- Paige has always nailed our vision. I have GLADLY recommended her to friends for their weddings and beyond, and everyone has been thrilled with Paige’s work. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but an awesome person. I felt like we were fast friends which made me even more comfortable in front of the camera. If you’re looking for a photographer, look no further!!

"such a gift"

- text from makenna

"..THANK YOU is an understatement. You made our wedding, you captured EVERYTHING, and to think that you were a one woman show blows my mind. You were everywhere and captured every single detail. I knew when we booked with you that we wouldn't regret it, we are so pleased with everything. We are so happy and can't wait to share all the pictures with our whole family. I can't wait to TRY to pick our favorites and display them all over our house. Just know that you will be in our lives for a while, hopefully capturing our kiddos one day!...Thank you for being you and for sharing your talent with us! We are overwhelmed with all that you have given to us!"

"THANK YOU!"

- texts from rachel 

"OMFG"
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"
"These are INSANE"
"Holy shit I'm dying"
"OMMMGGGG"
"I'm legit obsessed this is amazing!!!!"
"Holy f**K I cna't stop staring at them" 
"You are insane"
"WE ARE DYING OVER HERE"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"

- Megan

Absolutely amazing to work with!!
I've followed paige for years,admiring her work and was lucky enough to work with her this past summer for what was just a couples shoot, turning into a surprise engagement shoot. Paige and her sister were such a joy and SO easy to work with! Paige makes you feel so comfortable infront of the camera. She truly feels like a friend and we are so lucky to have her shoot our wedding in 2024. Her work is beautiful so please do yourself a favor and book with paige Elizabeth 

"Truly feels like a friend"

- Morgan

I first met Paige in 2019, she came with our wedding photographer as a second shooter. She made not only myself, but my husband and our wedding party feel instantly comfortable and like we had known each other for years. Paige then did our maternity pictures in 2020. Not only is all of her work incredible, but the smile that she has when she is behind the camera is so bright that you cannot help but myself when you are having your picture taken by her. She is great at making poses not seem staged and the way that she communicates with you while she is taking your pictures is so calming. Paige is so talented and the passion that she has for her work is truly inspiring!

"Instantly Comfortable"

- Brittany

PAIGE PAIGE PAIGE! I'm crying! These are gorgeous! Thank you so much for these - we always love your work. Can't wait to schedule our next session with you! 

"Can't wait to schedule our next session.."

- Lindsey + emmit

Thank you thank you thank you. You are honestly incredible. You are the best third wheel ever!

"Best third wheel ever!"

- makenna + andrew

Paige, you are INCREDIBLE! You have such a gift, you are so good at what you do. Thank you for these pictures. I can not stop drooling over them. I can’t wait to share them! Thank you so much!! 

"INCREDIBLE"

- Melissa + max

So completely blown away, I can't wait to share more!" 

"Completely blown away"

- samantha + ryan

"These are the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen in my life. You are a wizard (yes the HP kind) with a camera - it was meant to be in your sweet perfect hands. Thank you so much for yesterday and for everything. We are so so lucky to get to have you and your talents capture the best day of Ryan’s and I’s lives"

"You Are a Wizard"

- HALEY + BRANDON

"OH MY GOD PAIGE YOU F*@%KING KILLED IT...Thank you so much for capturing everything. We are so grateful for you!"

"OH MY GOD"

- Krista, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the kindest people I've ever met! When it comes to senior pictures, I'm so glad I chose her. She was quick with our photos, always gave us sneak peeks, and hyped us up during our whole shoot! Wish I could be a PEP Senior Rep forever!" 

"I'm so glad I chose her"

- Kelsey + gavin

"Paige made our engagement and wedding photo experience unforgettable. She was professional, fun, and did an amazing job capturing our personalities in our photographs. Great turn around time. I cannot say enough great things about this woman!!!"

"Unforgettable"

- jen and shane

"PAIGE! I just got a chance to completely look through all of the photos. They are absolutely stunning!!! Thank you so much, you captured everything perfectly!"

"Captured Perfectly"

- courtney, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"I genuinely could not be happier with the experience Paige provided me with this year. I was super nervous to be in front of the camera, but my shoots with Paige literally felt like hanging out with your best friend while simultaneously taking photos. Paige sincerely cares about each and every one of her clients, and that is made so evident by the hard work she puts into her craft. I’ve learned so much from watching Paige run her business and I am in awe of how much she loves what she does- and how incredibly talented she is at what she does. Not only did I gain breathtaking photos of my Senior year that I will keep close to my heart forever, I also gained a friend, and to me that is priceless. If you’re thinking about booking a shoot with Paige, do it now- you’ll wonder where she’s been all your life. 💕"

"Could not be happier"

- Gabby + Kyle

"Literally sitting here crying because your pictures are so amazing. I’m absolutely in love they are perfect. I love your style of candid and how you get the perfect shot...The hardest thing for me to choose was our wedding photographer, it took me the longest time. And we 1000% made the right choice. You did amazing. Thank you so much!"

"Absolutely in love"

- Baby, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"You're literally the best at what you do...I love them all!"

"The best"

- Tori + aaron

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER...Don't know what we would have done without you!"

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER"

- hannah + ross

"Paige is phenomenal. From the very first meet up, I knew that she was going to do everything in her ability to make our day something special. She is so easy to work with, and really plays to the strengths of the couple. My husband and I are awkward and we laugh at everything, and she let us be ourselves and really captured our personalities in the pictures. She truly went the extra mile and brought so much energy to our day."

"Phenomenal."

- Chelsea + seth

"We had a blast with Paige, and have the most amazing photos to show from it. We are blessed beyond belief that we met this wonderful human and that she provided us with photos that will adorn our home for years to come. Through grateful tears, THANK YOU for your work. We are so happy to have a friend in you."

"The very best day."

- Keeley, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the most kindest, hardworking, selfless, people I know. I’m am not a confident person at all, but when I did my shoots with Paige she would make me laugh and feel confident. One of my favorite parts of my senior year was being able to get to know her, and do my senior casuals with her. She is not only a great photographer but a great person💕"

"She would make me laugh and feel CONFIDENT"

- Alicia + Justin

"From personal experience, I can say that Paige is incredible to work with. She was the best photographer we could have asked for! We highly recommend her!" 

"Highly Recommend"

- Tori + otto

“Paige is an outstanding professional with AMAZING photography skills. My husband and I LOVE her, and we were so delighted with our experience using her services on our special wedding day. Paige has a way of making you feel so comfortable in front of the camera and the photography she creates is absolutely top notch. Thank you Paige!”

"So Comfortable"

- morgan + skye

“Paige is just the best. She (sometimes literally) bent over backwards to make our day and everything before our day go absolutely perfect. There aren't enough words to explain how thankful we are for her AND her beautiful work. I can't imagine our wedding day without her and will most definitely be recommending her to everyone in the future.”

"Aren't Enough Words"

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