We first set our eyes on Shelby + Paige when their photographer, Captured by Kay, submitted their wedding to us for our Summer/Fall 2023 issue, and we were instantly smitten! Their wedding was overflowing with love, with a generous helping of fun (cue the blow-up dinosaur costumes for two members of their wedding party for their grand entrance!); so when we were looking for a real couple to model specifically for this shoot, we instantly thought of Shelby + Paige. We’re so honored to have featured not only their wedding but also to have them star in this styled shoot—here, you get to learn more about this delightful couple!
On Shelby: Headpiece and Earrings by Blair Nadeau Bridal Adornments; Gown from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo
On Paige: Suit and Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Tie from Macy’s; Bride’s own shoes
What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
Shelby + Paige: When Real Weddings reached out to us to model for this shoot, we were totally shocked and so very honored! We were so excited to join this photoshoot so we could represent the LGBTQ+ community and share our love story. It means the world to us to show LGBTQ+ youth that they can find love, get married and be celebrated! Thank you Real Weddings for showcasing same-sex couples and representing them in such a beautiful way.
Tell us about your modeling experience.
Shelby + Paige: This was our first time modeling so it was very foreign to us. All of our nerves quickly went away when we met the incredible vendors and Real Weddings team! This was the kindest, most uplifting, and funniest group of people, it truly felt like we were hanging out with our close friends. Every single person made us feel so confident and beautiful. It was so fun getting to dress up in beautiful dresses and get pampered with hair and makeup. It was such an incredible day filled with positivity and love! We will forever cherish that day!
On Shelby: Headpiece by Adora by Simona; Earrings by Renewable Jewels; Gown from Brides for a Cause; Shoes from DSW
On Paige: Suit and Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Tie from Macy’s; Bride’s own shoes
How was modeling with your significant other?
Shelby + Paige: It brought us right back to our wedding day. It was such a romantic setting where we got to love on each other all day. It definitely brought up all the feels, we kept saying that it made us want to get married again! Having your soulmate next to you definitely takes away the nerves and made us feel a lot more comfortable.
Did you relate to the concept?
Shelby + Paige: Our favorite show right now is “Bridgerton” and this styled shoot was definitely giving those vibes. The Victorian Moody Romance theme was so fun to experience because it’s so different from our every-day life. It was like walking into a fairy tail surrounded by beautiful florals, with the most visually pleasing food, impeccable tablescapes, while wearing gorgeous whimsical dresses. We definitely got to live out our fairytale dress up dream!
On Shelby: Earrings by Renewable Jewels; Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo
On Paige: Suit and Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Tie from Macy’s; Bride’s own shoes
What was your favorite part of the shoot?
Shelby: Getting to wear the most incredible dresses and getting pampered with hair and makeup. It was such a fun day filled with love; so happy I was able to share that experience with my wife!
Paige: Getting to see my beautiful wife in wedding dresses and look amazing in all of them. It was so fun getting to hang out with the team and crack jokes between takes.
On Shelby: Earrings from Azazie; Gown from Brides for a Cause
On Paige: Suit and Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Bride’s own shoes
Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
From our wedding website: Paige proposed to Shelby in September 2021 in Big Sur, California. She surprised Shelby with a surprise trip for her birthday. She popped the question on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Shelby was overjoyed and said YES, of course! It was such a romantic and exciting moment for the couple. Their love story began in 2018 when Paige and Shelby met. They began dating and quickly fell in love. They were able to be completely themselves with each other, bringing out the best in one another. They have been inseparable ever since! Paige and Shelby have two sweet fur babies together and they recently bought their first home in September of 2020. A typical weekend for the couple consists of DIY projects around the house, having their friends over, trying out new recipes, and movie nights where you’ll find them cuddled up together with their dogs. As Paige and Shelby have been preparing for their wedding day, they made the important decision of selecting their last name. In the spirit of unconventional love, the couple decided to merge both of their last names, Bird and Barmann. This signifies the importance of their families and the new family that they will create together, the Birdmanns.
On Shelby: Earrings by Sacred Stone Jewelry; Gown from De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedo
On Paige: Suit and Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Bride’s own shoes
Tell us about your wedding day.
Shelby + Paige: Our favorite part of our wedding day definitely has to be the first look. Seeing your partner in wedding attire for the first time really helps everything sink in. We were both filled with emotions as we could truly imagine ourselves spending forever together. We couldn’t stop gushing over how incredible the other looked. We’re so happy we took that special moment to be alone so we could experience all the feels!
If you could offer any advice to engaged couples, what would it be?
Shelby + Paige: Although wedding planning can be time consuming and stressful, take the time to connect with your partner. Make your planning experience fun and romantic. We planned a date night around cake tasting, and went to a pretty lookout spot to create our wedding playlist. This really helped us romanticize the planning process and appreciate each moment leading up to our big day.
On Shelby: Earrings by Adora by Simona; Feather Shrug from Perfect Dress Party; Pantsuit from Brides for a Cause
On Paige: Jacket and Shoes Bride’s Own; Shirt from Tuxedo Den; Pants from Macy’s
Anything else you’d like to add?
Shelby + Paige: Huge thank you to Real Weddings Magazine for this incredible opportunity to showcase our love. This meant the absolute world to us and we are forever grateful.
Special thanks to our real couple models, Shelby + Paige, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
To see more from our “Vintage Love Affair” styled shoot, click here!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Editorial Contributor, Emily Peter-Corey.
Photos by Nalina Kaufman Photography/copyright Real Weddings Magazine.
