Meet Hannah Pauley

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Pauley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, why did you pursue a creative career?
I fell in love with photography back in middle school, when my mom—also a photographer—handed me a camera and unknowingly gave me the tool that would shape my life. I started photographing weddings in college, but something about elopements drew me in deeper. The intimacy, the freedom, the intention behind every choice. I realized I didn’t just want to photograph a wedding—I wanted to help create a space where couples could feel completely seen, valued, and free to commit to forever in a way that felt like them.

To me, eloping isn’t about skipping tradition. It’s about rewriting it. It’s about choosing adventure, connection, and meaning over expectations. I believe in slowing down, soaking it all in, and creating a day that feels like that peaceful morning cup of coffee—calm, joyful, and full of love.

Through photography, I get to freeze these once-in-a-lifetime moments so they last forever—so when you look back at your photos, you don’t just remember how it looked… you remember how it felt.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography journey started in the most sentimental way—when my mom, a photographer herself, handed me a camera back in middle school. I didn’t realize it then, but that tiny camera would open a door to something so much bigger than I imagined. I photographed my first wedding in college and quickly fell in love with storytelling through images. But it wasn’t until I discovered the world of elopements that I truly found my heart in this art.

What sets my work apart is the experience I create. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures—I’m here to create space for couples to slow down, be fully present with each other, and make intentional memories that feel like them. Think: a peaceful morning cup of coffee, warm light, real laughter, wind in your hair, and the kind of love that’s wild and steady all at once. That’s the energy I bring into every elopement day.

Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy. Like most creative paths, mine came with seasons of doubt, comparison, and burnout. But through prayer, community, and constantly coming back to my “why,” I’ve been able to grow a business that feels aligned with who I am. I’ve learned that the best work flows from a place of rest, authenticity, and service—not striving.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on connection. I genuinely care about the people I work with and believe every love story deserves to be documented in a way that feels honest and timeless. I guide my couples through a full elopement experience—helping them craft a day that reflects their relationship and capturing it in a way that brings all those emotions rushing back every time they look at their photos.

At the end of the day, I’m just so honored to tell love stories for a living—and I’m grateful to Jesus for giving me the passion, purpose, and people who’ve made this journey so meaningful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take them straight to Crested Butte—the kind of place that feels like an adventure waiting to happen.

We’d start with coffee at Camp 4 Coffee, then head out for a hike—maybe Judd Falls Trail or a stroll up Snodgrass Mountain for those epic views. The wildflowers in summer are unreal, and the mountain air is exactly what you need to reset.

After a morning of hiking, we’d grab bagels at Butte Bagels (so good) and take our time wandering downtown, popping into the local shops and soaking up the small-town charm.

Evenings would be for more exploration, whether it’s taking a sunset drive up Kebler Pass or just sitting quietly in a meadow watching the mountains change colors. Crested Butte is all about slowing down and connecting with nature—there’s nothing like it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, Jesus—the reason I do what I do. Every step of this journey is by His grace.

To my mom, thank you for handing me my first camera and inspiring this passion from the very beginning.

To my fiancé, thank you for being my biggest supporter through it all.

To my couples, thank you for trusting me with one of the most meaningful days of your lives—it’s an honor I’ll never take for granted.

To my photographer besties, Lindsey Joy & Lianne T—love you both endlessly.

And a huge thank you to Claire Hunt, Dani Purington, and Stephanie Marie for pouring so much into this community.

Website: https://www.hnicholephotography.com

Instagram: hnicholephotography1

Image Credits
NA all photos owned by me