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Proud pup mom, type A creative, lover of the outdoors, Top Chef fan girl, and wedding and portrait photographer. Welcome to the blog!
HI, I'M RACHEL!
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micro WEDDINGS
elopements
What an honor it is to share these photos with you from this weekend’s Herrington Harbor South wedding! It’s an honor to photograph the wedding days of all my couples, of course, and I’m not afraid to admit this one was extra special. Why? Because it was my father and his long time girlfriend who were saying ‘I do’!
Where do I even begin with my dad and Elaine’s story? I guess I should begin with how they met, a story that always gets me choked up. My childhood babysitter, Phyllis’s daughter and I were in the same kindergarten class as Elaine’s daughter. When Phyllis read in the newspaper that Elaine’s husband had passed away and she made the connection that their kids knew each other from school, she called Elaine to offer condolences and see if she needed anything (she was seriously the best!). They became friends and eventually Phyllis introduced her to my dad! This part of the story is so special because Phyllis has since passed away, and I love that my dad and Elaine are still together thanks to the matchmaking of someone we all loved.
My dad and Elaine have been a couple for 25+ years! Elaine’s kids and I all grew up together, and even though we never lived in the same house, we grew to be a family. We have celebrated holidays and birthdays together for decades, come together to welcome new family members, like their spouses, Nick and Michelle, and my nephews and niece, Levi, Asher, and Ava, (and Milli!), and been a support system for each other in times of need. Especially these past few years when my nephew, Asher, was born with a congenital birth defect (I hesitate to call it a defect since he lives with more exuberance than anyone I know!). We have been a family for years, but I have to say, it’s nice it’s now official after their Herrington Harbor South wedding!
Elaine and my dad officially got engaged a few summers ago, and this past weekend they tied the knot at their intimate Herrington Harbor South wedding before close family and friends. There were so many special, meaningful moments throughout the day, from Elaine’s son walking her down the aisle, to me and Lindsay, Elaine’s daughter, doing readings during the ceremony. And my two favorite parts – my dad’s best man (aka my 11 year old nephew/his grandson, Levi) and my dad, each giving a toast at the reception. Levi’s toast was so well done and super sentimental, we were all in tears! And my dad’s toast to his new wife was so romantic. Ahh I could cry right now thinking about them both!
It may have seemed like it was a long time coming for their Herrington Harbor South wedding, but I’d like to think the timing was perfect. My dad and Elaine were maybe just waiting until they had all the spots filled in their wedding line up: a ring bearer – their grandson, Asher, who is now walking (and running!) like a pro; a flower girl – their granddaughter, Ava, who looked beautiful in her fancy flower girl dress; a best man – their grandson, Levi, who is best buds with my dad; and a photographer, yours truly. None of those things would’ve been possible until recently, so I’d say they waited the perfect amount of time.
I can say it was one of the coolest honors of my life to be able to use the thing I love so much (photography) to capture a special day for our family, who I love so much. Congratulations and best wishes to my dad and new stepmom! Thank you for trusting me with your precious memories and cheers to this new phase of your life together!
Thank you to all the vendors who made my dad and Elaine’s big day special for all of us!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Herrington Harbor South
Venue Coordinator: Michelle Owen of Herrington Harbor South
Photographer: Rachel E.H. Photography
Second Photographer: Heather Zawalick of Love Without Bounds
Bridal Hair: Gabby at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa
Bridal Makeup: Jackie at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa
Florals: Dunkirk Florist and Gifts
Rings: Jared
Invitations: Anne Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Joseph A. Banks
Cake: Sweet Sue’s
DJ: Crow Entertainment, DJ Mike
Officiant: Mary Rahall
Did this post get you excited to book your own wedding, elopement, or engagement session?! If yes, send me a note and we can chat about what you have in mind: Contact Rachel
Hey – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia. I love taking photos of elegant people who love to laugh, as well as of much in-love couples. If you’re a dog owner, that’s a plus! I’m currently booking 2018 portrait sessions, as well as 2018 and 2019 weddings.
HELLO@RACHELEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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Rachel is a wedding and portrait photographer
Serving brilliant, elegant couples in Washington D.C. + Beyond
Copyright 2022 Rachel E.H. Photography | Website by Alex Collier Design
she / her
We were honored to be a part of such a special day with all my family and friends . The day and the entire weekend were such a blessing. I am forever proud of my sister , Elaine and her new husband ,Pat , who is a perfect example of what loving from the heart is truly all about .The world would be a better place if we all acted as he does and simply loves with all his heart with no expectations of any kind .He is an inspiring individual in my life and I am sure in my sisters life and all those who are honored to meet him. Well done to the both of you and many many happy days to you both. Also, the photographer , is hands down one the best at capturing the moment as evident by the beautiful and moving pictures seen here . Truly a blessing, to a very special moment in time
Thank you, Terry! Those are beautiful sentiments about my dad and Elaine 🙂