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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 a joy it is to capture love like this! Julia and Michael said I do this past Friday, on their original wedding date, surrounded by their immediate family, for their autumn Potomac Maryland elopement.
Julia and Michael were set to get married at Woodend Sanctuary on Friday, and ultimately decided to postpone their bigger celebration until next October. They still wanted to get married and officially start their lives together, so they went ahead with a ceremony on their original wedding date.
Julia got ready at the most beautiful suite at the Hyatt in Bethesda, MD, where she was surrounded by so much excitement and encouragement from her closest family members. Julia’s (hilarious and doting) mother, her loving sister, as well as Michael’s sister and mother, all got ready together and were gushing about how excited they were for Julia and Michael’s big day. Such wonderful energy to be around!
I’m all about finding silver linings right now, and the way I see it, there were some major silver linings to Julia and Michael’s decision to go ahead with their autumn Potomac Maryland elopement. They got to be married in the garden outside Julia’s home church, the church she’s attended since she was a child. Julia attended pre-school at the church, and guess who showed up to surprise her just before the ceremony: her pre-school teachers! They brought balloons and greeted her when she arrived to wish her well. It was so touching and an incredible full circle moment to witness.
There were so many touching moments throughout Julia and Michael’s autumn Potomac Maryland elopement, it’s challenging to choose a favorite. Their first look was super sweet and I just love the look on Michael’s face when he turned around and saw his beautiful bride in her wedding dress (you’ll see below). Y’all, Julia looked amazing! And it was so sweet and perfect that the garden where they said their ‘I dos’ is also the garden where Julia’s father, Jon, is buried. His presence was felt throughout our time at the church, and I would consider that a major silver ling as well.
It was so evident throughout Julia and Michael’s portrait session, just as it was during their engagement session earlier this summer, how excited they were to be married. Michael mastered laying out the train on Julia’s wedding dress for their photos, and any time I had them look at each other, Julia broke out in the broadest smile.
I’m wishing you all the best, Julia and Michael, and am just as excited to see you again next year at Woodend! Cheers!
Isn’t she radiant?!
Just look at those smiles!!
Thanks to Julia’s sis for the veil assist!
Much appreciation to the vendor team who created a beautiful day for Julia and Michael:
St. James’ Episcopal Church- Potomac, MD
The Rev. Meredith T. Heffner
Makeup by Ana B; Hair- Jasmine; Makeup- Martha
Shine Wedding Invitations
Flowers at 38
Pronovias
Love Couture Bridal
The Black Tux
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 me
Hi – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C., Maryland, northern Virginia., and Virginia Beach / Williamsburg. 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 2020 portrait sessions, as well as 2020, 2021, and 2022 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
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