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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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What a beautiful day I get to share with you all today! Jessica and Rob said I do on Friday at their picture perfect autumn Old Town Alexandria wedding. The gorgeous weather and stunning light were the best backdrop to the warmth and love they experienced throughout the day, and I’m excited to share it with you now.
I talked with Jessica earlier this year, who let me know she and Rob wanted to make their autumn Old Town Alexandria wedding day very simple, easy, and meaningful to the two of them. They wanted to spend time on the things that matter most to them, which was hosting friends and family in various ways, as well as enjoying each others’ company during portraits (oh, and featuring Rob’s ‘first love’ – his white hot Porsche Cayman). We organized their timeline to reflect that, which meant I got to spend five jam-packed and yet leisurely and enjoyable hours with these two love birds, and I think their autumn Old Town Alexandria wedding day turned out just as wonderfully as they wished.
Jessica was surrounded by her mom, sisters, and  stepmom in the bridal suite at Hotel Indigo Old Town as she got ready. It’s safe to say these ladies were super supportive and excited to be celebrating with Jessica on her big day! One of the sweetest things I saw all day was Jessica’s mom embracing Rob after the first look. I could just tell she was excited to welcome him into the family!
Speaking of sweet moments, I eventually lost track because there was so much genuine love and warmth shared throughout Jessica and Rob’s autumn Old Town Alexandria wedding day. From Jessica’s first look with her dad (a tear jerker!), to the bride and groom’s first look – I was definitely tearing up behind my camera! One unplanned fun moment was when Monte from Say Yes to the Dress popped in during Jessica’s bridal portraits! Jessica is a huge SYTTD fan and Monte just opened a salon next-door to the Hotel Indigo, so he came over to say hi and pose for a portrait. She was SO excited!
From there, I took the bride and groom on a walk through the side streets of Old Town for their portrait time. The hotel was just a few blocks from the church, so we just leisurely strolled the side streets, stopping for portraits in all the quintessential Old Town spots. We found some truly beautiful autumn light! That coupled with a joyful bride and groom, and these are some of my favorite wedding portraits of all time!
Jessica is a teacher at a local Catholic school, so naturally she wanted to have her wedding ceremony at the affiliated church, St. Mary’s Basilica. The best thing about having their autumn Old Town Alexandria wedding ceremony there (besides the church being super quaint and adorable), was that many of the Jessica’s students were invited to attend. They filled the audience (socially distanced of course) and it was the sweetest thing to see them excitedly watching on as they said their ‘I dos’ and congratulate Jessica and Rob outside the church after the ceremony.
Congratulations and best wishes to the happy bride and groom!
I love how genuinely delighted he looks to surprise Jess!
I have to give a shoutout to Jess – she was such a natural bride! The photo on the right – I usually instruct my brides to do the look-back-over-the-shoulder move – she did this on her own! She’s such a gem!
I dunno what steals the show in this pic more: the sexy car or the stunning couple?!
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, 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 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
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