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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!
welcome!
micro WEDDINGS
elopements
Last week I got to share my very first photo session at this beautiful location, and today I get to share Natalie and Kyle’s winter Green Spring Gardens elopement with you!
Love Story
Natalie and Kyle met at work, and after spending some time together, started a friendship, which eventually turned into a loving relationship. They got engaged on Kyle’s birthday (so sweet!) and Natalie said she loves the idea that his birthday now is a special shared day for both of them.
Covered
They were excited to say I do and it was important for them to choose a really beautiful location that still had the option for some sort of cover in case there was any weather. For those reasons, I thought a Green Spring Gardens elopement was a perfect idea! There was still enough scenery around even though it was winter and the gazebo offered a little backup plan in case it was rainy.
Natalie and Kyle’s Green Spring Gardens elopement is the perfect example of why it’s important to have a backup plan, because it did end up being rainy on their wedding. Lucky for all of us, by the time the ceremony was set to start, it was just misty and on the way to stopping. We were able to have them stand right at the opening of the gazebo so they were protected from the little bit of mist and still have lots of light on them.
Freedom + Scenery
The officiant performed the loveliest ceremony before declaring these two married. And then we were off to take their portraits around the grounds. Thankfully the mist stopped so we could freely move about and not have to worry about getting wet or ruining Natalie’s gorgeous updo.
It’s difficult to tell from the photos, but it was pretty dark outside due to the clouds. But Kyle let me in on a little secret: Natalie’s favorite kind of weather is dreary, cloudy weather! So we were totally winning with the weather on their wedding day! haha And, I actually love the way winter foliage and shrubbery and trees show up in photos. The branches create beautiful lines and the wheat colored dead grasses and shrubbery – I just love it! It’s just a different look than any other time of year and I’m here for it.
Natalie and Kyle did such a wonderful job at their Green Spring Gardens elopement portrait sesh. I mean just look at Natalie – she was born to take bridal portraits! My fav thing was at the very end of the session, we were heading to our cars and Kyle spotted a little nook in the woods, and asked if we could take a pic there. It was super dark and not the way I usually shoot, but I was like, hey – let’s make the groom happy! So I took the photo and I just love how it turned out! It’s very dark and moody, which is not my typical style. But hey – it was fun!
That first kiss, though!
I love these portraits so much! Natalie you are so beautiful!
This is the one! Kyle’s idea!
Did this post get you excited to book your own wedding, micro-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 2021 portrait sessions, as well as 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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