I believe that stories must be preserved. Because in the end, that’s all that we are.
Central Illinois Photographer
The more people I meet, the more I realize how beautiful and complicated we are as humans.
My life changed in 2013 when I stumbled upon the word “sonder” and its definition: the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
When reading this word, I realized that sonder for me was not a “realization”- it was just the way I lived my life every day. It was my worldview.
Understanding that every person has their own beautiful, messy, complicated backstory is why I traveled, why I read books, why I wanted to become a teacher. I wanted to learn as many backstories as possible. Every interaction with a friend, fellow traveler, stranger, or student was an opportunity to learn more about who they were based on their actions, body language, what they wore, what they said and didn’t say.
My experiences learning from other people continue to show me: I was destined to photograph the world in all its details: beauty, emotional, messy, and complexity.
All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
"Rachael made our day so special."
"She really was able to capture our vision for our style but also our genuine and deep love for each other.
Rachael's photography skills are incredible and what a bonus that she's probably the most kind and genuine person my husband and I have ever met."
- Aundie + Tory
Get to Know Rachael Marie
Heyo! Rach here. I'm a chronic “long-story-long” teller, avid therapy-goer, weekly thrifter, cottage core girly, deep conversation seeker, mental health advocate, and overall easy going gal. Scroll through to learn some fun facts about me!
Rachael (she/her)
I graduated from Illinois State University in 2018 and was a middle school teacher for five years.
While a teacher, I mummified students when teaching ancient Egypt, and wrote & performed songs.
Ms. McMillan
I was a band kid, choir kid, musical kid in high school... it all makes sense now, doesn't it.
My guilty pleasure: a video essay analyzing a movie or behind the scenes footage.
Music & Film Nerd
My siblings & I are a tight group due to our childhood. We go to Ren Faire together every year and it's such a special tradition to me.
I'm very very thankful for our relationship because I know it's not the "norm."
Proud Sister
There is so much joy in traveling—but there’s no place like home and my everyday groove.
Supporting my local Springfield, IL community is very important to me. The library is my favorite spot.
Springfield Fanatic
Working with me means having an expert planner who will advocate for your ideas, an artist who notices the sentimental details, a friend to fix your hair, and a professional who loves on your guests like they are her own family.
Your Photographer?
"Our guests raved about Rachael."
"On our wedding day, Rachael went above and beyond, taking time to check in with how we were feeling on timeline, etc. and made sure things kept running smoothly.
All of our friends and family had nothing but great things to say about her and her work. We received so much positive feedback about our photos and how great she was. She made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.
We love all of the beautiful photos she captured of our day and our favorite people."
- Kelly + Seth
I don't know you yet, but I already know that you're special.
You're important. Magical, even. You are true to yourself, and that is what makes you, you.
Everyone has a story, and everyone should be photographed, whether its just you, you + boo, or you and your loved ones.
I'm excited you're here, because I'm a sucker for storytelling & loving on people.