This is my digital journal full of real love stories I've had the pleasure of documenting and expert tips I've picked up along the way. I hope that it will serve as a helpful resource for you in planning your own wedding, elopement, or engagement and making it uniquely YOURS.
[THE BLOG]
No Gatekeeping Here.
Rachael here (she/her)! I'm a Wedding + Elopement Photographer based in Illinois, helping tell love stories in Chicago, St Louis, and beyond.
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.
After legally getting married in Colorado in August, Jac & Saif hosted friends anf family from around the world in the Pasfield House in October. The two put on their finishing touches at the beautiful historic wedding venue and hotel before meeting each other at the alter. Jac actually wore a different dress at her […]
“I’ve always wanted to get married in the mountains. Run around in a cupcake fairy dress in my hiking boots.” Anything for you Jac. 🤍 When these two invited me to photograph their Colorado elopement, I was over the moon with excitement. We had already made magic together for their engagement session at Art Hill […]
When planning their wedding day, V&T said they wanted their day to be full of “joy, celebration and authenticity” and let me tell you, their Wisconsin Wedding at Over the Vines Vineyard had exactly that. From group photos with all their loved ones, heartfelt speeches during the ceremony, vows that made us cry, their first […]
Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding with your friends and family or planning a solo trip to the Sangamon County Courthouse, I am here for it! I am a huge advocate for celebrating your wedding day the way YOU want to. Ambrielle and Alex chose to host their family and friends for a courthouse ceremony […]
Intimate guest list, lots of love, and the best mac n cheese I’ve ever had. Best day ever. Sarah & Kyle’s intimate wedding at Windsong Acres was a dream. Their love for this wedding venue, paired with the love they have for their newly merged family, was felt all throughout the wedding day. We took […]
Micro-weddings are back and I am so in love with them. The intimacy that comes having just your closest loved ones with you during your wedding ceremony makes for such a special day. Elisa and Eric spent their day getting married in a local chapel with their closest family members and friends present, followed by […]
Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and that was the case with Caitlin and Trevor. These two met in high school, Trevor had snuck into a friend’s math class, saw Caitlin, and decided to shoot his shot. Seven years later, they returned […]
“Everyday is Valentines Day when you’re in love with you best friend.” 👆🏻 This is a phrase Taylor (she/her) and Lexi (she/her) have used to describe their relationship over the years. Talk about coincidence when they decided to host their intimate wedding in Springfield on Galentine’s Day / Valentine’s day weekend. If you’ve looked around […]
You’re searching for wedding venues in the central Illinois area and not much has been popping up— until now. Introducing the newest wedding venue to Illinois— Chapter II Events. This new venue is tucked away in Jacksonville, IL. 35 minutes from the Springfield, and 1 hour & 40 from the St. Louis area. Historically this building […]
Sydney and Joey’s plan: a courthouse wedding in Springfield, IL. But when Dad got injured, they pivoted and wanted to move the wedding closer to home in Knox County, Indiana. Another plot twist: there were no available ceremony appointments on their chosen day, AND the county over didn’t have their officiant in that week. WHAT […]
10 years after meeting each other while playing music, a first date sneaking into a concert together, and a midnight New Year’s Eve proposal led to THIS. Dani and Mitch got married at Arlington’s in Springfield, IL. A refurbished 1917 factory building turned wedding venue with contemporary art and moody historical vibes. SUCH a unique […]
Imagine this: one day you’re scrolling on Bumble, the next you’re planning a romantic engagement at Union Station in St. Louis to the love of your life. That’s how Gabriella and Evan’s story starts… well… kinda…Gabriella became too suspicious and Evan had to quickly pivot. He instead proposed in their kitchen (which is so intimate […]
Courthouse elopements in Springfield are always such a vibe. The comfort of a shortened timeline while also getting married to your chosen human and getting some rad pics along the way? Say less! Estefonia and Salvador got married in a romantic courthouse ceremony with their close family by their side. Later we got some elevated […]
A calm and emotional wedding day that screams “garden, timeless, classic and vintage” while also simultaneously partying with 200 of your favorite people all night – seems like a dream, right? That’s exactly how Emily and Andy’s wedding went at the Chevy Chase Country Club in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling. So many layers of […]
