Engagements

Currently Browsing Posts Filed as:

[THE BLOG]

If you know me then you know that I LOVE the non-traditional when it comes to my sessions, which is why I’m SO excited to share Cayti and Chris’ couples session in downtown Springfield! This session is special for a couple of reasons, one being the creative energy that both Cayti and Chris brought to […]

Engagements, lifestyle

Rainy Couples Session in Downtown Springfield | Cayti + Chris

A couple runs during a rainy evening across the street with clear umbrellas in their hands in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

I want to start by saying that Gilly and Eli’s engagement session in Central Illinois basically has everything I love all smooshed together into one session. Combine the natural beauty of Matthiessen State Park, the epic throwback vibes of The Rootbeer Stand, and finally Gilly and Eli’s uncompromising love for one another, and I’m sure […]

Engagements

Central Illinois Engagement Session | Gilly + Eli

During their engagement session a couple smile at one another and hold hands while next to a creek in Matthiessen State Park of Central Illinois

I had the absolute pleasure of capturing my FIRST EVER engagement photos in downtown Chicago last month! First off, thank you to my Chicago photog friends for helping me with the parking, planning, and more. Second, a HUGE congratulations to Alysa and Adam on their engagement and their incredible session! These two have a magical […]

Engagements

Classy Engagement Photos in Downtown Chicago | Alysa + Adam

If you know me and you’ve been following my content for a bit then you know that the stereotype of Central Illinois being full of nothing but cornfields is FAR from the truth! Whether it’s stunning scenes of nature, buildings with a rich history, or cozy downtown spaces, the cities of Central Illinois have a […]

Engagements

The Best Engagement Session Locations in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

For Abby and Mick’s engagement session in Springfield, Illinois they wanted to tie things back to the roots of their relationship. From the locations to the time of day, there was so much thought and purpose put into planning their engagement session, and I for one CANNOT get enough of it! These two had an […]

Engagements

Engagement Session in Springfield, Illinois | Abby + Mick

A man and woman stand back to back and smile at the camera while standing in front of a brick wall during their engagement session in downtown Springfield, Illinois

Madison and Austin don’t really do anything by the books, and that is EXACTLY why I love their relationship and their engagement session SO much! Everything from their film inspiration of their engagement photos, them both wearing engagement rings, and even Austin taking Madison’s last name is 100% them and I am here for it […]

Engagements

Untraditional Engagement Session at Allerton Park | Madison + Austin

A man and a woman lay in the grass during their engagement session at Allerton Park and look up towards the camera while touching hands

Around an hour after their engagement session in downtown Springfield Illinois Lexi texted me “We had such a blast with you tonight!! Thanks for hanging out with us ❤️ we’re seriously in love with you & you are just the coolest!!” I have to say that after the session we had together the feeling is […]

Engagements

Downtown Springfield Engagement Session | Lexi + Alex

A couple walk hand in hand and smile at one another while crossing a street in downtown Springfield during their engagement session

Emily and Kevin’s engagement session at Washington Park in Springfield Illinois was such a fun way to start off the spring season.  Emily, Kevin, and I have been trying to plan this engagement session for SO long, but with us all having crazy schedules, it took us almost a year to find a date that […]

Engagements

Engagement Session in Washington Park | Emily + Kevin

Jamie and Manny’s spooky and untraditional Central Illinois engagement session from last fall was so everything that they wanted and more.  When Manny and Jamie reached out to me about their ideas for their vintage inspired engagement sessions, I was SO excited.  They had a VISION for their session, and they fully went for it. […]

Engagements

Vintage Inspired Engagement Session in Central Illinois | Jamie + Manny

Erin + Blaine’s Downtown Springfield engagement session last summer was everything you could have asked for in a session. These two love spending their afternoons with their dog Edie, hanging out at their favorite local brewery, and just spending a lot of quality time with one another, so it only makes sense that we would […]

Engagements

Summer Downtown Springfield Engagement Session | Erin + Blaine

Springfield Illinois has become one of my go-to towns for engagement sessions over the past couple of years in photographing weddings.  Filled with history, beautiful architecture, and for my Springfield couples and myself, so many memories, it only makes sense that many of these amazing locations have become my favorite spots for engagement photos in […]

Engagements, lifestyle

Where to Take Engagement Photos in Springfield, Illinois

YOU’RE ENGAGED!!  Congratulations, this is such an exciting time!  I’m excited for you, you’re excited for you, andddddddd it’s probably time to prepare for your engagement session.  Lucky for you, I’ve helped plan many engagement sessions throughout my career.  That’s why today we are going over everything you need to know to prepare you for […]

Engagements, lifestyle, wedding planning tips

How To Prepare for Your Engagement Session

Emily + Alec, where do I even start? These two invited me to photograph them for an in-home session in their suburban home over the summer. A house can hold many memories, Em + Alec have been living here for two years, married for almost one. They wanted in-home photos to document their time together […]

Engagements, lifestyle

Suburban Summer In-Home Session | Emily + Alec

M+ E’s Uptown Normal Engagement Session HI HI HI welcome!! Rach here! I am so excited to publish my first ever blog post. It only made sense to blog a session that makes me smile every time I look through their photos. To say we had the BEST time at Megan and Ethan’s engagement session […]

Engagements, lifestyle

Uptown Normal, Illinois Engagement Session | Megan + Ethan

What story do you want me to tell?

Inquire to get started

Whether you have 10 or 100 folks witnessing your vows, are planning the big shebang or a small backyard party, or just want to celebrate getting through life with your best friend—I'd be thrilled to document it for you.


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.

All love is affirmed & celebrated here.