Rachel Thurston is a destination wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Orange County, California, with over 25 years of experience.
She graduated with degrees in photojournalism and english literature, both of which added to her intuitive understanding of light and composition, documentary storytelling, and poetic image sensibilities.
Known for her warm presence, disarming personality, and confident directing, she offers more than just photography—she creates a space where couples can feel deeply cared for and fully present, making her a trusted guide on your wedding day. With a sixth sense for reading a room, she acts as an emotional translator, seasoned problem solver, and source of calm in the middle of the many moving parts of your wedding experience.
as seen in
Brides, Martha Stewart Wedding, Real Simple Weddings, Ruffled, Oh Happy Day, Inspired By This, Southern Weddings, Australia Cosmopolitan, Glamour France, Green Wedding Shoes, Elle Decor, San Francisco Brides, Cup of Jo, Once Wed.
Rachel has traveled and worked worldwide. From Sydney, Australia to South Korea. The north shores of Kauai to the redwoods in Big Sur. New York City to the vineyards of Napa Valley. Blending the honesty of documentary storytelling with editorial artistry, Rachel uses both film and digital formats to tell stories that are timeless, intimate, and uniquely personal. Her work has been featured on the cover of Martha Stewart Weddings and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.—yet her greatest achievement is creating images that feel like home to the people in them.
"Truly the most professional, creative, authentic, gifted, and wholehearted photographer I know. All of her work captures love and light in the most stunning way. It was an absolute pleasure having Rachel take both our engagement and wedding photos. She added so much depth, care, and intentionality to both occasions. I will cherish her photos for the rest of my life. I smile every time I see one of her photos on my desktop, phone background, social media posts, and framed photos around the house. Rachel even did the most special rendering of my late sister wearing her Maid of Honor dress holding a bouquet- a true treasure. I cannot recommend Rachel highly enough for chronicling your life moments and milestones."
Emma Decaro
Seeing the world is a top priority. So far I have visited 29 countries
Paris, France
I crave camping, big trees and my riding my bike
Yosemite National Park
I was born under the northern lights, in Fairbanks Alaska
Fairbanks, AK
had homebirths with all three of my children
Anaheim, CA
Modeled during my teens and 20’s
Salt Lake City, UT