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IMAGE LICENSING:
Please note that all images used within this template are placeholders only and are used at the courtesy of Sabina Povolna, Andie Ingagliato (Costola Photography), Joshua Bingham (Josh Bingham Photo & Co.) and Rudney Novaeas (Rudney Novaeas Photography). Each of the images are licensed solely as placeholders and each owner retains all copyright to the images. They are not intended for personal use and must be replaced with your own.
video tutorial:
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welcome guide
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME
This never gets old for me. It's one thing to be trusted as your photographer... it's another to watch you choose each other, right here, for all the years ahead. I'm grateful to know you both, and grateful for the chance to be the one telling this story.
A Note
from
Rachel
Bookmark this page so it's easy to find later. You'll find all the details, ideas, and guidance to help things feel a little easier along the way. If anything comes up, email is always the best way to reach me. And before I go, congratulations again. This is such a beautiful season for you, and I can't wait to be part of it.
I am your photographer +
This Is Your Guide
BOOKMARK THIS →
Client Portal
Find your contract, invoice and update your contact information with this client portal.
LOG IN →
QUICK LINKS + RESOURCES
Preferred Vendors
Need help securing the rest of your vendors? Find the preferred list here.
VIEW THE LIST →
Engagement Scheduling
Wondering which dates and locations are available? View the engagement guide.
EMAIL Me →
Your Photographer
Photography has given me a different way of seeing life. It's taught me to notice and appreciate things I might have otherwise missed. I hope it can do the same for you. That when you look back, you fall in love all over again...with your life, the people in it, and the person you've chosen to build it with. Getting to preserve these rare moments, especially on a wedding day, is something I don't take lightly. I'm so grateful you trusted me with yours.
Take a breath. You can lean on me for whatever comes up, big or small. Not sure if you want a first look? Need help pulling together your engagement wardrobe? I'm here for all of it. My hope is to give you the full picture, so everything about this feels personal and true to you.
HERE FOR YOU
date 01
You're booked!
date 02
Take engagement portraits
date 03
Download your edited engagement photos
date 04
Complete pre-wedding questionnaire
date 05
Schedule 30-day Zoom call
date 07
Rehearsal dinner
date 06
Week-of phone call
date 08
Wedding day
date 09
Receive gallery of photos
The Creative Vision
My approach is timeless, and it's built on real connection.. that's what I care about most in every photograph. When you need a little direction, I'll guide you gently, so it still feels like you. And when a moment doesn't need my help at all, I'll quietly step back and let it speak for itself , because that's often when feelings come through most honestly. If there's something specific on your heart, like a portrait with the childhood best friend flying in from far away, just tell me, and I'll make sure it happens.
Expect a style that's grounded, graceful, and a little romantic.. blending intentional, editorial imagery with the candid honesty of photojournalism.
Communication Policy
The quality of the experience is deeply influenced by the organization. As such, I ask that you communicate with me primarily through email. This makes it simple for both you and I to find important details, and to prevent requests or questions from getting lost. During the actual wedding days (or for less formal bits of business) text messages and phone calls are welcome.
rachel.thurston@gmail.com
310-251-9159
The Look
One of the most personal moments of a wedding is the first look.. a modern tradition, but a much-loved one. Weddings are full of people and celebration, and that's exactly as it should be. But a first look gives you one moment that belongs only to the two of you. It's a chance to pause, take in the weight of the day, and just be together before anyone else is watching.
Some couples feel differently, and that's just as beautiful , choosing to wait, letting the anticipation build until you see each other for the first time down the aisle. Both are emotional, both are powerful, and the choice is entirely personal to you. In short: a first look means more one-on-one time together and more classic, quiet portraits. Skipping it means trading that for an aisle moment you'll never forget. Typically I sneak you away during cocktail hour or sunset for a few couples portraits as well.
first
STILL NOT SURE? SEND ME A NOTE →
While I want you to feel like the only couple, and the only love story, please note that I have my own story underway too. As such, I dedicate certain days and hours to my work. I ask that you respect these hours, as it ultimately feeds into the creative energy that I will tap into when your wedding is here. I will seek to do the same, lessening as many to-dos and keeping email threads streamlined and stress-free.
Respecting
Stories
OFFICE HOURS
WEEKENDS
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 5pm PST
Reserved for weddings like yours
Payment 01
Retainer of 3k paid at booking
Payment 02
Remainder due 60 days before wedding
For specific dates, log in to your client portal and open your invoice or contract.
WHEN WILL WE RECEIVE OUR FINAL IMAGES?
frequently asked questions →
4-6 weeks after the wedding date, you’ll receive a private link to a gallery of high-resolution digital images. There, you can share, download and relive your favorite moments. Each photograph will be individually edited, with adjustments such as color correction, cropping, straightening and more.
CLOSE
There’s a sneak peek, right?
Yes! Look for an emailed link within 48hrs of the wedding with a handful of images.
CLOSE
Can we add an album or other heirloom print?
Of course. I offer prints, frames, Fine Art albums, keepsake boxes and more. Just email me and I can share the specifics. You can customize your finish, add embossing and more.
CLOSE
WHEN WILL YOU ARRIVE AT THE VENUE?
I will follow the start time listed in your contract, unless we change this with a written amendment. However, I usually arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the official “photography start time” to set up and identify the best lighting and portrait locations at the venue.
CLOSE
something for you
This wardrobe guide will take out the guesswork when it comes to finding the right engagement outfits. From scenic oceanside portraits to laid back, luxuriously intimate moments in your own neighborhood, this guide will walk you through the best way to prepare an photogenic worthy wardrobe.
The Wardrobe
Curation
Guide
download guide →
Here's to a New Chapter.
I am excited to celebrate with you...chase that golden light and create some incredible images together.
