FEATURED VENDOR: RACHEL BUCKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
GET TO KNOW RACHEL
How did you get started doing what you do?
I discovered at a very young age that photography was my one, true passion. I clearly remember walking into a friend's room one day and seeing her walls covered in photographs of friends and family. I knew right then my life was changed. From then on, I was always looking to document the joy in life through photography.
By the time I left home for Savannah College of Art and Design to study photography, my bedroom walls were coated floor to ceiling with the smiling faces of my family and friends. I literally had more than 200 pinholes to fill when I took them all down!
My intended path was commercial photography, but after a few years in the industry, I found I craved more human connection, creative freedom, and personal purpose. Just a short time later, a girlfriend approached me about photographing her wedding. I knew in an instant that -- after years spent hoarding wedding magazines -- the world of wedding photography was where I belonged. It was my life's greatest "a-ha" moment where everything just clicked.
A decade later, I still love what I do as much as I did on day one.
Who or what continues to inspire you?
Human connection and emotion is the most inspiring thing to me on a wedding day. Whether it be stolen glances, uninhibited laughter, or grandpa’s surprise dance moves, I am constantly driven to preserve all the moments -- big and small -- that make wedding days so much more than just the day you say, “I do.”
On the personal side, I use travel and adventure to fuel me. I find never-ending inspiration when traveling to new places, eating unusual foods, listening to good music, and meeting new people. And Maine! If places could be soulmates, Maine would be mine. Since moving here, I’ve fallen in love with the breathtaking landscapes and warmhearted people. I am so grateful to call this place my home.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
Quality time is my own personal love language, and as such, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends. When I am not hopping on a plane to visit with my sister or eating oysters with my closest companions, you will probably find me relaxing by the water, hiking in the mountains or traveling overseas. I don’t think I will ever run out of places to explore – Maine or otherwise.
Wedding trend that you're loving right now?
Color! I have been loving seeing the vibrancy every couple is bringing to their wedding day. They are infusing color into everything from the invitations to the flowers. Last year I even photographed a wedding dress that was hand-painted in a blue hue. It was beautiful! The requests have started coming in for bright, timeless, and colorful photography. It is a perfect fit for the style of photography I do.
What do you see as the added value to hiring a wedding planner or coordinator?
Peace of mind! In my opinion, hiring a planner or coordinator should be a top priority. It allows couples to relax on their wedding day because they know there is someone behind the scenes taking care of the crazy logistics, the impeccable details, and ensuring the guests have the best possible experience. When things are running smoothly, you are truly able to enjoy your day. Trusting someone who is familiar with the industry and has planned events many times over is truly priceless.
