There’s power in dreaming

spruce mountain ranchThere’s power in dreaming, whether you’re asleep or awake.
Take time to honor and express your dreams.
A new normal is emerging around here and I’m finally feeling like my old self.  Ready to take charge and conquer the road ahead.  I’ve been dreaming big dreams again and I’m so excited for the new possibilities.  New non-profit projects and even maybe a retreat of some kind.  A little something to rekindle that inner spark.
I’m so excited for the next few months with my adorable clients.  They all have such beautiful stories to tell.  From a military couple to finding love on a mountain top.  Can’t wait for my first wedding back in the saddle June 1st!  YAY Terra & Mike!

xoxo – Rachael

What dreams have been finding you?  Or maybe you’re in need of a weekend away to find your dreams again.  Email me and tell me what’s on your heart.
rachael@rachaelgracephotography.com

Looking for ways to simplify your wedding planning? CLICK HERE for ideas

Winter Mountain Engagement; Julia & Tyler

 

Life can get crazy.  It can be overwhelming, scary, and completely stressful.  It’s how you handle those tough moments that define who you are.  I absolutely adore Julia and Tyler.  I know I probably say that a lot but it’s sooo true!  From the moment we sat down together I was praying they would ask me to be a part of their wedding.  Julia has a huge heart and some serious cute style to go with it.  And Tyler, well he’s the cream in her coffee.  They just go together like peas and carrots.
Despite almost loosing their dog during the shoot…yep that’s a new one. (I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when we found him.)  These two still turned around and were able to put all that stress behind them and focus on each other and what’s really important.
Love.Mt winter engagement-05 julia and Tyler-023 julia and Tyler-019

We prayed for snow.  And during a winter that somehow forgot how to snow, it snowed on the random day we picked in March.  I’ll call that divine.julia and Tyler-014 julia and Tyler-012Mt winter engagement-04julia and Tyler-022 julia and Tyler-016 julia and Tyler-011Mt winter engagement-03 Mt winter engagement-02 julia and Tyler-010 julia and Tyler-008Mt winter engagement-01 julia and Tyler-004 julia and Tyler-003I can’t believe it took me this long to blog these two!  Seriously!  Their wedding in August in Steamboat is sure to be Epic!

xoxo – Rachael

Looking for ways to simplify your wedding planning? CLICK HERE for ideas

The Define School

Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world.
-Nelson Mandela

It’s hard to find the motivation to continue to learn sometimes.  Working from home I don’t have the pressure of co-workers or a boss.  I am the boss.  Life starts to happen, chores, editing, client print orders, taxes, and having a baby, it all adds up to not much time left to really learn something new.  And I’m not talking about learning a new way to use flash or a new shiny Photoshop action.  I’m talking about the kind of learning that takes place deep inside.  Where you learn something new about yourself.  Where you push yourself to define what it is you really want out of life.  Last fall I found The Define School.  And I’m hooked on their classes.  They’re a mix of different things, but the underling principle is an unconventional online school for evolving photographers.
The first class I took was Awaking the Spark and felt my heart open up to what is possible.  It gave me the tools to spit shine my creative side and how to beat the ugly negative thoughts into submission.  It was exactly what I needed last fall.
Shortly before D was born I was getting the itch to take another.  But could I really take another month long course with an infant?  Was a crazy?  But I just couldn’t shake the idea and I signed up.
Visual Story Telling started yesterday.  It’s an idea I had last fall while taking Awaking, but really didn’t know where to begin.  I honestly believe the wedding industry has gone off track in recent years.  There’s to much emphasis on pretty details and out doing the last wedding or style shoot. I believe it’s missing the point all together about what marriage and a wedding is really about.  Don’t get me wrong I love beautiful details, especially when they mean something to the couple.  But sadly that’s where most people stop.  They forget about the connections with the people surround the bride and groom.  And the whole love story that goes with it.  Details are only a part of the story.
So I signed up for a 4 week online course.  I want to dive in and learn even more about my story so I can better tell your story.  I want to feel the connection a couple has with each other, their family and friends, nature and ultimately with me too.  That’s ultimately why we’re here on this earth…to make connections and spread love.

spruce mt ranch wedding

Never stop learning and pushing yourself.

xoxo – Rachael
I will no doubt be sharing the images that come out of this class.  This week’s already has me giddy with excitement!

Looking for ways to simplify your wedding planning? CLICK HERE for ideas

Recycled Wedding Details; Tin cans

We’re all connected.
Connected to each other and this planet we call home.
I believe we can all do a little more to help protect Mother Nature and keep this planet looking beautiful and that goes for wedding planning!  Ebs and I came together to come up with ideas to recycle items and make a wedding just a little more green.  And maybe even save you a little green too.  Today’s detail is…
Tin cans

I’m in love with the idea of reusing a simple household item, then when you’re done it gets recycled.  Little waste and almost free.  Awesome.  Ebs came up with a few different ideas for tin cans.  Ya know the kind you buy soup in?  Wine bottles would be another container too.  ;)
Spray paint them, poke holes in them, wrap them in fabric, or just use them as is.

recycled details-050 recycled details-054 recycled details-057Can you picture the candle lit cans lining a long table on a gorgeous evening?

xoxo – Rachael

I still have a couple dates left for 2013, Contact me before it’s to late!

Looking for ways to simplify your wedding planning? CLICK HERE for ideas