meet rachel
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With over 14 years of experience photographing destination weddings, I’ve mastered the art of observation and the ability to create a space that breathes authenticity and comfort. I tune myself into the energy around me, adapting to each unique moment and moving intuitively with my camera in hand. I’m a collector of moments with which I craft immersive stories through timeless imagery. I believe that life is art, if only we are willing to be a part of the art itself.
My home is in a tiny beach town in Southern California where I spend the days with my husband and children as we find ourselves grateful to see the ocean every day. My work has taken me all across the world and feeds my never-ending desire to explore and experience the richness that this life has to offer. I’m grateful to have worked with some of the top planners in the country and have my work featured throughout many international publications.
We absolutely adore working with Rachel. Not only is she a phenomenal photographer but she is highly communicative, reliable, flexible and so much fun to work with. Rachel is a true team player from collaborating in advance of the wedding on the timeline, to working with us on the day of the wedding and even through the publishing process after the wedding.
“She is highly communicative, reliable, flexible and so much fun to work with.”
Virginia edelson
Owner of Bluebird Productions
I have so much love and respect for Rachel as an artist and a friend. She is consistently reliable, flexible and kind to her clients and with the the creative partners with whom she aligns. Wedding days run smoothly and the energy is always good. The Bella team whole heartedly endorses Rachel Havel.
“She is consistently reliable, flexible and kind to her clients and with the creative partners with whom she aligns.”
Emily Campbell
Owner of Go Bella Event Productions
Working with Rachel Havel as a planner, I always know the quality of the photos will be exceptional. But even more than this, the day of the wedding she is very calming, professional, very organized with her photo lists and keeps everything on time. She radiates confidence and truly invests herself into her work to make the experience the best it can be for my clients weddings.
“She radiates confidence and truly invests herself into her work."
Kelly Karli
Owner of Kelly Karli events
We could not have asked for a better photographer for our wedding! Rachel and her team are so kind, personable, laid back and professional. She captured every detail and the best moments so beautifully and in a way that felt very in line with our personal style. Even after our wedding, we received many compliments from our guests about Rachel and how awesome she was!
“She captured every detail and the best moments so beautifully and in a way that felt very in line with our personal style.”
Claire & Will
Our wedding day was truly the happiest day of our lives, and Rachel played such a huge role in that. There aren't enough thank you's in the world to express our gratitude to Rachel for the work she did on our wedding day and for documenting it in a way that looks even more beautiful than we remember.
“We will cherish these photos for life."
sasha & aneesh
Thank you for capturing our wedding so beautifully! We are beyond thrilled with the photos. When we found you on Instagram, your work spoke for itself. But when we finally got to work with you in person, we were blown away. Your genuine, calm, and nurturing demeanor made us both feel so comfortable throughout the entire process. You never made us feel overly posed and let us be our natural selves. The way you capture such special, candid moments is a truly a gift.
“Your genuine, calm, and nurturing demeanor made us both feel so comfortable throughout the entire process."
whitney & peter
There is simply no comparison. Rachel is an incredibly talented photographer + there is simply no comparison. She was incredibly helpful throughout the planning process + worked seamlessly with other vendors. She has a way about her that makes you incredibly comfortable + the candid photos she captured of us are some of my favorites and I will treasure them forever.
“She has a way about her that makes you incredibly comfortable."
ashley & louis
