About — Rachel Wakefield | Wedding Photographer

AT THE HEART OF IT

Hey- I’m Rachel, a LONG TIME photographer based in SAnta barbara, California

& I believe photographs are an extraordinary form of art.

The Process

owner & photographer

Rachel Wakefield

I’ve spent over the last decade traveling internationally for shoots & weddings, photographing brands like CJLA, Parker Clay and shooting with celebrities like Sadie Rob Huff, Christine Caine and others.

My work wouldn’t be what it is without the genuine souls who are vulnerable with their love in front of me.

located IN

SANTA BARBARA, CA

I am fortunate enough to call this stunning coastal city my home. With Santa Barbara's breathtaking natural landscapes, picturesque beaches, and diverse wedding venues, I find endless inspiration in every frame. As a storyteller behind the lens, it’s a true joy to showcase the essence of this vibrant city!

Whether it's an intimate beachfront ceremony, a lush garden affair, or an elegant downtown celebration, I am dedicated to preserving precious memories and ensuring that your day becomes an everlasting work of art! And this city is the perfect place to do just that.

Meet my

FAMILY

Married to my high-school sweetheart Clay, and we have two children together, Zoe and Cohen. Not pictured is our newest addition, Poppy, our fluffy australian labradoodle.

We enjoy slow weekends with leisurely walks around the local farmers markets and sunny days in the sand.

Featured

Client’s Reviews

Jewel & Malcolm

Client’s Reviews

Rachel is above and beyond. She's creatively talented and extremely driven and those two qualities are unbeatable. We have used her photography services for every major milestone in our lives and plan on continuing to do so!

Client’s Reviews

Morgan & Nick

I have spent the last hour looking at all of our pictures. I am getting so emotional looking at them because I feel like they take me right back to that beach and that place where I just felt so happy. I don’t feel like they’re posed and fake smiles I just see how you captured us. It’s so surreal getting to see how we look at each other when no one’s watching (I know you were but you didn’t make it feel like that). I will ALWAYS cherish these pictures and I know they’ll always take us back to one of the happiest times of our lives. Thank you for filling this whole experience full of love and joy! I know you do this all the time, but I just wanted to make sure you knew how special this is and how special, sexy, joyful you made us feel. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!

Client’s Reviews

Amanda & Conor

Client’s Reviews

We are so happy we picked Rachel to be our wedding photographer! Not only does she do incredible work, she is very friendly, fun and personable. The photos she took along with her assistant were amazing and beyond our expectations. She was very quick to send us our wedding photo gallery, and spent a lot of time helping design our wedding album afterward. I highly recommend Rachel as your wedding photographer, she's the best!!

Client’s Reviews

Leah & Reis

Client’s Reviews

Rachel was the perfect photographer! She captured the hidden moments of our wedding day that mean the world to me now. Rachel is so natural at making her clients feel like life long friends. I loved her intention, her thoughtfulness and the way she made us feel on our big day! I seriously couldn't imagine my wedding being photographed by anyone else!

Client’s Reviews

Tia & Cody

Client’s Reviews

I wish I could give 10 stars on everything!! Rachel was out of this world!! She was so helpful, so welcoming, and friendly. She handles stressful situations very well and is very patient with people. She is so professional and her work is amazing!! I cannot express enough how grateful we are for her, her time, and her talents. Honestly, she feels like a friend to us. We are grateful for the whole experience from beginning to end. Rachel also put together an extensive schedule for the of our wedding for the photography, which as a bride planning her wedding on her own helped big time with coming up with a schedule and timeline for the day as well! Rachel captured every moment we asked her too, nothing was forgotten. Rachel also did our engagement photos, and she did such a great job making us feel comfortable behind the camera :). We are extremely satisfied… we will always refer people to Rachel and happily and proudly brag about her services :) she deserves it and it’s only true, so how could we not!

Client’s Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been a photographer?

I started photography back in 2009, took some college classes on it and did an Art Theory and Art History class. After that I went on to launch a wedding photo business in 2011. It’s been over a decade now of photographing the best people, covenants and celebrations!

What is your Why?

For me it's pretty simple. This life is your legacy. It's ever-changing and seasons come and season go. Photographs can transport you back in time... to a feeling, a moment. My why isn't just to create and remeber but also to steward the creativity within.

What's your philosophy?

These days, anyone can take a photo at any given moment. A good one at that. But for me there has to be more. After deep-diving into personality tests and walking countless couples through the love languages, I've found an appraoch that allows me to know you on a deeper level. I am able to approach our time together in a meanlingful way. And because of this we create images that are truly you guys. My philosophy is knowing who you guys are, your story and on the day we create together giving you the space to truly be you.

How far in advance do we need to book?

I recommend at least a year in advance, however there are last minute elopements and couples trips that occasionally fit into my schedule. The only way to know is to reach out.

How many images are delivered?

I don't promise a certain amount of images. The phrase here is quality over quantity. Each image delivered was carefully curated by me, and has something unique and special to it.

Where are you located? Do you travel?

I'm located in Santa Barbara, California. While Santa Barbara is where I live and work, I do travel and would love to hear about your dreamy location!