Rachael J Hughes Photography

About Rachael J Hughes Photography

Thanks for stopping by! My name is Rachael Hughes and I am a photographer based out of Greenwood, SC. I specialize in non-traditional portraiture. I use available light whenever possible and love, love, LOVE photographs that show expression & personality. Check out my website for more details at: rachaelhughesphoto.com or e-mail me for pricing info @ rachaelhughes@rachaelhughesphoto.com

Archive: ‘Weddings’



Wedding / Lindsey + Aaron

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

It might have been the video clip of Aaron’s closest friends who were deployed. It may have been the song he wrote & sang just for Lindsey, or it could have been the personal, loving vows they wrote to one another. Whatever it was, I was in tears, really in tears.

Lindsey & Aaron’s wedding was probably the most personal, intimate wedding I have ever had the privilege of photographing. Within 5 minutes of the ceremony I had tears running down my  LCD screen. I told myself to cut it out or I wouldn’t be able to tell who or what I was focusing on. Fortunately for the bride & groom, my camera still focused through it all;)

I would also like to share that Aaron had been deployed for over a year & everyone who came to the wedding that day got to witness the sadness of his departure from Lindsey & the joy of his return through short video clips.

Thank you L & A for showing us what it means to sacrificially love and honor God through your wedding ceremony. I know Paige & I were truly blessed to photograph every moment! I wish you both the best!

Wedding took place @ the Willow Ridge Church in Lexington, SC

Reception: The River Center Columbia, SC

 

Lindsey’s hair & make up were done by Cho’s on Main. We had a lot of fun that morning!

Paige captured this shot below.

Lindsey’s dress was gorgeous!

the flower girl & ring bearer. They were soooooo Cute. Lot’s more of these two=)

Thank you Robin for referring my name along to Lindsey!

Love this cute shot captured by Paige below.

Flower girl & ring bearer all dressed up.

Paige’s view from the back.

The video clips from Aaron’s best friends in the upper left hand corner, Aaron playing the guitar & singing to Lindsey, below.

ha, great shot captured by Paige (below).

Mother & Son

Bye for now sweet Lindsey & Aaron! Can’t wait for your after shots in November!

Wedding / Sydney + Luke

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Sydney & Luke are going to be my experiment. I know they have been so incredibly patient & I have created a slide show that apparently takes a little while to encode on FB . In the meantime I’ve also decided to post a regular blog as well.

Sydney & Luke were married at Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson, SC.

Their reception took place at the Anderson Art Center.

A Big shout out to Abby Funderburk for 2nd shooting! You were & are amazing & I was honored to have you shooting by my side!

S&L, your wedding was so much fun, for so many different reasons. The biggest of all is the type of couple you are and the family that surrounds you. Sydney, if I could take your dad, wrap him in a bow, and give him to myself as a present, I would! No doubt your family has some pretty fun get-togethers. Enjoy the pic’s & the slide show!

Let’s start this off right with an amazing picture of the bride & groom.

 

Bling, Bling! yeah, awesome job Luke.

 

 

 

and here’s Sydney’s dad, who I am in love with. This shot was taken by Abby…AMAZING

Another stellar shot from Abby!

While Abby was with the guys, I stayed with the girls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abby’s view from the side. It’s so nice having these candid shots!

 

 

 

 

Abby’s view!

 

Great shots of the ring bearers, again, from Abby=)

Sweet, precious little flower girls.

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous Wedding party

 

What’s a wedding without a little sun flare?

 

 

 

I loved the lighting at the arts building when we first arrived!

First dance.

 

 

 

daddy / daughter dance.

 

 

My angle (above) Abby’s angle (below)

 

Just had to post this one in black & white too.

My view (left) Abby’s view (right).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final exit, what a party!

At the end of the day….bride & groom are off celebrating & dad, well…..

 

 

 

Wedding / Mandy +Wes

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

 

The month of August and beginning of September have been extremely busy! I’m still trying to wrap my head around 5 weddings in a ROW. That being said, I told myself I would blog through it all, even if it meant staying up a few nights & realizing 6 am just rolled around. Wow, where did the time go?

You can’t help but fall in love with Mandy & Wes. Their sweet personalities permeate the room.  At the end of the day, I am emotionally invested & I can’t believe I am this blessed!  I decided to start off  with a picture of the beautiful bride & groom. Mandy & Wes, I hope you enjoy this look into your wedding day!

Ceremony took place at Crosspoint Church in Clemson, SC

Reception: Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, SC (which, btw, was AMAZING).

Thank you Paige Stumbo for doing an amazing job, yet again. It’s hard to put into words how valuable a second photographer is on your wedding day!

 

Paige Captured the detail shots right below.

I lOVE that Mandy wore these TOMS! If you are looking for super cute shoes that will also support a worthy cause check out: http://www.toms.com/

Paige took the next series of pictures of the guys while I was with the girls.

Nothing like chugging some Pepto before your wedding ceremony=)

Next three shots from Paige, she rocks my face off.

Just moments before Mandy is about to be given away.

This is def. one of my FAVORITES!

Another angle from Paige, perfection. Mandy, absolutely gorgeous.

I tried to get Mandy & Wes to take a picture with the piggy… come on, he’s soooo cute.

Awesome shot by Paige (below).

Go Tigers!

 

 

 

 

Wedding / Lauren & Jesse

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Lauren & Jesse had a beautiful wedding right on Lake Greenwood at the Drummond Center. Just as the ceremony started, the sun hid behind some clouds. It couldn’t have been more perfect for pictures. Afterwards we worked as quickly as possible to beat, what could have been a torrential downpour of rain & we made it! Glad to say only a few drops came our way. Lauren & Jesse, many blessings on your new journey together! Big thanks to Abby Funderburk for 2nd shooting!

I LOVE the look on Jesse’s face when he first saw Lauren.

One of my fav’s (below)

I think I about died when I saw their cake toppers!!! How awesome.

Beautiful mother & daughter!

and off they go, in the coolest Mustang ever!

Wedding / Lauren & Nick

Monday, August 15th, 2011

On the way to Columbia, the temperature forecast called for a high of 105 degrees & a heat advisory. I prayed for the wedding to go smoothly despite the heat! These are the days when I LOVE indoor weddings. It was a hotbox outside, yet we managed to get some amazing pictures outdoors before the ceremony started, and even a few after. Lauren & Nick had a beautiful wedding. I overheard many of the guests say it was the best wedding they had been too all summer. Paige Stumbo from P.S Photography second shot like non-other, so thankful for her & I know my brides are as well! Thank you Lauren & Nick for a fun-filled day, and such a beautiful ceremony & reception. Enjoy your sneak peak!

These next few shots of the groom were taken by Paige, she did a wonderful job with the guys while I was with the girls!

Shots below of girls getting ready were also by taken by my 2nd shooter, Paige.

The 3 Ring Bearers, so cute=)

Love the different angle & creative shot Paige captured below!

One of my personal Fav’s, below!

Another one of my fav’s, below.

Lauren, you are so beautiful!

Sweet daddy, daughter picture below.

They didn’t hold back!

Paige’s view of the children watching,

Nick had great gifts for the groomsmen! Love how he catered to their individual “taste”;)

FAV.

Nothing like a father embracing his daughter.

haha, just love this shot Paige got of these two below.

and…..THE END. More to come for Lauren & Nick!

Wedding / Kimberly + Matthew

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

Kimberly & Matthew had another gorgeous summer wedding at the Rock Quarry Garden in Greenville, SC. I LOVE outdoor weddings! Rock Quarry Gardens proved to be another ceremony location that I have added to my list of favorites. Their reception took place at the Brick Street Cafe (a new favorite restaurant of mine as well). Congrats Kimberly & Matthew! I truly enjoyed photographing your wedding & you are a beautiful couple from the inside out. Enjoy!

Wedding / Leslie +Johnny

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

After months of delay, I have decided to jump back on the band wagon & get this blog rolling. After finishing this post, I am reminded of why I had to stop….I have an addiction. I take WAY to long trying to narrow it down….and then what do I end up doing? Posting all of them! I am sure Leslie & Johnny won’t mind. But if this is too long, for realz, please let me know. I really want to share all the wonderful weddings & sessions that have been going on but it will take time & thankfully the month of July is giving a little to me! I will start off with a wedding I have not posted on Facebook yet, and then throughout the month of July I will be adding some more (some that you have never seen), so watch out….there are A LOT!

I had such a great time with Leslie & Johnny during their engagement session last fall, and knew their wedding would be equally beautiful. You can take a glance at their engagement session  here.  They were married at Ebenezer Church in Rock Hill, SC and the reception took place at their home in Edgemore. It was a beautiful, HOT June day, but the girls did wonderful braving the heat as well as the guys. Thank you Leslie & Johnny for letting me be a part of your wedding. I hope you enjoy this sneak peak, well sort of more than that ;)

 

Casey & Ryan / Wedding

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

To say this couple knows how to have fun, would be the understatement of the year. I have known Casey & Ryan for some time now, and thier personality is simply contagious.  They were apart of the New Covenant’s (now married) Twenty-something’s small group that I had blogged about once before. I think the Harrell’s were putting some kind of love drug into nacho dip! I can’t say enough about these two. Thier hearts desire is to serve the Lord & I am so glad I got to be apart of documenting thier new journey together. One thing I noticed about Casey & Ryan is their constant reminder & praise to God for everything in thier life. It encourages me just to be around them! Casey & Ryan, thank you for being such amazing people, and for your support and encouragement in my life. BTW- GAME NIGHT IS ON!!! Be Ready!

Sweeeeett sisters! (below)

Love this picture…A LOT. Check out the single ladies in the background! haha

Beautiful Bridal Party.

These are some brave, very brave girls….they were so much fun. Looking forward to our trash the dress session with the bridal party later on!

Beautiful Casey, just beautiful!

Okay guys, just for the record…I did take pictures of you smiling=)

I think it is completely worth noting that these two (which were my cleints as well) both did the same “fun pose”

Lookin’ sharp Ryan.

Come on Matt, I thought those girl-y sunglasses would have rocked!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Mlinar!

First dance (left) Last Dance (right)

Ryan’s got the dip thing, down!

This dance (below) that the Wedding party put together for the bride & groom was UNBELIEVABLE. You just had to be there! I will never forget it!

Casey’s reaction!

That’s All Folks!

Megan & Davis / Wedding

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

Talk about another GORGEOUS wedding! Megan & Davis were married at Adams Pond in Columbia, SC. Again, I highly reccommend this venue to future brides. The colors were rich & vibrant and it was a photographer’s heaven when it came to available light! I can’t say enough good things about it and the director took such good care of her clients!

I met Megan & Davis in the late spring/ early summer. From that first meeting, I knew we were right for each other=) okay, enough about the love affair with my clients. Thank you Megan & Davis for allowing me to document the most important day in your life! Megan, you were stunning, and Davis you weren’t so bad yourself!  Loved getting to know you both through our sessions together.

Before I left the wedding, Megan’s dad shared with me that the engagement shots I took of them brought tears to his eyes. Soooo sweet. Well…I can’t wait to see the joyful tears these wedding images bring. May they bring back all the memories from the day and be loved for years & years to come!

A BIG Thank you to Paige Stumbo for assisting me with your creativity & bringing some  unique photographs to their wedding album! Much love to my 2nd shooters!

Megan…stunning.

Thank you Paige for already having a great spot picked out for the shoes!

Thank you to my 2nd shooter Paige for capturing this shot below of the groom!

I almost fell getting this shot Davis….YOU better LIKE IT!

I LOVE these corsages! What an awesome idea & completely reflective of the groom!

Mother of the groom. Looking Lovely I might add.

Love this creative shot (below) Paige captured from the balcony!

Possibly my fav pictures…EVER (above & below)

Now it’s official!

Alright Dad, are you in tears yet??

Again, another great shot from Paige (below)!

The b&w shot below has got to be greatest cake shot of all time!!! I should have made it bigger!

Adams Pond Columbia, SC (803) 783-5732

Karissa & Jeremy / Wedding

Friday, November 26th, 2010

Yes, it’s that crazy time of the year and I am behind on blogging!!!  So much going on, and as much as I love my blog, I knew it would have to wait for editing to be completed in time for the holidays. So if I have not blogged your session yet, I WILL! And so on to my wedding post………

It all started with the “20 something small group” at New Covenant. There have been 4-5 couples out of the group who have gotten hitched this fall. Love must have been mysteriously floating around during our bible studies @ the Harrell’s! I LOVE IT. and I love seeing these couples honoring the Lord with their lives!

Karissa & Jeremy had a BEAUTIFUL fall wedding in Asheville, NC. I was incredibly honored to not only be apart of thier wedding but to witness the joining of two very beautiful, hardworking & talented people. It was so encouraging to see such wonderful family & friends surrounding them on their big day. They started the day off with a morning church service and it was the perfect start to the celebration.

A HUGE thanks to Kelli Naisang of Naisang Photography in Greenville for second shooting with me, it was such an honor to have her there! Thanks for being so amazing Kelli!

Love this shot below that Kelli captured of Jeremy while I was with the girls!

Where the girls got ready, this venue offered so much!

Thanks to Kelli for the awesome detail shots below!

Just looking at the mountains makes me want to go back with the kiddos!

Color anyone?

Look at this little cutie below!

Karissa & her dad made  a beautiful entrance to the ceremony.

Love this “behind the scenes” shot Kelli got of the kiss below!

My view from the front~

yeah, this car was the bomb!

Absolutely in love, and jealous of this shot Kelli captured below!

Karissa & Jeremy Surrounded by foliage=)

Some of the prettiest backgrounds for formals.

Every detail was so beautiful, lots of time & hard work went into everything!

The ceremony & Reception took place at The Barn in Asheville, NC. I would HIGHLY recommend it to future brides reading this post=)

The first dance=)

Father/ Daughter   Mother/ Son

The Photobooth from Carolina Photobooths was a BIG hit. Even for the parents & grandparents…

 

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