I am so so so so so ready to shoot weddings again. This year will be jam-packed because of postponements, but the extra wait only adds to the excitement and anticipation. As I think about my 2021 couples, I am just so genuinely excited to celebrate with them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you’re getting married in 2022, I still have several dates in peak wedding season available and I’d love to capture your day! 
Have you ever heard of bridal portraits? This tradition is big in other regions, but hasn’t caught on in the Midwest much. Bridal portraits are typically taken before the wedding, often on the day of your hair and makeup trial. Since you’re already all dolled up, you can get portraits done before your wedding day! This frees up some time on your big day and allows you to walk away with way more portraits than you could capture amidst your wedding timeline. The best part? You can take them anywhere! You could schedule your bridal portraits at your wedding venue or choose somewhere different and unique. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m diving in to this tradition myself and taking my portraits in a few weeks! Sorry - nothing will be shared until after the big day, but I’m excited to make some magic with @brookeelisaabethphoto soon! 😁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If any of my current or future brides is interested in booking bridal portraits, reach out! I’d love to get something on the books around your trials! ▫️ Second shot for @brookeelisabethphoto 
It’s exactly 100 days until our wedding! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It feels so surreal to be this close to our big day. I don’t take it granted that we have something so exciting to look forward to among all of the craziness in the world right now. I wouldn’t have wanted to go through the last year with anyone else, and I can’t wait to celebrate that by saying “I do” in 100 short days! 
Yesterday was a dream 😍 I dreamed up this styled shoot with @brookeelisabethphoto and I’m thrilled at how quickly everything came together over the past few weeks. Major shoutout to the vendors below for your work and contributions. Can’t wait to share more from this beautiful day! Coordinators | @rachgraff & @brookeelisabethphoto Venue | @theblaisdellmpls Florals | @minnefloralco Dress | @lissimonbridal at @effiesbridaltrunk Hair & Makeup | @lhnbeauty Stationery | @ivoryisledesigns Model | @felisshhaa 
I’ve found myself posting here SO much less than normal over the past few months. I think pandemic brain is getting to me and I feel like there’s nothing to share! The Groundhog Day-like schedule has thrown off all my routines. I can’t wait to get back to photographing couples and seniors this spring and to dive back in to a creative routine! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Associate wedding photographed for @trishburtzel 
Only 8 more summer slots for senior sessions this year! If you want a summer spot with me, now is the time to book! I know it feels early, but I promise, planning in advance is always better - and these spots will go fast! Reach out via my website at rachelgraffphoto.com! 
I didn’t post a pic of my Valentine on Valentine’s Day, so is this relationship even real?!?!?? 😂 But then I decided I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to post some of our beautiful engagement pics, so here we are! I just can’t wait to marry him in June. 
EXCITING NEWS!!! ▫️ After truly a year of dreaming, scheming, planning, beta testing, and strategizing, I’m proud to officially announce @rachelgraffbiz - my business management and outsourcing services for photographers! I had an epiphany about a year ago that my major passion for my business was truly BUSINESS. I love the technical stuff like SEO, systems setup, taxes, organization and more. However, I know this is not where most creative entrepreneurs thrive. Thus began a dream of finding ways I could help other creatives fill those gaps in their business and leave the “business” side of things to someone who loves it! ▫️ To kick off this exciting venture, I’m offering mentoring sessions at just $99 if you book now through February 19! These 90-minute strategy sessions can be used for any questions or advice you want, from photography to business to SEO and more. ▫️ For more information on my offerings, go to rachelgraff.biz or click the For Photographers link on my photography website! 
Class of 2022 seniors! Spots for senior sessions this summer are going fast! Like...lightning fast. Faster than any year before. So if you want in on the #RGPsenior experience, inquire now! Just wanted to give you a heads up so you don’t miss out 😁 
Bouquet tips for brides & bridesmaids! Save this post to refer back to before your big day!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️ Big bouquets are GORGEOUS but keep in mind that they get heavy! Consider this as you’re designing your bouquet and talk to your florist if you have concerns about weight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️ Make sure your wedding party knows they need their bouquets and boutonnières for wedding party photos and put someone in charge of helping! You’d be surprised how many times everyone shows up for pictures but the flowers are nowhere in sight!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️ In photos, hold your bouquet at about belly button height. This allows us to still see your gorgeous wedding/bridesmaids dresses instead of blocking them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️ Wing your arms out away from your body slightly when holding your bouquet for photos! This makes your arms appear thinner and more toned!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️ Repurpose your bouquets as decor for your reception! This helps save on flower costs! Just make sure someone is responsible for gathering them from brides after the ceremony to place in the reception. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ▫️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hope this helps make the most of your floral investment! What other questions do you have about wedding flowers? ▫️ Second shooting with @brookeelisabethphoto