I’m so excited to introduce you to Rachel, one of the newest associate photographers on the CSP team! Rachel brings over a decade of experience and literally hundreds of weddings to her work, and it shows. She has that calm, seasoned presence that puts couples at ease the moment she picks up her camera. She’s also one of the most reliable go-getters I know, always excited to take on new couples and make their day feel effortless. Keep reading to get to know Rachel, from her journey that started with a film camera at 14 to her best wedding day advice (and the very good animals she goes home to, including a cat named Batman 🙀). And when you’re done, you can see Rachel’s full associate portfolio here!

Tell us about your journey in photography so far! How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you shot? What have you learned along the way?

I got my first film camera for my 14th birthday and fell in love with photography from there. Then I ended up going to college for graphic design and got a job in that field. After some time there, I went to a conference in 2012, and ended up taking some photography classes, and came home and bought my first digital DSLR. I started shooting high school seniors for a couple of years and then shot my first wedding in 2015, two weeks after my own wedding. I fell in love with it! Since then I’ve shot 100s of weddings. I’ve learned SO much…. From the technical skills of photography itself to the wedding day rhythms and knowing when to anticipate moments.

What’s your favorite part of being an associate for Celisia Stanton Photography?

Getting to work alongside other creatives, collaborate, meet new people, and shoot in new spaces.

Tell us about the couples you love working with most.

Couples who are laid back and don’t take themselves too seriously. Life is a beautiful ride, and having couples who like to have fun and enjoy the day is the best.

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day to capture

Hands down when I’m shooting the couple during golden hour (or at least just by themselves later in the day) I enjoy being the “third wheel” when I take them out for a little bit during the reception. This is the best: the couple gets a little reset from the chaos of all the guests, and I get to photograph them at one of the happiest moments of their lives.

What are some of your favorite venues you’ve worked at

Abella Weddings in Chisago, Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd, La Point Events in Somerset, The Jerome Event Center in Delano, Genesis Ranch in Rosemount, Woods and Co. in Pepin, WI.

What’s your go-to wedding day advice for soon-to-be married couples?

Don’t stress if something little goes wrong. Your wedding day doesn’t have to be perfect; you’re with your fiancé and all the most important people to you. Embrace the day joyfully.

What would you say to a couple who is nervous about having their picture taken?

I will help pose you and make you feel comfortable. Being in front of the camera can make you feel nervous, but I’ll make you feel at ease and gently guide you to look as natural and happy as you feel.

Are you a cat person, a dog person, or neither? Why?

BOTH! I have one black cat named Batman and two German Shepherds who are uncle and niece, Arco and Forest.