Rachel V Photography: Blog

Sarah + Daniel 5.5.21

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 01:21:48 GMT

Sarah + Daniel 5.5.2021

Below the cliffs on a misty beach in California they said their vow's, surrounded by just a few close friends and family. There were so many personal touches to this day that flowed together and made this such a special event. Due to distance and pandemic many family members were unable to be present, but the sweet intimacy this created was truly so special. The officiant (a close friend) delivered a very personal message and charge to the couple as they start their life together. Daniel gave Sarah's daughter a necklace and made a promise to her as well. Everyone stayed together at the rental house where a friend and chef made the most amazing dinner that was served under the stars and tree lights. We all ate leftovers for the next few days and enjoyed the wedding cake with our morning coffee. Being a destination wedding, everything down to the napkins were brought in and every detail was well thought out. The wedding day was very laid back and little ones ran around and played together with cousins they had not been able to see in over a year. It was a beautiful start to this couples marriage.

Brides Dress: Adrianna Papell, Macy's

Florals: Ella & Louie

Chef: Lionel Pigeard

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Cake Topper: Rawkrft

Junot Adoption

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 02:13:04 GMT

I'm pretty sure I cried through most of this shoot, this one was personal. Some dear friends of ours adopted a sweet baby boy earlier this year. The adoption was to be finalized in April/May. Due to covid 19 things were done a little differently. They were able to finalize the adoption on a zoom call and have all their family and friends from around the country join in to witness and celebrate with them. I met Asha shortly after I had my daughter 6 years ago, we met through mutual friends in the wedding industry. But our friendship deepened through a bible study she led at her home. This bible study and the women in will always have a special place in my heart, we shared openly and honestly. We were all in the same place in our lives, married and starting families. We celebrated together with news of new babies and cried together over the losses of babies, loss of pregnancies and infertility. Through all these years Asha always celebrated the news of everyones pregnancies with such grace. We knew she wanted to be a mother and we knew the journey had not been an easy one. When I heard the news that a baby boy had just been born and they were chosen as his parents I cried. (Im crying now as I write this.) To be able to capture this moment in their lives meant a lot to me. I was doing okay until I heard them refer to themselves as Mom and Dad, I knew how much their hearts had longed for that and to hear them say it brought all the tears. What a joy it is to witness the years of prayers answered.

Newborn session during Covid 19

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 02:16:54 GMT

2020 has been a strange year! Especially the last few months. I photographed Rebecca and Dan's wedding just before we started self isolating due to Covid 19. My husband started working from home and the kids and I settled into a routine and enjoyed our suddenly open schedule. Though everything may have slowed down life events are still happening and I have been able to help capture this time in new ways. My sweet friends Mona and Logan welcomed their 2nd little one in mid March. While these may not be traditional newborn photos they certainly tell the story of this moment in history.

Rebecca + Dan's Maitland Art Center Wedding

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:36:16 GMT

Things have been out of sorts lately. With this Covid-19 pandemic sweeping across the United States my family and I have been staying home and enjoying lots of togetherness. This means my husband has now joined me in my "office" (guest bedroom/office). He is sitting within arms reach and writing code as I work on this blog post. My baby is napping and the older kids are on the patio playing together. Before the everything shut down I was so thrilled to photograph Rebecca and Dan's wedding at the beautiful Maitland Art Center. Over the last few weeks I have enjoyed reliving the day as I have edited their wedding and I am so excited to share it now. If you live in the Maitland, Florida area and haven't been to Maitland Art Center, when they are open again you should go stroll around the gardens. The Mayan Revival architecture is so different from anything else in this area. Surrounded by the beautiful architecture, vibrant florals, warm Florida sunshine and so much love from all their family and friends, they said their vow's in the Mayan courtyard. The brides brother officiated the ceremony with her sisters smiling and wiping away tears in the front row. Such a special day that I hope you can see in the pictures. Congratulations Rebecca and Dan

*These beautiful bowls were made by a friend. Who used a piece of the brides wedding dress lace to make the imprint on the bowl. There was one for each guest to take home.

Wedding Day Team

Venue: Maitland Art Center

Planning and Florals: Pixies and Petals

DJ: Fun Factory

Photography: Rachel V Photography

Hair and Makeup: GAD Artistry

Catering and Linens: Arthurs Catering

Rentals + Lighting: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals

Transportation: Happy Limo Orlando

Wekiva Springs Maternity session

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 02:14:35 GMT

It is always such a joy to see this family. In a few weeks they will be adding another sweet brother to the family. Wekiwa springs was the perfect location for their maternity session. We had a beautiful evening, a tad warm for January but we went with it. The boys enjoyed exploring a bit and thought our uninvited visiter that kept hanging around was hilarious (see last picture).

Baby Leo

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:23:37 GMT

Baby Leo was born on my birthday :) Such a sweet addition to this family.

LaRue Family

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 01:44:17 GMT

This family shoot was special to me. I have know this family for about 8 years and I have been honored to photograph weddings, maternity and newborn pictures for some of them. We were missing a couple of the brothers, but they've added a lot of little ones!

Edmonson Family New Smyrna Beach session

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 01:20:29 GMT

In typical Florida fashion my sunset beach shoot with the Edmonson family got rained out :( We were able to re schedule for the following morning. I arrived in New Smyrna beach just as the sun rose above the water and it was one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. This family is very playful and it was a lot of fun to photograph them.

Edgar Family

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 02:15:00 GMT

I've gotten to know this family over the last 3 years and they are always a joy to photograph. We did Maternity photos in this same area over a year ago and now look at that little one! The way kids grow really make you realize how fast time is going by.

To see their maternity session you can check it out here

Lauren + Benjamin

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 03:12:02 GMT

Lauren + Benjamin

May 19, 2019

Lake Mary Event Center

Venue: Lake Mary Event Center

Catering: Magic Occasions

DJ, Video & Lighting: Elegant Entertainment

Officiant: Patrick O'Bryan

Brides Dress: Lily's Bridal

Cake: Nancy Burke

Hair: Ulta - Zuri

Makeup: Ulta- Gina

Florist: Orlando Flower Market

Sandra + Andrew

Tue, 07 May 2019 01:41:05 GMT

Sandra + Andrew

4.13.19

Apopka, Florida

Event Planner: Antoinette Vinciguerra

Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Hair and Make up

Catering: Puff'n Stuff

Cake: Publix

Flowers: Country Club Flowers

Farm Tables and Chairs: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals

DJ and Lighting: DKN-tertainment LLC

Flatley Maternity Session

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 02:14:38 GMT

A lovely maternity session at Rollins College for this soon to be family of 5. These boys were so much fun and had so much energy. I enjoyed running around with them and capturing some of their silliness. Excited to meet the newest edition in a few months.

Lee Family

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 02:12:25 GMT

I photographed Amanda and Allen's wedding 6 years ago this June (check it out here) It doesn't seem like that long ago but it was before I had kids and Isla is about to turn 5. They have since moved from Orlando but were back for a visit with their 1 year old twins and wanted to do some family photos. I was so nice seeing them and meeting their sweet babies. I always consider it such a compliment when people come back to me for photos. Check out these adorable babies!

Chelsea and Philip's Wedding

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 19:31:12 GMT

Chelsea and Philip's wedding was a beautiful celebration at the Floridan Manor Estate in Osteen Florida this past September. I met Chelsea a few years ago when I photographed her brothers wedding and when she contacted me about photographing her wedding I was so honored. I met her and Philip for coffee and could immediately see why these two are such a beautiful match. They were married under a canopy of trees draped with spanish moss as the sun filtered through the leaves. Their reception was held in the renovated barn where the dance floor stayed full till they were sent on their way under a sparkler lit arch. Such a beautiful day filled with such lovely details. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Rohlfing!

Day of Coordinator: Mobella Events

Officiant: St. Lukes

Ceremony & Reception: The Floridian Manor Estate

Cake: Wedding Cakes by Darlene

Florist: Lee Forrest Design

Caterer: Arthurs Catering

Entertainment: Fun Factory Entertainment

Hair and Makeup: Dee Dee Cordle

SaxaphoneL Cindy Frasier

Transportation: Adventure Limo

Layla's first birthday beach portraits

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:03:23 GMT

Cake + Balloons + Smiley baby + The beach and a gorgeous sunset = Layla's first birthday shoot. It was one of those evenings that just came together so well. We met at New Smyrna beach shortly before sunset and had the beach to ourselves. Layla's Mommy owns Merci Bakery and makes the most beautiful cookies and cakes and had a sweet little cake for her to taste. Layla enjoyed every minute of her time at the beach and I loved capturing this sweet girl again (newborn pictures here).

Baby Luke

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 02:50:13 GMT

I try to blog as many sessions as I can, but sometimes time gets away from me and I realize it never happened. I first photographed Morgan and Eddie in 2014 for their engagement photos and wedding, we have done various other shoots in the last 4 years including a Maternity session :) Luke was born last January and I didn't blog the session! I had to share this sweet home lifestyle newborn session it is just so precious. Can't wait to photograph this family again.

Mila's 2 year portraits

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 02:12:08 GMT

How can it already have been a year since I photographed this sweet baby's 1 year portraits! (check them out here). But here we are celebrating her second birthday. We took her portraits at her happy place again this year, the beach :) The moment her toes touch the sand she takes off for the water. She is a ball of energy, constantly moving and dancing. It's so much fun I get to see her grow from year to year. Happy Birthday Mila!

Layla turns one

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:03:07 GMT

Happy Birthday Layla! Today is this sweet girls first birthday :) We did some family portraits at Mead Gardens in Winter Park, FL. After the family pictures it was cake time. Enjoy the sweet pictures below.

Bell Family

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 21:24:24 GMT

Each phase a baby goes through seems to go by so fast, I love family shoots like this to capture these fleeting moments. Little Olivia is learning to walk, has a few teeth she doesn't mind showing off and has the cutest chubby legs :) Check out all the cuteness below.

Newborn- Nathaniel R

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:05:49 GMT

My sweet little Ezra is already 11 weeks old. Time is going by so fast and they grow and change so quickly. One of the great things about my job is that I get to see and snuggle other peoples brand new babies :) I went to the Winnie Palmer hospital a few hours after Nathaniel was born to photograph his big brothers meeting him for the first time. It was the sweetest thing and I still smile thinking about it. A few days later I arrived at the Rainey's home to take their newborn portraits. Josiah and Lucas were so excited to show me around and show off their baby brother. They are all just so precious and I loved getting to capture some of these special moments for them. Welcome to the world Nathaniel.

Evie's 4th birthday shoot

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 00:23:55 GMT

Our sweet little neighbor Evangeline turned 4 last month. Its been so fun to photograph her over the last 3 years and watch her grow. She lives just 2 doors down from us and I get asked multiple times a week by Isla if she can go over and play with Evie. Its fun to see their friendship grow (make sure to look through all the photos there are a few of Isla and Evie together). This year her Mom ordered some beautiful flowers to decorate their tree swing and that little touch made for the perfect backdrop.

Snowdowne Maternity Session

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:51:19 GMT

This is my first shoot back after having my 3rd child in early June. It was wonderful to see Megan and Luke again. I photographed their Disney wedding 4 years ago (you can take a look back here) and they came back for their babymoon where I did some maternity photos for them. I love that I often have the opportunity to photograph couples weddings and then eventually their families. It is so special to be able to continue this journey with them. We started at Disney's Polynesian then walked to the Disney Wedding Pavilion where they were married before our last stop at the Grand Floridian. Congratulations Megan and Luke.

Evan's Family portraits at Florida Cactus

Mon, 07 May 2018 12:59:11 GMT

When Kirsten contacted me about photographing her family and mentioned one of my favorite spots I was so excited. After calling and receiving permission from Florida Cactus we got everything set up and enjoyed a nice hot afternoon among the succulents and cacti. How cute is her family?

Kirsten is the owner of Baby Boot Camp Orlando. And I have been attending classes with her for about 2 years now. You can learn more about baby bootcamp here or my recent blog about it here.

Romano Family

Wed, 02 May 2018 19:35:09 GMT

Morning light and a happy baby, what could be better? A beautiful family session at Mead Gardens in Winter Park Florida.

Baby Boot Camp Orlando

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 18:00:47 GMT

In 2016 with 2 small children I was struggling to find a good way to get in a good workout. Sure I went for walks/runs with a jogging stroller but I was looking for something a little more and going to the gym with small children just really wasn't an option. I came across Baby Bootcamp Orlando and found my solution. You bring your kids with you to the workout! The classes are typically at a park and the kids stay in the stroller while an instructor leads you through a work out. At first I thought, how tough can these work outs be? Let me tell you these instructors put a lot of thought into the workouts and often that week I end up with a new sore muscle I didn't know existed. All of the instructors are Mom's so when your kid gets cranky or needs something they understand and often are seen teaching while holding a baby. There are a number of locations here in Orlando, Lake Mary and Winter Park. Morning and evening classes and even a few classes for early risers where you don't bring your kids! I try to talk all my friends into joining me for classes. Its a great way to meet other Mom's with kids the same age as yours, that live in your area as well as get in an amazing workout. Most holiday's they have a class where you are encouraged to bring your spouse and Stephen will tell you it's a tough workout :)

Recently I got to photograph all the instructors. I have gotten to know all of them over the last 2 years and it was a fun shoot to be a part of. Most of them have multiple children, some have full time jobs, some take classes with us when they aren't teaching. But they all love what they do and love having a job they can bring their children with them. Kirsten Evan's is the owner and operator of Baby Boot Camp Orlando and she has a wealth of knowledge in fitness for Mom's pre and post pregnancy and can fill you in on all the details

Come check out a class, first class is always free and coming up May 7-12 is open house, you can come and take all the classes you want that week to try it out! Baby Boot Camp Orlando.

Rollins College Senior Portraits

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:10:22 GMT

Its hard to believe its almost graduation time for all the 2018 grads. Last spring I photographed 4 young ladies about to graduate from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. These were two separate sessions where I photographed the girls together and individually. I enjoyed hearing about their plans for the next step's in their lives and I love that they chose to commemorate their graduation with some portraits.

Edgar Maternity Session

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 01:01:49 GMT

In a matter of weeks this family will be welcoming a new sweet baby into the world. It was so fun to see this family again when we did their portraits on a chilly but bright morning in Baldwin park. The boys are the sweetest thing and are always all smiles. I'm looking forward to meeting the new addition.

Chelsea and Philip's Wekiva Springs Engagement Session

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:27:00 GMT

Chelsea and Philip's families have know each other for years but they didn't meet till Philips brother's wedding in 2017 and everything just clicked. They are set to get married this fall. When we got together to talk about their wedding they told me of all the adventures Philip has taken her on in his favorite place nature :) So it was a natural choice to choose Wekiva Springs as the spot for their engagement session. It was one of the prettiest mornings I have been out there and I love how their sweet and playful relationship comes through in these pictures.

Kelley Bibeau Wedding

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 18:18:56 GMT

Alicia and Andre were married the first weekend after the new year. It was a bright and clear winter Florida day. The bride got ready at the Alfond Inn surrounded by some of her close family and friends. The ceremony was just down Park Avenue at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and they had a cute trolly that would take us to each location throughout the day. After the beautiful ceremony Alicia and Andre took their portraits along park ave before we made our way to the cocktail hour and reception at The Capen House. The cocktail hour and reception were set up on the back patio overlooking the lake with the sounds of a string quartet. Once dinner was over the guests moved inside for dancing where Subsonic DJ kept the dance floor lively. Congrats Alicia and Andre!

Photography: Rachel V Photography

Coordinator: Kristy Rapp Events

DJ/Market Lights: Subsonic DJ's

Venue: Capen House

Hair: Doce Vita

Catering: Puff N Stuff

Cake: Anna Cakes

Quartet: Valerie Pernice - Quartet

Ceremony: St. Margaret Mary

Getting Ready: The Alfond Inn

Rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals

Trolley: Winter Park Trolley

Emily & Rich's Leu Garden's Engagement Session

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 02:22:45 GMT

Emily and Rich chose Leu Garden's for their engagement session this last fall. It was one of those gorgeous evenings you just want to be outside abd we wandered around until they came and told us the gardens were closing. The two of them are so sweet and loving with one another. I enjoyed capturing them laughing together when they didn't know I was taking pictures. Wishing y'all a lifetime of happiness together!

Baby Nolan's Newborn session

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:23:22 GMT

I was so excited to meet baby Nolan. He arrived just before Christmas and has a sweet big brother who couldn't wait to show him off to me. See all the cuteness below.

Parker turns one

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:25:40 GMT

January has brought rare cool weather to Florida and the day we did Parker's first year photos is no exception. It was warm (and rainy) all week and the day of his shoot comes and the temps dropped. He was a trooper through the shoot and I just love his hair :)

Peckels Maternity Session at Wekiva Springs

Sat, 09 Dec 2017 03:55:31 GMT

Since the first time we met up to discuss me photographing her wedding,,Morgan and I became fast friends. I have been honored to photograph her several times over the last few years and last month I had the joy of photographing her Maternity photos. Baby P will be here in just a few months and I can't wait to meet him! Morgan as always was stunning and she is always up for any random thing I have an idea for. Last shoot it was smoke grenades this time it was "fog", but sadly it was a bit too windy for it to work properly. I always have so much fun with Her, Eddie and little Odie. Excited for her Newborn shoot soon :)

Baby Michael

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 03:01:27 GMT

What a precious gift babies are! And this little guy is just the sweetest thing. I have known his parents for a number of years now and it has ben a joy to watch them become parents. I went to the hospital a few days after he was born and the joy that they were feeling was evident and felt by everyone around them. Welcome to the world Michael. We are so happy you are here!

Marshmallow Mini Holiday Sessions

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 02:17:48 GMT

This year I offered some marshmallow mini sessions and oh were these kiddos cute! Elizabeth Rishel with Within the Grove designed our setup. (She and her husband made the stand!) Here are just a few of my favorites from the sessions.

Baby Layla

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 02:37:12 GMT

Meet Layla. I feel like I have been waiting forever to meet her, since I found out shortly after her parents found out they were expecting and we did a little "we're expecting shoot. (see it here) She was worth the wait and is just the sweetest snuggly little one. Welcome to the world Layla!

Fall Sessions in North Carolina

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 00:59:03 GMT

Fall is my favorite time of year and since we don't get much to speak of here in Florida I love making a trip up to Raleigh, North Carolina to visit my parents. Last week the kid's and I took the quick flight up to NC and got to enjoy some chilly weather, fall fun and even the kids first experience "camping" (in my parents back yard, but it still counts right?). I was also able to work in a few family shoots with some of my favorite families up there. We did the shoots back to back at JC Raulston Arboretum. If you are ever in Raleigh I definitely recommend going for a little exploring in the gardens, they were so beautiful.

Tori & Taylor's Rollins College Engagement Session

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 16:54:26 GMT

Tori and Taylor met at Rollins college and while they have graduated and moved they wanted to come back and do some engagement photos in the place where it all started.

Mila's one year portraits

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMT

I recently photographed the sweetest little birthday girl Mila at New Smyrna beach. From the waves to the sand you could tell the ocean she loved the beach. She was such a delight to photograph. Happy Birthday Mila!

Oliver's 1st Birthday

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 18:05:40 GMT

This lost boy themed first birthday shoot is the most adorable! His momma is a blogger at Within the Grove and does all kinds of amazing things. She made some super cute props for his cake smash. His shoot was scheduled for just before his birthday, but hurricane Irma changed those plans. The day of the shoot it was raining up until we got to Kraft Azalea Garden. Thankfully it stopped and we got the most amazing golden sunset for his shoot.

Harkins Family

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:49:05 GMT

It was such a joy to photograph this family again. They recently welcomed sweet little Eleanor to the family, she was about 6 weeks when I got to meet her. She has the prettiest blue eyes and a slight smile you will see in some of the photos. Welcome sweet Eleanor we are glad you are here!

Skelton Blue Wedding

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 14:04:20 GMT

On a bright summer day in August, Cynthia and Jeff became Mr. & Mrs. Blue. The morning was filled with laughter as the girls finished up getting ready at the Double Tree by lake Ivanhoe in Orlando, Florida. Their beautiful traditional ceremony was at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Winter Park. After the ceremony they exited the church surrounded by family, friends and lots of bubbles. Their reception was held at the beautiful Leu Gardens, after some pictures in the gardens they joined their guests and celebrated the evening dancing. The next day they left on their honeymoon to go on an eclipse cruise (To experience the full eclipse that happened over North America), how fun is that? Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Blue!

Church: Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Reception: Leu Gardens

Florals: In Bloom

Limo: Apollos Chariots

Catering: Levan's Catering

Cake: Publix

Quartet: Classern Quartet

Bridal Gown: Alfred Angelo

Tux's: Joseph A. Bank

Lighting: Orlando DJ and Lighting

DJ: Orlando DJ and Lighting

Evie turns three

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 18:19:21 GMT

Evie recently turned 3 and I got to do some updated portraits of her, her mom and their doxie Stella. I was looking back at her two year portraits (view them here) and you can see how much she has changed in a year. This is why portraits are so important, you forget all those little details and the images bring back those memories. We had to reschedule the shoot once due to rain and on the morning of the re-shoot it looked like it was going to happen again, but the clouds parted and we had some beautiful light. Her session was done at one of my favorite little courtyards in Winter Park by Casa Feliz.

Lifestyle Newborn Session- Aayan

Sat, 26 Aug 2017 19:01:03 GMT

My most recent lifestyle newborn session was for 3 week old Aayan. His name means Gift from God (isnt that so sweet?) I love lifestyle newborn sessions because you dont need an elaborate space or set up. You are capturing the moment of togetherness mere days or weeks after you bring your little one home.

Piper Turns One

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:32:28 GMT

I met sweet little Piper when she was just a few months ago. Her mom Casey and I work out together at Baby Boot Camp (kiddo's are in the stroller while the instructor gives you a workout you feel for the next week - if you live in the Orlando make sure to check out the link above and join us for a class!) She is just the cutest thing and I was thrilled to take her one year pictures. Her birthday theme is flamingos. So we did a fun little set up for her cake smash with that. We did her pictures early in the morning (so so hot right now!) at Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park, FL. The light was so pretty that morning and we had the gardens to ourselves. I love how the images are so bright and colorful but I am also a sucker for black and whites. And with the texture in these images I had a hard time deciding on my favorites. Happy 1st Birthday Piper!