Vendor Spotlight – Rachel Havel Photography

Every couple wants a comfortable relationship with their wedding photographer, how else can you expect authentic and gorgeous photos of the big day? Rachel Havel puts couples (and other vendors!) at ease with her calming and warm presence. Her photos, bursting with rich tones and romantic energy, have a simple and understated elegance that most couples are searching for. We are delighted each time we get to work with Rachel and we want you to get to know the lovely woman behind the camera!

Kelly Karli Weddings & Events: Tell us a little about yourself and your business!

Rachel Havel: I am a wedding photographer based in Colorado. I specialize in photographing love-inspired legacies for the adventurers, the dreamers, and the authentic. I believe that in all that we do, we should live adventurously and love deeply. I live life with my heart first and am constantly seeking inspiration. Whether I am found in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, or the aching in my soul for the ocean, I am most inspired surrounded by the beauty of this world.

KKWE: What is your experience working with wedding planners?

RH: Oh man, the vendors are everything to me! I believe that every vendor involved in the wedding is incredibly valuable and that we all make up a unique team for that wedding. In the end, we’re all in it together so that we can provide the best experience for the couple and their guests. Wedding planners are priceless in my opinion. They have orchestrated some of the smoothest wedding days I’ve been a part of and are such a gift to any couple who has one. I always highly recommend having a planner for every couple, no matter the size of the wedding.

KKWE: How would you describe your style and aesthetic?

RH: There’s nothing more important to me than to create images that are timeless, natural, and heartfelt. I believe that less is more, and true elegance is found in simplicity and grace. Ultimately, no two weddings should look the same. Every couple is unique and interacts in a different way, and I always seek to bring out the authenticity and playfulness each couple has together.

KKWE: What (or who) inspires you in life and in your work?

RH: I could really compose a hefty answer here because I’m inspired by a lot. I believe the first step in finding inspiration is intentionality. There’s literally beauty everywhere as we go throughout our day. Whether it’s found in my loved ones around me, or the greater world, we have to be willing to tune into it to be able to embrace it. I am most inspired by music, nature, art and cultures. The biggest prerequisite is that it must evoke emotion in my heart!

KKWE: How would you describe your creative process?

RH: Connection is the foundation of all that I do. Almost anyone can create a beautiful image, but to create images that touch the heart and soul require human connection. I thrive on creating personal relationships with my couple’s and I believe that this is what takes my images from simply beautiful, to images that create an emotional connection that are a visual story of their legacy.

KKWE: What’s your favorite way to unwind?

RH: More than anything, I love being with my family. Whether we’re loading up the car and sipping on a bottomless cup of coffee while we drive through the mountains exploring new terrain, or we’re sipping on wine and cooking up some amazing food while music floats through the house. As long as we’re together and connecting our hearts, I don’t ever want to leave that place.

KKWE: If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you want to do?

RH: You know, creativity flows through the veins of my family and it wasn’t until I found photography that I ever really felt like I had found my passion. Little did I know that I would develop an equally big passion for business. I have found that I love being able to sit with fellow creatives and encourage and inspire them to create success and pursue their best. If I weren’t a wedding photographer, you’d still find me creating personal connections as a business coach for creatives.