San Francisco Documentary Wedding Photographer

I document people — on their wedding day and in their everyday lives — truthfully and with care. For me, that means paying close attention, seeing with an open mind, and being attuned to the flow of energy around me. It’s about noticing subtle details and unassuming moments as much as the pronounced ones. Ultimately, it’s about creating images that evoke feelings and memories, that transport you back into scenes and connect you with an ephemeral moment.

Creating an affirming, safe, and inclusive space, especially for queer and bipoc communities, is of utmost importance to me. It matters that people feel seen, and can see themselves reflected in their photos. I show up with curiosity rather than preconceptions of what a wedding should look like, and I prioritize the way couples want to experience their day.

My approach to photographing gatherings is community-centered and rooted in presence. Drawn to ritual, gesture, synchronicity, and connection, I have been documenting weddings full time since 2012 and feel immense gratitude for being invited into people’s lives. The up close, intimate witnessing is truly a gift.

I work with folks who want to celebrate love in their own way, who aren’t striving for perfection, and who value sincere, heartfelt storytelling. For those with an openness to trust this creative and collaborative process, I would love to connect.

Wedding Photographer in San Francisco + Traveling Anywhere

Hi, I’m Rachelle.

A documentary wedding photographer living on the foggy coast in San Francisco. I photograph weddings primarily in Northern California, and occasionally in other parts of the world.

Working with me is as relaxed as it gets. I’m a calming presence on your wedding day, comfortable blending into a wide range of dynamics and environments. I show up with enthusiasm, joy, and deep gratitude for the privilege of bearing witness.

“I could not recommend Rachelle more. We knew from her photographs that we loved her style. We could see from her work her magical ability to capture the raw emotion of a moment, the sweetness in an embrace, the feeling in a touch. We loved her style, her eye, and all the talent that went into her body of work. But we grew to love her even more once we met her. She was the perfect calming presence on our wedding day. The photographer is the person who spends the most time with you as you are getting ready, on a day when you are FULL of nerves and anxieties. Rachelle was there, a present, easy-going, peaceful presence that made both my partner and I feel so much more at ease throughout the day.

Her work speaks for itself, but her character is what sets her above and beyond. I would hire her again and again and again if I could.”   R & J