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Wedding and Family Photographer: Expanding Beyond Weddings | Rachel Dowd Photography

  • racheldowdphotos
  • Apr 27
  • 2 min read

Alternative couple eloping in Payson, Arizona shares an intimate moment on a mountain cliff. Bride with long red hair in a black wedding dress embraces groom in all black attire, surrounded by dramatic forest views and rugged terrain—perfect for adventurous elopements in Arizona.



There’s something really special about photographing someone you’ve known forever. Like, since-our-teen-years-and-bumming-cigarettes-off-their-mom forever. That’s the kind of friendship I have with Kaylee.



Throwback photo of two teenage girls posing indoors—one smiling softly at the camera with blonde hair and a nose piercing, the other making a goofy face with glasses and short brown hair. A candid snapshot of friendship from the early 2000s.
Kaylee & I in 2013 about to cause mayhem



We went through our divorces around the same time, and I got a front-row seat to her love story with Jerry—from those flirty beginnings to their beautiful family of four.



Young tattooed family of four smiling outdoors during a summer photo session in a lush green garden—dad with a beard and floral leg tattoos, mom with long burgundy hair holding a baby girl in a bow headband, and an older daughter in striped shirt and shorts sitting beside them.


Kaylee was actually my very first boudoir session back in 2020 (or was it 2021?). I still remember that day like it was yesterday. She showed up fully herself—bold, hilarious, and real—and I knew in that moment that photographing people in their element, in all their messy, beautiful authenticity, was something I wanted to do forever.



Pregnant woman in black lingerie sitting on a bed, embracing her baby bump in a soft, natural light maternity boudoir session.
Not our first boudoir session... or our last....



I later had the honor of capturing her vow renewal with Jerry after their daughter was born. Watching them stand together, surrounded by love and the life they built—it hit different. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a whole chapter.





Since then, I’ve done their family photos, her sister-in-law’s maternity sessions, boudoir shoots, and her elopement. I’ve photographed their babies growing up, and even Kaylee’s mom (yes—the same hot mama who I bummed smokes off of when I was 18) trusted me with her boudoir session.





I’ve realized that these connections don’t just end at “I do.” They keep growing, and I want to grow with them.



Couple cuddle on chair holding newborn daughter while older daughter looks at camera and smiles


That’s why I’m shifting. I’ll always love weddings—don’t worry, those aren't going anywhere—but I also want to keep showing up for my people after the wedding. For the baby bumps, the new beginnings, the family chaos, and the “just because” moments that make up real life.

It’s more than business. It’s community. It’s watching your story unfold and being lucky enough to document it every step of the way.




Alternative couple in black wedding attire share an intimate moment in the dense woods in Payson, Arizona.


So whether you're planning your wedding, welcoming a new baby, or just want to celebrate exactly where you're at—I’m here for it. With my camera, my whole heart, and probably snacks.


Special Thanks to Kaylee, Jerry, Chelsea, Zack, Rhonda and their family for allowing me to document their magical little life and all of the milestones, updates and everything in-between.


Rachel Dowd | Wedding & Family Photographer

 
 
 

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