a friend’s wedding, it’s like the best of both worlds. I get to be a apart of their celebration and I also get to be behind the scenes. I literally spent ALL day with Alex and Rachel and I loved every minute of it! You may remember these two from their engagement session. I was a part of a worship team for Intervarsity at CNU and that’s where I met Alex. Alex and I met sophomore year and continued to be a part of the band until we graduated. What you need to know is that this band wasn’t a typical band. We were a family. We spent literally HOURS sharing our life with one another. It was the most RANDOM group of people and I loved it. I remember hearing Alex talk about Rachel and since they
started dating the same time Michael and I did, I could relate to all of Alex’s stories about how hard it was to have a long distance relationship and how marriage seemed SO far off in the future. Over the course of those three years, that band shared some amazing stories and then sometimes we would come together and one of us would be really broken. I’ve watched Alex walk through some really hard times in life and because I’ve seen all of the ups and downs that he has experienced…it made being a part of his wedding day so incredible. I’ve watched the last 3 years of Alex and Rachel’s story unfold and I can honestly say that I have never seen Alex so happy. When he saw Rachel for the first time, he was speechless… and if you know Alex Vargas… that NEVER happens!:) He hugged her, kissed her and as he tried to hold back the tears, he whispered that she was stunning and he didn’t deserve her……Whew! Those moments get me every time! I’m trying to shoot and I get all choked up! It’s such an honor to be a part of the happiest day of my friend’s life. I was reminded, once again, of how much I love my job. Alex and Rachel have waited 8 YEARS for this day and despite the rain and drizzle, it was absolutely perfect in every way. I love these two and Michael and I are SO happy for them!!! Alex and Rach, you are two incredible people! I love you both and I hope Mexico is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! You’re MARRIED! FINALLY!!! Yesss!!!
LOVE THESE SHOES!
Oh Rachel… there are no words. You look AMAZING.
I was whispering to Alex “don’t you dare turn around! Just a few more seconds!”. Alex is like a big kid, he could barely contain himself!!
Told ya she looked amazinggggg!!!
I’m pretty sure I told Alex to look off into the distance but he just kept staring at her… and that’s totally fine with me:)
love them.
Love the one on the right!
ALEX!!!!! GAH! You look like you own the place!
It was raining in ALL of these pictures…. these people are awesome.
The band pic.
Probably one of my most favorite bridal portraits ever.
yes. yes. yes.
Of course Kerr Place would have an ORANGE room to match their fall wedding colors. How perfect.
And it was raining during these too! These two care about their PORTRAITS! They would do anything for a good pic!
Ok, this is such a fun idea! Rachel and Alex grew up together in Onancock on the Eastern Shore. Rach made a hand drawn map of their little town and each table was named after a different location in Onancock!
Donuts?! Awesome.
Reception | Ker Place
Dress | Casablanca Bridal (Purchased at Russell’s Formals)
Florals | Basket and Bows
Ceremony | Onancock Baptist Church
Bakery | Corner Bakery
Catering | Exmore Diner
Invitations | The Book Bin
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
MORE RECENT POSTS
Have you ever tried to sit down with your spouse to talk about dreams, goals, and vision—only for it to turn into frustration or misalignment? If so, you’re not alone. Vision casting in marriage is hard because it brings up deeper fears, beliefs, and unspoken dynamics that many couples don’t even realize are at play.
Success—it’s a word we hear all the time. But what does it really mean? Is it about financial security? Status? Owning a dream home or taking extravagant vacations?
When you think about your business, do you see it as simply a job—or something more?
Today, I’m diving into an experience that was nothing like I anticipated: my digital detox in December. If you’ve ever considered taking a break from the noise of the online world, you might relate to my journey—the good, the surprising, and the, well, completely unplanned.
The wedding industry has faced unique challenges recently, with inflation affecting budgets and couples cutting costs. If you’re a wedding photographer feeling the pinch, don’t worry—2025 doesn’t have to be a slow year.
Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Over the last few months, I’ve been on a medical rollercoaster that I never saw coming.
Top Personal Posts
Have a little time to read?
"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”
"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”
"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”
"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”
"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”
"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"
The KJ blog
must-reads
YOUTUBE
The KJ Learning roadmap
