My blog has a new home...

It's time for me to move on and my blog now has a new home. Here is the link to come visit:

www.rachelbellphotography.com/news

I hope to see you there!

Truly Simple, Truly Love...

Surrounded by the people they hold most dear in their lives, Emma and Andrew were married today. Even the ice storm subsided and the sun peeked out just as they were headed to their ceremony at Portland City Hall.

I always believe that each day we should learn at least one new thing. Today I learned a number of things. I learned that you can purchase Tabasco sauce in unbelievably large jugs...straight from Louisiana!

I learned how to walk gracefully through the snow and icy sidewalks with very high stiletto heels. I'm not sure I'll ever try it, but it is quite impressive!

I learned that there are people willing to travel halfway around the world (from Brunei) and brave driving in an ice storm to be by their loved ones sides and bear witness to a union filled with promise for the future and true, pure joy.

But what I learned that was most important was really a reminder of things that sometimes get forgotten in the daily grind. I learned to live simply, remember what is most important and forget about the unnecessary details that cause stress and unhappiness.

Andrew said it so beautifully when he was thanking everyone for being a part of today. He said sometimes people walk down the aisle worrying about their floral arrangments. When he was walking to City Hall holding Emma's hand, all he was thinking about was the life they were going to share together and how much he truly loved the woman standing by his side.

Emma and Andrew thank you so much for such a lovely day. You are an inspiration to me...truly simple, truly love!

Sara and Mike - Blustery Day but Lots of Love

After much weather watching, the rain stopped long enough for us to meet for Sara and Mike's engagement shoot. We came prepared for all types of wet weather, but what we didn't expect was the incredible wind! But even bone-chilling gusts from the north didn't faze our climbing fences, scaling rock walls and keeping warm with a pair of four-legged cuties as well!

Sara and Mike...thank you for sharing your love and joy today and bringing this "old lady" on some fun adventures! Here are just a few of my favorites. I can't wait until October...enjoy!

Baby Feet and Taking the Leap...Tick Tock, Tick Tock

After the last of my three beautiful children were born, I decided the factory was closed for business. I held to that thought until I did this gorgeous little baby's session. Now, I really am done myself, but I still felt that little pang of "just one more". However, knowing full well that "just one more" will have me so old on the other end that I will be drooling in the corner as they ask me for the car keys, I have decided to invest time in my new "baby".

I am taking the leap and expanding my studio to continue sessions indoors through the long winter months and those unexpected weather days. My main reason for growing is so I have a wonderful place for my new Red Shoe Sessions. These sessions are designed for women to have confidence in their bodies and love their skin...an issue near and dear to my heart! Find out more about "what's your sexy?" parties coming soon.

In the meantime, as I start nurturing my new studio baby, here are some images of the baby that got my clock tick-tocking...

Gift Cards are Here!

Give the gift of memories this season…or any time of the year.

New appliances break and clothing goes out of style, but images that preserve the special moments of your life will be with you always. Gift cards are a wonderful alternative for the person who is hard to buy for or who has everything.

Here are just a few of the many ways you can use our gift cards:

• Newborn/maternity sessions for little miracles
• Children/families to document special moments
• Engagement session for a newly promised couple
• Sessions for the not so new but deeply in love
• Red Shoe sessions – What’s your sexy?
• Sessions for everyday or milestones
• Any prints or albums…simply everything!

Please contact me to help you create a gift card package that is right for you...

New Holiday Card Options

I am so pleased to be able to be rolling out new options for families who would like to order holiday cards. I am now offering 5x5 folded cards which can be left blank inside for personal notes or have customized text added. Any of my 5x5 designs can be used for this type of card. Here are some new designs I am very excited about!

The biggest leaf pile ever!

I started my holiday card sessions today and it was just a gorgeous day...no wind, not too cold and leaf piles everywhere. We had loads of fun and I am still finding little leaf crumbles in the pockets of my jeans! The families were fantastic and the hot chocolate and treats went quick. What a blast! Here are just a couple of fun moments during the shoots. I wish I had the time and space to post all of my favorites...