Alex + Rachel | Engaged
Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer
Engaged ~ March 10, 2011
I walked into
my FIRST worship team practice, EVER….. and there he was. Alex Vargas. At first sight, he can be intimidating… he’s always taller than everyone in the room… however, I quickly found out that Alex Vargas is one of the most gentle spirited people I have ever met. Someone once described him as a big teddy bear and I think that title fits him perfectly. He cares so deeply for people and even though he may never show up to practice on time… he’s one INSANELY TALENTED musician. Alex actually played in the band at OUR wedding ceremony and so when Alex and Rachel asked me to be a part of THEIR wedding day, of course
I was thrilled!! These two are amazing. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for this couple because they have dated since high school and that’s HARD to do. When you date over 6 years… you enter into this “umm, we should be married by now” phase and it can be tough. Michael and I dated for 8 years before we were married and so I know how excited these two are! I mean, can you imagine calling someone your “boyfriend” over and over for almost a decade and then one day getting to say “And this is my HUSBAND, Michael!” I still love saying that…. sometimes I’ll ask a teenager at church “Hey have you seen my husband?” just because I can. It’s wonderful. Marriage is wonderful and I’m so excited for Alex and Rachel’s big day!! I can tell you already that there will be TEARS a-flowing!
.
Alex and Rach, I loved my time with you! I’m so thankful for your friendship and SO incredibly honored to be a part of your big day!! Bring it on September!!!!!!!! Enjoy my favorites!!
Rachel you’re so photogentic! I love it!
No, sorry, THIS is my fav! I have many! Gosh!!! How cute are they?!
Alex you have such a great smile! …. and laugh…Alex laughs constantly……like, CONSTANTLY. If he’s not laughing… something is wrong!:)
I made them stand in a briar patch for this one…thorns and all… I’m so MEAN! But it was worth it:)
I love how cute Hilton Village is! Why don’t we design houses like these nowadays?!
ow-ow!
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James: ( December 8, 2011 2:59 pm ) Looking sharp, Sauce. Real. Sharp.
fall wedding virginia eastern shore wedding | Virginia Wedding Photographer | Katelyn James Photography: ( September 29, 2011 1:46 pm ) [...] 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 [...]
Barbi Talbert: ( April 11, 2011 11:53 pm ) Beautiful! Just beautiful! Love you, both!
mary ellen cornwell: ( March 28, 2011 2:41 pm ) LOVE the pictures guys!!! Really like the one with Rach in plaid and you two looking at each other. Sweet and touching!! Best wishes always!
Teresa Chandler: ( March 20, 2011 5:08 pm ) These are great! It would be hard to choose a favorite.... your wedding pictures will be stunning!!
Stephanie: ( March 18, 2011 5:52 am ) What a natural beauty :) Great photos.
Catie: ( March 15, 2011 4:46 pm ) Oh my gosh I love them. They make me smile! Congratulations you two <3
Emily Lacasse: ( March 14, 2011 2:47 pm ) Aww you guys are so cute! Congrats Rachel! Maybe I'll see you this summer! :)
Emily Lacasse: ( March 14, 2011 2:45 pm ) Awwww you guys are so cute! Congrats Rachel! I'll probably see you this summer sometime so I'll congratulate you again then! :)
Lauren Rowan: ( March 14, 2011 12:53 am ) These really are gorgeous. Congratulations you two!
Zach Brackett: ( March 14, 2011 12:38 am ) Alex you are so superdeeduperdee SEXY! Rachel is so lucky to have such a sexy hunk of man meat! Miss you guys! Can't wait for the big day!
Reva: ( March 13, 2011 10:17 pm ) Congratulations!! The pictures are absolutely beautiful. I wish you both the best!
Brooke Leatherbury: ( March 13, 2011 9:11 pm ) The engagement pictures are great! Rachel you are beautiful and I wish you both a long, happy life together!
Sara: ( March 13, 2011 8:50 pm ) Love!!! Great job!!
Jason Turner: ( March 13, 2011 8:28 pm ) looks great
Emily: ( March 13, 2011 8:09 pm ) Ahh Rachel and Vargas! Your pictures are beautiful! Favorties are the ones where Rachel is smiling at the camera and Alex is just looking at her. Love it. :) Congrats again you two!
Emily Henry: ( March 13, 2011 4:01 pm ) These pictures are absolutely amazing! You two are adorable
Hope Carroll: ( March 13, 2011 12:19 am ) OK, please tell me - what lens is your fave and which did you use the most for this shoot?
Kristin Nicole: ( March 12, 2011 10:43 pm ) So cute!
Rebecca: ( March 12, 2011 8:19 pm ) These pictures are amazinggg. You two look awesome and i love you both!
Carmaleta Ann: ( March 12, 2011 4:47 pm ) Love these pics!!!!! My favorite would have to be the one that shows their reflection in the window! AMAZING!
Lillie: ( March 12, 2011 3:45 pm ) These are absolutely stunning! I'm so happy for you two. :)
Brittany: ( March 12, 2011 3:29 pm ) love the pics :)
Andrea: ( March 12, 2011 3:18 pm ) Beautiful pictures!
Dave: ( March 12, 2011 12:11 pm ) Photos look great! Great looking couple.
Pam: ( March 12, 2011 12:09 pm ) Great photos!
Ariel: ( March 12, 2011 3:00 am ) Great pictures
joe: ( March 12, 2011 2:47 am ) Wow Alex, you certainly are marrying up ;). So glad to see such a genuine caring man get such a gorgeous wife.
Matt: ( March 12, 2011 1:49 am ) Congratulation Alex and Rachel! You two are such an awesome couple and I'm so happy to check out these photos. Nice job on the ring ;)
Naomi: ( March 12, 2011 1:27 am ) Gorgeous! I ADORE the ring shot! Unbelievable...and also the last one with the little piece of hair blowing in the wind. So beautiful!
Meghan stapleton: ( March 12, 2011 12:43 am ) You two look amazing... I'm so happy for you... Congrats :)
Leanne Wight: ( March 11, 2011 11:13 pm ) Really love the last picture with them leaning up against the white wooden building with black window trim, where you can see their reflection in the window! That is really beautiful! And what a pretty ring! I've never actually seen someone with a heart shaped diamond! Cool!
Susan: ( March 11, 2011 10:11 pm ) They are so wonderful Rachel and Alex. Rachel, what are you doing selling books, coffee and stationary at the Book Bin? (PLEEEASE Don't leave us, though!!!!) - you should be modeling!
Micayla canales: ( March 11, 2011 9:31 pm ) These are wonderful pictures guys! congrats!!!
Jenna Detter: ( March 11, 2011 7:55 pm ) Really beautiful pictures!!!
Alex DeMarco: ( March 11, 2011 7:54 pm ) Great pictures
Sarah: ( March 11, 2011 7:40 pm ) Absolutely gorgeous! Love the ones in the briar patch! Rachel, you are lovelyyyyyy. :)
Nikki: ( March 11, 2011 7:22 pm ) These pictures are awesome! Best of luck!
Jackie: ( March 11, 2011 6:27 pm ) Beautiful Pictures! I'm so happy for the both of ya'll! Congrats!
Melody Brackett: ( March 11, 2011 5:41 pm ) LOVE LOVE LOVE these pictures! Alex and Rachel, they are beautiful! You both are beautiful and Katelyn you did a beautiful job! I am so excited for you both and Zach and I love and miss you guys!
Kari: ( March 11, 2011 4:37 pm ) Aww, they're so very great guys! LOVE them! Congratulations again! Wish you all the very best!
Danielle: ( March 11, 2011 3:58 pm ) These pictures are amazing! Love you guys!
Cordie Lee Davis: ( March 11, 2011 3:45 pm ) First of all, congratulations!!! Secondly, you two are by far the most perfect match made in heaven! You both have the kindest of hearts and the most loving ways! These pictures definitely showcase the compassion you have for each other. Best of luck on all your further endeavors! :) <3
Michael Piper: ( March 11, 2011 3:12 pm ) Great photos! Beautiful couple. And in my neighborhood! Took me a while to catch on.
Trudi: ( March 11, 2011 2:54 pm ) Absolutely lovely
Janelle Esposito: ( March 11, 2011 2:47 pm ) This is one of the most ADORABLE and joyful engagement sessions I have seen in a long time from anyone. CONGRATS ALEX AND RACHEL.
Leigh: ( March 11, 2011 2:39 pm ) These pictures are breathtakingly beautiful.....a true reflections of an amazing couple!
Bethany Floyd: ( March 11, 2011 2:03 pm ) Beautiful pictures :) You can see thelove exuding from both of you. Congratulations again!
Mary: ( March 11, 2011 1:56 pm ) Excellent photos! Congratulations to both of you.
Patrick: ( March 11, 2011 1:17 pm ) These photos are wonderful, but I should have expected nothing less coming from Katelyn James. I'm so happy for both of you, this is so great!
Kimber Wassenberg: ( March 11, 2011 1:11 pm ) This is my favorite engagement post yet! I love the outfits, the poses, the light and the couple!!! I LOVE these pictures!!!!
Elizabeth and Ryan | Elizabeth Ryan Photography: ( March 11, 2011 12:30 pm ) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the reflection pictures!!!
Skyler: ( March 11, 2011 12:21 pm ) Alex, I am so luck to have been your roommate, even if it was for just a few short month. You have such a heart for people that its intoxicating to those around you (in a good way, of course). Brown pandas couldn't be any more tertiary under proximal conditions ;-) Anyways, I love you guys! Congratulations!
jessica b: ( March 11, 2011 11:51 am ) thes photos are amazing! I'm so exited for the two of you!
Anastasia: ( March 11, 2011 11:44 am ) PS I love the sweater dress choice Rachel! :) :)
Anastasia: ( March 11, 2011 11:44 am ) SO excited to see these! Gorgeous pics. Katelyn - you are so talented. These guys have been raving about you for months, I'm glad to finally see for myself!
wendy eveett: ( March 11, 2011 8:16 am ) Rachel and Alex your pitctures are beautiful. Congratulations to you both.
Paul Rienerth: ( March 11, 2011 4:35 am ) Hey congrats you two... I know someone said it earlier but nice ring by the way for real...and these photos are very classy and I like a lot of the black and white ones too...surprised there wasn't a few random ones of alex doing something ridiculous though :)
Girish: ( March 11, 2011 4:30 am ) That's one big shoot :), love it. Great candid poses and shots, well use of focus. Good light (overcast I think) Well done !
Amy J: ( March 11, 2011 3:53 am ) You two are amazing! So excited for you both! Great pictures KK!
caroline: ( March 11, 2011 2:53 am ) that ring is so unique! beautiful couple!!
leah: ( March 11, 2011 2:46 am ) YOU TWO ARE BEAUTIFUL! WOO!
Danyelle: ( March 11, 2011 2:43 am ) LOVE these!
Jeremy: ( March 11, 2011 2:22 am ) I love you guys...seeing you guys in these pictures all looking amazing....I love you guys!
Bryan Collins: ( March 11, 2011 2:19 am ) Holy crap! My best friends finally getting married!!! So ridiculous happy for you guys! I literally felt like crying have looking that these pictures cause im soooo ridiculous excited and happy for you both! I love you both and again great pictures! You both look amazing!!!! Katelyn, great job with the photos as well!
Alex Vargas: ( March 11, 2011 2:05 am ) Wow, Katelyn. You did such an amazing job. I honestly can say that I expected nothing less from such a gifted, talented and humble professional. Thank you so much for a being a great friend to me and Rachel! We love you!
Daniel Gordon: ( March 11, 2011 1:54 am ) I love it! You guys are amazing! and adorable!!!!
Diana Cox: ( March 11, 2011 1:51 am ) WOW! you guys are sooooo adorable!!!!!!! I love it!!!
jess: ( March 11, 2011 1:42 am ) these are so pretty so happy for you two!
Elizabeth: ( March 11, 2011 1:17 am ) oh my....these are amazing!!! i love love love them!!!
Lydia: ( March 11, 2011 1:04 am ) Beautiful pictures, Ra. Love the 'Monica' necklace. Can't wait to watch you walk down that aisle!
Lauren W: ( March 11, 2011 12:55 am ) So cute! Such a beautiful couple- and Katelyn, you did such a great job capturing their personalities!
Beth G: ( March 11, 2011 12:45 am ) I love you guys so much and these pictures actually capture how amazing you are! I can't wait to see you get married!
Ellen Miles: ( March 11, 2011 12:44 am ) Wonderful, beautiful, happy people!
Emma Sanz: ( March 11, 2011 12:44 am ) Such a beautiful couple!
Bev: ( March 11, 2011 12:39 am ) What incredible photos!! Incredible composition, incredible light, incredible settings, incredible expression...and most of all two incredible people!!!
Allison C.: ( March 11, 2011 12:32 am ) Just beautiful! Congrats, you two!
Jenny Lovell: ( March 11, 2011 12:29 am ) These are soooooo beautiful! Great photographer, great people. :]
Joe: ( March 11, 2011 12:25 am ) These are really great pictures! It portrayed not only Alex and Rachel but the love that they have between them.
crystal stanley: ( March 11, 2011 12:17 am ) these photos are gorgeous!! congrats!!
Laura F: ( March 11, 2011 12:13 am ) Omgosh...so lovely! Such a cute couple, and gorgeous shots!
Allyson: ( March 11, 2011 12:11 am ) As always.... LOVE! These are amazing!
Christy Lewis: ( March 11, 2011 12:08 am ) I absolutely love these! My favorite is the one with their reflection in the window. What a beautiful couple. Awesome as always!
Shannon: ( March 10, 2011 11:59 pm ) You two look soo cute together. My fav pic is the one with the ring in the bushes. On how the red leaves (love) surround the ring
jon burrington: ( March 10, 2011 11:43 pm ) WOOT WOOT!!!! What a good lookin couple!!! Congratulations guy!
Vickie Sams: ( March 10, 2011 11:41 pm ) Congratulations! I LOVE these pictures...you two look great, and very impressed with Katelyn James.
Michelle Thomas: ( March 10, 2011 11:39 pm ) Beautiful pictures, guys! So excited for your big day! :)
Sara: ( March 10, 2011 11:39 pm ) OHMYGOSH I CANNOT PICK A FAVORITE. I love them all...I love Rachel...I love Alex...I love "them" being a "them"...AHHHHH LOOOVEEE!!!!
Quagmire: ( March 10, 2011 11:38 pm ) giggity giggity goo!
Rachel Patterson: ( March 10, 2011 11:36 pm ) These are fantastic pictures! Rachel and Alex - you are such a fabulous couple!
Janice: ( March 10, 2011 11:18 pm ) wow, amazing pics but it's easy when your subjects are as beautiful and charming as these two! I remember when they first started dating, being from the same area and watching them grow up at Onancock Baptist. They have been in my prayers over the years and I am happy for them and their future! "Love, true love is what brings us together today: God bless Rachel and Alex!
Ellie Blalock: ( March 10, 2011 11:15 pm ) Congrats to Rachel & Alex! The photos look great!!
kate iseman: ( March 10, 2011 11:12 pm ) BEAUTIFUL!! all i cant think of is.....FINALLY!! and so happy for you both.
Gina Crockett: ( March 10, 2011 11:12 pm ) These pictures are the best!!! Rachael and Alex are such a handsome couple!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
katie matthews: ( March 10, 2011 11:12 pm ) gorgeous!!
Kelly: ( March 10, 2011 11:04 pm ) Awesome photos! Best of luck Rachel and Alex.
erin steuber: ( March 10, 2011 11:03 pm ) I miss you guys terribly and these are absolutely beautiful! I am so happy for the both of you. Love you guys.
crystal parks: ( March 10, 2011 10:56 pm ) Very cute photos. Love the water ones especially.
Bethany Boveri: ( March 10, 2011 10:55 pm ) I love them all! You guys are adorable!
Lynne Boveri: ( March 10, 2011 10:54 pm ) These pictures are fabulous and Rachel you are so gorgeous!!! :)
Angela B.: ( March 10, 2011 10:48 pm ) So beautiful!! Congratulations to you two!
amanda west: ( March 10, 2011 10:47 pm ) Oh My! The first one from your making them stand in the briar patch........... there is something so totally innocent there. It's breath taking!! You can literally feel it!! You are so awesome.
Bridget: ( March 10, 2011 10:46 pm ) They are so beautiful, Rachel and Alex. Katelyn, what an excellent job.
Ann Usack O'Grady: ( March 10, 2011 10:43 pm ) Such beautiful photos! So happy for you two!
katie yuen: ( March 10, 2011 9:54 pm ) GORGEOUS! I think the colors are all really beautiful too! muted and wintery but still vibrant.. great job katelyn :)
Rachel: ( March 10, 2011 9:41 pm ) Katelyn, thanks again for a fantastic day! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!!! And I LOOOOOVE the ring shot!!! :)
Erin Cefalu: ( March 10, 2011 9:35 pm ) The last one and the 5th to last one are my favorites! Ah so good!
Isabel: ( March 10, 2011 9:11 pm ) Love! They all came out fabu!
amanda: ( March 10, 2011 9:08 pm ) simply one of the best sessions ever because I can feel the loooooove more than ever! I AM IN LOVE WITH THE RING SHOT!
rhonda: ( March 10, 2011 8:52 pm ) oh Katelyn - how beautiful - you captured their true beauty and love for each other!! Great job!!!! Love them all!
stephanie b: ( March 10, 2011 8:46 pm ) hands down one of my favorite esessions ever. she is SOOOOOO beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
Lawren Bryce: ( March 10, 2011 8:39 pm ) Rachel and Alex..you guys are officially my favorites! Rachel, you are stunning, inside and out! I love you guys so much!! Katelyn, you did a fantastic job (as you always do) of capturing their personalities and their love. YAY for having friends on the blog!!
Tammynize: ( March 10, 2011 8:18 pm ) oooo. those pictures of them sitting down! I love the poses and composition on those. :) The last one with her hair whipping in the wind is beautiful.