I’ve always dreamed of taking a girls trip. That trip came true this August for me, my sister, and our cousins, Katharine and Jordyn. We’d been thinking about taking a girls trip for a while, and we finally decided to just do it. Our aunt and uncle are living in Athens for the next couple of years (they work for the embassy), so we figured we had to go visit them soon and take advantage of their current location!

We began our adventure in Athens. Our days in the city were filled with exploring Monastiraki Square, marveling at the ancient Parthenon, and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Athens was such a unique city. It was so interesting to see such a modern city glittered with ruins in “random” places. It felt like history was coming alive.

We visited Monastiraki Square during the night and day. It was such different vibes during both. Even though it was as late as 10 p.m. at night, people were still just arriving at restaurants to eat! Back where I live, it’s normal for restaurants to close at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. on a weekday. 

After a couple of days in Athens, we flew to Crete, which quickly became one of my favorite places.

The island had everything—breathtaking landscapes, warm-hearted people, and unforgettable food. Two beaches stood out: Falasarna and Elafonisi, each more stunning than the last.

Watching the sunset at Falassarna felt surreal, like a scene from a painting. At first we struggled to choose what the best beach would be to visit, but we picked the ones that were easiest to get to, and they ended up being stunning. Elafonissi beach is known for its unique pink sand and glistening turquoise waters.

One of the best things to do in Crete, in my opinion, is explore the food scene. Everything is so fresh, flavorful, and I love the use of herbs and fresh olive oil. After sunset at Falasarna, we dined at Gramvousa Restaurant, a beautiful farm-to-table spot with some of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted. My favorite dish was their Cretan Salad, and lamb wrapped in Filo. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The restaurant was on part of the farm, everything was open air, no mosquitos, and beautifully decorated. It honestly felt like I was in a movie. While we waited for a table to open up, we got some drinks by the outdoor bar which was decorated in grape vines and had beautiful flowers and garnishes on display. The drinks were unique and hand-crafted. We sipped them, roamed around the restaurant’s garden, and picked grapes right off the vine: a perfect way to wait for our table.

One of the trip highlights was wandering around in Old Town Chania in Crete. It was so walkable (which is nice because you don’t need to drive and worry about parking). The Old Town was bustling with energy. There were so many restaurant options, an old fort that we walked on to watch the sunset, and plenty of little pop up shops to explore into the night. We ended up eating at a waterfront seafood restaurant that offered us some free Raki for dessert.

On our last night, we tried another farm-to-table restaurant, Peskesi, which my aunt’s friend from the embassy recommended. The fresh bread and olive oil were incredible, and every bite was bursting with flavor. The menu was detailed and explained the source of each of their menu items, its travel distance to the restaurant, and how everything impacted the environment. Everything at Peskesi was done with such care.

Leaving Greece, its delicious cuisine, and my aunt and uncle was hard. The food alone was a reason to stay! This trip with family was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and memories that I’ll always treasure. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Until next time Crete,

Rachael

Samantha and Stephen’s Boston engagement session was the perfect blend of fun, spontaneity, and genuine moments. We started early in the morning in the heart of Boston, before the city had fully woken up. With the quiet streets and iconic Boston landmarks as our backdrop, it felt like we had the entire city to ourselves, creating the perfect atmosphere for this engagement photography session.

Right from the start, it was clear how laid-back and easygoing Samantha and Stephen are as a couple. Their chemistry made this engagement shoot feel effortless, with natural moments of laughter and joy replacing any stiff posing. As we wandered through Boston, we stumbled upon a local donut shop, and without hesitation, decided to pop in. This spontaneous stop gave us some of the most memorable photos, showcasing their fun-loving personalities and genuine connection.

Capturing these candid moments during their Boston engagement photography really highlighted why I love doing engagement shoots—it’s not just about perfect poses, but about preserving real memories that reflect who the couple truly is. For Samantha and Stephen, that meant donuts, laughter, and exploring the city they love.

If you’re looking for Boston engagement photographers or planning your own Boston engagement photos, let’s connect! Sessions like these are all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience that tells your love story in the most authentic way. I’m beyond excited to also be photographing their wedding next summer, and I can’t wait to capture the next chapter of their love story!

When I first met Chrisanta of Married And Social, I was second shooting, and she was creating content for a wedding. Within a year, she was married, went full time, and now has two associates under her wing! Talk about a girl boss! When Chrisanta reached out to me about taking photos for her growing team, I was ecstatic! We looked at a few studios, but ultimately fell in love with the vibe of The Newburyport Studio. The clean walls, simple decor, and professional atmosphere was everything we needed. Chrisanta also brought a beautifully decorated (and delicious!) cake by United Cakes Bakery. Talk about a sweet surprise!

Thank you Chrisanta, Sasha, and Amber for allowing me to capture these special images. I can’t wait to see the beautiful weddings you get to be a part of in the coming years!

I called this post The Endless Summer, but the truth is that it’s so far from that. It’s ending way to fast. I only wish with all my heart that it wasn’t. This summer was somewhat unexpected. My cousins from Arizona visited and stayed with us for two whole months! We usually only see them once a year, or every other year if they can’t come down for Christmas. In the time they were here we tried to do everything. We went to Newport, went paddle boarding, ate ice cream, had Boston days, watched movies, played games, went up to Maine, went to the beach, etc…it was truly a summer that I never wanted to end.

My cousins went back to Arizona the other day, so I’ve been looking at the pictures of their time here. I sent in 5 rolls of film to Indie Film Lab and the scans recently came in. I love the photos. Some (ok, most) are blurry, but regardless, they bring me right back to the moment. This is the reason I take photos. Pictures are how I interact with the world, interact with my memories, and interact with my future self.

Until next time, cousins. Boston will be here waiting.

From the second I met Esther and Will over a Google Meet, I knew we would get along. They both have an infectious energy and laughter that lights up the room. Their beautiful wedding was at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA. Surrounded by so many friends and family (and their dog Joji!) we celebrated their union. One of my favorite parts of Esther and Will’s wedding was how much you could tell that they were loved. Their vows had me in tears, and all their friends and family were celebrating together as one. They walked down the aisle to a rendition of “Leaves from the Vine” (IYKYK), and I definitely shed a tear.

Esther and Will’s wedding was a reminder that as hectic and stressful as wedding days can be, if you truly focus on the reason that you are there, everything will be ok.

You love each other. Everyone is here to celebrate you. Let’s party.

Phoebe and Tucker’s wedding was nothing short of magical. Held at a beautiful golf course on the Northshore, their day was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Phoebe and Tucker’s love story began at a college party. Their connection was instant and has only grown stronger over the years. Their wedding day was a joyful celebration of that love, surrounded by friends and family who adore them.

The Northshore golf course provided a gorgeous backdrop for their big day. With its lush greenery and expansive views, it was the perfect setting. As the sun set, the golden light added a romantic touch, making every moment even more special.

One of the most unique touches was the wooden flowers made by Phoebe’s mom. Each flower was handcrafted with love, adding a personal and beautiful element to the wedding decor. It was beautiful to see the personal elements and hard work that Phoebe’s family put into her wedding day.

Another unique element of their day was the cake cutting. Instead of opting for a regular wedding cake, Phoebe and Tucker shared a Banoffee Pie, “a British dessert pie made from bananas, whipped cream, and a thick caramel sauce, combined either on a buttery biscuit base or one made from crumbled biscuits and butter.” With Phoebe’s family being from England, and this being the first dessert that she made for Tucker when they met, this seemed like the perfect fit.

Phoebe and Tucker’s wedding was a beautiful blend of love, family, and personal touches. I am  honored to have captured these memories for them, preserving the magic of their special day forever.

Love is a beautiful journey, and there’s no better way to immortalize it than through the art of photography. If you’re planning to tie the knot in 2024, I have exciting news for you! I am thrilled to announce that I am now booking weddings for the year 2024. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic, intimate elopement or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, I am here to help you capture every precious moment of your special day. I am Boston and New England based, but always willing the travel 🙂

Why Choose Rachael Shek Photography for Your 2024 Wedding?

1. Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in wedding photography, I am well-equipped to handle all the unique challenges and moments that come with the territory. From the quiet, heartfelt exchanges to the joyous bursts of laughter and the tear-filled vows, I’ve seen it all and am ready to document it beautifully.

2. Personalized Service: Your wedding day is as unique as your love story. I believe in getting to know you as a couple, understanding your preferences and style, and tailoring my approach accordingly. Your wedding photographs should reflect your personalities and the essence of your relationship.

3. Stunning, Timeless Imagery: My goal is to create images that will stand the test of time. Whether you prefer classic elegance, a modern aesthetic, or a blend of both, I have the skills and creativity to deliver photographs that you’ll cherish forever.

4. Attention to Detail: I understand that planning a wedding involves countless details, both big and small. Rest assured that I will be there to capture every detail you’ve put so much thought and effort into, from the intricate lace on your dress to the delicate floral arrangements.

5. A Relaxed and Fun Experience: Your wedding day should be stress-free and enjoyable. I pride myself on creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere that allows you to be yourselves. Candid moments and genuine smiles often result from a comfortable and joyful environment.

6. High-Quality Products: Beyond capturing your day, I offer a range of high-quality products, including albums and prints, to help you relive your wedding day and share your memories with loved ones for generations to come.

How to Secure Your 2024 Wedding Date

Booking your wedding photographer is an essential step in planning your 2024 wedding. Here’s what you need to do to secure your date with me:

1. Reach Out Early: The earlier you contact me, the better chance you have of securing your desired wedding date. Popular dates tend to fill up quickly, so don’t delay! The best way to inquire is here!
2. Schedule a Consultation: Let’s get to know each other! We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your wedding plans, your vision, and your photography needs.
3. Sign the Contract: Once we’ve found the perfect package for you, I’ll provide you with a contract to sign. This contract outlines all the details of our agreement and ensures that your date is reserved exclusively for you.
4. Engagement Session: If you’d like, we can plan an engagement session to get comfortable in front of the camera and create some beautiful pre-wedding memories.
5. Stay in Touch: Leading up to your wedding, we’ll keep in touch to go over any final details, timeline, and special requests to ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.

I can’t wait to be part of your 2024 wedding journey and help you create stunning memories that will last a lifetime. To inquire about availability, pricing, and to schedule your consultation, please reach out to me through the contact information provided on my website. Let’s make your 2024 wedding unforgettable through the power of photography!

Remember, your love story deserves to be told, and I am here to tell it through the lens of my camera.

Let’s tell your story,

Rachael

Apple picking in New England is a right of passage. When fall rolls around, New England is transformed into an autumn wonderland. The leaves display lovely shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, you start to see pumpkins on the doorsteps of houses, and everything and anything becomes pumpkin spice.

However, one of my favorite things is apple picking. Every fall we go apple picking at Tougas Farm in Massachusetts. There’s something special about New England apple orchards in the fall. It’s not necessarily about just picking apples, but it’s the experience of going to the farm.

My first visit to Tougas this year was with my cousin, Josh, his wife, Jordyn, and their daughter, Evelyn. While Josh grew up in Massachusetts, his family currently lives in Colorado. This made our visit extra exciting, because Evelyn had never been to an apple orchard! When we entered Tougas, the smells of fall filled the air-specifically, fresh apple cider donuts. That was the moment I truly felt like fall had arrived. And what better way than to experience that with family!?

What’s your favorite type of apple?

xoxo,

Rachael

I went to school on the North Shore, and something that I’ve always missed since I graduated were the sunrises on the beach. Whenever I was stressed, happy, or just needed something to do, watching the sunrise or sunset on the beach was always a go-to option. When Nathan asked me to shoot a surprise proposal for him in Beverly, Massachusetts, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I’ll take any excuse to shoot a proposal in a lovely place that will always feel like home.

When I walked into the Wilson’s apartment, I was immediately welcomed with love, laughter, and light. Emma, Sam, and puppy Penelope, have created an aesthetic and warm home. However messy it may be sometimes (as Emma was telling me), it does clean up nice. Neutral decorative pieces create a simple backdrop daily activities, and honestly are just inspiring to wake up to. The old mill turned apartment features exposed brick and high ceilings allow the sunlight from the tall windows to flood in and fill the home. It was my honor to capture Emma, Sam, and Penelope in the space that they have made home.

Every season comes with special memories and milestones. If you want to preserve these special moments, and look back with love and laughter for years to come – send me a message! Let’s make some magic.

Xoxo,

Rachael