Cork and kerry, Ireland

Who you're trusting with your most important adventure

Meet Your Ireland Elopement Photographer, Planner, & Guide

And why it'll feel like coming home

That's your inner compass.

At the heart of Solar Rose Elopements, that wee compass rose is a guide, and the reason why I'm even doing this.

Because when you know, you know.

My job is to help you trust your compass, and then create a day that feels exactly like what it's pointing you toward.

When you lean in like that, even if it doesn’t look like what everyone else is doing, you end up exactly where you’re meant to be.

You ever just ... know something, right down to your bones?

"Booking Rachel for our elopement in Ireland was the decision that made our entire wedding come together. We knew from the start of our planning process that photography was the most important investment for our wedding day, and we also knew we wanted to elope off the beaten path in Ireland.

Rachel put us at ease immediately and was patient and proactive in guiding us through the planning process and helping us find the perfect location for our ceremony. We felt like we truly got to build exactly the wedding day we wanted, including only what felt right and leaving the rest behind."

We Start With Intention +

The best elopements don't start with logistics, they start with intention (I have proof!). What do you want to feel? That feeling becomes our North Star, and everything else—locations, timelines, rituals—follows easily after that.

I Find Places That Fit +

On our consult call, we'll talk through what you're imagining, and I'll help you narrow down the best spots for your elopement. It's about finding places (that are also very very pretty) where the light, landscape, and vibes all line up in a way that makes sense for what you want your day to look and feel like.

I Guide You Through Every Step +

I'm not just your photographer, I'm your guide. Your consultant, your buddy. Here to answer your questions, sort through ideas, and give you clear next steps. You'll always know what's coming up: the what, when, and how of it all.

Your Day Flows Naturally +

I build your elopement itinerary like a story: with anchor moments, gentle transitions, and buffer time so nothing feels rushed. We plan weather windows, travel, and pauses in a way that keeps you regulated and present. I handle timekeeping, navigation, and pivots; you never have to watch the clock.

Photography for both Experience and Art +

As much as I talk about planning and guidance and all that, photography, lest we forget, is my main job, and I'm good at it. You don't have to worry about the photos or what I'm up to; enjoy yourselves!

I don't go in for traditional posing; this isn't a studio situation. Instead, you'll hear me say open-ended things like, "Hold hands and walk down that way, then cuddle up and enjoy the view." I won't leave you entirely to your own devices wondering what to do, but you know how to be with each other, and I'd rather you do that while I hang back with a longer lens than have me 2 feet away "posing" you. This means you stay with each other, not the camera. It's about having space to feel, not perform. (And I swear that makes for better photos; I will die on that hill. I can't pose you into real laughs or the goofy things you naturally do.)

I Look After You +

Whether you're neurodivergent or not: I build in breaks, explain what to expect, and never ask you to mask or perform. I help you stay regulated and present, so the experience feels easy instead of overwhelming.

How I Work

TL;DR:

Whether your compass is pointing you toward ancient stone circles, quiet forest paths, or that place where the sea meets the sky, I'm here for you.

I’ll help you find the perfect place to say your vows, plan an itinerary that works with your energy, and photograph your elopement in a way that lets you experience it instead of performing it.

WHAT I BELIEVE:

LGBTQ+ affirmation means celebrating both who you love and who you are. (I'm the B and T in LGBTQ, and you are so so welcome here, my loves)

Your elopement can be a grand adventure without being a "type 2 fun" suffer fest

The little moments matter just as much as the big views

No one is entitled to an invitation to your elopement, especially if you're already worried about inviting them

Protecting and caring for the beautiful places we get to visit is imperative and worth doing

Always take the scenic route

Above all else, be kind

HELLO DARLINGS, I'm RACHEL (they/them)

Queer, neurodivergent, endlessly charmed by light, fairytales, cows, and my lovely couples.

"Rachel is thorough, thoughtful, and professional in every aspect of their work. They are an incredibly gifted photographer with a wonderful personality. Finding a photographer that we were comfortable with was a priority for us, and by the day of our ceremony, we felt like we had known Rachel for ages. They truly get to know you individually, and as a couple, so that they are prepared to capture the meaningful moments of your day.

They are very laid-back and know how to make their clients feel special and comfortable. They genuinely enjoy what they do and will do everything that they can to make sure that you are prepared for and happy with what you have planned for your ceremony. They are so good at what they do that the whole process felt easy. We could not have asked for more of the entire experience.

So you know who's showing up for your elopement

TIDBITS

  • Ireland-born: moved to the States as a child, then moved right back after spending all my summers here. When you know where you’re meant to be, you know
  • Serial reader: 100+ books a year, mostly fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi
  • Excitable wonderphile (coined by one of my couples)
  • Irish step dancer: 25 years, “like Riverdance”
  • Ex-forensic chemist
  • Supposedly “worrying levels of cute aggression"

Overall, I'm a nerdy, hobbit-like introvert who's soft on the inside and just wants everyone to have a nice time. I marvel at the little things, and I will absolutely bring that energy to your elopement.

Let's plan something enchanting together

You ready?

If you're dreaming of an Ireland elopement experience that feels less like a production and more like coming home (even if it's a place you've never been), you're exactly where you should be.