They met Rachel’s first week living in Scotlandā¦She had decided to earn her master’s degree at St. Andrews where James was also a studentā¦it was her first time visiting a new church where she didn’t yet know anyone. He just happened to be on the welcome team that week and when she walked in he made a mental note that he needed to talk to her laterā¦can you blame him? Rachel is absolutely gorgeousā¦They quickly became friends and he introduced her to all of the amazing things that Scotland has to offer..from the quaint little town of St. Andrews where they both live to the beauty of the Scottish countrysideā¦and somewhere along the way they fell for each other and now they are getting married this summer where it all began!
I’m so excited for them and had the best time having lunch and exploring Charlottesville with these two. They’re one of those couples that is so much fun to be aroundā¦by the end of the day James was singing old Scottish folk songs to usā¦they have fun together but their relationship is also one that points to their love for the Lord and I love that about them!
As we were driving to Charlottesville together they told me that the scenery couldn’t quite compare to the beauty of Scotland, but it made an amazing backdrop for their engagement pictures! They are clearly naturals in front of the camera and in the middle of their session I sort of felt like I was photographing an ad campaign for Ralph Laurenā¦They have amazing style and I can’t wait for you to look through these! I’m incredibly honored to be photographing their wedding in Scotland this summer and can’t wait to experience the Scottish cultureā¦James and Rachel thank you so much for an incredible day in Charlottesville! I hope you enjoy my favorites!
January 17th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Oh my gosh, girl!! I LOVE this session!! And, SCOTLAND?! EEKK!!!
January 17th, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Ahh girl these are amaaazziinnggg!! Such dreamy lighting and what a stunning couple!! And can I just say Scotland?!?! Ahhh! So excited for you!!
January 17th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
They really could be straight out of a magazine!! Absolutely gorgeous photographs!
January 17th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Oh my goodness!!!! These are incredible Anna!!! You are so talented girl!!! If you need an assistant for Scotland… I’m just saying… Hahaha!! Xoxo!!
January 17th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
WOWWWW! Maybe your best engagement session ever! You nailed these and they are adorable! I feel like I’m getting a peek into their relationship too!
January 17th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
this is STUNNING! you captured this couple beautifully.
January 17th, 2014 at 2:22 pm
She kind of looks like Taylor Swift! I love her bangs!! Beautiful
January 17th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Hi Rachel!! Wonderful wonderful pictures! So beautiful! You and James make an adorable couple! Congratulations and thank you for letting us be a part of this exciting time in your life. I love you my dear niece! Aunt Cindy
January 17th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Ahhh I love these! Thank you Anna. You are so talented and I’m so ecstatic about how these turned out!! xx
January 19th, 2014 at 9:51 am
Great pictures! I love the ring shot w/ the pinecone.
January 21st, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for you! Going to Scotland! My brother plays the bagpipe and dreams of living in Scotland, so I can’t wait to see their wedding pics, especially since their engagement photos are gorgeous! Beautiful job!
January 30th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
[…] We couldn’t wait to share these beautiful images of Rachel and James, sent to us by the amazing Annamarie Akins! While their love story began in Scotland, this sweet engagement session took place exploring the beautiful countryside of Charlottesville, VA. We seriously can’t think of a better way to warm up during these chilly winter months than with a little cozy snuggling and a tartan blanket (of course!). To see more, visit Annamarie’s blog post. […]
February 1st, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Scotland? Wow! These are awesome! I love the plaid blanket :) I would totally let her be my personal stylist! haha
February 4th, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Congratz Rachel and James! I am really happy to see all these beautiful moments :) you both are the true St Andrews fairytale <3
May 19th, 2014 at 2:24 pm
[…] so excited to be traveling to Europe this summer for some shoots and a wedding in Scotland for these two cuties, and having a secure bag to travel with that would hold all of my gear was an absolute must! I held […]
July 21st, 2014 at 12:48 pm
[…] the details for our European adventure! I’ve been excited about that last thing ever since Rachel and James booked me last year to photograph their wedding in the UK and I can’t believe it’s […]
August 4th, 2014 at 5:50 am
[…] I’ll be shooting a few Anniversary Celebration Sessions while we’re hereĀ and Rachel and James’ wedding in the beautiful St. Andrews, Scotland! If you’re interested in following along with […]