love notes
Liv + Nick
From the moment that we saw Kaley's incredible ability to capture people, we knew it just HAD to be her. And then when we met her? OH MY GOSH -- an instant friend, an unparalleled talent, hilarious, warm, kind, encouraging, vibrant. It's a running joke that Nick & I just do not take good photos together (we've had years and years of attempts and... nope) -- then we had our engagement shoot with Kaley. For the first time EVER she captured the true essence of who we are as a couple, the way way we look at each other, the way we laugh together, the pure joy of loving -- I get to literally FEEL those feelings all over again every time I look at our pictures from that shoot because they're THERE, on display in a way I've never been able to see. She stuck with us through COVID delays & rescheduled dates cheering us on every step of the way leading up to our wedding. And when the day came, in a crowded room of our loved ones she made us feel like it was just us two, in love, and she expertly captured it in the way only she can - with laughter & love & joy. She put us at ease in front of the camera even with all the wedding jitters and excitement she radiated calm. I feel like we will never have the words to say thank you enough to Kaley for who she is, the wild talent she brings, her photos that capture the essence of what it is to be human, and the experiences she gave us together -- of just being 'US' in love. I trust her with all of our moments and will be calling her up for years to capture every stage of our love together -- she is IT. She's the one thing you need to lock down before your big day (or any special moment) -- somehow having her makes everything else fall into place. She's the glue and the pleasure has been ALL ours. Best thing we ever did. Kaley, we love you, there are no words but the deepest thank you for showing us, US. Love always, your forever fans (and eternal clients), liv & nick
Lauren + Kodey
Met the person of my dreams, said yes, then needed to find a wedding photographer. Considering this was the most important element after groom, dress, and flowers, (says me) this was no small task. We were going for: folksy, gritty, boho, romantic, Scandinavian. We set to researching to find our person, our photography person. We were looking for someone whose style stirred our spirits and whose work captured our moods, whose aesthetic vibed with ours. I knew that I needed to love this person (hopefully a woman, we always want to support womxn-owned businesses and bosses) and have that person love me right back through the madness of this experience. Our priorities included finding someone that we could communicate honestly with (and that communicated openly back), that we could trust, that could boss us around when appropriate. We met with a handful of photographers at a local coffee shop but the shop sparkled the night we met with Kaley. We connected with her right away (me especially because I’m more sensitive than my husband), we were kindred spirits, we had a stellar and super helpful initial conversation. We asked her to be our photographer before we even parted ways that evening. From the time I first reached out to Kaley, by referral from a friend of a friend, she was warm, enthusiastic, encouraging, adaptable and the moments she would capture for us in the months since that first night–that will always be our most precious memories–are really the sweetest thing. She invited me to reach out with any concerns or curiosities anytime and she was always responsive and resourceful. We love that Kaley led with imaginative and creative ideas but was also receptive to collaborating so we could bring ourselves and our personalities into the shots. She was able to offer support, tips, and guidance when we needed it most. We would’ve been lost without her day-of preparation expertise. In the end, it was so very comforting to have her beside us on our special day. I can’t imagine how she could have exceeded our expectations any more than she did, she was a delight and a treasure. I have a great deal of respect for this human and her work and am happy to now call her my friend fo’ eva. And indeed, our wedding photos are: folksy, gritty, boho, romantic, Scandinavian...and basically perfection.
Emily + Kevin
If you are researching and deciding between photographers - LOOK NO FURTHER. Kaley is everything you could want in a photographer and more! I am the type of person who NEVER leaves reviews but Kaley makes me want to shout from the rooftops how incredible she is. I hired Kaley for a boudoir shoot, an engagement shoot, and for our wedding pictures. I was hesitant about doing a boudoir but knew my husband would love it and I’m so glad I did! Kaley makes you feel SO comfortable. She directs you and knows the angles where you will look your best. She made our engagement shoot effortless and she really captures your love. I don’t like being in front of the camera but Kaley has a way about her that makes you feel like the camera is not even there. And our wedding photos - OH. MY. GOD. I have gotten SO many compliments on them and everyone says it looks our wedding photos are straight out of a magazine, and I agree! I truly could not be happier with them! Aside from Kaley’s talented photography skills, she is just an amazing person all around. She genuinely wants to get to know you and help in any way she can, she accommodates with timelines and planning, she regularly checks in with you and responds promptly, and she actually texts (if that’s your method of choice)! For me, this really made our relationship feel more personal and less business-like. One other thing I really loved about Kaley’s process was the in depth questionnaires she has her clients fill out. In these, you answer what you want most out of your boudoir/engagement/wedding photography and how she can best assist you. It’s the little details like these that make Kaley stand out from the rest. She always puts her clients first and goes above and beyond in every way possible. I can’t thank her enough for all of my experiences with her and highly recommend EVERYONE to use her!
Sarah + Zeke
There are not enough words of PRAISE that we can leave for Kaley!! Kaley Rae Photography was the single best decision we made for our wedding day and entire wedding planning process! We utilized Kaley Rae Photography for engagement photos, boudoir photos, and wedding day photos! Kaley agreed to travel to Seattle Washington to accommodate our wedding plans!!! Kaley has an incredible talent for making everyone feel comfortable behind her lens. She allows for a lot of natural movement which captures candid photos SO well! She also does an excellent job of offering cues and prompts while photographing either in an intimate session or a large group! One of my favorite things about Kaley’s work style is that she’s very aware of the fact that the bride, groom, and wedding party really want to spend the day celebrating. She is INCREDIBLY efficient at getting the group photo portion of the day done, and done VERY WELL! We put our full trust into Kaley to help us plan out the sequence of our day so that photos were a priority, but also allowed for us to spend time at our cocktail hour and as much time celebrating with our guests as possible!! Kaley puts her heart into her work and it shines so so brightly!!! We are beyond grateful for all that she has gifted us through her art and the incredible friendship that we have built!!! Her photos are absolutely breath-taking and capture the essence of your love!!!! If you do anything today, RUN, don’t walk, and book Kaley right now for your wedding day!!! I promise, it’ll be the best decision you make for you day!!!
Alyssa + Kyle
If you don't hire Kaley, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! After she photographed my brother's wedding, I knew that I couldn't go anywhere else. Kaley's photos speak for themselves, but the way she is able to capture these moments goes above and beyond. She made everything feel natural and fun instead of awkward and too posed. She has the ability to be super professional and while being so personable. By the end of the night, she was part of the "fam." She made you feel like you were taking pictures with a close friend rather than a person you hired. Kaley is the full package and the wedding photographer I never knew I needed until I met her.
Cara + Matthew
If you are planning a micro wedding/elopement and can steal Kaley, BOOK HER. I was one of Kaley's COVID brides who had to reschedule multiple times. Kaley was extremely patient and understanding with every single question and change I threw her way, AND it felt like she became a friend throughout this process. I first met Kaley when she photographed my brother and sister in law's wedding, and after seeing her work, I knew I wanted her to be a part of mine. Kaley makes the entire process comfortable and personable, and she also goes above and beyond to ensure all the little moments are captured. Kaley was also extremely efficient with family photos before the ceremony, so we weren't left feeling rushed or too far off our wedding schedule. Kaley is just incredible, and her work is stunning. I can't stop looking at my wedding pictures because they are just so beautiful. We decided to order an album after realizing that no other service would do it justice. Kaley's work is just the best!
Claire + Jake
A true gem to the end, Kaley is everything you need in a wedding photographer and more. She will take your soul in her hands and treat it so nice, you won't know what happened, but you will be so happy it did. Kaley brings professionalism and an easy-going attitude to every interaction, it'll make the whole planning process so much lighter in your heart. My wedding would not have been the same without Kaley, and I'm glad she was there every step of the way. Do yourself a favor and book this woman N O W !