Originally from the UK and now based in the Champagne region of France, RACHEL PIETRI has become known for her distinctive approach to wedding photography—one that artfully bridges editorial refinement with raw emotion. Fluent in French and well-versed in the nuances of international celebrations, Rachel brings a rare sense of connection to every wedding she documents. Her work marries the polished elegance of fine art with the honesty of documentary storytelling, capturing not just how a day looks, but how it feels. With a background that spans cultures and an instinct for elevating real moments into something cinematic, she crafts imagery that’s deeply personal and timelessly chic. Clients describe her presence as both calming and confident—an artist who moves with quiet intention, ensuring that every fleeting expression and heartfelt detail is preserved in its most beautiful form.
WHAT LED YOU TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN?
I have always been obsessed with weddings knew I wanted to work in the wedding industry one day, but my first thought was to be a filmmaker not a photographer! I grew up watching wedding films on YouTube and absolutely loved the artistry, the emotion they evoked, the style…everything! In the end, by the time I had the chance to purchase my first DSLR camera, I decided I should try taking some photos with it before diving into video…but alas, its been 5 years since I said that I am still yet to flick the switch over to video mode on my camera body…!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE, AND WHAT SETS YOU APART?
I provide the perfect balance between vibey, gritty photos (which are very much of the moment), and elevated, beautiful bridal portraits that you and your family will all love. With me, you don’t have to choose one way or another, I am the unicorn that can do it all. I also believe that with a luxury service, you should be able to 100% trust what you’re getting. With me, there are no nasty surprises and no disappointments. My clients don’t have to choose between editorial or classic, I deliver beautiful curated galleries tailored to your personal taste.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
This is a fairly controversial answer but: ask yourself not only what style of photos YOU want, but also what style of photos your family would love too. No one likes to talk about it because its YOUR wedding and so you should have full say over who you choose to hire, but the reality is that your family’s opinion matters and their dissatisfaction with your photographer and/or final gallery can make or break your entire experience of your wedding day + 100% affect how you feel when you look back on your photos even years later.
I unfortunately speak from personal experience when I say this, as to this day my mother still complains about my own wedding photos nearly 5 years later (my photographer was 100% documentary style so there are no portraits of just me with my mother together for example), and this unfortunately does leave quite a dampener on my experience of my wedding photos whether I like to admit it or not.
If you’re really into the gritty 35mm film/direct flash/vibey photo trend then that’s amazing, I love those photos too. But make sure there’s room for classic, beautiful photos too because whilst trends come and go, your mothers dissatisfaction will follow you everywhere.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CAPTURING A WEDDING? DO YOU PREFER A STRUCTURED OR MORE CANDID STYLE?
I like to co-create with my couples in order to provide galleries that are 100% aligned with their personal styles, and so my approach honestly depends a lot on the vibe of the day and the energy brought by my clients and their guests.
But if I had to choose, I’d say that I love to create effortlessly editorial bridal portraits (which are of course structured to a degree) and then shoot much more candidly when it comes to the dancefloor and afterparty portion of the day. I find that taking more control during certain moments (such as bridal portraits and group photos) can be very reassuring to clients as they feel that they can fully trust me to produce beautiful images and it takes the pressure off them to ‘perform’ or feel awkward if I confidently art direct these moments.
WHAT‘S ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE WEDDINGS YOU’VE EVER PHOTOGRAPHED, AND WHY?
So far it was an elopement in Champagne with only 6 guests in attendance. The day was extremely laid back but they still made it very special with lots of personal touches as well as some wedding formalities. It was the perfect balance between honouring solemnity of the occasion (a celebrant-led ceremony, a stunning bridal outfit and gorgeous tablescape) yet feeling very relaxed and very ‘them’ at the same time (the night ended with the men from the group firing up a BBQ and hosting a cook-out in the garden).
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BEYOND WEDDINGS? ANY PERSONAL PROJECTS OR CREATIVE INFLUENCES?
I’m very much inspired by my lifestyle here in France. I live in the Champagne region which is very chic and full of history, beautiful locations and of course the vineyards.
WHAT’S YOUR GEAR SETUP?
2x Sony A7iii digital bodies with 35mm and 50mm lenses. A bunch of 35mm film cameras, a polaroid and a Holga just for fun!
IF YOU COULD GIVE COUPLES ONE TIP FOR FEELING COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA,
WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Turn your body sideways and only turn your head to face the camera, no one looks good front-on! For grooms: put a hand in your pocket to give yourself something to do, and for Brides: clinch the side of your dress or clasp your hands together as if your holding a small purse if you don’t have anything else to hold! Having something to do with your hands immediately prevents you from feeling awkward.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA,
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
Editing! And also with my children. I try to build a life that enables me to spend as much time with them as possible especially whilst they’re still young. I also love athletics and I’m part of a local club here in Champagne – as well as enjoying the social aspect of being part of a club, being physically fit is absolutely a pre-requisite for working weddings because they’re so physically demanding!
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WEDDING TO SHOOT—STYLE, LOCATION AND OVERALL VIBE?
I’d love to shoot some more weddings at the major Paris hotels this year but in terms of style I’m really loving the draping trend and very romantic, bold decor choices with minimal, structured florals. My dream wedding would also have incredible fashion! Bolder outfit choices from the Bride, and multiple outfit changes. I’m a girls girl so the fashion element speaks right to my soul!
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF?
I absolutely love dressing up so going out to bougie bars to drink overpriced cocktails (preferably pornstar martinis) and taking pictures with my girlfriends is one of my absolute favourite pastimes.
