Capturing Life’s Most Treasured Moments: Behind the Lens with AR Treasures Photography

For Andy and Rachel, the husband-and-wife team behind AR Treasures Photography, capturing weddings isn’t just about photos and videos—it’s about honoring the legacy of love.

From Social Work to Storytelling

Rachel, who spent 14 years working as a social worker, found herself drawn to photography as a way to experience a different side of life. “Once I got into photography as a profession, I loved the idea of getting to be there for one of the best moments in life instead of the worst,” she shares. That powerful shift in perspective was the spark that led to the creation of AR Treasures Photography. “Andy and I both consider it a privilege to capture such a special day for families to treasure for generations,” Rachel says. “That’s actually where we got our business name.”

Nature as the Perfect Backdrop

The couple’s deep appreciation for nature shines through in their work. “We really love the outdoors,” they say. “From the beach to the jungle and everywhere in between, we love to have a natural background while photographing love.” Whether it's a windswept cliffside elopement or a sunny beach wedding, Andy and Rachel thrive when surrounded by fresh air and authentic emotion.

A Wedding Straight Out of a Movie

One unforgettable wedding they captured took place at the Bamboo Gallery, and it felt like something out of a fairytale. “There were gardens, fountains, and palm trees in every direction,” Rachel recalls. “The couple was so incredibly in love, and there was this air of pure joy and beauty everywhere you looked—even in the drone footage.” The day was made even more memorable by the couple’s unique additions: their dog, dressed in a tuxedo, and a litter of kittens from the greenhouse, all of which made their way into the photo gallery.

A Love Story Told in Two Parts

Another standout moment in their career came when a couple asked them to document not just one, but two weddings—2.5 years apart. “During the pandemic, they had an intimate, gorgeous backyard wedding at a historical mansion,” Rachel explains. “A few years later, they hosted a big wedding celebration with all of their friends and family, including four wardrobe changes! Both of their weddings were so full of their personality and love. It was such a gift to be asked back to capture both days.”

Racing to Save the Day

Like any seasoned wedding pros, Andy and Rachel know that things don’t always go according to plan. One memorable day involved a ceremony down on the greens of a golf course—beautiful, but far from the getting-ready room. “During the ceremony, the groom was whispering with this panicked look, asking if the rings had been brought down,” Rachel recalls. “Once I realized they weren’t there, I knew I was the only one who could go get them.” A lifelong runner, she sprinted up the hill and into the second-story suite, grabbed the rings, and raced back just in time. “I handed them to the best man seconds before the officiant asked for them,” she laughs. “The bride and groom like to say I ‘saved the wedding.’”

Life Behind the Lens

When they’re not photographing love stories, Andy and Rachel are living one of their own. Their blended family includes three teenage daughters and two beloved pets—a dog and a cat who “happen to look alike,” they say. “Which makes sense to us, since they’re brothers.” Their shared love of animals is only matched by their passion for adventure. “We love to travel and experience new places,” Rachel says. “So far, our favorite place we’ve been is Hawaii.”

Andy also enjoys gardening and capturing nature’s beauty through drone footage, while Rachel finds joy in movement and challenge. “I’ve been a runner all my life, and recently I’ve been doing some ultra races,” she says. “This past year I’ve also fallen in love with ninja warrior training. I’ve been working on getting stronger so I can enjoy swinging to new obstacles.”

More Than a Business—A Calling

Whether they’re sprinting up hills to save a ceremony or swinging across ninja obstacles in their downtime, Andy and Rachel pour passion, heart, and care into everything they do. With AR Treasures Photography, they’re not just snapping pictures—they’re preserving the moments that matter most.