Meet Rae De Lain-Barnhardt | Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photographer


We had the good fortune of connecting with Rae De Lain-Barnhardt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rae, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Colossians 3:23 holds immense significance for me and the ethos of Rae De Lain Weddings. It serves as a guiding principle, reminding me that my work is not merely a personal endeavor but a dedication to a higher purpose. The verse encourages a level of dedication and excellence in everything I do, as I consider my work not just for myself or my clients, but as a service unto the L-rd.
In the context of my wedding photography business, this means that the standards I set for Rae De Lain Weddings are elevated. It’s not just about delivering beautiful images; it’s about approaching every aspect of my work with sincerity, passion, and a commitment to excellence. The verse inspires me to infuse love, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail into every photograph, knowing that each image is a reflection of my dedication to the L-rd.
In essence, Colossians 3:23 is a constant reminder that my work has a higher purpose – it’s a form of worship through my creative expression, and I strive to honor that by delivering my very best in every captured moment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What Sets Rae De Lain Weddings Apart: What makes Rae De Lain Weddings stand out is our commitment to creating images that speak louder than words. We decided to be different – instead of flashy colors and logos, we wanted our photographs to be the first thing that catches your eye on our website. No distractions, just the pure joy and beauty of captured moments.
Proud and Excited About:
I’m incredibly proud and excited about the emotion and authenticity captured in every photograph. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about freezing moments in time that tell a unique and heartfelt story. Each image is a piece of art, and I take pride in creating a visual narrative for my clients.
Business Journey and Challenges:
Getting to where I am today wasn’t a walk in the park. There were challenges, and it wasn’t always easy. Overcoming those hurdles took perseverance and a determination to keep improving. It required learning from mistakes, embracing the lessons, and continually evolving.
Lessons Learned:
One major lesson learned is that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Embracing challenges rather than avoiding them has been a game-changer. Every setback was an opportunity to learn and become better.
What the World Should Know:
I want the world to know that Rae De Lain Weddings is not just a photography business; it’s a passion project. It’s about freezing moments in time, capturing the essence of love, and creating visual stories that resonate. When you choose Rae De Lain Weddings, you’re not just getting photographs; you’re getting a piece of heart and soul in every image.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Because I’m a free-spirited person and my best friend is EXTREMELY introverted, she wouldn’t care where we went. I love adventure I even have a tattoo on my right arm. I just believe that when you love your family and friends as long as you’re together…fun is just that….fun!
If we did choose to do anything, we’d explore the city’s downtown area. Wander through quirky shops, try street food, and soak in the urban vibe. For the evening, a rooftop bar with a view. For the thrill-seekers (that would be me), a day at an adventure park or trying out a new outdoor activity like zip-lining or kayaking while she takes pictures and NEVER gets on anything and then after a casual dinner at a local diner with comfort food.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A heartfelt shoutout to some incredible individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. First and foremost, I owe a debt of gratitude to Amanda Holloway and Amanda Reed, leading photographers in Senior Portraits. Their fearless approach has empowered me to navigate the industry with confidence and resilience.
Katelyn James, a true maestro, has been my guiding light in the realm of wedding photography. Her teachings have not only helped me produce award-winning images but have also instilled in me a soft and graceful approach to capturing precious moments.
And, of course, none of this would be possible without the divine blessings from the great man upstairs. His strength and continual blessings have fueled my business, allowing it to thrive each year without succumbing to burnout. To these remarkable individuals and the Almighty, thank you for being the pillars of inspiration and support in my professional journey.

Website: https://www.raedelainweddings.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raedelainweddings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raedelainweddings
Image Credits
Rae De Lain Weddings
