If there's a single word to sum Rachel up it be unrelenting. But you'd also have to add passionate, determined, and undeterred because just a single word might not be approved for categorizing such a layered person. Because layers? Rachel has them. Lots of them, but none most revealing than her obsession of pausing, rewinding, pausing, then asking a question about what she's watching with Rush. It's her signature move and though it drives him crazy, it's also one thing he vowed to forever love as he promised his life to his wife.

Rachel and Rush met in college and though they broke up, a few months after graduation he found emails from Rachel. They came like clockwork every three months and went unresponded to until a chance run-in in New York City. Born and raised in Manhattan, Rush was cornered by Rachel's Chicago attitude late one night and he couldn't reply to her question as to why he was ignoring her. A bit later, Rush–with the moral support of his brother, JK–emailed Rachel and apologized. Offered an olive branch, if you will.

Rachel was unrelenting when she pursued the man of her dreams, unrelenting when making their long-distance relationship work, and unrelenting while planning their wedding in New Mexico. It is, without a doubt, the same characteristic she will apply to loving her husband and future family. Of her many layers, Rush loves this one the most.

Rachel and Rush…I hope you are enjoying Cabo and soaking in the amazingness that is watercolored sunsets, deep tans, and salted-rims. Thank you for allowing me to share one of the most important days of your lives with you and thank you for the honor of documenting your undying devotion and dedication. Much Appreciation… j*

Rachel started the day with a pair of blue Rene Caovilla heels, an Anna Maier wedding gown, and Cartier wedding bands…

Rachel dressed at Casa Rondena and opted for a see Rush before the wedding ceremony…

…I lovelovelove when a couple opts for a First Look…it's a private moment just for the couple and Rush's reaction to his bride is pretty darn awesome.

Just as Rush was soaking in everything Rachel was in that moment…their precious dog, Hudson, ran from the distance to join the fun…

Rush and Rachel live in Chicago, but when Rachel's father offered the use of his hotel in New Mexico, the Andaluz, they made sure proper accommodations were made for a special four-legged groomsman…

Casa Rondena is a lovely vineyard in Albuquerque, New Mexico and served as a gorgeous backdrop for their wedding ceremony…

Before the wedding ceremony, JD captured these photos during the Ketubah signing…

It's common to get a photo of the groom seeing his bride walk down the aisle for the first time, but this was extra special because Rush's parents stood under the chuppah with him…I think their reactions say just how happy they are to have Rachel join their family…

…and Rachel is just as excited to join theirs…

I love when JD stands along the side of the aisle to capture recessional photos like this one…

Just after the wedding ceremony, Rachel and Rush had a private moment when he surprised her with a diamond wedding band…I'm guessing she loved it… 😉

After the ceremony, we headed to the Andaluz Hotel for the reception…

Like always, I love working with Angel Swanson of Events of Love and Splendor (so happy she flew from California with all of us!) because her personal touches make the day extra special…she and her team (Michelle + Anna) made the day immensely enjoyable…

Speaking of flying from California to New Mexico with a great team, I was extra happy to work with Alex Hill of Elysium Productions. I adore working with this videography crew and I especially love his use of video lights!

The night was filled with so many speeches, but Rush's speech took the cake…especially when he toasted his wife and pledged his undying devotion…including her pause, rewind, pause, ask too many questions ways…

…based on Rachel's reaction to his speech, I know she felt like the luckiest girl in the ballroom…

To see more of Rachel and Rush's New Mexico wedding, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow or watch it here: