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now booking 2027 & 2028 weddings & elopements
rachel toia
Hey, I'm Rach! I'm a Wheatbelt and Perth-based wedding photographer with nearly a decade of experience, and over 200 weddings and elopements photographed across Western Australia.
I've learnt that the moments you'll treasure most are rarely the ones you plan for; the willy wagtail that decides to crash your ceremony, or the flower girl who kidnaps the resident cat and drops them halfway down the aisle.
Instead of fake laughter prompts, expect fun, slightly ridiculous prompts designed to bring out genuine reactions and real connection. Whether that's whispering what you had for breakfast in your sexiest voice or pretending you're a group of drunk pirates on an adventure, the goal is always the same: creating photographs that feel like you.
On your wedding day you'll usually find me cracking terrible jokes, fluffing dresses, carrying your flowers, and making sure you actually enjoy the experience. After all, the best photos happen when you're feeling comfortable and focused on each other, not the camera.
My goal is simple: to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and comfortable being yourselves. No matter who you love, how your mind works, or what your story looks like - you're welcome here.
- Mum to Connor & Logan
- Engaged to my high school sweetheart Sam
- Would rescue every stray I come across if I was allowed
- Will happily lie in dirt for photos
- Fueled by protein choccy milk & iced coffee
- Questionable sense of humour
- Obsessed with good light
- Team candid over awkward posing
- Mum to Connor & Logan
- Engaged to my high school sweetheart Sam
- Would rescue every stray I come across if I was allowed
- Will happily lie in dirt for photos
- Fueled by protein choccy milk & iced coffee
- Questionable sense of humour
- Obsessed with good light
- Team candid over awkward posing
Rachel Toia
Wheatbelt & Perth Photographer
Hey, I'm Rach! A Wheatbelt and Perth-based wedding photographer with nearly a decade of experience, and over 200 weddings and elopements photographed across Western Australia.
I've learnt that the moments you'll treasure most are rarely the ones you plan for; the uncontrollable laughter, the willy wagtail that decides to crash your ceremony, or the flower girl who kidnaps the resident cat and drops them halfway down the aisle.
Instead of fake laughter prompts, expect fun, slightly ridiculous prompts designed to bring out genuine reactions and real connection. Whether that's whispering what you had for breakfast in your sexiest voice or pretending you're a group of drunk pirates on an adventure, the goal is always the same: creating photographs that feel like you.
On your wedding day you'll usually find me cracking terrible jokes, fluffing dresses, carrying your flowers, and making sure you actually enjoy the experience. After all, the best photos happen when you're feeling comfortable and focused on each other, not the camera.
My goal is simple: to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and comfortable being yourselves. No matter who you are, who you love, how your mind works, how your body moves, or what your story looks like, you're welcome here.
FAQ
Where are you based, and do you travel?
Absolutely - I’m based in the Wheatbelt, and regularly travel throughout regional Western Australia to photograph weddings within Perth, Geraldton, Margaret River, Albany, and surrounding areas.
Planning an interstate or an international celebration? If your plans involve beautiful scenery, good humans, and a meaningful story, I’m probably already interested!
We are painfully awkward in front of the camera. Do you pose us, or is everything candid? Help!
Honestly, most of my couples say this before their session or wedding day.
You don't need any modelling experience - I’ll guide you naturally with movement, prompts, and gentle direction so it feels more like hanging out together instead of performing for a camera.
Rather than awkward instructions like “fake laugh at each other,” I’m usually capturing your reactions to ridiculous prompts like “time for a booger check,” or “whisper the alphabet into your partner’s ear in your creepiest voice.”
My approach blends genuine connection with an editorial eye. I’ll guide you into flattering light, natural movement, and relaxed positioning while leaving space for real moments to unfold naturally.
No pressure to perform - just honest, cinematic imagery that still feels completely like you.
What makes you different from other photographers?
My role goes beyond taking pretty photos - I genuinely care about my couples as people and want them to enjoy their day.
On your wedding day you'll usually find me sneaking you lollies, making sure you've eaten and been drinking water, and hyping you up when needed. By playing my part in trying to create an environment where you can relax into the day, the result is imagery that feels emotional, effortless, and genuinely alive.
What if we have no idea how to plan our elopement or wedding?
That’s incredibly normal. I'm happy to help at any time in the lead up to the big day with location or vendor recommendations, lighting suggestions, or tips on creating a day which feels intentional and relaxed - instead of stressful or overwhelming.
Closer to your big day, we'll catch up over a coffee/ phone chat to start building a photography timeline. The best galleries happen when your wedding doesn’t feel rushed from beginning to end, so I’ll help guide you through lighting, travel time, sunset portraits, and how to structure things in a way that still feels relaxed and enjoyable (while giving your bridal party a sneaky break between portraits and grand entrance).
Your wedding doesn't have to follow strict social expectations, it just has to feel right for you.
Do you only photograph luxury weddings, or can we plan something small with only a couple of our favourite people there?
Intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements often allow couples to slow down and truly be present with each other, and I absolutely love documenting that energy.
Whether it’s two guests or two hundred, your story deserves to be captured beautifully as what matters most to me is connection, intention, and couples who genuinely value photography and storytelling.
Some weddings are elaborate and editorial-inspired. Others are intimate backyard celebrations with takeaway pizza and fairy lights - both deserve to be documented beautifully.
What if something goes wrong or if it rains on our wedding day?
Weddings almost never go as smoothly as intended. Hiring a designated wedding planner or coordinator is the best way to take some of that stress off your shoulders, however I'll always help where I can - whether it's adjusting your timeline on the fly if everyone is running a little late, or packing extra indoor lighting gear.
If it rains - then we make magic with it! Some of the most emotional and cinematic galleries I’ve ever delivered happened in wild weather, as rain can create atmosphere, movement, and intimacy you simply can’t fake. I highly recommend making a backup plan/ location before the day if rain may be a possibility, but at worst we can duck outside between rain showers for portraits,
in case of bad weather. I can easily help ’ll always help adjust timelines or locations, but I’m never afraid of a little weather-induced chaos as I
“Believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
R a c h e l T o i a
With 9+ years of experience photographing weddings and elopements, my passion lies in telling your story as beautifully and authentically as possible. Growing up within Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region, I developed an appreciation for vast landscapes, and breathtaking backdrops, which I now weave into my work.
My photography is about crafting a visual narrative that transports you back in time, so you not only remember how your day looked, but how it felt. Back to the moment when your fiance shed a sneaky tear during your first look, the willy wagtail danced on your alter during your vows, or when your flowergirl kidnapped the local resident cat just before the ceremony - promptly letting go of them halfway down the aisle.
Think candid moments infused with editorial finesse, where every frame tells a part of your unique love story. I gently guide you when needed, giving you fun or silly prompts to let the magic of the moment unfold in a way which feels natural to you.
Your wedding is not just an event, but it’s the start of a new chapter in your lives. Let’s create something truly unforgettable together - photographs that don’t just document your day, but make you feel it all over again.
Ready to connect?
Let’s capture your celebration
Can't wait to hear your story and start planning your day
Some of the previous venues I've photographed weddings at
Riverbank Estate Winery
Brookleigh Estate
Como The Treasury
Gardens at Bullimah Estate
Perth City Farm
Sittella Winery
The Vines
Mandoon Estate
Eight Willows Retreat