Rachel's story

Dreamer, Educator
and creator.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found my creative and educational site. My name is Rachel Kim, and I’ve been a professional photographer and full-time, freelance graphic designer for over 20+ years. I earned my degree in Digital and Imaging Art from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After graduating, I gained valuable experience working with various companies as a graphic designer, as well as shooting weddings and events at Pictobooks. During this time, I connected with numerous photography professionals, which inspired me to pursue the dream of opening my own photography studio. In 2010, Belle's Dream photo&design  was born, and I’ve never looked back.

In 2025, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Rachel Kim Photography, a brand that combines my passion for capturing beautiful moments with a deep commitment to empowering other photographers. Specializing in weddings, family portraits, and event photography, my goal is to create timeless images that tell the unique stories of each client. But beyond photography, I’m also passionate about sharing my knowledge with aspiring photographers who are just starting out. With the same excitement and drive that fueled my journey, I aim to provide guidance, education, and inspiration to help others turn their creative dreams into a successful reality. Whether it’s through one-on-one mentorship or educational workshops, I’m dedicated to helping photographers grow with the same passion that has driven me throughout my career.

AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, CAMBODIA, CANADA, CZECH REPUBLIC, ENGLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, HUNGARY,  ITALY, JAPAN, LAOS, MEXICO, NETHERLANDS, PARAGUAY, PUERTO RICO,  SLOVAKIA, SOUTH KOREA, SWITZERLAND, THAILAND. 

  

Places I've been / WORLD

CALIFORNIA, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, LOUISIANA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS,  MICHIGAN, NEVADA, NEW JERSEY,  NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA.

Places I've been / U.S

AUSTRALIA, CHILE, CROATIA, EGYPT, ETHIOPIA, GREECE, HAWAII, HONG KONG, ICELAND, ISRAEL,  MADAGASCAR, MALDIVES, MOROCCO, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY,  NORTH KOREA, PHILIPPINES, PERU, SINGAPORE, SPAIN, TURKEY, VIETNAM, 
MANY MORE!!

Places I WANT TO VISIT

This is my family! I married my best friend, Steve Lee, in 2011, after meeting him back in 2002. Steve has been a constant source of support throughout my photography journey. He’s not only helped me build my business but has also become an incredible second photographer for engagement and wedding sessions. His dedication and passion for what we do together has been truly invaluable. We’re also blessed to have two wonderful children, Jaden and Eliana, who fill our lives with endless joy, energy, and inspiration. They’re a constant reminder of the beauty and love that surrounds us every day.

Our home is filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for creativity. Steve’s unwavering support, coupled with the boundless energy and creativity that Jaden and Eliana bring, motivates me both personally and professionally. Every day, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have such a loving family by my side as I continue to pursue my passion. Together, we strive to help others on their own creative journeys, and I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful team to share this adventure with. Outside of work, we love to travel, camp, and bike together, always seeking out new adventures. Whether we’re exploring a new city or enjoying the outdoors, we find joy in trying new foods and drinks, making memories and experiencing life to the fullest as a family.

FAMILY

I met Steve in 2001 at our local Korean church, where our friendship began with a shared love for God and a heart for serving others. What started as a simple connection in Christ quickly blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship. Over the next nine years of dating (yes, nine years—God's timing is always perfect!), we faced both joyful and challenging seasons, always trusting in Him for strength and guidance. From the very beginning, we felt blessed by God to have each other, and through every step of our journey, we saw His hand leading us. Our love has been rooted in faith, and we've cherished countless moments together—whether it’s traveling, watching movies, or having long conversations with a McDonald's McCafé in hand, all knowing that God was at the center of it all.

When I stepped out in faith to start my photography business, Steve was there every step of the way, supporting me with a love that reflects God's own steadfast devotion. He didn't just cheer me on from the sidelines—he became my greatest partner, helping me at bridal shows and serving as my second photographer at weddings. Through it all, his unwavering love and commitment have been a reminder of God’s grace and the support we find in Him. Without Steve’s dedication, and the strength God has given him, I wouldn’t be able to pursue this dream. I am so thankful for our beautiful partnership and the journey God has led us on, and I give Him all the glory for how He has brought us together and continues to guide us in our work and life.

Steve Lee

Jaden, our firstborn, is a truly special boy with a heart full of kindness and a spirit that loves to explore the world around him. He has a deep love for animals, from the real ones to the ones he’s discovered in the world of Pokémon. When he’s not diving into his Pokémon adventures, you can find him immersed in his favorite video games or practicing taekwondo. Despite his enthusiasm, Jaden is a calm, genuinely kind-hearted boy who carries himself with a quiet strength. He adores his family and holds a strong faith in God, always showing kindness and compassion to everyone around him. His laughter and cheerful spirit light up every room, and we are so blessed to watch him grow with such a big heart, a passion for life, and a love for the world that is as steady as it is wide. We couldn’t be more grateful to have him in our lives.

Eliana, our spirited daughter, is a bundle of energy and joy, always bringing life to every room she enters. With a true artistic flair, she loves to draw and color, turning every surface into a canvas for her vibrant imagination. She also enjoys rhythmic gymnastics, where she expresses her energy and grace, always with a big smile on her face. Above all, she has a heart that is filled with love for Jesus, and her faith shines brightly in all she does. Eliana is not only funny and loving, but she also has a big heart for others, always eager to help and bring joy to those around her. Her vibrant spirit, creative soul, and caring nature are a true blessing to our family.




Jaden + Eliana

Sound of Music, Beauty and the Best,  Life is beautiful, The Notebook, Roman Holiday, West Side Story, Inception, Interstellar, Sing. 

MOVIE




 

PRETTY. SPARKLE. SWEET.

Rachel's Favorites

Karaoke, puzzle, cross stitch, board games, making Korean Food, making organic soap.

HOBBIE




 

Amazon. Home goods, Hobbie Lobbie,  Costco, White House Black Market, Kate Spade. 

STORE




 

The Bible, The 5 Love Languages, The Whole-Brain Child, The Secret, The Alchemist, momo.

BOOK




 

Michael Bublé, Iruma, Yoyoma, Nora Jones, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, BTS, K-pop, Ed Sheeran, Ingrid Michaelson.

Musician




 

Cream Pasta, Taco, Ramen, Bubble Tea, Key Lime Cheesecake,  Peppermint Milkshake.

FOOD + DRINK




 

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