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—my heart and my greatest joy. I married my best friend, Steve Lee, in 2011, though our story began all the way back in 2002. Since day one, Steve has been my steady support, especially throughout my photography journey. He’s not only helped me shape and grow this dream of mine, but he’s also become the most thoughtful and talented second photographer during engagement and wedding sessions. His dedication and the love he pours into what we do together means everything to me. We’re also so incredibly blessed with two wonderful children, Jaden and Eliana. They light up our world with their energy, curiosity, and big hearts. Every day with them is filled with laughter, creativity, and the kind of inspiration that makes life feel magical. They remind us constantly of what truly matters—love, connection, and being present in the little moments.

Our home is a warm and lively place, full of love and imagination. Steve’s unwavering encouragement, paired with the joy and spark that Jaden and Eliana bring, fills me with purpose—both as a mom and as a creative. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by this amazing family as I continue to pursue what I love. Together, we try to live life fully and intentionally. When we’re not working, we love traveling, camping, biking, and just being out in the world together. We cherish exploring new places, trying new foods, and soaking in the simple joys of everyday life. These shared adventures are where our best memories are made—and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

FAMILY

I met Steve in 2001 at our local Korean church, where our friendship began through a shared love for God and a heart to serve. What started as simple, sweet conversations after service slowly grew into something so meaningful. Over nine years of dating, we experienced both joy and hardship, always leaning on God for strength and direction. From the beginning, we knew our relationship was a blessing. Our love has always been grounded in faith, and we’ve cherished the little moments—traveling, late-night talks, and even our McDonald’s McCafé dates—always with God at the center of it all.

When I stepped out in faith to start my photography business, Steve stood by me in every way. He didn’t just support me from the sidelines—he joined me wholeheartedly, helping at bridal shows and serving as my second shooter at weddings. His quiet strength, humble heart, and unwavering belief in our vision have been such a gift. Through him, I’ve seen God’s love in action—steady, faithful, and full of grace.

I’m deeply thankful for the beautiful partnership God has given us. Our journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been covered in prayer and led by His hand. Whatever the season, we’ve walked through it together, trusting Him along the way. I give God all the glory for bringing us together, for the life we’re building, and for the joy of doing both marriage and meaningful work side by side.

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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