Thursday, May 6, 2010, 08:23 AM
I'm a huge fan of having unusually large goals that seem completely unrealistic. Most people give themselves too much time to complete a project or too much leeway when setting goals... most people underestimate themselves and their ultimate potential. 

What we should be doing is setting unrealistic goals, these are goals that force us to be uncomfortable, these are the goals that kill comfort. By setting unrealistic goals we are forced to overestimate our potential and strive to make the impossible, possible. These kind of goals provide an adrenaline infusion that give us the tenacity to overcome the bumps that we encounter along the way. I have yet to meet a successful person who simply set "realistic" goals. Realistic is a synonym for mediocre. I guess if I wanted to be like everyone else I would set "realistic" goals. But who wants to be like everyone else? Mediocrity is the villain in our plight as artists. We must do everything in our power to be intentional about warding him off. Having unrealistic goals forces us to be intentional about achieving them. The important actions we need to take are never the comfortable or easy ones. Rarely do people set out to achieve BIG, AUDACIOUS, seemingly impossible goals because most of us are scared of failure. The sad truth is that most people don't have the guts to pick up a pen and write down the audacious dream much less set out to achieve it. Simply put, there is just less competition for bigger goals.

So do yourself a favor, close your eyes for a minute and think about what you want your life to look like in five and ten years from now. Dream Big. Think Big. Do Big. Set the bar beyond what is seemingly possible, you might just surprise yourself.

Thoughts
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Aurora says: Saturday, May 29, 2010, 10:40 AM

THIS IS FANTASTIC!!! I have this disease that causes me to do this all the time but I'm constantly amazed by what can be don't accept the idea that anything is impossible!

Christine Elizabeth says: Monday, May 10, 2010, 08:59 AM

Definitely a welcome kick in the ass! I saw your tweet about this on the day you posted it - my BIRTHDAY ;) And I knew that I would need to read a post about unrealistic goals, but somehow didn't come back here till now. I sat next to you at MTH2010 in Vegas, and I've been starting to make things happen, but I LOVE this post and I'll accept it as the kick it is to make BIGGER things happen!

Christine Elizabeth says: Monday, May 10, 2010, 08:58 AM

Definitely a welcome kick in the ass! I saw your tweet about this on the day you posted it - my BIRTHDAY ;) And I knew that I would need to read a post about unrealistic goals, but somehow didn't come back here till now. I sat next to you at MTH2010 in Vegas, and I've been starting to make things happen, but I LOVE this post and I'll accept it as the kick it is to make BIGGER things happen!

Kaysha says: Sunday, May 9, 2010, 10:10 PM

Brilliant! I love these kinds of posts, its always a welcome kick in the ass! ;)

sandy says: Sunday, May 9, 2010, 08:26 AM

Great inspiring post! Thanks for sharing. I completely agree. Love the image too.

Shan Reee says: Saturday, May 8, 2010, 01:30 PM

That was exactly what I needed to hear today! Thanks for sharing! And, what a fun image!

Alexandra says: Saturday, May 8, 2010, 12:02 PM

i always love your inspirational words. thank you.

heather says: Friday, May 7, 2010, 10:46 PM

you should read this, if you haven't already... http://veryawesomeworld.com/

it's our favorite book.

thanks for the inspiration photographically and verbally, and especially for the dance moves (via airhorns and lasers, we shook rumps in the same room).

Kisha of Sahara BLue says: Friday, May 7, 2010, 01:08 PM

so so so true and i could not agree more! looking forward to seeing more images from this shoot - the couple is totally adorable and it looks like it was a fun shoot!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 07:47 PM

Very inspirational! I love that you walk the talk. :)

kate says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 06:20 PM

you're smart cookies!!

rags says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 02:36 PM

Very inspiring.

Patrick says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 01:09 PM

[sigh...] So true... [takes a deep breath...]

anjuli paschall says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:41 AM

i LOVE that everyday I can look forward to reading your blog and seeing something beautiful. i've challenged myself to blog everyday and so far so good. I never thought i could do that. and it is kind of scary to push myself beyond what i think is possible. but when i reach my 'impossible' goals, it is so rewarding! thanks!

John Harder says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:40 AM

Love this post. Love that photo!

carmen aka FRESH says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:34 AM

thanks for offending me - for real - think i needed that kick in the rear. nobody better to take it from than sr!

Ahmed Eid says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:30 AM

Thanks for the inspiration

I really admire your work

Jen Goulet says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:27 AM

Thank you for inspiring me everyday Sarah!!

david says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:12 AM

Boom... You nailed! Great post as usual.

Carrie says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:04 AM

WORD.

Carrie says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:02 AM

WORD.

Anonymous says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 09:01 AM

absolutely! Agree with every part of it.

Laura says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 08:58 AM

Thanks for this post. I am constantly daydreaming and thinking of new goals. Love reading your blog, I always find your words inspirational.

Isabelle Paille says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 08:44 AM

Looove this. Could not agree more!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 08:55 AM
Jesi & Teddy are the kind of people that just put you at ease. They laugh easily and love life. These two are down to earth and I really respect how they live their lives caring for others. Jesi & Teddy are both nurses and they met "on the job" :) I imagine it happening a lot like an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I suppose Teddy would be McDreamy and Jesi would be Dr. Grey haha. I presume nurse life doesn't quite play out like it does in the TV shows, but a girl can dream right?! 

These two are getting married in June and we are so stoked for their wedding. It's hard to believe that wedding season is upon us! Time has flown by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday that we were sipping banana smoothies in Thailand! Our season kicks into full gear next weekend and I cannot wait! We have some of the greatest couples in the world and I feel so blessed beyond belief that I am able to live out my passion doing what I love. 

For those who are curious about the unique indoor location, these were shot in the Seattle Public Library because it was raining so we opted for an indoor location. Anyone who comes to visit Seattle MUST put this on your list of things to do. It is by far the most uniquely designed library I have ever seen. Happy Wednesday!




Thoughts
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Alex Rubin says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 10:00 AM

Awesome shots. Such dramatic light. Incredible works as always.

HannahTaylor says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 07:25 AM

Love the gallery location!! That is amazing! The red hallway is fantastic!

Leena A. says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 05:56 AM

What an amazing location! Amazing captures! And an amazing couple. My favorite is the "red" shot with the couple at the middle of the horizon point. You rock!!!

Christine says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 11:36 PM

love their love story and i adore that library! i spent many an afternoon there one summer when i needed the 'net to find a job, only to walk out one afternoon to see my car was missing (totally had a "dude, where's my car?" moment). beautiful work, my dear! :) xoxo

Bryan says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 01:54 PM

Heading to Seattle tomorrow for the first time! We will definitely check out the library.Thanks for sharing such beautiful work.

Stephanie says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 01:21 PM

Awesome location! Awesome photos!

Paige Butcher says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 11:52 AM

Really beautiful. I especially love that last one :)

meg says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 10:51 AM

I used to be an architect, and this is my most favorite building in seattle. Boy, it's gorgeous. I love libraries.

Megan Eckers says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 10:19 AM

I'm not sure what the photography equivalent of "music to my ears" would be, but that's what your photographs are to me. Every single one of them. God bless you and your amazing talent.

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 10:12 AM

Fourth to the last is my favorite! I also love the purple hallway shot. She looks so beautiful in the first shot! Kudos...again :-)

anda says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 09:34 AM

a photo shoot after my own heart. i've been trying to quit blogs -- but i remain addicted to yours forever. love the location (duh), and love their outfits too :)

jesh de Rox says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 09:34 AM

beautiful feeling in here, friend :)

luna pie says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 09:19 AM

I've been devouring your blog for a couple of months now, and I just want to say thanks. Thanks for encouraging creativity and personal growth, for sharing yourselves and your special talents.
Your photos are truly stunning, and exude passion with every single shot.
I look forward to seeing more!

Rensche van Dyk says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 09:18 AM

Gorgeous work guys. Jesi & Teddy make a beautiful couple and the library is to die for!

Cant wait to see their wedding:)

Good luck with your wedding season, I just know its going to be AWESOME!

Marc Javier says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 09:09 AM

Wow, the library made a great backdrop/environment for the shoot. It actually doesn't look much like a library, which makes even cooler. Fantastic images. Per usual, well done!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 07:51 AM
Karlie & Jordan have the longest standing relationship of any of our couples to date.  They have known one another since pre-school. Jordan's mom was Karlie's pre-school teacher! How cute is that? Little did she know that one day that cute little strawberry blonde girl would be her daughter in law. 

It's oftentimes that you meet a couple that has been together as long as these two and they no longer have that "FIRE" for one another. We've all met couples like that. I was so impressed by the absolute love, admiration and passion these two have for one another. They definitely still had the fire :). Jordan and Karlie love life and breathe it in deep. They also cherish one another and laugh at each others jokes; two things that I personally think are crucial for any relationship with longevity. 

These two value the finer things in life like good music, good beer and quality time together. Midway through our shoot the rain settled in and I loved how it didn't even phase them. It showed so much about their character. The hair getting wet didn't matter, the cold and wind didn't seem to bother them much either, they got what this was all about and I love people who have a big picture perspective like that. 



Thoughts
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Jason Williams says: Sunday, May 9, 2010, 09:59 AM

The first image in the group......one of my faves of yours ever. It's a little bit of magic! One of those images that is full of story and motion...great capture.

Erica Velasco says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 08:42 AM

Super cute! Love the emotions toward the end of the session...and I love how the wind can be the best thing ever sometimes!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 08:27 AM

looooove.

Karlie & Jordan says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:56 PM

Sarah, these are fantastic!!! Everything we had hoped for! Thank you so much for the fun photo shoot and these amazing images! We LOVE them!!!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:34 PM

I love the pallette of this entire shoot! The hands holding pine cones is oh oh oh so beautiful. You have these harsh prickly things with twigs held by such soft hands and embraced by the warm tones of her clothing and the ground. It's almost like she's holding a bird that just died and she's holding it with such reverence and appreciation. I love what this shot captures. Very well done guys!

Ev and John says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 06:57 PM

I am speechless... You two are a treasure as one and it radiates in these photos!

Shauna says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 01:41 PM

Wow! These are so great! It really shows what depth their love for each other goes. I've watched it thru the years & it always amazes me how fresh and new it always seems when I'm around the two of them.

arenda says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 12:37 PM

i love that black and white one where karlie has her eyes closed. beautiful moment.

Hi-Fi Weddings says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 11:55 AM

omg i want to be their bffs! they sound like me and my hubby :)

Lindsay says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 11:33 AM

So Amazing!!!
It is hard to pick a favorite...but love the kissing on the blanket pic.
I love the backgrounds, colors and the wind really added a nice touch.
What a beautiful couple :)

anda says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 10:29 AM

wind! hair blowing all around = love. i'm especially enamored of the first frame here.

Jodi says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 09:36 AM

I recently started checking out your blog and I love it! Your pictures are inspiring, and today's is gorgeous as always. Not only do I love the photos the two of you take, but your opening words are motivational. It all keeps me coming back for more!

Stephanie says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:39 AM

Gorgeous! You can feel the love in these photos..

Chelsea Patricia says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:26 AM

Obsessed. As usual.

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:20 AM

this is my new favorite shoot from you guys! so natural, and the colors are so rich. just wondering, what time of day is this? any tips on acheiving that golden tone? thank you.

Laura says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:05 AM

Gorgeous photos - I love the emotion that you captured...

Sarah Steffen says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:04 AM

I love when I see couples that have been together for so long and still see the sun in each other's eyes! The images capture that perfectly. Amazing.

Sarah Steffen says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 08:04 AM

I love when I see couples that have been together for so long and still see the sun in each other's eyes! The images capture that perfectly. Amazing.

Gabe says: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 07:58 AM

perfect. there is a beautiful feeling to these images.

Monday, May 3, 2010, 08:13 AM
This weekend I was back in Oklahoma for one of my very best friends, Sarah's, wedding. This time I got to be on the OTHER side of things as a bridesmaid. It was a weekend full of celebration and rich with love. One of my other best girlfriends, Jen, was also in town from Chicago as a bridesmaid (The first photo is me, Sarah & Jen). Having the three of us girls in one place was just what the doctor ordered. I'm so thankful for these sisters. You know those people that just "get you"? They are the friends that know I am the messiest eater ever and still think it's cute when I have ice cream sundae dribbles on the front of my shirt. These girls put up with me smelling like a giant coffee bean for a solid four years of my life due to my extensive hours behind the barista bar and my lack luster for the common courtesy of a shower.... don't hate, it was a dark time ;) lol.

But more importantly, these girls are some of my best friends because they have been with me through it all, through meeting Chris freshman year of college to the current up's and down's of life's beautiful triumphs and struggles. They are the people that choose to see the good in me and love me even when it's ugly. I'm thankful to have friends like that in my life. They say that you are the sum of the five most important people in your life.... if that's true, I'm honored by the people that God continues to surround me with. 

These are a variety of frames taken through the course of the last three days while at home in Oklahoma. There was a moment before Sarah's wedding that she was given a book of letters from all of us who love her. There was one letter in particular that was moving and special... it was a letter from Sarah's dad... In this moment it was so absolutely apparent that Sarah felt truly loved. Tears were the overflow of that love. Those moments of pure and total knowledge that we are loved unconditionally are rare and brilliant gems in this world. It is a moment I know she will cherish forever and so will I. 

p.s.- I shared an elevator with the Laker who scored the last point in the Thunder vs. Lakers game....I'm so sports savvy I don't even know his name but I think I should have taken him out when I had the chance ;)
p.p.s.- Little do most people know but Oklahoma has the best sunset's I have ever experienced in my life.



Thoughts
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kate says: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 06:23 PM

that car photo is so great!!! i might paint a picture of it.

Jenny Bean:) says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 04:42 PM

we love you guys so much and I agree that being together was just what the doctor ordered!!

Becka @Studio222 says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 03:37 PM

I've never been there but I imaging the skies being amazing! Glad you're having a great time on the other side of weddings. :)

Amanda H says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 03:07 PM

LOVE LOVE when you're in Okiehoma. Great to see your cute face. Ice cream is on the agenda when I come out there soon. :)

Renee says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 10:07 AM

I LOVE that your dress has a pocket. It's so cute too! Great photos as always Sarah!

Micah Emily says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 09:31 AM

These pictures are super sweet! You caught a really precious moment with her reading those letters! I love it! I'll be living in Stillwater this summer so if you guys ever make a summer trip to Oklahoma maybe I could take you all out on a photoshoot :)

brittany strebeck says: Monday, May 3, 2010, 08:23 AM

I'm so sad I couldn't be at this wedding!! So glad to hear it was a good time.