Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:19 AM
Meet Marissa, she is our fabulous intern-extraordinaire! We took her on back in late August/early September when we were in peak season and were needing some help. We had heard from a lot of our industry friends that an intern had been a real asset to their team and workflow, but we really had no idea just how amazing Marissa would be! She is truly a HUGE blessing. 

Our intern commitment is 10 hours per week for a year. Marissa is currently a student at Seattle Pacific University and has a passion for photography.  During the course of her time with us she gets to learn the in's and out's of how we run our business/process images/work with clients/manage our books etc. and she is at liberty to ask us any and all questions whenever she wants in exchange for helping us run our studio better.  Having her on board has made us more efficient and helps our clients have the best experience possible. It is like a year long mentorship for her, and we have the honor of benefiting from Marissa's amazing talents and skills over the next year. We are already dependent on this girl! I am dreading the day we have to replace her next fall! 

Marissa is an extremely gifted, talented and funny woman. She constantly makes Chris and I laugh. She is one of the funniest girls I know. I love that about her. She is a very hard worker, asks good questions, and is a lover of life. She is also an ESFJ, according to my favorite temperament test, Myers Briggs. Apparently I like ESFJ's because I just adore Marissa. She is a PERFECT fit for the Sarah Rhoads Family and we feel so thankful to have her on board with us! 

These first two frames are Polaroids and the coloring in the first frame just makes me melt... lurve it. Oh, and isn't Marissa just drop dead gorgeous?



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (23)
shawnreeder says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 05:27 PM

Well first, Marissa is drop dead gorgeous. Wow. What an incredible smile and laugh, and those eyes. Wow.

Sarah, how stoked are you to have a great intern, and an ESFJ at that!! I've been a lover of Myers Briggs since my dad first turned me on to it in 7th grade, and ESFJ is one of my favorite types!!

Olivia Leigh says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 11:19 AM

She is just lovely!

Luisa Brimble says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:47 PM

so lucky to be mentored by you guys! i would travel from Australia if can!

Luisa Brimble says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:46 PM

so lucky to be mentored by you guys! i would travel from Australia if can!

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:58 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:58 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:56 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

Becca says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 05:45 PM

Sigh. These shots at Fisherman's Terminal make me think of Cam and my engagement session, Sarah. I can't believe that was over one and a half years ago! How time flies! And how my little Sarah has grown :)

Alyssa says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 05:05 PM

She's stunning - what a fun set of photos. Not that I anticipate anything less than fabulous from you!

Christine says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 03:38 PM

SO PRETTY!!! :) wish i could be your intern, you guys are fabulous!!! :) Amazing shots. :)

susan says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 03:09 PM

wow...what gorgeous LIPS this girl has!

Amanda says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 02:58 PM

i'm so jealous! she has my dream job/internship!! i would move to where you are to work for you haha. but she is gorgeous! really, you guys are lucky!

Amanda says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 02:55 PM

i'm so jealous! she has my dream job/internship!! i would move to where you are to work for you haha. but she is gorgeous! really, you guys are lucky!

Alexandra says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 01:48 PM

This girl is so stunning, and she's so lucky! I'd love to work for the two of you - unfortunately I'm a bit far, but if you ever decide to move to England let me know!!! ;) Awesome photos as usual!

gabe says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:10 AM

right on! sweet images. Go Falcons!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:07 AM

She is stunning! I love her outfit and red lipstick...and of course her name! :) She is so fortunate to be able to work with you and I'm sure she's learning a ton!

Allison says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:56 AM

Love the bright and bold red lipstick! Such a cute and stylish intern! And the setting at the Marina, nothing says Seattle more to me than a tug boat and a dock!

Emilie says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:53 AM

She is gorgeous and very stylish! I love the red lipstick and the green scarf. Very classy! Love the pics of course!

Emma says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:20 AM

BTW - if bubba goes to Grad school in Seattle, im totally gunna propose being your intern:) wink**

Emma says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:16 AM

The colors are perfection.

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:15 AM

She's lovely! I love her bold red lips. :) That lost one is so peaceful and alluring.

mary says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:49 AM

gorgeous!!! in love with color in these! makes me want to rock the red lip!

benj haisch says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:29 AM

yeah. that first frame is LEGIT.

Sunday, November 15, 2009, 12:50 PM
Every artist and creative goes through a seasonal ebb and flow. Times when we love what we are creating and times when we may be frustrated with what we are creating. There are seasons when we feel on a creative "high" and other times when we feel like we are on a creative "hiatus." It seems like every artist have talked to has experienced this in frequency throughout the course of his/her artistic journey. As a result I have been thinking a lot about the concept of the creative ebb and flow of every artist.... how do we go through these valleys with grace and why exactly do we go through them?

Although the valleys are hard and trying seasons for an artist, I truly believe they force us to look at our creative body with eyes that push us to be better. The important thing that I have told myself I MUST remember through these seasonal valleys is that, I have a voice, a message that I was put here to share with the world. I am a vessel... we all are. Therefore, there will be people that don't resonate with that message, There will be people that don't like it... including the 'vessel'.  But we must take confidence in our gut instincts moving us forward. We must not kill the "messenger." We must use those valleys, those seasonal ebbs and flows to push us forward. Knowing and believing that we have something (however big or small) that needs to be shared with the world. We are all vessels in our own right. We leave this world different than we found it. We make an impact through the things we are creating. There is a power in you that is real and beautiful and magnificent. A power to truly change the world. There may be seasons when we like what we are creating more than others seasons, but we must trust what is coming out of us and use the valley's to push us forward. 

Every creative feels the urge to create for a reason that is bigger than us. Trust it. Run with it. You may surprise yourself.

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (30)
Kate Noelle says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:41 AM

Very eloquently put. It's true... we are vessels and it's important we realize that... vessels to be filled and emptied and filled again. Thanks for this post... encouraging!

Jamie says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 11:01 AM

Thank you. I think I can go through peaks and valleys on a single project. Heck, i can hit them in the space of 20 minutes when I'm designing something. =)

Melissa says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 09:08 PM

Hi Sarah - not sure if your question was directed at me or not but I did have an issue submitting my comment. Your site basically froze when i "submitted" so I tried again and without knowing it, it posted twice. Hope you can figure it out and fix it :)

Meredith Daniels says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 08:27 PM

Sarah you are such an inspiration to other artists. Thank you for opening your heart to us and posting such beautiful words and pictures!

yan palmer says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 07:03 PM

i needed this today. i really needed this today.

Cameron Ingalls says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 05:30 PM

word sister! right there with you!

sarahrhoads says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 01:31 PM

@Melissa I'm noticing the blog is sometimes commenting twice, like on comment. Did you accidently press submit two times or did something else happen? just want to rectify it if it is an issue with the blog. Thanks!

Melissa with Soul Mates Photo says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 01:05 PM

rock on girl. thanks for actually writing a blog post about this when everyone i've talked to at this time is feeling it too. i love that you are willing to roll with it. push against it and evolve a better person/photographer.

to the valleys and mountains! because both are beautiful.

Melissa with Soul Mates Photo says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 01:01 PM

rock on girl. thanks for actually writing a blog post about this when everyone i've talked to at this time is feeling it too. i love that you are willing to roll with it. push against it and evolve a better person/photographer.

to the valleys and mountains! because both are beautiful.

Melissa says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 11:45 AM

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is comforting to hear that I am not alone in the search for my voice and my purpose as an artist. This reminded me that just like life, creativity is a journey.

Melissa says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 11:35 AM

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is comforting to hear that I am not alone in the search for my voice and my purpose as an artist. This reminded me that just like life, creativity is a journey.

Alexandra says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 01:50 AM

Beautiful words. Beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing.

THE a says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 11:27 PM

Very beautifully written and so very, very true. Thank you so much for sharing that, I think it will help many people, likely more than you know. I know so many that struggle constantly with these feelings and I think this would be a good reminder for them to print off and hang on to. :)

Gina Zeidler says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 09:26 PM

Amazing message S. Thank you for sharing your journey. On all levels THANK YOU. Also stunning photo. LOVE it.

cheryl says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:43 PM

Thanks so much for this! Been following your blog for a while now, and this particular post was just entirely inspiring to me :)

Jamie says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:42 PM

Sarah, thank you for this message. I believe this message with all my heart, knowing God has a purpose for my life...but there are always days of doubt and feelings of no purpose...your post came at a great time and has motivated me for today...one of those "down" days. So thank you for sharing your voice! You are a rockstar, my friend.
Jamie

Jamie says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:39 PM

Sarah, thank you for this message. I believe this message with all my heart, knowing God has a purpose for my life...but there are always days of doubt and feelings of no purpose...your post came at a great time and has motivated me for today...one of those "down" days. So thank you for sharing your voice! You are a rockstar, my friend.
Jamie

Jamie says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:37 PM

Sarah, thank you for this message. I believe this message with all my heart, knowing God has a purpose for my life...but there are always days of doubt and feelings of no purpose...your post came at a great time and has motivated me for today...one of those "down" days. So thank you for sharing your voice! You are a rockstar, my friend.
Jamie

Christine says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:27 PM

agreed. what an inspiring read this monday morning! :)

Christine says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:26 PM

agreed. what an inspiring read this monday morning! :)

Emilie says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 03:18 PM

WOW!! Thanks for the powerful message. For now, I'm in a creative hiatus but I'll follow what you say and I'll keep on trying... I know I have a message, I have something to express, a story to tell. Thanks again!

koesbong says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:43 PM

thanks for this encouraging post. really hits home right now.

Chelo Keys says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:40 PM

Thank you, Sarah.

koesbong says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:39 PM

thanks for this encouraging post. really hits home right now.

Joseph Tatum says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:38 PM

This photograph is incredible.

I'm glad I'm not the only on who has these artistic hiatuses.

koesbong says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:37 PM

thanks for this encouraging post!

Chelo Keys says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:34 PM

Thank you, Sarah.

Mandy says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:17 PM

You are so right my darling girl.....

I grew up near the ocean in Maine, and can only tell you that I excuse my lack of inspiration by the fisherman's expressions coming on and and off the wharfs and clam flats. It seems that we are both in sync inspiration wise.

Its hard to believe that a beautiful spirit like yourself experiences ebbs and flows. Just wishing you hugs and continued growth in your inspirational journey.

Kim Kalyn says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:16 PM

Oh Sarah. This post really hit home for me. I couldn't agree more. You articulated that feeling so well. I absolutely love this image. It is intriguing in so many ways :)

Mandy says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 01:14 PM

You are so right my darling girl.....

I grew up near the ocean in Maine, and can only tell you that I excuse my lack of inspiration by the fisherman's expressions coming on and and off the wharfs and clam flats. It seems that we are both in sync inspiration wise.

Its hard to believe that a beautiful spirit like yourself experiences ebbs and flows. Just wishing you hugs and continued growth in your inspirational journey.

Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:17 AM
It was as if the dark rainy clouds parted just for Johanna and Chad this past Saturday. Warm-golden, crisp, delicious light broke through the rain for some of the most radiant light I have ever had the honor of working in. It was like a dream. Fall weddings are always special to me. It is my personal favorite season and this is a wedding that did the fall season justice! Johanna & Chad's celebration was like a fall festival! With reds, golds, oranges, browns... smores, the smell of a burning fire, smiles, candle light, apple cider, coffee beans & warm cozy lighting that seemed to hug everyone in the room. It was a perfect day that reflected them and their adventurous, outdoor-loving spirits. 

The wedding took place at the Rainier Club downtown Seattle. It might be one of our new favorite venues in Seattle. It is rustic, elegant with a touch of "eeriness" that is endearing and quite intriguing. Michelle Engvall Coordinated this lovely event and it is always a joy to work with such a great coordinator. I cannot stress to my couples enough how important the roll of a coordinator is into achieving the overall vision for the day and making things move flawlessly throughout. The flowers were absolutely breathtaking. My favorite bouquet of the season goes to miss Johanna's bouquet. Her wonderful florist, Julie Borrud of Bella Rugosa did an excellent job with all of the florals at the event. 

What an amazing day this was to be a part of! Johanna and Chad we are so very happy for you. Thank you for allowing us to be there with you and giving us complete and total trust :) A few of these are some of my all time favorite captures. 

The Team:
Venue: Rainier Club
Coordinator: Michelle Engvall
Florist: Bella Rugosa





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (32)
fer juaristi says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 05:36 AM

amazing work sarah, you rocked every click!

Francis Aldana says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:49 AM

The silhouettes on these are bananas! home run sarah! as always, your lighting is insane and ridiculously disgusting.. (in cali, that's a good thing).. you rocked it as always. thank you for the inspiring photos once again..

Lesley says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 12:08 AM

Wow, please tell me her shoes are comfortable, cause I would like a pair please! Yes please! :)

Rachel Boekel says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 07:48 AM

the last one is magnificent. ooohhh eeee :)
As usual your posts blow my mind, you have great brains that see things beautifully. :)

Rachel Boekel says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 07:25 AM

the last one is magnificent. ooohhh eeee :)
As usual your posts blow my mind, you have great brains that see things beautifully. :)

sean says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 12:49 PM

love the sunset window silhouette shots

Lindsey Brittain says: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 04:26 PM

Great wedding! Love the last one! Great perspective!

URSULA says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:09 PM

GORGEOUS AS ALWAYS - YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION -

Isabelle Paille says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 02:49 PM

W-O-W. MANY epic pictures in there. You guys rock.

Isabelle Paille says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 02:48 PM

W-O-W. MANY epic pictures in there. You guys rock.

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 01:10 PM

I can't take all the credit on these guys! Chris got some of the coolest shots in this set ;)

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:45 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:39 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:35 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:33 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Caitlin says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:59 AM

Gorgeous :) Love the ring shot too!

deb schwedhelm says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 10:45 AM

i swoon over you and the magic you create...each and every time. love all of these. deb

Mel McLellan says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:35 AM

Last shot = pure awesomeness!! Wonderful work Miss Sarah! :)

Kip says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:31 AM

Real.

Kip says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:30 AM

Un...

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:26 AM

The way you tell stories with your photos always amazes me! Simply amazing!

Meghan says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:22 AM

LOVE the picture of the rings on that old telephone! So cute and different!

Bianca Valentim says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:07 AM

This is so different!
Love the silhouette, her shoe and the cool socks!
AMAZING job!

ron storer says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:06 AM

from one friend to another...

beautiful, just beautiful.....my favorite. passion and creativity

ron storer says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:03 AM

from one friend to another...

beautiful, just beautiful.....my favorite. passion, creativity and newness.

Alexandra says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:58 AM

I LOVE that first image!!!!! Stunning! Should be on a big canvas in their living room :)

shannon leith says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:56 AM

i went back and forth back and forth back and forth on these photos............ sliding that bar all over the place. i love these. that last one is officially the best.

Alexandra says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:55 AM

I LOVE that first image!!!!! Stunning! Should be on a big canvas in their living room :)

Rensche van Dyk says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:47 AM

Amazing shots! You guys are brilliant:) I love the bride's shoes, and the socks of the grooms and grooms men, excellent idea.

Gina says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:28 AM

AMAZING girl. Love love love the sunkissed window shots. SO creamy and beautiful! Way to work this out in less than 48. That it self is amazing.

matthew says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:26 AM

Beautiful Sarah. Great storytelling with your images.

rafa shea says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:25 AM

you are amazing

Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 04:00 PM
We LOVE the gals over at Southern Weddings Magazine! The new issue of Southern Weddings comes out tomorrow so be sure to get your hands on a copy! For any of our couple's looking for some great inspiration this magazine is one that should be a must have in the magazine collection :). The magazine featured some of our images and we were so excited to be a part of such an amazing publication! Click here to buy a copy of Southern weddings online or check out your local bookstore this week.

Check out the Southern Weddings blog for some more amazing inspiration: http://www.swsmag.net/


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (11)
Emily @ Southern Weddings says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:47 AM

Right back at you, Sarah! We're so happy to have been able to include you in this issue - we love your work!

Emily @ Southern Weddings says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:45 AM

Right back at you, Sarah! We're so happy to have been able to include you in this issue - we love your work!

Brett Arthur says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 10:42 PM

Congrats! Your images are brilliant. Well deserved.

Plus, your blog design, and site, are awesome!

Brett Arthur says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 10:42 PM

Congrats! Your images are brilliant. Well deserved.

Plus, your blog design, and site, are awesome!

erwinwijanto says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 04:24 PM

Congratulations Sarah + Chris.. this is beautiful beyond words.... :)

erwinwijanto says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 04:23 PM

Congratulations Sarah + Chris.. this is beautiful beyond words.... :)

John Pascale says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 11:57 AM

Congrats! Nice work! I have been following your blog for a while now (aka. in my favorites) and i love your work. Thanks

John Pascale says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 11:51 AM

Nice work! I have been following your blog for a while now and your work is incredible. Thanks for your inspiration!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 03:12 AM

Wow, congratulations!

Bianca Valentim says: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 05:17 PM

CONGRATS!!!

Galaxie Andrews says: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 04:25 PM

Congrats!
Sarah, just wanted to share this awesome link with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BFwgf1f2I&feature=player_embedded. have you heard o it? maybe you can help spread the word :)) toodles.