Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:13 AM
The Deasy family holds a very special place in my heart.

When Jill got in touch with me a few months back telling me their story, I immediately felt drawn to them. The Deasy's experienced a great tragedy in their lives on February 17th 2007 when they lost their seven year old son, Luke, to a strep infection. It was sudden and unexpected and turned their world on its side. In the words of Jill, "Everything since then is directly influenced by his death, including this photo shoot.  I feel that we are living a life that is dangerous, unpredictable, ephemeral, gritty and beautiful. I feel that after three years, our family is on the verge of something powerful. I have learned that we are strong, courageous, incredibly loving, and willing to grow despite the great pain that comes from that growth. I hope this photo session with you will capture both the togetherness and separateness. I hope it captures the physical dynamics of the four of us as well as the spiritual dynamics of the five of us.  We are simultaneously broken and yet we are whole. In short, we are a family of glaring contradictions."

When I think about this beautiful family my heart feels overtaken on so many levels. I feel connected & drawn to them because I too, know what it is to have a family member taken too soon. I feel joy because these are the overcom'ers of the world. These are the rare gems of the world that pereservere and somehow turn tragedy into something beautiful. The Deasy's  are a family full of hope. They are people who love until it hurts because they know there is no other way to live.

Luke is a very real part of the Deasy family and since I never had the honor of meeting him, I pulled Daddy Matt, Momma Jill, Tommy and Ray away individually and asked them to all write in chalk one word that described their son & their brother. It was an extremely moving experience for me and the family. As the tears rolled down my cheeks, I was so happy my camera was there to guard my face. It was almost as if Luke was right there with all of us throughout the entirety of this shoot. Tommy's word to describe his brother was "Baseball" because Luke was "really good at baseball and taught him how to play" (in the words of Tommy). Ray's word was "snakes" because his brother Luke, really liked snakes and was never scared of them. Jill's words for her son were "untamed" and "inspiration." Daddy Matt's word was "old soul."  

Jill and Matt just wanted honest photos of their family, nothing posed, nothing fake. What an honor it is to capture this family for all of the beautiful brokeness and beautiful hopefulness that they posses. They are a true inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you Deasy family for blessing me with this opportunity to capture your family exactly as it is. 

*If you want to see a few more from my time with this lovely family you can check out their slideshow here: Deasy Family Slideshow
*The styling/hair and make up were all orchestrated by my wonderful friend Tiffany Lowry
*The music on the slideshow is by my beautiful & dear friend, Miss Amy Seeley










Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (42)
Gemma says: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 06:15 PM

One of your best shoots ever. So raw and so natural.
Thanks for sharing.

Kim Thiel says: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 12:45 PM

Awesome! I want milk and chocolate cake now :)

Chelsea Patricia says: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 06:02 AM

I cried just during the story. Oh my goodness. The images are...well, lovely. One of the words I use to describe your work quite often.

Jenika says: Monday, August 30, 2010, 11:48 PM

Jasmine Star mentioned you as someone whose work she looks at, and I see why. I’m so happy I found you online. This photoshoot is a beautiful offering of love and healing and I look forward with pleasure to browsing your other work.

Charmi says: Monday, August 30, 2010, 10:40 AM

that story brought tears to my eyes. you can just feel the love, strength and raw emotion in these pictures - what a beautiful session.

ALex says: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 06:06 AM

Absolutely incredible!!! I love this and their story, beautiful work.

Gloria says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 05:30 PM

love the touching story behind this session. your photography has inspired me to pick up a camera and learn some of the basics. this post particularly speaks to me since I will be photographing a family session with my sis and her family tomorrow.

Rachel says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 07:22 AM

OMG I am so moved. I don't know what to say. These are beyond treasures for this family. Beyond Art. Beyond Amazing. XO

charlotte says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 07:08 AM

Hi Sarah,
I just started following your blog and love your work. This post was especially moving and powerful and you did such a great job capturing this family. My heart goes out to them.
Can't wait to follow your blog!!!
All Best,
Charlotte

Aimee says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 06:52 AM

These photos are so inspiring.

Allison says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 12:54 AM

Beautiful.

Patricia E says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:22 PM

I just left a comment but I am thinking that it didn't actually go through. Seems I don't have the best of luck with leaving comments on your blog :( So I'll try this one just to see if it goes through. If you get this and didn't get the first one - just know that my first comment was a great one ;)

Patricia E says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:19 PM

So lovely and moving. Your style is unlike no other because you see people - you actually see them and that's refreshing and that's what I look up to. We all just want to be seen, heard, and known and you excel. I love those clients that are bold enough to do an all candid photo shoot. This family is beautiful - gives me hope that my husband and I can love wildly and live simply and beautifully with our baby that is coming in the Spring. :o)

April Russell says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 03:13 PM

amazing! How awesome of an inspiration are they! It is absolutely breath taking when people live like this.... knowing they can move on and remember someone so important to them even when they are not there. These pics are awesome... i love sports!

charlie says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 03:13 PM

That last one says it all!!!sublime!

Lydia says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 03:02 PM

Sarah, these are amazing. What family pictures are meant to be!

Katie Kolenberg says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 02:41 PM

What an amazing family. You told their story so beautifully in words and pictures. x

Kate Triano says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 02:38 PM

so beautiful...

Quinn says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 02:12 PM

I don't even know this family and I got tears looking at their photos. You have given them such a gift, I love that you captured them in their own home..so incredibly personal.

ali says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:24 PM

wow sarah..... so powerful. you did capture exactly what they wanted. you can feel luke in the photos. i got chills looking at these. what an amazing family...

anda says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:12 PM

for real. your family sessions. they are just ridiculous. i usually close out of someone's blog as soon as i get to a family session. i'm not a jerk, i just plain don't like family sessions. but yours ... good lord, what to even say? remarkable. absolutely remarkable!

yan palmer says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:04 PM

doesn't get better.

Tonhya Kae says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 11:33 AM

Tears. Tears. Tears. Sarah and Chris, these are absolutely breathtaking. You have given this family such a gift. What an amazing story...

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:52 AM

These are so delicious and man does that cake look good! I love the opening shot, and love all the shots of the mom hugs. Also love the last one so much. These will be cherished images for decades. Way to see and then capture the love that this family has!

Gail says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:38 AM

This session above any other family session just stirred something inside me. Your work with Chris is beautiful Sarah and I'm sure the Deasy family will cherish these images for years and years to come.

Sarah Vasquez says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:20 AM

Absolutely gorgeous, real, and moving. Your work is always such an inspiration and spurs me to pay closer attention to details and see locations from a different angle in my own photography.

I love this session. It's breathtaking.

Sarah Vasquez says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:19 AM

Absolutely gorgeous, real, and moving. Your work is always such an inspiration and spurs me to pay closer attention to details and see locations from a different angle in my own photography.

I love this session. It's breathtaking.

Kathy Carlisle says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:13 AM

Sarah...I will also give the first word that I would use to describe this shoot...INSPIRATION. This is such a beautiful and I joyfully (and sorrowfully) shed tears this morning as I connected with the family. Everytime a hugging picture would come on in the slideshow, I got goosebumps. They seem to hold on just a little bit tighter in their loving embraces. What a powerful perspective I will carry with me today. Thank you for this. Kathy

Ryan McCarthy says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 10:09 AM

I strive to have this kind of emotion in my pictures. You have inspired me to seek the truth, love the subjects, and tell their story.

Sarah this is breath taking and simply amazing. Wow.

Paige Butcher says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:49 AM

This is fantastic, beautiful, whimsical, and real. I cried all the way through this post.
Incredible.

kristin says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:36 AM

wow, cry much... this epitomizes the power photography has as an addition to a heartbreaking and inspiring story! much love and light to this family! beautiful and touching captures...

Nicole Mlakar-Livingston says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:31 AM

An absolute gift for this family and for all of us who get to view this touching work of art.

Kristi says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:30 AM

You have such a gift, and I'm always inspired after visiting your blog. Beautiful.

Nicole Mlakar-Livingston says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:30 AM

An absolute gift for this family and for all of us who get to view this touching work of art.

Laura says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:28 AM

Beautiful images and inspiring story!

Sarah Vaughan says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:27 AM

Unbelievably moving. And insanely gorgeous photos, Sarah. You captured this family so honestly, creatively and just beautifully. Hugs to this family and all the families that suffer this kind of pain.

mary says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:27 AM

oh my word. amazingly inspirational. beyond evocative... it really goes to show that this work is so much more than just creating a photo to put in a frame.

Kristi Flower says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:26 AM

Simply beautiful!

Kate Hood says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:24 AM

A beautiful shoot. Sarah, you alway manage to capture the essence of your subjects perfectly. Families are truly lucky to find you. Please continue shooting as you do with love and honestly. It's a joy and an experience to view your work.

kirsten says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:23 AM

beautiful.

Gabriel says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:23 AM

Sarah, these are absolutely breathtaking. You went beyond and completely captured this family's essence. A comment can't describe work this good.

Amazing job. Proud of ya!

Spencer says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:22 AM

Gosh everytime you post something I feel the emotion and am inspired!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 09:45 AM
Julie & Andy are like our weird couple-twins. On so many levels we just "get" each other. There is nothing greater in the world than feeling truly understood by someone. It is my belief that when you find those people that can meet you eye to eye on a deeper-than-surface level you know you have found a friend to hold on to. 

Julie & Andy are the type of people that seek to feed their souls. They dream big, follow their passions and never stop learning. They are what I like to call, three-dimentional, ie. inspiring, interesting and dynamic. We decided to take an adventure with these two for their engagement session and headed up to the mountains. We spent the day together laughing, being goofballs, getting in trouble with the rangers and swatting off the most insane amount of mosquitoes that you could imagine. I think all of us were covered in bites by the end of the day despite our deepest efforts to bathe ourselves in mosquito repellant. It was the type of shoot I live for, minus the mosquitoes :). I could hardly narrow this post down because there was just so many images that took my heart. I wanted to post them all. Julie & Andy have found that other amazing soul out of so many billions that was created exactly for them and that makes me beam with excitement for them. We are so stoked for their wedding on the Big Island of Hawaii in March. Enjoy & Happy Wednesday!

Julie's Hair and Makeup was done by the fab Mrs. Tiffany Lowry *aren't those red lips Julie is sporting just yummmm!? :) 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (44)
ben brubaker says: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 08:18 PM

I love these photos. And congratulations Andy! Hope to see you again soon in Madison or Milwaukee.

Chelsea Patricia says: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 06:06 AM

Oh my gosh. SO BEAUTIFUL!

Angie says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 09:25 AM

Are you kidding me? These are awesome! You are so inspiring!

Paige Butcher says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 06:39 AM

What a beautiful couple. These photos are amazing.

HannahTaylor says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 04:37 AM

Definitely one of my favs too! I love the contrast of the mountains with the hammock! The color of the hammock is perfect!

Kameron Olds says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 02:32 AM

Sarah...I'm sure you and Chris must hear this a lot, but honestly, I have yet to find another photographer that catches the true, raw connection between your couples that the two of you get! Seeing your photos is like taking a peek into somebody's soul. It's truly an art to capture sincere emotion and love the way you do!

tahiti says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 07:20 PM

so flipping amazing. i can't stop staring.

Jenna says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 06:05 PM

Took my breath away... one of my favorite shoots to date. Well done!!!!!

Darby says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 03:57 PM

That's so funny that you say they're you're weird couple friends because they kind of look like you too! Love these....expecially the last one with the mountain in the back!!

Colby Elizabeth says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 01:36 PM

Absolutely LOVE these!!! Amazing!

christine says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 12:38 PM

this session is just beautiful! beautiful people, captured beautifully, and what a backdrop! lots of love from Northern Ireland

Julie Watts says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 09:50 AM

Love the sense of ease you guys capture. It's such a dreamy quality and it feels good in the heart to view your images, not just the eyes. Excellent!!

Lia says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 08:58 AM

Sarah and Chris, your photography makes me want to be a better person (and photographer!). These are amazing photos. I could just eat the colors they're so luscious. And Julie and Andy? Gorgeous, gorgeous people.

liz says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 09:42 PM

magnifico!

LisaK says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 07:01 PM

I love all of these so VERY much! But that last one....well, it's just amazing and needs to be blown up SUPER big and displayed for the world to see! Gorgeous : )

Christine says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:26 PM

oh. sweet. baby. jebus. JULIE + ANDY! you guys are so flippin' hot. HAWT. mega hawt. and sarah, i couldn't agree more about these two - whether it's music or photography or jewelry making, they're in it to win it. LOVE it. and rhoadsies: way to rock a friggin awesome, glorious, mountainous session! F YEAH! :)

Gemma Carr says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:24 PM

This is my fave shoot of yours ever! LOVE the close up cuddly shots on the hammock. Actually, I love them ALL. Beautiful shots os a beeeeautiful couple.
My eyes say thank you.

Christine says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:24 PM

oh. sweet. baby. jebus. JULIE + ANDY! you guys are so flippin' hot. HAWT. mega hawt. and sarah, i couldn't agree more about these two - whether it's music or photography or jewelry making, they're in it to win it. LOVE it. and rhoadsies: way to rock a friggin awesome, glorious, mountainous session! F YEAH! :)

Gemma Carr says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:24 PM

This is my fave shoot of yours ever! LOVE the close up cuddly shots on the hammock. Actually, I love them ALL. Beautiful shots os a beeeeutiful couple.

Spencer Combs says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 06:18 PM

Loving this shoot! SERIOUSLY!

ali says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 04:51 PM

wow! these are incredible. what a cool place for photos and what a beautiful couple.... your photos blow my mind EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Anna says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 03:30 PM

Oh dear. Those mountains are spectacular.

Angie Baxter says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 03:20 PM

Wow!! Gorge location and gorge photographs! x

Hannalee Photography says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 01:26 PM

Stunning as always. I love everything about this shoot, fantastic location.

arenda says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 01:15 PM

wowzers! what a beautiful and perfect location for a hammock - pretty little flowers below, gorgeous mountains in the distance! love all these photos. :)

AmyPunky Photography says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 01:03 PM

I'm in love with this session and the colors!!! Julie and Andy are such a rad couple!!!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 12:26 PM

Not just epic...RADICALLY epic!!! you guys amaze me!

daniel usenko says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 12:09 PM

awesome shots! loooove the color. Great jobs guys

Jenny Adrian says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:48 AM

Beautiful as always!

julie h says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:18 AM

thank you so so so much! eeeeeee!

Liz says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:17 AM

That last shot really gets me - so beautiful and serene and in such break taking surroundings. Gorgeous!

kristen holly says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 11:07 AM

Awww, Julie and Andy are the cutest!! You guys look amazing, and Sarah - fabulous, fabulous work! :)

Stacey Fitts says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:54 AM

Not only do I love this couple :) but Sarah you captured the love they have for eachother! Beautiful, just beautiful!

Anna Shelton says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:51 AM

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there...."
Just beautiful!!! I especially love this last photo in the set.

delbarr says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:39 AM

wow! stunning...Julie looks gorgeous :) and this setting?! are you kidding? amazing.

Kai says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:36 AM

Sarah, Chris, Julie, and Andy...this set of images is full of life. I adore.

Sarah Danaher says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:33 AM

So, so very lovely. I think the location and the setting *perfectly* illustrates the depth of their relationship. Well done, Sarah.

Tonhya Kae says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:18 AM

Oooo! I've been waiting patiently to see these! Julie and Andy, you two are seriously such a beautiful couple. I've so enjoyed becoming friends with you two. And Sarah & Chris, amazing job as always. These images are breathtaking. : )

Alex Beadon says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:16 AM

Amazing shots!! Beautiful couple, beautiful location. I love it!

Jessica says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:14 AM

GORGEOUS!!

Jill says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:08 AM

JULES. you are a bombshell. andy, you are a rockstar, but we all know that already. sarah and chris... your talent is astounding. these photos make my heart so full...

Kip says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:01 AM

Beautiful people inside and out. Beautiful images top to bottom.

sarah j says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:01 AM

Absolutely love - the couple and your images of them. Gorgeous!

taren says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 10:00 AM

you have the most lovely shooting locations...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 07:44 AM
Darby & Reece are some of the most sincerely gracious people you could ever meet. They truly LOVE people and life. Darby is a school teacher and Reece is a film producer. We felt so honored to be a part of their wedding. Everyone felt like a friend, every second felt like a celebration. Their day was honest, down to earth, imaginative, quirky and creative. These guys were a perfect couple for us :)

These two had an amazing wedding in Santa Barbara, California overlooking the ocean. Darby & Reece thought of all of the little things and their day was a total reflection of them. I think it's pretty safe to say that they used my favorite color pallet of all time, accenting everything with a soft & pretty yellows, yummy green's and muted grey's. It was light and happy with a little bit of throw-back :). I loved all of the unique little elements and ideas these two implemented into their day. If you want to see some fun out-takes from Darby & Reeces's Smilebooth you can check out the slideshow here

Enjoy some tastiness from Darby & Reece's Weddin'!

Coordinator: Donna Romani
Catering: Bacara Resort
Photobooth: Smilebooth

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (14)
Darby says: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 12:09 PM

Sarah! Reece and I still lok at these photos on a daily basis. They remind us of this day and I am so excited that we get to keep them forever :-)

Jordan Retro 10 says: Monday, August 30, 2010, 09:04 PM

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Jordan Retro 10 says: Monday, August 30, 2010, 09:03 PM

What a fantastic blog! It's a interesting experience. It is worth remembering. Ok,I will introduce you to know about a comfortable shoes that makes your life better! Via Jordan Retro 10 the website, you can choice what you like!

Christan Parreira says: Monday, August 30, 2010, 12:46 PM

I love visiting your blog! Your work always encourage and challenges me to find a new perspective....awesome work.

ben + laura says: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 07:00 AM

Guys, so many things about this wedding are so perfect ... just beautiful ... the way it should be.

Donna Romani says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 07:23 PM

Absolutely stunning, Sarah! You guys are amazing and a complete pleasure to work with!!!

Rachelle says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 12:04 PM

Just heard about you through Jasmine Star's live feed (wow!) . Love the showcase of this event. Beautiful work. I'm totally impressed by your style and eye for the moment's capture.

Colorado Wedding Photographers, JasonG says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 06:12 AM

Wow.... love the bride and groom portraits. So sweet, emotional.

Hannalee Photography says: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 01:32 PM

Simply stunning! Fresh and creative, love it! And that is not even mentioning the photography! Well done.

hannah says: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 04:38 PM

first let me say that i LOVE your photography. and LOL, i work for the company that designed some of the patterned paper was used on the "bride" & "groom" chair as well as in the smilebooth!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 10:35 AM

OMG you guys...i don't know what to say. Every image is wall worthy! I'm sure the couple was very happy.

Brooke Courtney says: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 08:51 AM

This is probably my favorite wedding you've ever posted. :) Simply excellent!

Sarah Danaher says: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 08:44 AM

I'm rather in love with the "guestbook tree." What a *brilliant* idea!!

Paige Butcher says: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 08:12 AM

Lovely wedding! The lemons are great :)

Monday, August 23, 2010, 10:00 AM
There is not a lot that needs to be said about the amazingness that is this Smilebooth from Darby & Reece's Santa Barbara Wedding. 

These people know how to party.

I laughed a lot looking through the out-takes :) 

Darby is super crafty and decided to create her own custom backdrop for their Smilebooth. I love the colors and the way it all came together. It's always fun when people decide to do something a little different than the standard. 

Click the link below if you want to see a slideshow of some of the other Smilebooth frames Darby & Reece Smilebooth Slideshow

& to see the full gallery of all the photos taken throughout the evening at Darby & Reece's Santa Barbara Smilebooth you can check out the full gallery here


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (3)
Harmony Loves says: Monday, August 23, 2010, 11:21 AM

How extremely fun, cute, fabulous, and colorful!
I seriously love them all! :)

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, August 23, 2010, 11:10 AM

Ummmmm... how many ways can I say "amazing???" 'Cause that's what this is.

italida says: Monday, August 23, 2010, 10:46 AM

wonderful pics, lights and colours! I really like your works! *__*