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So Chris and I headed back to my "homeland" about a week and a half ago for Brock & Lindsay's special day!
I always love going back to Chicago, that city is sprinkled with the memories of my youth. The nostalgia I feel every time I'm there is insane. Memories of going to Cubs games with my dad and kid sister, eating big juicy Chicago-style hot dogs where mustard and relish drop all in your lap in the process; never actually watching the games but loving the sheer energy you felt sitting amongst all those people at Wrigley stadium. Going to broadway shows and just knowing, one day, when I "grew up" I wanted to be a Broadway Star... we all saw how that worked out! ;)
Chicago is a city that is very personal to me. It is a city that holds a lot of my memories, a lot of my secrets, my pains, my joys. It is a city that reminds me of my dad, I feel close to him when I am there.... So for that, It will always be a very special place to me.
Chris and I were especially excited for Brock & Lindsay's wedding because Brock Bobbitt is like a kid brother to me. I love him and Lindsay like family, so having the honor of telling their story on their wedding day meant the world to me...
I was going into my freshman year of high school when my dad passed away un-expectedly in a plane accident. It was an extremely difficult season for me & my family. I ended up going out for the cheerleading squad freshman year despite how crappy I felt, and ended up meeting this wonderful girl named Bethany Bobbitt, we became great friends. Later that year Bethany asked if I wanted to go to the "Daddy Daughter Dance" with her and her dad. It was one of the most kind gestures anyone had ever extended to me.... so I went to the high school Daddy Daughter dance with Bethany and her dad, Brian, and continued going for the next 3 years of high school that followed. Throughout high school & into college & to this day, Brian has been like a father figure to me. Pouring into my life selflessly. Allowing me to ask the stupid questions that you ask a dad. When it came time for me to get married I knew exactly who I wanted to walk me down the isle, Brian. I included a photo that our wedding photographer, Lisa Dunham, took at Chris & I's wedding just moments before Brian walked me down the isle, It is probably one of my very favorite photos from our wedding day.
So needless to say, the Bobbitt's have played an amazing role in my life and I feel so completely humbled when I think about how much they have poured into me..... so you can see why photographing Brock's wedding was so special to me, he's like a brother.
One should never underestimate the complete power they can have to change someone's life.
Brock & Lindsay are special people who have an effervescence that lights up a room, they are kindhearted and have a faith that can and WILL move mountains.... I am so proud of them. So without further adieu...
Thoughts
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Thanks for wearing your heart on your sleeve for this post, girl. Love you lots!
looooove the shot of the bride laughing!! as always simply gorgeous!
Fun, Fun, Fabulous, and Fun!
What an incredible story and what a great friend to be so thoughtful as to know just what you needed at that time in your life. Thank you for sharing.
Oh and of course your pictures kick butt as usual. The bride looks like she was having the time of her life.
Cool stuff! )
beautiful. in so. many. ways.
Everything about your story, this couple and their wedding day is so touching. I can feel the life, light, and love coming form every photo...these are absolutely beautiful.
And I'm crying... one of my favorite memories from your wedding day for sure.
Sweet friend, I can't wait to meet your Dad someday when we're all reunited!
Sarah, This post brought little tears to my eyes and a big thump! feeling in my tummy. Beautiful images and heart warming story. Thank you for sharing. xoxo Patrina
Well, I'm obviously not the only one, but I was moved to tears. So much so that my husband is a little worried! Gorgeous photos, and a wonderful, touching story. Your way with words is almost as brilliant as your way with the camera, by the way. And I'm in love with that ring shot!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for sharing so opening and candidly! I am preparing to go and shoot my own wedding today and I was moved to tears by the story and photo you shared of you and Brian!
Weddings are very emotional experiences and rightly so. Our job as wedding photographers is to capture that story. Thanks for sharing your passion and art so vividly!
Best,
Matt Mason
Beautiful story - and you did a beautiful job on their wedding.
My dad passed away when I was 8. I have a step-dad that had to EARN the right to call me son -- I didn't except him easily into my life - as a result I know what's it like to have 3 of the most amazing parents anyone could have. :)
Wow, Sarah. Every single one of your posts move me, but this one in particular........wow. Thank you so much for sharing this. You are so open and honest with your feelings, your thoughts and your emotions, and this is why you are the incredible photographer you are. You capture moments in time that would otherwise go unnoticed and taken for granted, so that we can look back on them and remember how special they truly were. I know your dad is bursting with love and pride, seeing all you've become and accomplished...and you've only just begun!
WOW Sarah! That post about your Dad and that image of Brian and you totally made my cry. How awesome that you had someone so amazing in your life and his willingness to give unselfishly as well as his daughter, what a true friend and a great story!
i love your heart sarah!
Love the ring shot and all the beautiful backlighting!
what a beautiful story. love how the guys are actually trying to reach for the garter! great job!
i love love love the one with the veil!
What a touching story Sarah! I too, lost my father between my sophomore and junior year in high school. He had lung and brain cancer. He is the reason I am a photographer today. Thank you for sharing that story. All of the images are amazing, especially the one of you on your wedding day. Blessings to you!
Your story and your photographs are so touching Sarah. Our jobs as photographers are so special and unique aren't they... thanks for reminding me of that :)
This story brings back memories of last year when I lost my brother and nephew in a plane crash. Thanks for being an encouragement to me when my heart hurt so bad. And this story today is so sweet...see...I can't stop the tears.
Beautiful pictures, Sarah. You're a treasure for sure.
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Sweet freaking ring-shot, guys! Great work, as always
always love your work and this post i am thankful for you sharing your heart.
what a beautiful story. and the photo of you on your wedding day carries so much emotion. i vote for a full on Rhoads family wedding post in the future!
Ahh! What a small world! Brock was one of my Young Life work crew kids YEARS ago! Congrats Brock and Lindsay! And great photos, Sarah!
Sarah Kenslow Rhoads - I cried on your wedding day and again just now. You take amazing photographs because you see with your heart. How wonderful for you and for Brock & Lindsey to get to share that special time together and create images they will love forever. I know ALL your fathers are proud of you! As I sit here in front of my computer, still in my pj's editing a wedding, I'd like to say, "Thank You" for reminding why I do this. xxoo
My Dad passed away from Esophageal cancer last August and my last words to him was .. Dad I'm gonna become something and follow my dreams of being a photographer. He may have not really heard me but i know he was listening. I wish he was here today to see my beginning of this dream. Im slowly getting started and i know its because of him giving me this opportunity
Im sure your Dad would be so proud of you today Sarah.. You inspire others and you are an amazing photographer. So glad I found your blog! Keep up the great work!
In my haste with the slider, I went right past your story...sorry. Incredibly touching.
Simply beautiful! I really like the way you work with color and lighting--even pushing the limit on exposure. The ring shot is brilliant!
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, Sarah. I had no idea. What a testament of God's amazing grace. One of my good friends just lost her father as well. She's 25, but that doesn't make it any easier or harder than at 14. Wow. That story about her dad is so touching and what an amazing photo. I'm tearing up right now and it's not only because of my allergies.