Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:26 AM
Emily & Daniel are absolute sweetheart's. I have known Daniel for about 4 years now. In college we had this performance every year called "freshman follies." It was a musical with guys and girls where the directors come up with a theme, songs/dances and then the taught it to the group of freshman. I directed the show as a junior and Daniel was one of my freshman follier's... I know you are not supposed to have "favorites" at this kind of thing, but Daniel was always my favorite little follier :) 

I was so honored that Emily & Daniel asked me to shoot their engagement session while I was in Oklahoma last. We shot in Stillwater, which is where we went to college. The three of us went out to a really neat old car yard that was full of exciting things to shoot. Those are the type of places you get to shoot in Oklahoma.... those little gems are harder to come by in Seattle :)

This weekend is our alumni's (OSU's) homecoming. It is always a really special time to be back in Oklahoma. Fall in Stillwater is sprinkled with so many amazing memories of when Chris and I first started dating freshman year of college. Going to the coffee shop having lattes together, bundling up, having him drive me to class because although it was just a half mile away it was too cold to walk :) he has always spoiled me. It has been such a blessing to be here with family and tonight we will see some of our close college friends. I'm not much of a football person, but a good friend of my grandmother got us tickets to the homecoming game (which are very hard to come by) so I think we'll be bundling up tonight to go out and support our Cowboy's. Should be a good time.




Thoughts
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Jessica says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 03:25 PM

Sarah, I discovered you today from the O'Colly article. Your work is amazing and I'm proud to have you as a fellow OSU alum!

amber says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 02:28 PM

i heart these photos!!!! the light....the locations...the people...you rock!!!

Kristin Partin says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 01:57 PM

You know, i've followed your work for a long time. This is my favorite session you've ever done. it just speaks to me. Thought i'd share :)

Emily says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 12:59 PM

Sarah!! I am lost for words... These pictures are so amazing and we were soo blessed to have you take them!!! Seriously I am SOOO grateful for you and all your hard work on these fabulous photos... I can't wait to show our grandkids some day!!!!

Jane Hasty says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 12:57 PM

Gorgeous work! I am loving the light!

shannon leith says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 10:32 AM

lovely :)

Keyonna Renea says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 10:25 AM

These are so beautiful....I love everything you shoot!

Justin James says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:15 AM

These are my favorites you've done this year! Love the colors. So great.

Daniel Hayes says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 04:40 PM

Sarah! These are so incredible! I absolutely love them! They are everything that I imagined and more! I can't wait to see the rest! Thank you so much for everything!!

ron storer says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 03:57 PM

1,3,7,4,6,11,13,15,9,8,12,5,10,14 are my favorites...oh and two is PRETTY SWEET 2:)

Alexandra says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 02:58 PM

These are amazing. Loving them to death!

Lesley says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 01:33 PM

Is it possible to say 'Fabulous' over and over again! Yes, I think it is, cause I did it while looking at these!

Julie h says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 01:18 PM

yes! these are some of my fave's of your's Sarah & Chris. The light, bright colors, chemistry. Rock!

imthiaz houseman says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 07:44 AM

great set. i love it! hope you stayed warm last night at the game. :)

Marianne Taylor says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 03:04 AM

You are hands down the most inspiring photographer in my rss reader. Your pictures are so fresh and real and beautiful, and they always make my day a little bit better, always. Thank you. Keep rockin'!

Briony says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:42 PM

you are by far my favorite blog...every single shoot is fantastic!

Kim says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:32 PM

Oh My I love love!!! You did an amazing job. I love how you make all the colors come alive. You truly captured their sweet side.

Julie says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:31 PM

The very last shot, so great.

mary says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 08:43 PM

absolutely gorgeous sarah!!! love the color. love the light. love the locations. love the happy. you rocked it chica! :)

Zida says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 01:06 PM

Love your eye, Sarah girl.
xoxoxo
Zida

amaris says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 12:11 PM

I don't know how to encourage you other than by saying I LOVE your work! The world would be missing something SPECIAL if you guys weren't living out your dreams. Thank you!

Josh Boston says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:15 AM

These last two engagement sessions are insane! Absolutely incredible work. I love your color correcting and processing. Subtle but definite. Awesome stuff.

Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:47 AM
Meghan & Jonathan are dear friends of Chris and I. Chris has known Meghan since high school, and Meghan & I worked as baristas together in college. We were the opening shift gals who made 'knock out lattes' and knew all of our morning customers by name. We might as well have gotten an award for being the most killer baristas ever. Meghan and I have been through many seasons together since then. I have truly seen her grow into a beautiful woman over the past 6 years.

Ever since Jonathan moved to Seattle to be with Meghan things have just felt more 'complete.' Not just for Meghan and Jonathan, but also for Chris and I as well ;). They are true friends to us. They are those special type of people who share the same mentality that our LOST "friends" such as Sawyer and Kate are real people and are a very real part of life. haha. Meghan & Jonathan are the friends that are always up for going out to Wade's shooting range for my birthday and shooting some 9mm hand guns (see linked video lol). As Chris and I always say, you can tell a true friend by a lot of things, but an easy test is to see who will drive you to or pick you up from the airport.... It's safe to say that Meghan and Jonathan pass the test in more ways than just one. We love them to pieces. 

M & J recently got engaged and asked Chris and I to be in the wedding. Although we wont be able to actually attend the wedding (due to a pervious commission) we feel so honored. We are stoked for our sweet friends to be engaged and married! We had such a blast on their session. The four of us took a little road trip out to Port Angeles, WA. Even though we didn't quite make it all the way there, due to so many excellent photo "distractions".  However, I am a firm believer that it is about the journey rather than the destination. We shot some on a ferry, at a quaint little church and in a SWAMP. None of those stops were really part of the plan, but it worked out swimmingly for us... literally at points.... we were all swimming up to our shins in the swamp water in order to get a few of these frames. The light was just so golden'y-beautiful... so I couldn't help myself. Sometimes you just "go for it" as an artist and hope it pays off. In this case I am so glad we did, not only because the images turned out beautifully, but mostly because it made for some terrific laughs for all of us.

These images are very near to my heart. enjoy our wonderful friends, Meghan & Jonathan.




Thoughts
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Kellie Kano says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 03:20 PM

There is so much life in this set of images. They just scream LOVE :)

Emily M says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:33 AM

I love these photos. So happy for these two!

Kate says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 08:27 AM

I love everything that is happening here.

Claire Greenfield says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:13 AM

These are so lovely. What I like is the way that you have captured the fun and playful side of Meghan and Jonathan. They're funny, but not in a slapstick kind of way. They're both cheerful, positive and playful people - which comes out in these pics. That's special.

Ian Mitchell says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 05:27 AM

Great set of images, nicely done! And 'Band of Horses' instant win on that one - great band!

Emma Robertson says: Friday, October 16, 2009, 02:14 PM

O wow..... the colors.... o the colors...!! These are amazing Sarah - what an incredible friend they have :)

shannon leith says: Friday, October 16, 2009, 12:08 AM

all of these made me take a 2nd look. the .5 seconds we usually spend on images was extended today for me.......... these are so intriguing and lovely.

Julie h says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:56 PM

so rad! the swamp light is ahhhhmazing!

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:30 PM

P.S Love the Prowler in that first shot, I had one just like it!

mary says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:15 PM

absolutely stunning! every single frame is so perfect and tells a wonderful story. Congrats to your dear friends!

Melinda Ortley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 08:20 PM

I love these so much I had to leave a comment! very inspirational.

kylie danielson says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 07:06 PM

AH! Sarah! I love these. Every picture gets better and better. Your work makes me happy and leaves me feeling refreshed. Simply amazing.

mary says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 05:18 PM

love this sarah. love BOH too :) can totally hear their song 'the funeral' as the soundtrk to this series :)

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:31 PM

i love these! beautiful job as always. :)

Jamie says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:16 PM

I'm pretty sure I could never be as cool as they look in this shoot. It actually reminds me of 500 Days of Summer... minus the breaking up part of course. =]

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:09 PM

Wow! You guys these are gorgeous! Your relationship with these two really comes out in the comfortable feel of these images. And the light in the grass... it's the kind I dream of!

Alexandra says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 01:32 PM

These are incredible. As usual. Wow.

Meredith Amadee says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 12:41 PM

My heart melts with every new photo shoot you post. You've captured the beauty in their love and the uniqueness in all of these locations. Thank you for making me smile and realize what a beautiful world we are surrounded by.

Candice says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 12:13 PM

i dream of the ferry rides often. these images made me nostalgic. seattle is going to be a destination for the Lanning's very soon...again.

GOOD friends are hard to come by. so glad you are able to cherish them so. :)

Meghan says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:50 AM

these photos are out of control! i seriously could not be more thrilled about them i love that you guys show us how i see us. you capture that warm and fuzzy feeling in a photo, unbelievable! thank you thank you thank you!

Brittany says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:31 AM

You have such a beautiful and unique style! I just love your work, and this is an amazing shoot.

Ben Blood says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:26 AM

Sarah, these are so great! Such good outfits too!

Janet McK says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:19 AM

haha. I absolutely love the one with the popped balloon.

Lesley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 10:43 AM

these are just...i dunno...there isn't a word for the awesomeness of them... :)

geri e. says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 10:36 AM

wow! seriously stunning.
beautiful session and so innovative.

Allison Davis says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:55 AM

Lovely session. I love the tight BW with her hair sweeping around her - just a very beautiful photo. I love how soft and warm all of these photos feel - great work!

anda says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:37 AM

your connection with these two is so evident here. just my opinion -- but this is your best work. when a set of photos moves me, as an outsider, to tears -- it's powerful. beautiful!!

anda says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:37 AM

your connection with these two is so evident here. just my opinion -- but this is your best work. when a set of photos moves me, as an outsider, to tears -- it's powerful. beautiful!!

jamie delaine says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:35 AM

this is too much. too much. you're my favourite. ever.

PROMISE TANGEMAN says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:24 AM

Sarah!!! you guys NAILED this one. Makes me miss seattle and the ferries. amazing.

Kristine Neeley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:24 AM

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. I am so very much in love with this series. I'm particularly crazy about the ferry shots - I know how windy that can be!

jill says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:23 AM

this is, hands down, without a doubt, no comparison, the most wonderful engagement session i've ever seen. cheers my friends.

Jane Hasty says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:04 AM

Gorgeous work and I love your description of your friendship. You said it perfectly!

Lynn says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:03 AM

Love these images!!! Meghan totally has this Katie Holmes/Maggie Gyllenhaal thing going... just beautiful!

josh mccullock says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:01 AM

utterly awesome!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 09:10 AM
Today I needed to do something that made me smile :) It's been a rough couple of days... really a rough month quite honestly. Right now Chris and I are in Oklahoma with family... we found out that my sweet grandmother who I am very close with, had stage four cancer about 4 weeks ago. I went back to Oklahoma be with her about two weeks ago and I had the opportunity to tell her how much she means to me.... I told her how blessed I feel that I had a grandmother that was invested in my life and how thankful I am that she taught me so much about being a woman. I admire her life in so many ways. One of my friends told me that as difficult and ugly as cancer is, it is a gift in the sense that it allows us the opportunity to tell people everything they mean to us... in that respect, MamaSyl's (that is what we always called her) cancer truly was a gift.

On Saturday, MamaSyl went onto heaven. Yesterday was her memorial, and I spoke on behalf of the family in front of close to 450 friends and family that loved my grandmother. It was one of the most difficult but rewarding things I have ever done. We have been surrounded with family and loved ones over the past few days and I have shut off technology completely while I have been here in order to spend quality time with the ones that are so dear to me. 

This morning I woke up and I needed to do something that made me smile. This is a frame of my sweet dear friends, Meghan & Jonathan. They make me smile. This image describes them in so many more words than I could begin to write. There will be more coming from their session in the coming days but I just wanted to share this one today because it made gave me a big teethy grin this morning :) I hope it does the same for you today.

We are still in Oklahoma with family and will be here until October 20th.


Thoughts
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jesse says: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 07:18 AM

Sarah, what beautiful words. you'll just keep receiving those wonderful gifts from your grandmother. they will never end. much love, my dear.

Alexandra says: Friday, October 16, 2009, 01:26 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandma :( .. But at least now she is in a better place. This photo is such a beautiful one :) As usual. You are so talented. Keep up the fantastic work.

Gail says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 06:07 AM

So sorry to hear about your grandma Sarah! I am very close to my Grandma, who is 91, and I just know how hard that road will be in saying goodbye.

Thanks for the reminder to call her and tell her I love her TODAY!

Danielle says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 11:16 PM

I am glad to hear that it went well and that you are feeling a bit better. I am sure your grandma would love that you spoke for her! Hug your family and spend that quality time with them because everything will be here when you return and there is no need to rush back. love you

d

Heather says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 10:30 PM

Sarah, I am so sorry you are going through this right now. I am certain Mama Syl was smiling down on you as you stood up there and spoke and was thinking "that's my brave strong girl"!

melissa oholendt says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 09:46 PM

What a beautiful and honoring thing you did for your grandma. I'm praying for healing for you and your family.

God truly did give you a gift. As I am sure you were a gift for your grandma.

Julie h says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 06:10 PM

My heart feels so greatly for you Sarah. Two months ago my grandmother unexpectedly passed in her sleep one night. Fortunately I had been home for the summer and was able to spend some time with her, without knowing she was going to pass soon. It's still so difficult to believe she's gone and that going back home will never feel completely the same, but a little empty. I dream about her at night, reflect on photos of her, still haven't been able to listen to her piano recordings yet though, and know that she is still rooting for me. I'm trying to figure out what the best way is to keep the memory and joy alive of those who have moved on. May you and your family feel love and peace.

Steve says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 04:52 PM

Sarah - I am so sorry for your loss but take great comfort in knowing that she is in a better place. Just last year I lost my grandma so your post really resonated with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Thank you for this post and reminding us how precious and beautiful life is.

Christine says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 03:51 PM

Sarah, thinking of you and your family today.... thanks for sharing your grandma's story. What a brave fight she put up, and what a wonderful tribute to her. {hugs}

Marianne says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 03:30 PM

Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. A little over a year ago I too got a phone call. My nana who'd been living with alzheimers for years had been transferred to hospice care.

I rushed to be by her side and spent those last 72 hours clenching her hand, singing to her, and recalling just how dear she was to me. It was a very difficult time, but those moments are some of the most precious of my life. I'll always be grateful that I got the chance to tell her how much I loved and admired her. I'm so thankful that you got the chance too to be with your grandma; it really is a blessing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much Love and Many Hugs!

Jason says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 01:02 PM

Our thoughts are with you guys...MamaSyl would be proud of you. About 8 years ago I had the opportunity to speak at my uncle's funeral. He was a father to me, and as much as public speaking terrifies me, something outside of myself forced me to my feet and to the front of the room. I was one of very few who spoke that day, but I am so grateful I took the opportunity. He deserved every word. I'm sure your grandmother did too...

Lesley says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 12:40 PM

Keep on smiling Sarah, and continue to spread the love to everyone you're surrounded by! :)

Rebecca says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 11:17 AM

I'm so glad you got to spend some time with your grandma. My great-grandma passed away 3 years ago and I wish I'd be able to go to her. I hope you find more in the coming days to make you smile.

Rick Fernandez says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 10:29 AM

I pray that God comforts you and your family during this difficult time. I really believe it was a gift to be able to open your heart to your grandmother before she went to heaven.

God bless

Yana says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 10:20 AM

My wish to you is that God comforts the pain and increases the joy of knowing that your grandmother is finally at rest and free. My deepest condolences.

paula says: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 10:10 AM

all my best to you sarah, I lost my papa a couple of years ago and when I find my eyes welling up with tears from missing him I smile when I think of all the fond memories I have of him. But that is what it's all about FOND MEMORIES!! Thanks for all your great inspiration.

Saturday, October 10, 2009, 12:08 PM
Emily & Sam are thoughtful, genuine, considerate, salt of the earth kind of people. They wear their hearts on their sleeves... much like me. Their wedding was real, authentic, relaxed and the details were amazing :) Emily has a real knack for details. Chris and I felt so honored to be there with them. 

Emily & Sam got married on Bainbridge Island where Emily grew up. The day was absolutely breathtaking. The sun was out, water surrounded us, the air was crisp, the leaves were just beginning to turn. There is just something magical about September weddings. If we could go back and do it all over I think Chris and I would have a September wedding. That month between summer and fall gets over looked often, but it is a little gem.  I always tell people that if they want the best of Sarah Rhoads to talk to me in September every year because that is when I peak. That is how much I love September :) 

Coordination: Kelsey Eads of Sugarcomb Event Design
Ceremony: Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (11)
Susan says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:50 PM

Ahhhh....so lovely and magical!

Emily Angell Hendricks says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 10:29 AM

There are no words!! We are so blown away by these photos and we were so happy to have two friends like you and Chris with us on our wedding day. Thank you for capturing the magic and glow of our wedding.

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, October 12, 2009, 09:02 AM

wow, these are stunning.

kari says: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 01:19 PM

those fiel shots are breathless!!!

galaxie says: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 02:30 AM

Dear Sarah. i'm so sorry to hear about your grand mother. i lost my grandmother 3 years ago and i still miss her SO much. you have one more beautiful angel smiling & watching over you as you go on rockin the world around :)

Jane Hasty says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:57 PM

Beautiful! What a perfect capture of a gorgeous day!

Andy Ostafi says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:46 PM

nice ;)

Meaghan Cook says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:31 PM

What a sweet as pie wedding. Did she mean to match the blue in her dress with her eyes? Looks amazing!

clarah says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 02:31 PM

i'm breathless....this is absolutely beautiful!!!
man, there are no words...
*sigh*

great job!

Janet McK says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 01:15 PM

I love the one where she's hugging him from behind! So much love :D

Dorothy Huynh says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 01:00 PM

YES! First comment? These images are amazing. You inspire me :)