Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:28 PM
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." - Helen Keller 

Johanna & Chad are true adventurer's. They love life and breathe it in deep. With wild escapades of jeeping in the mountains or long camping excursions, these two love the excitement that comes from seeing life as their playground. I absolutely love the spirit of these two. It is playful and kindhearted. Chris and I are so excited about their wedding coming up in November. I have a feeling that this is just going to be one of those super fun weddings with lots of fellow adventurer-types ;). Johanna & Chad hired Michelle Engvall to coordinate the event and we always love the opportunity to work with Michelle. 

These photo's just feel like fall to me.... it is absolutely my favorite season of all time. The leaves changing, bundling up in scarves and hats, however, the only problem is that Seattle apparently didn't get the memo that it is the end of September and therefore time to stop being 85 degrees and sunny everyday :). Oh and doesn't Johanna have the most beautiful eyes?! holy cow. 
enjoy. happy fall.




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (14)
Ty Hagerott says: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 05:53 AM

Wow what an amazing set of shots. I love the acorns...the straight poses are so fun.

Tessa Cockhill says: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 09:10 AM

Your amazing. I Love your style.

Kristen says: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 06:32 PM

Your work is flawless. I'm from Seattle as well! Let me know if you'd like to get coffe or something! I'm out in Ballard.

Syreena B says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 11:10 PM

I lOvE your work, I really do! I never comment but I thought it was about time I did :)

Jennie Williams says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 06:40 PM

OMG- these pics are so frickin cute!!!!

Johanna and Chad says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 04:05 PM

Sarah you’re awesome! These are fantastic, we can’t wait to see the rest of them! How do I pick a favorite?? The pine cone one is funny - only because I can tell Chad thinks he picked the best lookin' one. :)

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 01:33 AM

Ooooh I LOVE these :) They look sooo happy. I love how natural you always make people look :) You are sooo talented!

Carmen AKA FRESH says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:07 PM

oops, commented on wrong post. but you know what i mean girl!

Carmen AKA FRESH says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:06 PM

It was a profound moment when I, former inner-city high school teacher learned the following:
You cannot change the world; you can only change yourself - thereby impacting the world. You continue to impact me Sarah! Hope to get a mentorship session with you in this lifetime.

amanda thiessen says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 09:20 PM

so awesome!

John Edgar says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:56 PM

AMAZING!!! Looove how.. hmm, can't find the right word but it's kinda like gritty? But not gritty because they are so light.. either way, beautiful.

Kelsey Johnson says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:35 PM

Sarah- you always amaze me with your photos. You truly are an inspiration.

tiffany zajas says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:34 PM

Beautiful.

Fall is definitely a favorite season of mine as well.

Kelsey Johnson says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:34 PM

Sarah- you always amaze me with your photo's. You truly are an inspiration.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 08:20 PM
I've always been someone with a desire to change the world....
It's scary to admit that. 
It sounds so overwhelming and lofty.
And then there is the nagging fear of falling so unbelievably short of that. 

But I am learning that "changing the world" does not have to be something lofty and un-attainable. In fact, I am realizing now more than ever, that it is what happens in the quiet moments. A tender act of forgiveness. A stranger who acts with un-merited compassion. Being strong for your family. Trusting your gut.  Tipping the local barista generously. Believing in yourself. Being faithful in the small things. A smile. Writing someone you appreciate a note. A "thank you" from a place of true sincerity. Encouraging a friend to pursue his passion. Giving someone an opportunity. Listening....

When I think about my life and where I am today, it is a series of carefully quilted moments. Those people who believed in me in the moments when there wasn't much outward potential. The friends who forgave me when I messed up. My youth pastor taking me to get my first camera. My dad telling me he was "proud," and me knowing he meant it every time. My friend Amanda telling me to trust my "crazy" gut feelings. My mom telling me I had a "gift" for people. Chris always being steady and strong for me. Jenice saying she's praying for me & knowing she means it. An encouraging note from a fellow photographer, Laura Otis in my inbox tonight. Hearing "I love that you are mine" from my grandmother this weekend....
All this to say, at the heart of every "world changer" is love.
I hope that you will change someone's world today :)
These are just some of the many things I have been pondering on my trip home to Oklahoma this week and although it may seem random, I needed to put this into the world for 'me' tonight... I need to be reminded regularly that "life change" truly happens in those beautifully, seemingly insignificant, day to day moments that inevitably move mountains.


Thoughts
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Kaylee says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:12 AM

I can't wait to meet you in person coming up here in a few weeks! Love IS the most powerful thing of all and your work, and the way you do what you do totally and completely encapsulates that idea. Thank you truly for these posts, they are so real and inspiring

Kaylee says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:08 AM

I can't wait to meet you in person coming up here in a few weeks! Love IS the most powerful thing of all and your work, and the way you do what you do totally and completely encapsulates that idea. Thank you truly for these posts, they are so real and inspiring

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 09:43 AM

@tammy wow. thank you for brining me back to this today tammy. i needed to be reminded of those things today. It really means so much to know that somehow this post spoke to you enough to continue coming back to it :)

Tammy says: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 09:37 AM

I read this when you posted it in September, and it has stuck with me. I am no one, just a blog stalker, but I just wanted you to know how much of an impact this post had on me. I specifically remembered the date - September 22, 2009 - and I just came back to read it again. It creates a stirring in my heart that I can't explain. I hope it means something, but even if it only means that I need to tip that barista a little more generously today, you have left a mark on my life, and I just want to say thank you.

Julie h says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 07:10 PM

such a beautiful reminder. often I get distracted by trying so hard to become a better this or that when its so much more rewarding to show kindness and appreciation for the things and people I have at this moment, right now.

Kathryn Speyer says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 05:27 PM

Very insightful, Sarah. And true too! We're all world-changing individuals if we follow that advice.

Amanda H says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 04:28 PM

Beautiful. Favorite line: "life change" truly happens in those beautifully, seemingly insignificant, day to day moments that inevitably move mountains.

You are such a world changer. Your ability to draw the beauty and life and passion out of a person is something I have never seen before in someone else quite like it is in you. You have changed my life in so many ways... and we've got quite a few years and trips and talks and ice cream shops to go!!

Angel says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 12:50 PM

This is so true and i have been learning it so much this past year. That you dont have to do something huge and outrageous like Oprah to be changing the world.
My grandma lives in Shawnee, OK where are you visiting? I love Oklahoma! It has a homey feeling and I had only lived there 2 weeks before I moved back to AZ.

Marla says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 12:06 PM

such inspiring words! I 've felt that very same way- somedays it feels like changing the world is impossible, other days, like after reading this blog post, i know it happenes every day. thanks for sharing. " off to do my part "

Stephanie Fry says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:57 AM

so inspiring. so true. change doesn't have to mean the entire world but your world and someone elses world close to you, the people that you touch everyday. everyday is a another day that you can make a difference for yourself and those around you. cheers Sarah!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:01 AM

Beautiful words.

Ellie says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 09:20 AM

Thank you. I cried because I truly believe what you say that life happens in the insignificant moments. I've learned alot this year just about being human and what does that mean really. Thank you again.

eliesa says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 08:48 AM

I love this Sarah! And can I pleeeeease buy this print for my wall?!?!?!?!

tiffany zajas says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 08:46 AM

What an inspiring post! You've definitely given me much to think about today. Thanks for sharing this.

April Russell says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 08:30 AM

Thank you so much for sharing that with us! I can say I have been in that same boat. I too have realized that it's the small things that gradually change the world. If we all could start doing those little acts of kindness and selflessness the world would be a much better place. Thanks again for putting your heart on your sleeve!

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 05:29 AM

so inspiring!
you just changed someones world right now!
May God use you to continue making a difference in this vast world.
It's always a blast coming here!
Thank you Sarah!
:)

Carolyn says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 11:45 PM

Wow, Sarah. That definitely hit home and, like Allison, I find your post(s) very inspiring. To me, smiles from strangers are like kisses from the wind. ;D Thank you for reminding me to smile and for changing my world today!

Allison says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 10:45 PM

Hi Sara, This is my first official comment but I loved this post! I totally understand the overwhelming feeling to make a change larger than yourself. The beauty in the post is the insight you have! It is the smile to a stranger, the small acts of random kindness, taking the extra five minutes to write a note instead of an email that really makes a difference. This was the post I needed to read today! Thanks for your honesty and an inspiring post.

Sarah Danaher says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:57 PM

Hello, world changer. Thanks for writing, for living, and for seeing how small things affect big things. I'm a fan of people like you, because this is how I try to live.

Keep it up.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:46 PM

Beautiful post. You are amazing.

kelsee reeves says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:37 PM

sarah-
this post made me cry.
1. because it was beautiful and true
2. because the picture along side made me miss home. made me miss the encouragement from home. made me miss my flat west texas comfort
3. because i know that i too have the same dream-to change the world-but seem like i fall short of the dream regularly

your words are beautiful sarah-
thank you for sharing

johnna brynn bockover says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:30 PM

incredibly beautiful. you are. and your photograph. inside and out. thank you, sarah.

Josh Boston says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:16 PM

Great message Sarah. I needed to hear that. Thanks for sharing.

josh solar says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:16 PM

After reading your writing, I say, keep throwing it out there. I, too, can never understand why people think we need to do these grandiose things to change the world. It is the little things, like you say, that help to change the world.

One word really sticks out of your post this evening, and that word is "listening". We all really excel at talking, and I think we all want to be heard. By just listening to others, we can show how much we care, how they are appreciated, and most importantly, that they are loved. It takes a lot of LOVE to shut up and listen :)

Great post, keep 'em coming!

chad Hansen says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:11 PM

Wow Sarah. You have a way with words. Beautifully written and heartfelt. I completely agree.

Randy Coleman says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 09:08 PM

A good word for all of us. Especially those of us who find ourselves so busy that we often forget why we started this mess in the first place! Thank you for being an inspiration in so many ways! ~Randy

Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:08 AM
Katie & Dennis met in Vegas. As told by Katie's maid of honor, Oonagh, Dennis was there for a bachelor party and Katie was in Vegas with some of her girl friends. They saw this group of loud guys and the moment Dennis saw Katie he didn't leave her side. He even wrote in sunscreen "Katie" on his chest during the trip as he laid out by the pool. Katie was still a little "unsure" about this Dennis character :). He took her to the airport with her friends and stayed with her at her gate until her flight took off, even though that meant he missed his own flight... but he didn't care. Because thats what you do when you are head over heels for someone. Upon coming back to Seattle, Katie realized she sure enough had strong feelings for Dennis and the rest is history. :)

Their day was just beautiful. Dennis couldn't stop going on and on about his beautiful bride all day. It was so cute! And Katie was an absolutely Stunning bride. In every facet of the word. One of my sweet brides, Maureen, connected me to these two and I feel so grateful she did :) Katie & Dennis thank you so much for letting us be a part of this sweet season of your lives! 


In other news, I am going back home to Oklahoma tomorrow to spend time with my family, I am really looking forward to seeing my mom, sis and grandmother. I am going to do my best not to respond to business e mails and phone calls while I am there so I can really "be" in the moment with them :) So I will get back to everyone Tuesday next week when I get back. 

Oh and in yesterday's post about our Blu Domain Nomination I said the voting started yesterday but it looks like it actually starts Friday so if you are planning on giving us some love you can do it on Blu's site then: :) 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (32)
JENNIFER SKOG says: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 09:59 PM

absolutely stunning coverage guys!

amber says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 07:28 PM

your work is so completely inspiring! these wedding images may be my favorite yet that i've seen.

Brian Waltz says: Monday, September 21, 2009, 04:22 PM

Awesome images! It was excellent working with you!
Brian
Good Times DJ Service

naomi house says: Sunday, September 20, 2009, 11:52 AM

inspiring!

marissa moss says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 09:48 PM

that veil is out of control!!
love. it.

Jen Voigt says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 02:03 PM

WOW! if i didnt know you i would think u were a model! You looked so beautiful! Im so happy for you guys! :)

applem00n says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 08:59 PM

gorgeous as ever!

oneshotbeyond says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 01:12 PM

how beautiful!!!

matthew morgan says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 10:43 AM

diggin the deets and documentation on this post. thx for the inspiration.

Kisha of Sahara BLue says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 10:35 AM

oh wow! these are all so beautiful. i love everything about them - looks like a beautiful wedding too.

Katie says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 09:57 AM

Sarah & Chris, we had no doubt that you two would capture the spirit of the day, but these photos blew us away! I can't tell you how lucky we feel to have these beautiful photos to remind us of our day and to call you two friends. You are the best!

italida says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 01:56 AM

parappappappààààà: I'm loving it! :D

lauren clark says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:29 PM

Love it!

Angel says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

These are all SO beautiful!

Kim Kalyn says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 08:48 PM

I don't know how you guys do it, but I think I have a favourite post from you and then BAM you post then next one and I love it more than the last. Amazing, amazing, amazing work !

geri e. says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 07:14 PM

you are honestly so amazing.
brilliant actually.

Cheyenne Schultz says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 04:56 PM

I know you guys get this all the time, but I would really like to re-do my wedding so I could have you photograph it.

Phenomenal.

James Moes says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 03:24 PM

Pure poetry. Intimate and understated. Some of your best work yet.

Kathryn Speyer says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 02:56 PM

Awesome, awesome pics! They are such a beautiful couple, too. He looks like a movie star and she looks like a model. I can't believe how dramatic her lip shape is! Ohmigod, and I loooove her veil! Nicely done. :)

Angie Baxter says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 02:02 PM

WOW! These are heavenly Sarah. Love Love Love them.

Lydia says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 01:11 PM

Wow, one of my favorite weddings ever! Gorgeous pictures!!

Yuka photo art says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:19 AM

Amazing story how they met and beautiful wedding!

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:13 AM

Your photos are beautiful and I love love love love them :) Keep up the fantastic work! :)

Randy says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:09 AM

I really love the picture of the brides face in shadow! It's a good use of shapes in the light vs. shadow. Really great idea! :)

ryan flynn says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:08 AM

that shot of her with the checkered shadows falling on her face ... sooo good.

scott neumyer says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:39 AM

These are GORGEOUS! There's so much life in them. It actually looks like you shot film, which I'm sure you didn't. So So awesome!

Kathryn Widell says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:28 AM

Stunning, Sarah!!!!!!

Erin Wallis says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:30 AM

This is seriously, beautiful. Seriously.

jess@studio3z says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:21 AM

katie is absolutely stunning!! loved this wedding, and their story is adorable. amazing eye/soul candy as usual.

Joop Rubens says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:18 AM

Take this from a fellow photographer... it's rough to accept how good you guys are. Your range of style, and the blend of hip/classic is just so solid.
Very Jealously,
Joop

Gina Meola says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:17 AM

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! The bride's shots are ALL stunning!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:16 AM

Gorgeous stuff! You inspire me each time you post to your blog! I love your use of lines and light. And I love her shoes.

xoxo, B

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 09:18 AM
Chris and I feel so honored and stoked to be nominated for Blu Domain's Photographer of the Year for 2009-2010! Especially to stand up there with a handful of other very talented friends and colleagues that I respect so much. 

We were interviewed yesterday for the nomination; and for those who care to read a little more about the things we  splurge on, what Chris is addicted to and what makes us tick you can check out the interview here: http://bludomain.com/blog.cfm. Voting opens today at some point (I'm sure they will post it on their blog) and we would love your support. 

The Rhoads have come a long way but we still have a very long way to go. We were having dinner the other night with our friends Brian Wurzell and Promise Tangeman Wurzell. We got into a discussion about common traits among very successful people in their respective fields. People who have achieved great success over long or short periods of time. Brian pointed out that the one thing he noticed about all of the people who have achieved great success over long or short periods of time went through a "season" of life where they were totally focused on what was in front of them. An interesting and insightful thought that I think has a lot of truth to it. I recently read Outliers by Malcom Gladwell. In his book Gladwell stresses three main points; hard work is critical to success, BUT successful people were often in the right place at the right time AND (and most importantly IMO) 10,0000 hours of working on skill is the magic number. The first people to get there have a distinct advantage.
I feel like I have spent A LOT of time behind the camera recently. My life right now consists of shoot/edit/shoot/edit repeat process. However, I still have a lot of hours to put under my belt before I get to 10K hours behind the camera. Every time I shoot I get pumped! I learn something new. I get more confident behind the camera with every click of the shutter. We get quite a few e mails asking about how to become a better photographer, how to achieve success in this industry.... The truth is, I'm not really sure... but a few things I do know; We try to do everything we do with Excellence, work hard and log TONS of hours behind the camera, making 10,000 hours our goal. I'm working on those things everyday. 
What do you think the keys to success or achievement are? 
Anyway... just some thoughts I have been pondering lately. Happy Hump Day!

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (19)
matt sloan says: Friday, September 25, 2009, 01:32 AM

congrats guys! we are proud to be included in such an awesome group of nominations! :)

Sean McLellan says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 05:48 PM

AWESOME! Congrats on the nomination--best of luck!!

Christian says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 11:00 AM

You guys have my vote! You are both amazing photographers! I check your blog everyday for new pix. You have such a refreshing style. I LOVE it!

-Christian

Christian says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 11:00 AM

You guys have my vote! You are both amazing photographers! I check your blog everyday for new pix. You have such a refreshing style. I LOVE it!

-Christian

URSULA says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:18 PM

CONGRATULATIONS! IT MUST HAVE HAPPEN - YOU ARE THE BEST. I SUFFER FOR YOUR BLOG - I LIKE YOUR BLOG CAUSE YOU ARE SO BUSY AND EVERYTIME I WATCH THERE IS SOMETHING NEW. I LIKE YOUR STYLE SO MUCH! ... BEST WISHES!!

geri e. says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 07:16 PM

how fun! so happy for you.
totally deserved.

Tressa says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 12:59 PM

BIG huge CONGRATS!

Jonda Spurbeck says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:16 AM

wishing you the best. i think you guys are incredible, and really hope you win! hugs

Angie says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:02 AM

Congrats! You guys deserve it. Your work is incredible!

Kim Dewey says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 11:32 PM

You deserve it!

Kim Kalyn says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 05:28 PM

I am going to go vote for you guys right now! You are just amazing and a true inspiration :) GOOD LUCK !!!

LisaK says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 03:34 PM

Thats so fantastic!! You guys are totally amazing so I'm not the least bit surprised at your nomination. Good luck ; )

Candice {The Beautiful Mess} says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 12:28 PM

Congrats you two!!!

Sarah Anna Hansen says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 11:39 AM

Congrats!!!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 10:43 AM

Congrats! You guys most definitely deserve it! I love your work.

Alexandra says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 09:55 AM

Congratulations!!!

Johan Rubens says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 09:53 AM

Voting for you guys is a no-brainer.
Good luck! You very much deserve the recognition!
Joop

matthew lyons says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 09:51 AM

Congratulations on being nominated.

Ellie says: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 09:33 AM

I truly, truly find think you speak from experience and love for what you do. It shows. I am stoked to hear more in the future.