Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 04:44 PM
Genevieve & Joel made the trek from Canada to come spend the day with us as we dug into their business, their art and everything in between for a mentor session. Genevieve & Joel are such a talented couple who love life and people. When I asked Genevieve why she is a photographer her answer was as simple as, I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. With an answer like that, I just knew that these two had roots that go deeper than "being my own boss" or "having a more flexible schedule." With passion and purpose behind you I think you can do anything you put your mind to. These are people who are going places. They have passion, talent and a great foundation. Already I have seen these two take the things that we talked about and apply them to their business and I am SO SO proud of them. We talked a lot about creating a brand that is un-apologetically them. When they first came to us they had a totally different web site that felt, dark, heavy and serious. When you meet these two they are anything but that. They are fresh, open, charming, hip, fun and so endearing. Their new site and brand does a much better job reflecting that wonderful bright and charming spirit! 

We cannot wait to see where these two go with their art and business. As I watched Genevieve & Joel interact with the couple that we had on their shoot I kept smiling to myself because they reminded me a bit of us. Joel is a natural born entrepreneur, much like Chris, and Genevieve is a dreamer who loves life and takes it all in. I am so proud of these two and we feel so blessed to have played even a small roll in their journey. Here are just a few frames from our 15 minute mini shoot together. enjoy!

Also, we are so excited to be giving away one spot to our sold out workshop in Australia through Totally Rad Actions. We have narrowed down the videos (Rollie Dundee/ Laura Elle/ Tessa's video) to our top three picks and we need your votes to decide who should get the seat! Voting closes this Friday at noon! And you can vote via the below poll. 



Thoughts
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Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:35 AM

Gorgeous images! And I love Genevieve's website!

Chris Cooke says: Saturday, July 24, 2010, 09:09 AM

Lookin' great guys! Keep the creativity flowing Genevieve & Joel... your website is looking sweeeet :)

Nathan says: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 03:53 PM

love em, love em! great session Sarah :)

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 03:22 PM

These are all so great Sarah!

Jolene says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 08:49 AM

I agree! So great to see these gorgeous shots of someone who is usually on the other side of the camera. Stunning!

Lilly Van Loo says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 06:23 AM

It's so nice to see Genevieve as the subject of photography. Oh the joy of raising this daughter, she is amazing and Joel a wonderful support and compliment to her. They will realize their dreams. Beautiful pictures, thank you Sarah and Chris.

ShariLee says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 01:43 AM

LOVE these images of Genevieve + Joel! They truly are an amazing couple + gifted photographers!

ShariLee says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 01:40 AM

LOVE these images of Genevieve + Joel! They truly are an amazing couple + talented photographers!

Monday, July 19, 2010, 08:13 PM
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.  He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him." - Henry David Thoreau

Today we got on a plane and headed out to upstate New York to stay in a beautiful cabin nestled on a lake with some great friends of ours, Mark & Candice. Although we just arrived this afternoon I already feel my body tuning into relaxation mode. I also swallowed a bug today, which officially makes me ten times the outdoors-woman I was when I arrived. We have been living in comfy thai pants, embracing no make up, no twitter, no facebook and just being with one another, reading and chillaxing.

I read the quote above the other day in a book I am reading and highlighted it and have continued to come back to it. I love Thoreau's perspective on life, simplicity, and pursuing dreams with no apologies. There is such a truth in the "invisible boundary" that is broken when we step confidently toward our dreams. Thinking a lot about this quote recently and just wanted to share...

Thoughts
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sarahrhoads says: Monday, July 26, 2010, 09:41 AM

@Anna here are a few of my all time favorite reads. hope this helps: http://www.sarahrhoads.com/blog/2009/12/best-reads-of-2009.html

rich says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 06:17 PM

Can't wait to see you guys for our shoot tomorrow!!!

Lia says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 04:11 PM

How serendipitous that you post this, Sarah, as I'd just been thinking about the ideas Walden expresses here. Love how life works sometimes. Enjoy your vacation and thanks for the great post.

Anda says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 08:10 AM

HDT has always been my #1 hero. Love his embrace of the simple life. What book are you reading with this quote? I'm about to start another biography on him.

JodyM says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 07:09 AM

I love this quote. It was kind of what gave me the kick in the pants to get started and pursue photography. It was the first thing I posted on my blog.

Emily from Philly says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 06:17 AM

Aw man...I was just in Ithaca a couple weeks ago. Upstate is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing the Thoreau quote. Enjoy yourself. =)

Dorothy says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 12:11 AM

thanks for sharing this sarah! needed to read it :)

have fun in NEW YORK!

Anna says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 10:58 PM

Congrats on the bug-swallowing! You read fantastic books...may I request a list of your favorites?

Anna says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 10:57 PM

Congrats on the bug-swallowing! You read fantastic books...may I request a list of your favorites?

Friday, July 16, 2010, 07:52 AM
Heather & Mitch make me smile. We just love these two. Our good friend, Jordan Butcher, connected the four of us, and we are so thankful he did! These two are humble, endearing, funny and just absolutely beautiful inside and out. We feel thankful to not only call them clients, but more importantly to call them friends :)

This shoot was magical on so many levels. First of all, I love the people on the other side of the camera. The light was pure YUMMINESS and Heather giggled every time I said the word "tummy" - awesome! lol (but the better question, why was I saying the word tummy to begin with?! ). We took these two downtown for an urban feel and then went out to frolic in the fields together at sunset ;) . When I saw the light I DIED. It was pure perfection. Have I told you recently how much I love what I do?! It's these kind of shoots that I get lost in... I get so tied up in it all.... Heather & Mitch, their amazing connection, the light, the fact that my hubs was right beside me.... I almost have to pinch myself. I feel so grateful for these beautiful people that trust us and give us the freedom to dance. 

Thank you Heather & Mitch for being wonderfully you.




Thoughts
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Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:31 AM

Amazing images, Sarah and Chris! I love this shoot!

fer juaristi says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 06:12 AM

amazing set guys, love the mood and vibe of the couple.

Hannalee Photography says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 12:19 AM

Splendid Sarah! A absolute stunning set of images. How on earth did you discover that heart-shape opening among the leaves? Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

Hannalee Photography says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 12:15 AM

Splendid Sarah! A absolute stunning set of images. How on earth did you discover that heart-shape opening among the leaves? Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

HannahTaylor says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 07:06 PM

The black and white of them through the leaves with the sun, what an awesome shot!!!! Beautiful!

HannahTaylor says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 07:05 PM

The black and white of them through the leaves with the sun, what an awesome shot!!!! Beautiful!

HannahTaylor says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 07:05 PM

The black and white of them through the leaves with the sun, what an awesome shot!!!! Beautiful!

Jen G. says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 12:32 PM

Love these Sarah & Chris! Where are these fields that you frolic in?!

Geoff says: Monday, July 19, 2010, 09:11 AM

Beautiful...

Pepe says: Saturday, July 17, 2010, 09:33 PM

YOU GUYS ARE ROCKIN IT!!! Love all your work! You are the first photographer whom ive seen tell clients that the photos they will receive are "The Photographers Pick!" Glad to see someone else with that in mind! Wish I could make Australia but I have bad luck winning stuff. Booooo for me! LOL!

Tim G says: Saturday, July 17, 2010, 08:41 PM

These are just amazing! And inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Lisa says: Saturday, July 17, 2010, 04:37 AM

Dear Sarah and Chris,

Please post me a spoonful of that delicious light! ; )

PS. These images are heavenly.

Jen says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 09:09 PM

These are so lovely and genuine :)

michelle says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 01:35 PM

She looks like a blond Leanne Womak and a bit like you. Love the image through the trees. That one made me gasp.

Denver Wedding Photographers, JasonG says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 01:26 PM

Amazing work... You post sooooo many images - I'm always surprised that every session feels different, fresh, and authentic. Nice work Sarah!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 01:22 PM

The one color shot through the trees has me gasping! Your use of light and shadow in the urban portion are dead on, and the outdoor shots really captivate me emotionally. Another dang awesome shoot from you guys.

anda says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 10:14 AM

GAH! I didn't think it was possible ... but this is my new fave e-session from you. EVER. Love how, even though you are so amazing already, you keep raising your own bar. Love the new stuff here ... like the hands framing the faces, and the shadows in the parking lot and up the side of the building. Also love all the shooting through the branches etc. Hearts times a million gajillion a billion 100 trillion tons and more.

Alex Beadon says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 09:42 AM

You inspire me. I love these so much!!

Katie says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 09:40 AM

This is beautiful! :)

tina florance says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 09:19 AM

yes. i agree. i could swallow this light whole - SO perfect. but, seriously, you bring the LIFE to these photos which makes them EXTRA amazing.

Briony says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 09:07 AM

i love how your sessions feel like a journey. i also love the flare...i have yet to master it.

Jessie Emeric says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 08:52 AM

i love how your work is so natural and beautiful, of course. This session doesn't fail to impress...thanks for being so inspirational!

Sarah Danaher says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 08:21 AM

Mmmmmm... so very nice.

Kristine Neeley says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 08:08 AM

Bah! You guys have done it again. Thank you for setting the standard for excellent, emotive work. LOVE IT!

Lindsey Shea says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 08:02 AM

The last one is my favorite, but they are all so sweet! Great work!

Thursday, July 15, 2010, 08:22 AM
Leela & Edmund had a unique wedding where they incorporated Leela's Hindu roots through a traditional hindu ceremony early in the day and also had a Western ceremony to follow. Part one of their wedding was a beautiful hindu celebration and it be seen here. This was the second half of their day, it was a day packed full of beauty and goodness. 

After Leela & Edmund wrapped their hindu ceremony they changed into their western attire and they had a beautiful backyard wedding on her fathers private estate. There is something so intimate and charming about backyard weddings. I've always loved them. Everyone in their family came together to decorate the backyard and flip it from the hindu ceremony to the western reception and it was just amazing to see. 

The sun came and graced us with this yummy beautiful warm light immediately following their ceremony and I was in heaven. golden light = yum.

Coordinator: Charlene LIbertini
Florist: Rachel Springer
Catering: Dionysus Kitchen
Photography: Chris & Sarah Rhoads



Thoughts
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Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:30 AM

How beautiful is this wedding? I love the images!

mike larson says: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 12:18 AM

I freaking love this wedding! :) nice work, LOVELY light!

shanni says: Friday, July 16, 2010, 05:52 PM

bubbles + husband + wife + sun = bliss.

HannahTaylor says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 08:31 PM

I love the bubbles picture with the lens flare and the vertical of them kissing in the woods. The light there is so so gorgeous!!!

Dorothy says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 06:24 PM

the deets at this wedding look amazing... and that light! :)

Anna says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 04:28 PM

The last photo is exceptional.

Rensche van Dyk says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 01:59 PM

Beautiful Sarah.

Cat Mayer says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 08:50 AM

Sarah & Chris - your photographs are colorful and emotional, I love perusing your blog. And your site is so original! Glad I found you.

heather says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 08:34 AM

I think it's so lovely how they did both. They are obviously very committed to each other. Their mutual love and respect for each other's cultures is going to take them very far.