Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:29 AM
Last week we headed down the coast a bit to photograph Clarissa & James. The California light at sunset is really un-matched by any light that I have experienced. It was, in all the most technical terms, "yummy goodness." Clarissa said she has always loved the yellow fields in the spring so we went on a quest to find some. These two are head over heels in love with one another. They both have an absolute passion for kids, and are both highly involved in education on a variety of levels. James is a principal at a middle school and Clarissa tutors kids of all ages. They light up when they talk about what they do... these two are living out their passions on a daily basis and that is exciting to see in people. 

I am in the process of prepping some personal/business related blog posts for the coming months, I have had some requests for posts on an updated list of my top biz related books and a couple of other dear abby requests. However, I would love to hear if any one else has some other topics they would like to hear about. If so, leave it in the comment section of this post.  We are headed to the sunny desert of Arizona tomorrow for a wedding this weekend and we are really excited to soak up the sun. We'll be in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. I've never been to AZ. If you have any favorite spots for eating, drinking and being merry please share the love!


Thoughts
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Chris says: Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 05:38 AM

I'm subscribed to your blog via RSS, so I normally just look down the photos there.

These ones forced me to come to the site to say how beautiful they are.

Perfect light, if only you could figure out how to bottle it up you'd be millionaires!

Kaethe Richter says: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 09:22 PM

que beautiful!

Jennifer says: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 12:04 PM

Love this set! The light is gorgeous!

Mikaela says: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 09:07 AM

love those two black and whites! so cute!

Ashley says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 07:29 PM

Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe (amazing fresher than fresh coffee) Mill Avenue in Tempe (for dining, shopping, night life, people watching). The Big Bang (dueling pianos bar on Mill)!! =)

jeff ambrose says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 04:15 PM

you have to hit up gallo blanco. have. to. and if you need a third this weekend give me a ring. :)

Andrew Cahill says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 04:09 PM

Wonderful capture...that light really is yummy, makes you feel all warm and gooey inside. Clarissa & James look like such a beautiful couple. Just beautiful.

Annie says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 03:44 PM

That light! You're right, no other words for it - yu-MMY! :)

Meredith Amadee says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 01:30 PM

The Sugar Bowl is a wonderful, cute little desert place in Scottsdale with lots of character.

chriStina e says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 01:04 PM

I would love to hear about how you got organized and created a sustainable work-flow, once you started getting busy with clients(in the beginning)... I am seeing how I could easily get over-whelmed, if I don't create a system soon!

I am envious of any photos with golden light! We haven't had much of it this year... Just waiting for my turn.

These photos are great!

Caryn Azure says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 11:41 AM

Beautiful series! The first one is my favorite - love the light, and their expressions are so sweet :)

Stephanie says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 10:28 AM

Lived in the PHX area for the past two+ years, but recently moved back to NC. Old Town Scottsdale is always a popular stop for your 1st visit.. bars/restaurants, etc. If you have the time I'd also highly recommend taking a drive up to Sedona, soo gorgeous. Big red rocks and an artsy little town... and weather is always about 20 degrees cooler :)

I'll be there as well this weekend to shoot a wedding.. if I see you guys around town I'll have to say hello and introduce myself. Should be a perfect weekend weather-wise! Enjoy AZ!

Kelsey says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 10:25 AM

Without fail I always recommend Lux Coffee and Pane Bianco. Lux is undeniably the best coffee found in Phoenix and has a great sandwich shop located right next door.

I hope you both love your time spent in Arizona, I know I miss it terribly.

Anda says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:47 AM

AZ is my favorite place in the world, I think. Except Phoenix. So it's beyond worth it to drive the couple hours to Tucson, or even farther, to Bisbee. The drive is a destination in itself. Otherwise, north to Sedona. Gorgeous. I'm so jealous. I want to live there!

Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:31 AM
Julie & Andy had a gorgeous wedding in Andy's childhood stomping grounds on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a beautiful celebration on so many levels. It was full of color, whimsy, honest emotion and charm. Andy & Julie's families are really beautiful people and came around these two to help them make all of this happen for them. It is so wonderful to see families who really adore one another. 

Their wedding was an honest reflection of them. My favorite moment of their big day was when Julie walked into the room where the ceremony would be held, saw it for the first time and her eyes welled up with big tears, as she hugged Andy she told him she couldn't believe how much everyone did... her gratitude was so sincere. You see, Julie & Andy's wedding was supposed to be outdoors but it rained quite a bit that morning so they made the executive decision to move everything inside so Jules had no idea what it would look like. Andy & his family put together a gorgeous surprise for these two indoors and it ended up playing out perfectly. Enjoy!

To see more of Julie & Andy's Story you can go here: Julie & Andy Story
If you are a family &/or Friend of Julie & Andy you can order prints & see their full gallery here
*This wedding is also being featured on Style Me Pretty*

The wonderful crew that made all of this come together so swimmingly: 
Wedding Coordination: Annie Sundseth
Hair & Makeup: Judy Cunningham
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Anna Ranch in Kona, Hawaii
Brides Dress: Sarah Seven
Grooms Custom Suit: The Dutches
Tables, Chairs, Linens: Waimea Party Rentals
Tent Rental: Big Island Tents


Thoughts
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Ryan says: Monday, April 11, 2011, 01:27 PM

Sarah, these are so gorgeous. I'm always amazed by your work.

Luke Carrangis says: Thursday, April 7, 2011, 05:44 PM

Love the couples shoot especially, overcast weather often = lovely light for portraits and skin!

Brooke Kelly Photography says: Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 11:26 AM

Just came across your work for the first time and so glad I found you. Your work is just so pure and simply inspiring. Love this wedding.

Amanda Donaho says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 12:23 PM

Wow, this is just gorgeous. The wedding, the images, the style... love love love.

PS - Looking forward to seeing you at the HER Conference!

Branden Harvey says: Sunday, April 3, 2011, 06:36 PM

Awwwww. So great! I especially love the shots in the field.

Martin L. says: Saturday, April 2, 2011, 03:37 PM

Hey Sarah and Chris,

I don't know why, but I feel like this series might be the most "authentic" that I've seen so far on your blog!
There's something about the "mirror shot" that intrigues me; it's as if all of the sometimes mixed feeling about a marriage find their impression in these complementary pictures...

Keep on showing the beauty the Lord put in us :)

yana says: Friday, April 1, 2011, 10:18 AM

What a beautiful wedding! I love the handmade touches... Splendid captures. Keep creating!

Nirav says: Friday, April 1, 2011, 08:38 AM

Sarah & Chris, you guys are the bomb diggity and all that jazz :).

tim willoughby says: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 06:42 PM

Wahwa weewah. These pics (and all your photos) are so gorgeous!!!
I saw this wedding somewhere else but I can't remember where.
Anyways, these photos are awesome and I'm glad to see you're rockin it.
I'm off to look through the rest of the blog.....

Brittni says: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 08:21 AM

How were the pinwheels made with the rosettes? My wedding is in April and my bridesmaids will have pinwheels instead of bouquets.

This wedding was absolutely gorgeous by the way.

Kristopher Willis says: Monday, March 28, 2011, 09:13 PM

Not much to say..You guys have just got it. So inspiring!!

Peter Yana says: Monday, March 28, 2011, 09:16 AM

OMG!! Is this even possible.. These are just incredible. Your black and white processing is to die for ..

Stephanie says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 08:02 PM

I am in love with this wedding, this couple, and THESE PHOTOS! Absolutely beautiful...all of it!

Chelsea Patricia says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 07:36 PM

SUCH a gorgeous wedding, and captured just BEAUTIFULLY!

Pam Harmsen says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 05:49 PM

Sarah and Chris,

Thank you for capturing all of the heartfelt emotions of love that everyone experienced on this special day. Your photos of Julie and Andy radiate their love. A treasure to be cherished! Thanks!

Stacey Fitts says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 11:10 AM

I'm so honored to have been a part of this wedding! I cried reading what you wrote about your favorite memory of the wedding. These photos are a perfect reminder of a perfect day! These photos by far, are my favorite wedding photos, Sarah & Chris~you are truly gifted.

katelyn james says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 11:06 AM

LOVE all of this!!! So vibrant!

Lara says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 04:42 PM

These images fill my heart. They're beautiful and express so many emotions. Great work!

Lauranne says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12:39 PM

love those precious freckles!

Taylor Lord says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 10:28 AM

The most unbelievable colors and emotion. This is my favorite wedding I've ever seen! You are amazing.

Karen says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12:29 AM

This wedding is: Honest. True. Sincere. Happy. Love. These two really care for one another and that comes out beautifully in your photo story of their wedding day. Spectacular work Sarah and Chris---some of your best work.

April says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 04:25 PM

Oh wow, great details. Love the shots at the green and red shed thing!!

Kena Helen says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:52 PM

GORGEOUS! Love the colors, locations and details! You guys did such an awesome job capturing moment!

arenda says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:44 PM

what beautiful photos! love the love that you captured. i'd love to snatch one of those chocolate chip cookies through the screen and eat it!

Becca O. says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:28 PM

Beautiful photos, Sarah and Chris! And congrats on the post on Style Me Pretty, as well! You guys rock :)

Kirk says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:17 PM

What a beautiful and spirited couple! You really show off how perfect they are for each other. Loving the details

Gabi Sebrell says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:00 PM

Simple, emotional, lovely, perfect!
Congrats!

hayley says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:21 PM

adorable wedding .. love the color choices..& gorgeous photos as usual!

kylie says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 12:08 PM

These are wonderful Sarah! Julie is such a sweet person and the Big Island is just stunning. Perfect combination for your photography. Just wonderful, as always.

chriStina e says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:45 AM

The bride is adorable and the wedding colors are wonderful... Your work is great, of course!

Sarah Danaher says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:37 AM

sooooooo precious. sooooooo full of love.

Emily Faulknor says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:02 AM

Sarah, this is an adorable wedding with such vibrance and detail and you captured it so sweetly. What great work!

victoria says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:29 AM

another job well done. beautiful images.

Whitney Schey says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:26 AM

I feel so much joy looking at these pictures. This wedding was seriously perfect. Colorful and comfortable. Three Cheers to them!

Whitney Schey says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:26 AM

I feel so much joy looking at these pictures. This wedding was seriously perfect. Colorful and comfortable. Three Cheers to them!

julie fitts says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:04 AM

can we do it all again pretty please? we're so thankful and blessed. thank you. thank you. thank you.

Ryan Ray says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:19 AM

BEAUTIFUL weddings with such a SWEET couple!!

Colette says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:14 AM

What a beautiful wedding! Well done on the pictures, and congratulations to the gorgeous couple!

Jenn Stark says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:10 AM

Such a sweet wedding! What great style this couple has - love the all the colours, the flowers, the dresses, and they clearly know how to pick rad photographers :) :) Well done guys xo

Gladys Allen says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:08 AM

what a lovely love filled wedding, and beautiful couple! Congratulations Julie and Andy! Julie, you're so stunning :)

Robyn Russell says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 08:42 AM

Stunning work! Oh, what a joyful couple! You really brought out their true spirit!

Kat says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 08:09 AM

The moments of the two of them hugging are so sweet. Also, love the details with the maps...super cute.

ben and laura says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:34 AM

gorgeous work you two!

Jen O says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:28 AM

Guys, this is amazing. One of the prettiest, heartfelt weddings I've ever seen. Love the colors, too. Simply beautiful.

Rich Park says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:19 AM

what a cute/stylish wedding! GREAT SHOTS!

Laura says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:13 AM

Beautiful images. Love how you captured their joy!

Mikhaillllllllllll says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:09 AM

very pretties. greats shots!

Steve says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 06:55 AM

Jaw dropping, Sarah + Chris! I love how beautifully the couple interacts with the Hawaiian landscape in these shots. You can feel the love pouring through. Solid, solid work.

Paige says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:55 AM

I love your work--beautiful couple & beautiful images...

christine says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:16 AM

your photos of stunning weddings like these just make me even more sure i want you to come to ireland some day! such beautiful people and such a joyful story told through joyful photos.

Mae says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:05 AM

Mmm...these pictures make me tear up and want to jump right into them. They hold so much love and joy. So happy for Julie and Andy...Lovely job capturing their day amazing day!

ShariLee says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 04:22 AM

you captured every detail of this wedding so beautifully! This could be one of my favorites!

tahiti says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:31 AM

ahhh! this is so crazy and awesome to see. this location is 2 minutes from my house and I have shot here before... I can't believe you guys were so close to where I am! it's a reminder that you are REAL, not just some amazing photographers I have made up in my head! haha.

beautiful photos... inspired for my next shoot there.

christophe says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:25 AM

Lovely.
Cheers from France

Rensche Mari says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:09 AM

Simply AWESOME!

AmyPunky Photography says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:02 AM

Such a beautiful and moving wedding!! Julie is so gorgeous. I love the colors of the reception, this is so joyful!

Annie says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:01 AM

You guys are rock stars :)

Pobke says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 02:22 AM

So perfect. So beautiful. So happy to say that I know these two and these images are a perfect reflection of their love and admiration for one another. Beautifulx tremendous work, Rhoadsies. Bravo. :)

kaethe says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 02:20 AM

some of my favorites of yours to date--no doubt about it.

Andy Fitts says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:48 AM

Dear Sarah Rhoads Photographers,

I am Amazed how close I feel to each moment here. I want to do it all again exactly the same. Thank you for encouraging that feeling to be the one, through your photographs, that will remain with me. You are a dear force of nature to us.

Sandy says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:47 AM

truly beautiful. I love love love the red shoes + cardy!

Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:16 PM
We were so thrilled to shoot one of our favorite families in the world a second year in a row! This family just blows us away. The Odette's are simply beautiful people inside and out. Patrina & Bruce are amazing parents and friends. I honestly don't know how they juggle it all with four kids at all different stages of life. I think they are part super-human.

Last year we photographed their family in the middle of a thunderstorm and tornadoes in Colorado, and this year Patrina asked Chris and I to photograph the family at their vacation home in Maui, Hawaii. It was a totally different experience from last year! We had such a blast! Maui is a very special place to the Odettes so it was very fun to peek into that world and capture them in an entirely different aesthetic. So we spent the day ridding cruiser bikes, getting shave ice and ending with sandcastles and dusk at the beach. It was such an incredible afternoon. 

Our wonderful stylist and friend Tiffany Lowry styled the outfits that the Odette's wore. She did such an incredible job working with Patrina over email to coordinate everything before we all arrived to Maui. I think it's pretty safe to say Tiffany made everyone feel exceptionally beautiful so I have to give her a huge shout out. 

This was such an incredible experience. We love you Odette's!!
Styling/Hair & Make-up: Tiffany Lowry

Thoughts
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Gemma says: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 04:20 AM

Can I please have my socks back now, you've knocked them off!
Love.

Patrina says: Thursday, December 9, 2010, 09:28 AM

Sarah & Chris - from the bottom of my heart, I love you forever. You are so easy to work with, and such gifted artists. You see things most don't. I'm so thankful for these memories, thank you for capturing us. Each image brings me right back to that moment in time. We will have these treasures for generations to come.
And Tiffany, my favorite pen pal on the entire planet, thank you. You are a wonderful artist who knew exactly what each of us needed. You are a gem. I'm so grateful for your help on this shoot. Any person wanting a stress free experience - enlist the help of Tiffany Lowry.
This was one of the best days of my life -- thank you, Sarah, Chris and Tiffany.

Rachel Peters Photography says: Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 09:19 AM

OMG this is the cutest family session ever! So much life and color to it!!! Your the besT!

anda says: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 07:31 PM

when i have a family, i'm bringing you to us. love these, as always.

anda says: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 07:31 PM

whenever i have a family, i'm bringing you to us. love these, as always.

Marryam Lum says: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 01:44 PM

Love all the emotions...so beautiful. makes me want to go hug my kids!

Caitlin says: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 10:32 AM

Love!

Rich Park says: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 07:51 AM

so much fun and so much love filled into one session! great pictures!!!

Erika says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 09:53 PM

oooooh these are filled with so much emotion! I just love them, so many gorgeous warm images. you are such an inspiration Sarah. what a beautiful family!

Hannah says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 09:39 PM

*sigh...what a lovely family and what a lovely session.

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 06:18 PM

sooooooo very lovely!

Erika says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 06:18 PM

The Odettes are the best! Lovely work, Sarah and Chris! Every shot took my breath away. I love the final photo so much...your black and whites are amazing.

Sean Lowry says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 05:39 PM

Nice work Sarah and Tif! Really beautiful shoot! What a pleasure to meet this fam!

Kathryn Bradley says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 05:17 PM

Wow...Sarah and Chris, these are amazing. So honest and real. Simply wonderful!

Annie says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 05:06 PM

What an amazingly beautiful family. This is so special. I love it :)

Kristi wright says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:55 PM

Love this session!! Especially the one of kids running near the waves.

Chelsea Patricia says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:43 PM

I don't think I have ever seen such GOR-GEOUS family portraits.

Cass Mooney says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:43 PM

Just lovely Sarah! The light, the moments...perfection!

Alex says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:36 PM

This family is so beautiful and you captured them fantastically!!!! Amazing!

Eric says: Monday, December 6, 2010, 04:34 PM

What an awesome looking family! Looks like you had a blast with them in Hawaii!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 11:29 AM
During our workshop in Australia, we did a mini shoot that was about 15-20 minutes with this fabulous couple, Lana & Frank. They were kind enough to put their love on display in front of all of our attendees which takes a great deal of courage, so I really have to commend them for being open to the experience. 

These two were so wonderful to photograph. When I asked Lana what her favorite thing was about Frank she said she loves his sense of humor. And when I asked Frank the same question he said how much he loves Lana's laugh. It was adorable to see that in action. Lana would just light up when Frank would look at her a certain way and her laugh was effervescent. I love that I am able to peek into these sacred moments in peoples lives. I still have to pinch myself that I get to do a job where I am paid to capture those cherished and beautiful parts of people. What an honor it is. Every day I wake up feeling grateful to do what I do. 

**Also, for those who took part in the Self Portrait Project last year I will be collecting some more photos of everyones self portraits for another post around Christmas this year so get your self portraits ready and you can submit your images to selfportrait@sarahrhoads.com sized at 550 high untagged and in the email provide me with a link to your site. Please submit them no later than December 15th**




Thoughts
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Heather Glasby says: Saturday, December 4, 2010, 02:45 PM

I recently found out that Australia is NOT the grueling 30 hour flight I was told it was, so it's time to plan a trip there! I might be a bummed ball of goo after 20 but it's not 30!

Heather Glasby says: Saturday, December 4, 2010, 02:45 PM

I recently found out that Australia is NOT the grueling 30 hour flight I was told it was, so it's time to plan a trip there! I might be a bummed ball of goo after 20 but it's not 30!

alyda says: Friday, December 3, 2010, 12:30 AM

gorgeous! was so inspirational to watch you shoot!

Annie says: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 02:55 PM

Simply sweet :)

Sarah Danaher says: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 02:34 PM

soooo lovely!!

Rich Park says: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 01:08 PM

great shots! they look so happy!

Alex says: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 11:51 AM

BEAUTIFUL!