Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 09:58 AM
Chris and Laura are the epitome of perseverance, drive, and passion. These two let nothing stand in the way of their dreams and reality. Laura recently opened up an awesome restaurant in Seattle called PoDog located in Capitol Hill. This isn't your typical hotdog stand... this is gourmet tastyness and the hot dogs are to die for. We've had everything from their Wasabi Egg-roll Dog to their Thanksgiving Dog that is loaded with all the fixin's and have yet to be disappointed. I honestly never thought hot dogs could be so good. She is in the process of opening up her second restaurant in the U-district and we couldn't be more excited for her... Seattle needs more PoDog yumminess!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better than that there is Laura's very talented other half, Chris Pardo, who is the genius behind what we believe to be one of the best modern architecture/design firms out there, Pb elemental. We were introduced to Chris's work at Pb through our neighbors whose house was designed by Pb elemental a few years back - we absolutely adore it (you can peek at it here) and since then we have followed Pb's work throughout the Seattle area dreaming of one day having a design similar to the one our neighbors have. So when Chris reached out to us about photographing their wedding we were stoked, flattered and honored. These two get it. They know what they want out of life and are running after it with everything they've got.  For their session we ran around their neighborhood in Capitol Hill and it was a beautiful sunny Seattle day.  So without further adieu, meet the fabulous Laura & Chris.











Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (14)
Feuza says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 08:43 PM

love love that first shot and that bike one and the sunray ones and love how your logo looks on the pictures

Christina says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 07:48 PM

Just blog-hopping and scrolled along (like the little arrow said to do!) and I got tears in my eyes when I saw the first picture of him kissing her forehead. That is a perfect moment captured.
That's all. Thank you for making me smile.

tina florance says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 12:59 PM

LOVE the full-on hug.

Gail says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 12:47 PM

Wow..I don't know which of these two are cooler! Hot dogs AND amazing minimalistic, modern architecture?!! Talk about a match made in happen.

I love that you guys attract the most amazing creative types. These are so great!

Melina Wallisch says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 05:58 AM

sarah you have a beautiful eye

beata English says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 03:07 AM

Amazing as usual! But more importantly i get to meet you in person very very soon! i can't wait!!!

Jackie Lovato says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 06:30 PM

lovely, as usual.

chipgillespie says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 01:12 PM

Sarah, these are amazing! Chris and Laura, you guys look great!!

Hannah Taylor says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 12:51 PM

Different kinds of hotdogs is definitely thinking outside of the box!! I wish I was close enough to try one.

Ruthie P. says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:33 AM

One word: AWESOME! :)

Matt Allen says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:12 AM

These are awesome Sarah. The image of them frames by the bike is my fave, but the one just before that is pretty damn sweet too :)

sarahrhoads says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:10 AM

@Chad hahaha I know right?! I crave these things ALL the time. It's ridiculous. They just came out with a new macaroni dog and it's soo stinkin yummy.

Carter Moore says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:09 AM

Really really good shots in this one. Love the black and whites especially the one where he is hugging her. Fantastic shots too with the sun going down. Great golden tones. Never cease to impress haha

Chad says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:08 AM

i still have dreams about the Seattle Dog.

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 08:53 AM
Where do I even begin with these two!? I suppose I will start by saying that Darby & Reece are those kind of people that change the world. They light up a room... warm a heart and know how to encourage the heck out of people. We feel honored and blessed to know them and be able to work with them.

Our story with Darby & Reece began before they were even aware of it. Darby's best friend, Jessica, emailed me the sweetest note saying, "For over a year now Darby has been looking at your site weekly, fawning over the photos of weddings you have been a part of. As her bestie/roomie, we sit side by side and look at them together on a regular basis. She used to say things like, 'One day, when I get married, I want Sarah Rhoads to be my wedding photographer. I love her photos! They are so so beautiful!' In March, Darby met a man and it just clicked. She (and Reece) are headed in a very happy direction. Now when she looks at your site she says, 'When Reece and I get married, I want to have Sarah Rhoads as my photographer. Her photos are gorgeous. Her blog is so interesting. I just love her!'" That little note put the biggest grin on my face. As destiny would have it, the day that these two got engaged, Darby got in touch and booked us to be their photographers for the California wedding! We cannot wait!

Darby & Reece decided to do their engagement session with us here in Seattle, little did we know that Seattle would bust out its finest chops and bring 60 degree weather and sunshine for their shoot. It was PERFECT! These two are extremely talented. Darby works for teach for America and one day wants to open her own non-profit. Reece is a kick butt producer in LA producing great TV shows, and is also currently working on a movie called the Big Bang staring Antonio Banderas and one of our past clients, Autumn Reeser.

Bottom line, these two are amazingly talented, caring and kind hearted people; and we cannot wait for their wedding this summer! 





Thoughts
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sarahrhoads says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:55 PM

@Kristin hi! yes we mostly try to use ambient light when we can but there are times when it is just too dark. In those cases (like the shots inside the bedroom in Darby & Reece's shoot) we just popped a flash on and bounced it but we always want to make it look as natural as possible :) hope that helps

Kristin says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 01:50 PM

Long time follower, first time commenter...

You have such a unique style; it's really simple, clean, and exploding with energy and happiness. Just great.

I had a technical question I've been meaning to ask... how much additional lighting do you generally use for your shoots? Much of your work looks like natural light, and if I get the sense that there might have been additional lighting, it's always nice and subtle.

Really lovely shots as usual! Thanks for sharing :)

Rachel says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:26 PM

If I come to Seattle would you ever photograph me??? You must have people lined up throughout the city!

Each photo is a work of art. I cannot wait to meet you at WPPI (if I am so lucky!)

Awesomeness again!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:04 PM

All your interior shots have me so excited for my trip next week to Portland. We're staying at the Ace Hotel which I think I remember you saying you loved. I can't wait!

PS. These are lovely, as always! :)

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 11:45 AM

@Lydia I KNOW!! She is perfect for us! ;)
@CristyCross It's weird you say that because oddly enough I kindof thought Darby and I looked a little bit alike too..;)

Darby says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 11:23 AM

Ahhhh!!!! Sarah!!!!! I am so excited!!! These are awesome and make me love you even more (if that is possible!). YAYYYYYYYY!

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:38 AM

Such a cute story of how you guys met!
I really, really LOVE #5! It looks like a painting!

carrie says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:18 AM

A-dorable. My sister is a producer on Friday Night Lights in Austin :).

Ruthie P. says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:09 AM

Sweeeeeettt! These photos are so sweet, what a sweet couple! :)

Bianca Valentim says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:34 AM

these are just beautiful!!!! :)

Cristy Cross says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:22 AM

I thought Darby was your sister. The black and white one of her smiling with her hair taying in the wind looks like you.
I know that I would have know she wasn't your sister if I would have read the info first, but I didn't :)
Love these. I love the interaction in the first few of them playing footsie :)

Lydia says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:15 AM

Darby is a perfect Sarah Rhoads bride! Love how you captured a glimpse into their life and love!

Emilie says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:05 AM

Such a happy session!! Love the colors and their style!!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:01 AM

what a sweet session! Love the yellow phone :)

Monday, January 11, 2010, 08:55 AM
Courtney & Adam are the definition of fun & stylish. We went to downtown Seattle for their engagement shoot last week and we had a blast running around trying to beat the sun as it went down. Some of my favorite shots in their set were shot at dusk (which is at about 4:30 these days.. so early!). Courtney is a "fashionista" through and through so going to the shopping district of downtown Seattle was a perfect place to capture these two. It's funny because after living in Seattle for almost three years it is the first time I've gone to shoot in that area. I love exploring new places and although I have been down there many times, when you go to shoot some place for the first time it's almost as if you are looking at it with a new set of eyes - Looking for shapes, light, shadows, reflections. It was an inspiring place to shoot with a very inspiring couple. 

I came home from this shoot embracing that familiar feeling that I crave and love so much... the feeling of exhaustion from pouring all of yourself into the lives of others for the sake of them and the creative process, but also the feeling of being so full of energy and excitement from what you experienced and helped create. Something amazing happens when we pour ourselves out for others during the creative process... we begin to feel & see exhaustion becoming pure energy and momentum. It is an amazing feeling to pour out your heart into those which you love for the sake of that which I feel called to create. It is a way we serve God and serve others and it feels so good.




Thoughts
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mary moore says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 10:19 AM

courtney, your pics are so cute . you and your fiance look adorable together. we are all so porud of you. you turned into a beautiful woman, may your wedding day be everything u expected and more. love the lingerie crew

Dianne Jago says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 05:02 PM

I'm reading your blog backwards. Taking a couple entries at a time. So you'll probably see comments from me all over the place lol. Let me just say that your posts are not only filled with pictures that are uniquely beautiful in and of themselves, but your words are packed so full of wisdom. I'm always writing down phrases you say and putting them around my house for inspiration. It is SO magnificently wonderful to find a sister in Christ who can give glory to God with your picture and pen. You are a blessing, an inspiration, and your words give fuel to my passion. I cannot even begin to express how you have impacted my life within the past few days of me sitting down and taking the time to read through your blog. So thank you.

Broderick says: Monday, January 18, 2010, 04:20 PM

This is an incredibly gorgeous set of photos... so much joy and you captured them perfectly

kristen says: Saturday, January 16, 2010, 07:57 PM

That last one is made of magic. love the magenta tones.

jen says: Friday, January 15, 2010, 03:30 PM

I love seeing your shots and thinking "i know that alley" or I love that brick. You represent Seattle wonderfully!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:46 AM

they are darling- the couple and pictures.

Julie h says: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 07:08 PM

i've decided that you are either the most hillarious person ever, or all of your couples happen to get the giggles during the shoot! ;)

ash says: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 06:11 PM

100% BOSS. true story. :) love you guys!

Mark Brooke says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 10:05 PM

insane in the membrane!

arenda says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 08:04 PM

gorgeous pics! reminds me of my seattle days. :)
love the last and the 3rd last photos especially - beautiful.

Kayla says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 09:19 AM

Love them! And I really love the last one!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 07:31 PM

Shooting at dusk is becoming one of my favorite things to do.

Brielle McClain says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 07:01 PM

love love love that last one. I can feel their connection through the computer screen --- impressive.

Carol Green says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 02:07 PM

I see love beauty and a future. Much creativity as well.What a couple!

Anna says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:58 PM

The combination of your words and photos is one of the most awe-inspiring and motivating things to me. Thank you for doing what you do.

Brielle McClain says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:38 PM

love love love that last one. I can feel their connection through the computer screen --- impressive.

Becky says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:32 PM

Wow, I love them, really cool.

kelvin green says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:27 PM

what a great way too make a mom and dad very happy, and we get too show the pictures and bragg how beautiful they are together. Dad

Gwyn says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 11:17 AM

Love the reflection too... reminds me of the self portrait you guys rocked :) I LOVE how inspiration can spin into amazing execution!

A plus for me (maybe because I am a photographer - dunno) is that you are in the image. Because you are always in your images really, but here you actually slightly visible.

kirsten says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:52 AM

beautiful shots! -the lighting is so soft and perfect.

Allison says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:47 AM

Such a cute couple! Amazing photos as always I especially love how your couples always look like they are having so much fun!

Kim Spears says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:46 AM

Love all of the laughter in these !! My fave is the one behind the glass :) Amazing as always !

paula says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:32 AM

awesome shots!!

jamie delaine says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:27 AM

too much, too much, too much. i just love them. every one. all the time. :) p.s. LOVING "start with why" by the way.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:19 AM

"we begin to feel & see exhaustion becoming pure energy and momentum..." I love this! And I love the one with the 'our world is getting a little brighter' sign!

Aaron Snow says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

What a great looking couple. That first picture is so awesome!

Aaron Snow says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

What a great looking couple. That first picture is so awesome!

Alexandra says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

I love these!!!!!

Gail says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:04 AM

GORGEOUS!!!!!!! She has SUCH an amazing smile!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:15 AM
"This is how it works, You peer inside yourself, You take the things you like & try and love the things you took. And then you take that love you made and stick it into someone else's heart, pumping someone else's blood" - Regina Spektor

Meet the beautiful Miss Ryan and the fantastic Sir Jake. They make my heart go pitter-patter. If you really must know, I have a crush. These two got engaged recently and were our models for our group mentor session in Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago. They recently moved from LA back to Oklahoma to start their lives together. These two are authentic, free, fun-loving and have a little bit of Boho that runs through their veins. I personally take a liking to that particular recipe of person :). 

Ryan is a jaw dropper... beautiful in every sense of the word. Ryan and I actually met & became friends about five or six years ago and we immediately connected on a level much deeper than surface conversation. She is an artist, an animal lover and a kindred spirit. I'm so happy that Jake and Ryan found one another. They make a completely perfect match. I think the captures of them really speak for themselves; their love is so real, honest and playful.  These two are just two peas in a pod and we feel so blessed to capture them during this sweet season. 

Also, a big thank you to Jessica Bottomly for doing the make up for this shoot! 







Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (40)
Brenda Landrum says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:41 PM

Oh how I love this session! The 4 bw images at the beginning are fabulous! My favorite though is of Jake behind the tree in bw. Love that!

AmyPunky Photography says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:14 PM

Oh wow! they are so stylish! Gorgeous couple!! I love her haircolor! :)

Rog says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:15 AM

pretty girls named ryan are more pretty than girls named other things.

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:47 AM

I'm in love with the 3rd and last image- Amazing. Seriously!

David says: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 06:26 PM

Great work as always!!

carl zoch says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 10:16 PM

ZING!
Nothing like some good ol' Oklahoma light :) Beautiful session, hands down.

Lisa Dunham says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 11:17 AM

These are gorgeous! I love them all but I really like the total joy in the last one. I had a blast with you guys! Thanks so much for a great mentor sesh! You're the BEST!

Melissa Hathaway says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 09:45 AM

Luv your work! Beautiful as always!

briana elledge says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:49 AM

ok, seriously? this session was a little tramadic, first, lost my socks, (blown off, obviously) then.... i pretty much got laid out from the awesomeness of the rest of it, and then was finally completely knocked out with the last one. you gotta be a little kinder to us, we cant take this much awesomeness all the time! (jk, continue to rock, please, but seriously, very much awesome), just so you know...

Joshua Souder says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:29 AM

love the tones in this shoot! Great job again guys!!!!

Joshua Souder says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:29 AM

love the tones in this shoot! Great job again guys!!!!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Friday, January 8, 2010, 10:46 AM

Adorable. I love the suitcases and slight bit of snow.

Lara Beck says: Friday, January 8, 2010, 03:37 AM

WOW!! What a Natural Beauty!! The photos are awesome!! :-))

kristen says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 07:48 PM

Her cape, her hair, his shirt, his sweater, the luggage, the light , his sunglasses +your skillz= WOWZZZAZ. You capture love beautifully.

Also, your photo for your twitter account makes me so happy. I love it.

lesley says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 05:45 PM

what a great looking couple, and awesome photos as always sarah! :)

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 01:33 PM

i have to agree with Micah Dahlberg:

Great shoot you guys! Making it look easy... AGAIN

Micah Dahlberg says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 11:09 AM

Great shoot you guys! Making it look easy... AGAIN.

sean mclean says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 05:39 PM

great series--i'm so happy for them

Christine says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 04:01 PM

Wow. Ryan is seriously gorgeous. Love that these images portray your connection with one another (as well as her connection with her fiance)... they're both incredibly beautiful and your work is insanely amazing. :)

Candice says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 01:31 PM

they are beautiful! your work captures love on such a genuine and emotional level. love this. love it a lot.

kara Wieler says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 12:57 PM

Stunning! Both the couple and the images!

kara Wieler says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 12:56 PM

Stunning! Both the couple and the images!

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 10:35 AM

These are all so fantastic Sarah!

sara montour says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 10:14 AM

these are so beautiful . some really great, raw, real moments, which are my very favorite . gorgeous . gorgeous!

Hannah Taylor says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:44 AM

I just love your style!

anda says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:37 AM

modelicious.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:18 AM

Perfect! As usual! :)

Carolyn says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:54 AM

Amazing Photos for two amazing people!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:47 AM

Stunning photos!!!!

Kayla says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:43 AM

These are SO beautiful!

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:42 AM

I'm totally in love with this couple!
AWESOME images, this is one of my favorites engagement sessions.

Emily Grober says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:39 AM

Gorgeous! You definitely caught their darling personalities. Yay Jake + Ryann!

Briony says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:38 AM

they are a gorgeous couple and these images definitely show their love.

paula says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:34 AM

amazing images, i love them all :)

ryan christensen says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:29 AM

sarah... your work is LEGIT! I love seeing the world through your eyes... so inspiring! I hope you are going to WPPI this year, I'd love to meet you. if some bald guy comes up and says hi don't be alarmed. LOL

Cody says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:25 AM

stunning work as usual! the first photo demands attention i love it

Sophie says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:24 AM

Great!

Sophie says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:23 AM

Great!

Lauranne says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:23 AM

Absolutely incredible, Sarah. Way to kick off 2010!

Chad says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:20 AM

this session is a jaw-dropper to say the least! Amazing work, as always.