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 18, 2010, 09:42 AM
I'm writing this post today in my blue fuzzy robe with kleenex sticking out of my nose... sounds hot huh? ;) I've been under the weather this week and it reached a whole new level of sickness about two days ago which of course was when we had an all day shoot in the snowy mountains scheduled. It was one of those days when I really just had to psyche myself up and push through to get what I needed to get.

I've been thinking a lot about this idea of pushing through recently. I've been watching the Winter Olympics and I am fascinated by the absolute perseverance of the contenders. Pushing through takes on a whole new meaning when you are an Olympic Athlete. These people train day in and day out, pushing through injury, discomfort, pain, sleeplessness and the list goes on. The sacrifice they undergo is intense. But what all of these contenders have in common is passion. There is something in them that drives them to a slight sense of insanity. And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness :) These people have designed their life around their passion which is why they make "pushing through" and persevering look easy. It's never easy but they recognize the absolute necessity in it.

I learned that one of my old dance friends who I did ballet with for years and years is in the Olympics this year as one of the top male figure skaters, Evan Lysacek. It's so amazing to think of how far he has come. Evan trained with me at one of the best ballet studios in Chicago, not because he wanted to be a ballet dancer, but because he wanted to be the best figure skater possible. He is someone that has pushed through the pain and sacrificed a great deal to get to where he is. But when you are pursuing your passion, sacrifice feels like gain and perseverance is like having your morning coffee. It just comes with the territory.

Here is a frame from the winter shoot we had on Tuesday. Lots more coming...

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (29)
Shannon Yau says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:54 PM

This post resonated with me for several reasons. firstly because I was battling my own cold and I'm the biggest baby ever when I'm sick. Your words were the "get your #$% up and do something" I needed. Also, I am in love with the olympics. I was actually lucky enough to be there for the opening weekend and it was both inspiring and incredible.
Oh, and I LOVE this photo!

Darby says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 07:09 PM

This photo is AMAZING!!!! Excited to see more!

Patrina says: Sunday, February 21, 2010, 03:28 PM

Your words are spot on, Sarah. And the photo is, too. Pushing thru the hard times is what separates the good from the great.

Anne W says: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 01:22 PM

I was searching Evan Lysacek on twitter the other day and I stumbled upon your post about him. I'm 17 now, but I remember I used to dance at the same studio as him ... and when I saw that you used to dance there too, I clicked on your Twitter page which led me to your website.
Anyhow ... your photos are amazing! I'm not really a photographer, but I do other types of art (drawing, music, ... living, etc.). I think what I really like about your photos is that the people in it seem really genuine. Their smiles aren't posed or anything; each person is shown beautifully and genuinely. The pictures are not only vibrant in terms of their colors but also in terms of how you manage to capture the spirit of the moment and how the photos are able to speak... (if that makes any sense at all, haha) Looking at these pictures really makes me want to pick up photography.
Just wanted to let you know! You and your husband are truly talented :)

Jackie Lovato says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 06:07 PM

your photography is SOLID.

AbiQ says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 02:35 PM

I LOVE THIS SHOT. It so belongs in a magazine!

Kim Spears says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:35 AM

Wow she is a stunner !! Love the texture the fur added. I hope you feel better you little sickie :)

Tina says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 09:23 AM

LOVE this winter shot. You've got me itching to see the rest.

Feuza says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:36 PM

perseverance to fuel the passion for sure. this shot is like a magazine, love it and can not wait to see more

Anthony says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:16 PM

Evan just won! Thats awesome that you were with him in his early stages of becoming a gold medalist. Feel better! Soup and rest.

Hannah Taylor says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 03:21 PM

Great shot!! Thanks for all the motivation that comes from reading your blog!!

Calie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 02:31 PM

Well it sounds like there was LOTS of pushing through this week!! ;D I have to say - if you were sick on Tuesday, it is really sinful how beautiful and poised you are!!! WOW!! Would not have guess that in a million years!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the shoot - this is truly amazing and we were blessed to be a part of it!!! Hugs!!! Calie and Kourtney!

mary wyar says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 01:53 PM

Had the same thoughts last night with the Olympians! The amount of passion it takes to fight through all the physical &, no doubt, personal sacrifices to get to that level... it's quite emotional to see! Oh and if you're feeling snotty, a neti-pot works wonders for me! Feel better chica! :)

Sarah says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:46 PM

great post! i was just thinking about the amount of dedication needed to be an olympian the other day. truly amazing. very cool that you once trained with evan lysacek. i might have a little crush on him. haha. here's hoping he does well tonight! and i can't wait to see the rest of these snow shots, looks like they'll be amazing as usual! :)

kbreints says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:39 PM

Came over from a new reader of yours who was linking to your site-- love the layout of your site-- had me confused for a moment :) Your photos are wonderful!

Heather says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:17 AM

This image is breathtaking!
I liked what you said about Olympic athletes having to have a certain level of insanity to get where they are. My husband was a swimmer in the Olympics and he had to be focused like a horse with blinders on to get there. I think the beautiful thing is that some people in other fields (other than athletes) are in hot pursuit of "being all they can be" with the same type of dedication and "insanity". I see that in your craft....it is a beautiful thing.

Suzanne and Amanda says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:58 AM

Even with Kleenix's you are beauitful. Love the shot- so glad you all went forward with it. My cousin helps run a program for cancer stricken kids and Kimmie Meissner had her Olympic friends skate for a fund raiser- we got to see and meet afterwards Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto; Jeffrey Buttle; yuko Sato; Johnny Weir; others but your friend, Evan. They were all wonderful! But then so are you and Chris!!!

Talk to you later!!

kylie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:54 AM

This image is amazing and I cannot wait to see all that goes with it. As you know from my incessant commenting, I have been following you for a while now and I can see the growth you are making with every shoot. You are an amazing artist Sarah and you really are doing what God created you to do. " )
On a side note, was this shoot for any specific purpose or just for fun and to experiment? I ask because if you were selling something with this image, I would buy it!

Sally says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:37 AM

Ooh, I love it!! This is such a gorgeous shot - it's just perfect! Can't wait to see the rest... P.S. Can I come along as an assistant next time?! I'll bring you coffee, tea, kleenex... :)

Tonhya Kae says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:26 AM

Girl, I think you're a little "insane" with this image!! OOooOoo I can't WAIT to see the rest, looks like you all probably had a fun day in the snow! I hope you feel better...the great weather today should help a little I hope! :)

Paige Butcher says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:18 AM

LOVE this shot! And what you have to say about pushing through is so incredibly true. This time of year with all the snow and grey skies on the East Coast, it's easy to give up and succumb to the temptation to coast until Spring. I'm trying to push through and finish strong :)

Candice says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:17 AM

i am constantly encouraged and inspired.

Suki says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:12 AM

I love this post very much. I think you got it and it describes me in my passion very well. Everyone has to be some sort of insane to achieve greatness :)
Thank you for that reminder.

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:09 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:08 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:06 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Rachel Castillero says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

Thanks for these words! Exactly what I needed to "hear" today. :) FABULOUS picture too!

Julie h says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:04 AM

oh my!!! I already know this shoot is going to be incredible. Stoked to see the rest. Sleep and EmergenC usually does the trick when I'm sick. Hope your feeling 100% very soon. :)

Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:20 PM
Lisa and Brian are adventurous, fun loving, smart, warm people with a heart for exploration. These two are living in Italy right now and will be for the next few years and I must say I covet their new Italian lifestyle ;). If there is anywhere I could go run away to for a year it would probably be Italy. I am a carb-o-holic and love a good glass of vino. I think if I lived over there I would come back at least 20lbs heavier.... at least.... probably more like 40lbs if I'm being honest. Anyhow, these two are living the life and I am so happy for them. 

Right when I met these two it was like the sparks went off. Lisa and Brian cater their lifestyle around embracing life to the fullest and loving every minute. In my opinion, that is a good solid philosophy to live by. We cannot wait to shoot their wedding this summer!

The light came out in full force for their e session. It was goldeny yummy goodness and for anyone that knows me knows that is my shooting sweet-spot. I was in heaven. 

Enjoy a little bit of Lisa and Brian!









Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (16)
John Pascale says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 11:25 AM

Ok, these are great, love the angles. Super

matthew morgan says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 10:15 AM

so many beautiful shots in one session

Janine says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 12:08 AM

Wow. I've only just discovered you Sarah...your photo's are truly amazing. Especially love the window shot and the tree silhouette. When can you come to Sydney? :)

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:11 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:10 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:10 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:09 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Jackie Lovato says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 04:43 PM

love the way you tell stories with your images...love their story...

Lisa says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:42 PM

OMG Sarah! I love the pictures!!!!!! :D I can not WAIT to see the rest! :D

Kayleen T. says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:06 PM

I love this shoot! Your pictures always make me smile! :D

Melina Wallisch says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 01:05 PM

BEAUTIFUL...I love the golden tree one and the restaurant window one, such pretty light and they evoke such wonderful feelings!

Micah Dahlberg says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:45 PM

Changing the world one photo at a time. Great stuff Sarah and Chris.

Hannah VanDenBerg says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:30 PM

what a gorgeous couple, and great day for a shoot!

Ruthie P. says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:28 PM

You never disappoint us!! Your work is amazing, great - great photos!

Rachel says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:28 PM

Once again, Marvelous!

All each a work of ART!

Lisa Gilbert says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:27 PM

Oh my goodness, Sarah.....these are so kick-ass I can barely STAND it. That silhouette by the tree is something I could look at forever. I don't even know this couple and I want to hang that in my house.

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
Add a Comment View Comments (14)
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 :)