Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:21 AM
What an amazing way to end an incredible 2009 wedding season with Mimi & Ryan's wedding as the grande finale on Friday in Southern California! These two are a completely romantic, caring, creative, intelligent and radiant.  They have so much heart to give to the world! Their wedding suited them perfectly.  Mimi designed her beautiful, Art Deco inspired, wedding gown all herself. It was completely unique. Mimi also designed Ryan's wedding band. These two did things their own way; that is one of the many reasons why we adore these two.  

The way Ryan loves and serves Mimi is so humble and gentle. He seemed to take every opportunity to put her before himself, whether it was helping carry the train of her dress or helping her get inside the car... to me, it is the little things that matter in life, and Ryan is a man who remembers the little things :). Their reveal was one of our favorites of the season. Ryan turned around and saw his bride and the flood gates opened, tears poured down his face throughout most of the day... turns out Ryan is the sensitive type :) At least when it comes to Mimi anyway. It was really sweet.

Their wedding was held on the coast in Southern California at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. The ceremony was held up the road at one of the most amazing little chapels I have ever seen, Wayfarers Chapel. The chapel was designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (one of my favorite architects of all time), so as you can imagine the architecture was stunning. It is an all glass church inspired by the nature that surrounds it with fantastic lines and symmetry. Since Ryan & Mimi have an appreciation for these sort of things, it was a really special place for them to exchange their vows.... at sunset, in a glass chapel, surrounded by nature.

We had a great time working with the ladies over at Element Weddings who coordinated the event. Camilla and her team were so much fun to work alongside! And the band at this wedding was TO DIE FOR! These guys at West Coast Music know how to get a party going! This wedding was amazing on so many levels and we felt so happy to share in the fun. It was a perfect end to a great 2009 wedding season!

Coordination: Element Weddings



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (31)
Jet Kaiser says: Monday, December 28, 2009, 12:31 PM

Phenomenal! Truly amazing work!!!

Paul says: Monday, December 21, 2009, 02:30 PM

These are beautiful. I love the shot on the road with the Pacific in the background. Great eye!

Stephanie Motz says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 12:09 PM

Your work is inspiring. Amazing eye for detail. Beautiful composition. Great light.

Jenn Stark says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 03:55 PM

I've been loving your photos for a while now but haven't left a comment before...this set is simply amazing, so I just had to let you know, lovely work :) Love the two of them on the winding path, and what a great view of the bride coming into the chapel against the sunlight - perfect!

geneoh says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 07:31 PM

that veil shot is sick. nice work.

geneoh says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 07:31 PM

that veil shot is sick. nice work.

bobbi says: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:19 PM

speechless.... AYKM with that b&w blowing veil shot?! PER-FEC-TION!

steaph says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 07:43 PM

love these. that beach. those shots. that eye~ beautiful... always love your work. but the portraits of this wedding are just so special. and great new site. inspired! xos

Meredith Amadee says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 01:02 PM

I hope you're doing this for many many years because at 18 I already know that I want you to be my wedding photographer in the future!

Thank you for making me smile daily!

Sara Rambo says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:55 AM

LOVE par usual. :)

Olivia says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:53 AM

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous pictures! I love each and every one of them. You captured this couple beautifully! What a fantastic chapel, too!

Emma says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:00 AM

Oh my....Sarah, you and Chris for sure rocked it, these are STUNNING. :-) My two faves are the one where he's kissing her neck and her veil is blowing, and the silhouette one with her hand and the veil with the sun setting....beautiFUL!!! Amazing job...as always ;-)

Emma says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 09:59 AM

Oh my....Sarah, you and Chris for sure rocked it, these are STUNNING. :-) My two faves are the one where he's kissing her neck and her veil is blowing, and the silhouette one with her hand and the veil with the sun setting....beautiFUL!!! Amazing job...as always ;-)

ajira says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 07:19 PM

What a gorgeous couple... and what glorious photographs! Simply adore your work.

Jonas Peterson says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:54 PM

This one looks sensational. Fantastic.

shanni says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:31 PM

delicious. in SO many ways. i want to wrap myself in a blanket of that sunset!!!

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:15 PM

wow, what a great end to an amazing year for you and chris. beautiful job!

Alexandra says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 02:10 PM

I love these!

Jenny J says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 12:40 PM

That bride is perfection.

Melissa says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:42 AM

beautiful setting, beautiful couple, BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY. i can't wait to see what's in store for your 2010 weddings.

Anna says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:26 AM

WOW. Such beauty. I feel warmer just looking at these images (said from the chillier midwest!). I adore your work, Sarah & Chris!!! Lovelovelove. And your writing? Sheesh. It is clear that every couple you work mean so much to you. You pay such close attention to the inner workings of their relationship. I love that--how lucky are your clients!?! Best to you both.

Ryan Ray says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:33 AM

That BW with veil blowing is insane! Love it!!

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:05 AM

drat. for some reason i always double-comment on your blog without trying. sorry :(

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:03 AM

nothing short of awesome, as usual. i really love the shot from above, where they are tiny-looking in the vineyard and the water is in the background. gorgeous. congrats on a beautiful 2009 wedding season. too bad we'll have to wait until 2010 to see more weddings from you :)
thanks for inspiring.

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:02 AM

nothing short of awesome, as usual. i really love the shot from above, where they are tiny-looking in the vineyard and the water is in the background. gorgeous. congrats on a beautiful 2009 wedding season. too bad we'll have to wait until 2010 to see more weddings from you :)
thanks for inspiring.

carrie says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 09:29 AM

DIVINE. nuff said.

michele says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:53 AM

love every single picture. =) i'm a huge fan of your work Sarah!lots of love from Rio De Janeiro - BRA

Jane Hasty says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:45 AM

Just gorgeous-all of them-every single one!

lindsey Brittain says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:43 AM

So great! Love all the bride and groom shots!

squareoflife says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:43 AM

you rhoads knocked two thousand and nine out of the park
with this one. the veil shots rock. [hard]. hope you can find rest and relaxation in the holidays ahead [with absence of weddings].

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:35 AM

"Love that one. And that one. And that one. REALLY love that one. And that one. OMG that one's amazing!... etc etc"

Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:17 AM
It was as if the dark rainy clouds parted just for Johanna and Chad this past Saturday. Warm-golden, crisp, delicious light broke through the rain for some of the most radiant light I have ever had the honor of working in. It was like a dream. Fall weddings are always special to me. It is my personal favorite season and this is a wedding that did the fall season justice! Johanna & Chad's celebration was like a fall festival! With reds, golds, oranges, browns... smores, the smell of a burning fire, smiles, candle light, apple cider, coffee beans & warm cozy lighting that seemed to hug everyone in the room. It was a perfect day that reflected them and their adventurous, outdoor-loving spirits. 

The wedding took place at the Rainier Club downtown Seattle. It might be one of our new favorite venues in Seattle. It is rustic, elegant with a touch of "eeriness" that is endearing and quite intriguing. Michelle Engvall Coordinated this lovely event and it is always a joy to work with such a great coordinator. I cannot stress to my couples enough how important the roll of a coordinator is into achieving the overall vision for the day and making things move flawlessly throughout. The flowers were absolutely breathtaking. My favorite bouquet of the season goes to miss Johanna's bouquet. Her wonderful florist, Julie Borrud of Bella Rugosa did an excellent job with all of the florals at the event. 

What an amazing day this was to be a part of! Johanna and Chad we are so very happy for you. Thank you for allowing us to be there with you and giving us complete and total trust :) A few of these are some of my all time favorite captures. 

The Team:
Venue: Rainier Club
Coordinator: Michelle Engvall
Florist: Bella Rugosa





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (32)
fer juaristi says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 05:36 AM

amazing work sarah, you rocked every click!

Francis Aldana says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:49 AM

The silhouettes on these are bananas! home run sarah! as always, your lighting is insane and ridiculously disgusting.. (in cali, that's a good thing).. you rocked it as always. thank you for the inspiring photos once again..

Lesley says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 12:08 AM

Wow, please tell me her shoes are comfortable, cause I would like a pair please! Yes please! :)

Rachel Boekel says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 07:48 AM

the last one is magnificent. ooohhh eeee :)
As usual your posts blow my mind, you have great brains that see things beautifully. :)

Rachel Boekel says: Monday, November 16, 2009, 07:25 AM

the last one is magnificent. ooohhh eeee :)
As usual your posts blow my mind, you have great brains that see things beautifully. :)

sean says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 12:49 PM

love the sunset window silhouette shots

Lindsey Brittain says: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 04:26 PM

Great wedding! Love the last one! Great perspective!

URSULA says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:09 PM

GORGEOUS AS ALWAYS - YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION -

Isabelle Paille says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 02:49 PM

W-O-W. MANY epic pictures in there. You guys rock.

Isabelle Paille says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 02:48 PM

W-O-W. MANY epic pictures in there. You guys rock.

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 01:10 PM

I can't take all the credit on these guys! Chris got some of the coolest shots in this set ;)

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:45 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:39 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:35 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Alli says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:33 PM

Love the socks. It always shoes so much of their personality! Love it.

Caitlin says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:59 AM

Gorgeous :) Love the ring shot too!

deb schwedhelm says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 10:45 AM

i swoon over you and the magic you create...each and every time. love all of these. deb

Mel McLellan says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:35 AM

Last shot = pure awesomeness!! Wonderful work Miss Sarah! :)

Kip says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:31 AM

Real.

Kip says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:30 AM

Un...

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:26 AM

The way you tell stories with your photos always amazes me! Simply amazing!

Meghan says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:22 AM

LOVE the picture of the rings on that old telephone! So cute and different!

Bianca Valentim says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:07 AM

This is so different!
Love the silhouette, her shoe and the cool socks!
AMAZING job!

ron storer says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:06 AM

from one friend to another...

beautiful, just beautiful.....my favorite. passion and creativity

ron storer says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 09:03 AM

from one friend to another...

beautiful, just beautiful.....my favorite. passion, creativity and newness.

Alexandra says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:58 AM

I LOVE that first image!!!!! Stunning! Should be on a big canvas in their living room :)

shannon leith says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:56 AM

i went back and forth back and forth back and forth on these photos............ sliding that bar all over the place. i love these. that last one is officially the best.

Alexandra says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:55 AM

I LOVE that first image!!!!! Stunning! Should be on a big canvas in their living room :)

Rensche van Dyk says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:47 AM

Amazing shots! You guys are brilliant:) I love the bride's shoes, and the socks of the grooms and grooms men, excellent idea.

Gina says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:28 AM

AMAZING girl. Love love love the sunkissed window shots. SO creamy and beautiful! Way to work this out in less than 48. That it self is amazing.

matthew says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:26 AM

Beautiful Sarah. Great storytelling with your images.

rafa shea says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 08:25 AM

you are amazing

Monday, November 2, 2009, 08:38 AM
Ken & Hillary are the type of couple that walk in a room and light up the place. They have big hearts, big smiles & big personalities. It's like in high school when you have that beautiful couple that everyone wants to be around... that is Ken & Hillary, people just gravitate to them. Ken is a talented producer out of L.A. and Hillary is one of the most nurturing, loving people you could ever meet and is a nanny-extraordinaire. Their wedding was in Boston at the State Room. They decided to do the wedding in Boston because that is where Hillary is from, and they met there while attending Emerson College. 

People traveled far and wide to be with them on their big day. This wedding had some of the funniest people in the world all in one place for the evening. I have never laughed so hard at a wedding in my entire life. Ken's best man honestly gave the most epic toast I have ever experienced, people were rolling. By the end of the night my abs had a full work out and my cheeks burned from laughing so hard. This was a true group of funnies..... to the max. Ken & Hillary's family treated everyone like family. They were warm, caring and truly joyful. I can't say enough about the amazing quality of people at this wedding. hearts of gold... each and every one of them.

Ken & Hillary rented a trolly to get everyone around Boston for their photos beforehand, it was a blast. We went over to Boston Public Gardens  for their photos. The leaves were changing and it was beautiful. Boston is a city full of  back-story, rich in soul and character, it is a city that tells it like it is, it's an honest city, but its honesty makes it so very charming; much like these two. I felt truly honored to be in Boston with them on their big day.

Venue/Catering: State Room in Boston, MA
Hillary's Dress: Monique Lhuillier








Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (27)
Christian Ortega says: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 03:52 PM

Fantastic photos. I was at this wedding. You guys were so low-key I hardly knew you were there! Great job :)

Jet Kaiser says: Monday, December 28, 2009, 12:33 PM

The shoes & the cityscape....OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD. My favorite shoe shot of all time!

lip21 says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 02:15 PM

Great job !
I love this eye !
A new experience for me and a big example to follow!

More again!

Sara Rambo says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 05:48 PM

Love love love. par usual. :)

Sara Rambo says: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 05:46 PM

Love love love. par usual. :)

Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, LLC says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 10:45 PM

that skyline-out-of-focus-shoe-shot = the bomb!

Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, LLC

Latasha says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 06:19 AM

What a beautiful wedding! Loved the photos!!

Latasha says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 06:19 AM

What a beautiful wedding! Loved the photos!!

Julie says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 07:30 PM

Heart stopping.

michelle says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 05:18 PM

gorgeous. you're very clever x

Ashley Rose says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 01:19 PM

sooo beautiful. i dont know how you manage to out do yourselves every wedding. such beautiful work!!!! love love love :)

Kristie says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 11:57 AM

"WOW" to the "ZER" amazing!!!!

Alisa Joy says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 09:58 PM

when my other inspirations fail me, I know I can come to Rhoads and find an unbelievable post. Thanks for being consistently amazing!

appleM00N says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 08:34 PM

oh my.

Caitlin says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 07:35 PM

oh my lord, these are SO beautiful!

Beth says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 05:50 PM

Amazing and beautiful!

Jane Hasty says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 05:45 PM

Wow wow wow~!

Lisa says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 05:24 PM

My oh my, that ceremony and reception venue is something else! I love all these photos but especially love the bride reading her letter and the one just of the groom straight after. You guys continue to rock more and more! (How is that possible?!)

mikhail says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 03:32 PM

amazing couple and photos! wow!

mikhail says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 03:31 PM

amazing couple and photos! wow!

Allison Davis says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:42 AM

love this wedding! amazing mix of documentary and portraiture. love it all. great job. :)

Megan Saul says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:05 AM

beautiful

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 10:36 AM

The shot of the bride and then the little note melts my heart! I love how you tell their story with photos, you guys are just awesome!

Stephanie Castillo says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 10:11 AM

Great shots! I luv the location!

Kaity says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 09:08 AM

This wedding is wicked cool! :-) Great shots!

Paula says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 08:47 AM

Gorgous! Loved the Boston Trolley Train shot.

Paula says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 08:46 AM

Gorgous! Loved the Boston Trolley Train shot.

Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:23 AM
Heather & Alina are strong, beautiful, independent, down to earth, ambitious, thoughtful, gracious and caring. From the time we were first introduced by Jesse and Travis (their fantastic coordinators) I felt like we were old friends. Their wedding was a true reflection of their hearts for one another. It was one of those weddings that I shed a few tears because their love for one another was overwhelming in the best possible sense of the word. They are the type of people who say "thank you" for everything possible because they truly mean it. It's amazing how far those two little words can go with me. We could all take a little lesson in "graciousness" from them.

It feels so good to be back in Seattle, it was like it turned fall overnight. The leaves crunching beneath my feet, the foggy mist, the bright reds, yellow's and oranges take my heart every year. This truly is a magical season. Especially in Seattle, I don't know what it is about fall here but it is especially colorful and "Autumn-like". If I could live in a constant state of fall I would... but then again it wouldn't quite be fall without the expectation of winter :)

Coordinators: True Colors Events
Catering: Herban Feast
Venue: Sodo Park





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (12)
Julie h says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 11:29 PM

you two are just killing it with all of the gorgeous light in your latest posts especially! I melt.

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:22 PM

Wow, what a wedding! I love the details, the colors, the venues, the outfits. Amazing. Gorgeous shots guys, the fifth one is so simple but yet so gorgeous, and love all the gorgeous sunlight!

Eric Wyttenbach says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:21 PM

I was there! I have been coming back to this site daily ever since the wedding waiting to see how the images came out - VERY impressed. Nice job

Heather says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:14 PM

Wonderful job. I love all your stuff but I really love how you make me love even the smallest detailed things that most would overlook.

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 12:08 PM

I love weeks when Sarah Rhoads blogs everyday! It makes my eyes happy! Love the pix!

Marissa says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 10:31 AM

Such a gorgeous couple! I'm loving everything about this shoot! :)

Kevin says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:58 AM

I love the 12th shot (guy with tie), what type (focal length) of lens was used to make it?

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:57 AM

what a romantic wedding. stunning work you guys did fantastic documenting their love for one another.

emily says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:51 AM

what an absolutely beautiful set. Sarah these are so moving, just warms my heart on this cold October morning. Beautiful work!

Briony says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:22 AM

i love her freckles...beautiful! they had some amazing venues. wow!

josh mccullock says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:56 AM

holy schnikes, that reception venue is awesome!
great job Sarah!

jena says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:50 AM

gorgeous, gorgeous photos. I just love your work - i always walk away feeling the romance of the weddings you shoot. fantastic job and beautiful couple!