Saturday, October 10, 2009, 12:08 PM
Emily & Sam are thoughtful, genuine, considerate, salt of the earth kind of people. They wear their hearts on their sleeves... much like me. Their wedding was real, authentic, relaxed and the details were amazing :) Emily has a real knack for details. Chris and I felt so honored to be there with them. 

Emily & Sam got married on Bainbridge Island where Emily grew up. The day was absolutely breathtaking. The sun was out, water surrounded us, the air was crisp, the leaves were just beginning to turn. There is just something magical about September weddings. If we could go back and do it all over I think Chris and I would have a September wedding. That month between summer and fall gets over looked often, but it is a little gem.  I always tell people that if they want the best of Sarah Rhoads to talk to me in September every year because that is when I peak. That is how much I love September :) 

Coordination: Kelsey Eads of Sugarcomb Event Design
Ceremony: Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (11)
Susan says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:50 PM

Ahhhh....so lovely and magical!

Emily Angell Hendricks says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 10:29 AM

There are no words!! We are so blown away by these photos and we were so happy to have two friends like you and Chris with us on our wedding day. Thank you for capturing the magic and glow of our wedding.

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, October 12, 2009, 09:02 AM

wow, these are stunning.

kari says: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 01:19 PM

those fiel shots are breathless!!!

galaxie says: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 02:30 AM

Dear Sarah. i'm so sorry to hear about your grand mother. i lost my grandmother 3 years ago and i still miss her SO much. you have one more beautiful angel smiling & watching over you as you go on rockin the world around :)

Jane Hasty says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:57 PM

Beautiful! What a perfect capture of a gorgeous day!

Andy Ostafi says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:46 PM

nice ;)

Meaghan Cook says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 03:31 PM

What a sweet as pie wedding. Did she mean to match the blue in her dress with her eyes? Looks amazing!

clarah says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 02:31 PM

i'm breathless....this is absolutely beautiful!!!
man, there are no words...
*sigh*

great job!

Janet McK says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 01:15 PM

I love the one where she's hugging him from behind! So much love :D

Dorothy Huynh says: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 01:00 PM

YES! First comment? These images are amazing. You inspire me :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:25 AM
So this is Part Deux of the fantastic weekend celebration of Cristin & Harpur. I posted their Rehearsal dinner on Monday, and today is the day for their wedding post! This was such a fun wedding for us to be a part of. Destination weddings are always especially unique because they are more of an "experience" than just an "event." Cristin & Harpur's weekend in Hunters, WA was definitely an experience to be remembered. Hunter's is a little town about 6 hours east of Seattle. Friends and family came far and wide to be a part of the celebration and festivities. As Cristin's dad said to Cristin & Harpur during his toast, "I think we all know that this whole 'wedding' thing is just an excuse for Cristin & Harpur to get everyone out to Hunters for a big party..." That pretty much sums up the experience :)

The estate in Hunters has always been a very special place to both Cristin & Harpur. They have taken many trips out there with friends since the early years of high school at Seattle Prep, so it seemed only appropriate that they get married there on Cristin's father's estate. The estate was beautiful. It was like stepping into a fairy tale. I think the first frame in this set pretty much sums it up.

Their wedding was an honest and true reflection of who they are as individuals and as a couple. Creative, spontaneous, playful, funny & original. It started raining in the middle of the ceremony.... so appropriately ironic... and Harpur, being the outspoken guy that he is, asks the pastor if he can just "get to the important stuff" sending the crowd into an outrageous laughter. It was perfect :). And as they were exiting the ceremony, the rain subsided and a rainbow came out. I don't know too many couples who get a rainbow on their wedding day... that HAS to be a good sign. 

Cristin is probably the only bride who I have ever known to have a dog in her lap throughout the course of most of her day. That cute little chihuahua you see in a lot of these images is her sweet little dog, Tom. He's a charmer.  She has a huge heart for animals and even a couture gown couldn't come between her and Mr. Tom. 

Basically I feel like I could go on and on about these two, their day, their wonderful families and rad friends, but I suppose I will let the images do the talking. One thing I will say, these to know how to throw a killer party.  The band these two had at their reception was the most amazing 80's cover band I have ever seen, the Spazmatics.
Enjoy a little more of Cristin & Harpur...

Venue: Private Estate in Hunters, WA
Photographers: Sarah & Chris Rhoads





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (28)
italida says: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 03:02 AM

I LOVE your photos!!! great photoshooting!!!

margaret singer says: Monday, October 5, 2009, 10:03 PM

that dress, the tractor, the bow tie, the dog, the rainbow, the dancing. . . seriously great details. love it all.

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Monday, October 5, 2009, 01:17 PM

What an absolutely perfect location! Beautiful as always!

Cody Emberton says: Sunday, October 4, 2009, 08:35 PM

These are gorgeous Sarah & Chris! Do you have an updated list of the cities you'll be visiting this year?!

Matthew says: Sunday, October 4, 2009, 07:24 PM

These photographs are wonderful, simply amazing! Great job!

Julie says: Sunday, October 4, 2009, 02:38 PM

Her dress is FLAWLESS and your pictures are too, of course. :)

megan welker says: Friday, October 2, 2009, 01:32 PM

oh my gosh! im in love with this wedding!!! you guys are amazing! im pretty sure i want to get married at this location now!

Mark Brooke says: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 05:32 PM

It is kinda ridiculous how amazing the spazmatics are!!!!! they were are a wedding that i shot a couple of weeks ago and blew my mind!!!

Rick Fernandez says: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 11:40 AM

You inspire me (period). Thank you.

heather says: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 01:08 AM

Love how the tractor drivers tie is blowing in the wind, I think that sums up the feel of this whole wedding. Nice work you guys!

Meg Malone says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:07 PM

Sarah, You ARE a true artist! Your eyes see people and things in a totally different light than most people! Fantastic & Phenomenal are the words that come to mind right now!

Allie says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 06:27 PM

That band looks absolutely awesome - love it!

Jeff Holt says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 04:25 PM

KILLER WEDDING guys! You totally rocked this one!

amber says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 02:45 PM

you are truly amazing and inspiring! your eye for details and angles are beyond reproach and i smile every time i view your images. you touch my heart with your words, about knowing yourself, being the woman you want to be, coming to your full potential as an artist. you give me hope. thank you.

James Moes says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 02:33 PM

Great work Sarah! And what a nerdband!

Michelle Engvall says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 12:30 PM

I LOVE absolutely everything about this wedding! The adorable couple, her unique dress and his suit, the rustic meets elegance details, the scenery and especially the photos! Wow Sarah! You amaze me. :)

Betsy says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 11:09 AM

wow. her dress is FABULOUS.
and whoever photographed it must be too. ;)

Kisha of Sahara Blue says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 10:07 AM

this wedding looks like it was a BLAST. and her dress?!?!?! wowza! i've never seen a dress like that before - with that cut in the front/bottom - gorgeous!

as usual - your images are insane. that's a good thing by the way.... :)

Josh Boston says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 09:58 AM

Absolutely epic! Incredible stuff Sarah.

brandon says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 09:32 AM

this estate is righteous and kickass.

brandon says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 09:32 AM

this estate is righteous and kickass.

Angie says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 09:03 AM

Wow- These are STUNNING! Great work!

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 09:02 AM

Sarah these are so amazing....

Alexandra says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:51 AM

wow. you are overflowing with talent. i LOVE it!

Jane Hasty says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:48 AM

Just gorgeous! I was ready to book a trip there at the first photo until I realized it was a private estate. So sad-wish I could be there! Thanks for sharing such great images! And, congratualtions to the B&G!

Rebecca Hansen says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:41 AM

I never wanted these pictures to end! This wedding was perfect.

Rebecca Hansen says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:40 AM

I never wanted these pictures to end! This wedding was perfect.

Candice says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:37 AM

what a great dress she has! love it. what a great wedding....looks AMAZING and dreamy...

Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:08 AM
"It seems right now that all I've ever done in my life is making my way here to you."
Cristin & Harpur are a true living and breathing example of that quote. They are a beautiful breath of fresh air. They have known one another since junior high and what started as a long best friendship ended with a marriage in Hunters, WA this year. Their weekend was magical. special. unique and very authentic to who they are as people.

Cristin & Harpur had their wedding weekend as a destination event on Cristin's dad's property in Hunters, WA. Their rehearsal dinner was all decorated and designed by Harpur's VERRRY talented mother, Molly. What started as an old abandoned barn filled with all kinds of wood, was emptied and turned into a charming, imaginative rehearsal dinner space that Molly said was inspired by Cristin's artistic and free spirit. It was a perfect reflection of exactly that. The space was captivating. It was so very evident that each detail was crafted with a great deal of thoughtfulness and affection. There were horses, pups, candles, a folk band, vintage trucks, hay bales, good vino, good people, funny toasts, delicious food and lots of heart.... a recipe for amazing :)

I'm dividing their weekend into two posts since we shot their rehearsal dinner and then their wedding the following evening; so there will be more goodness to come...

In other news... today I turn another year older. I'm not one that looks back often... mostly because I am too busy looking forward; but I am always thankful for the way birthday's help us reflect on ourselves & our lives over the past year. I've learned a lot about what is important in life this year... I am thankful for that. This year has been about taking risks in order to pursue our passions. About trusting my gut and the voice in my heart. About really knowing the depth of my love for my family & close friends. About forgiveness and the liberation therein. About God's faithfulness. About being a more considerate friend. About hard work. About not just loving those around us, but telling them.... because today we have the opportunity we may not have tomorrow. About time, and how quickly it flys.
There is a gift that each year gives me.... to know myself with more certainty and to come closer to knowing the woman I'm striving to be. I'm so thankful for that. 
Monday birthday's are pretty lame, so I decided to celebrate Saturday night with Chris & some close friends.... my one birthday wish was to shoot a 9mm gun. sounds weird? yes... I know. Don't ask me why but this strange desire to go to the shooting range and feel the power of a gun just came over me one day about 4 months ago. :) I had never shot a gun before. Any ladies out there who are considering it.... DO IT! I felt like Angelina Jolie in Wanted, minus the tight leather pants, the huge lips, the crazy tats and the ability to bend bullets... but either way... It felt dang good. maybe I'll post some adventures at the shooting range photos in the next couple of weeks :) 
Happy Monday folks.






Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (28)
Erika says: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 06:30 PM

STUNNING. love the details. Can I put this rehersal dinner on my wish list??

Kathryn Widell says: Friday, October 2, 2009, 04:31 PM

First of all, this is the coolest wedding I have EVER EVER EVER seen!!! Such great decor and different elements!

Seconds, Sarah, you've outdone yourself! Amazing pictures, the colors are amazing!!

heather says: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 01:11 AM

Oh my- these are something! The color palette and your corrections are just Devine! So magical!

melissa oholendt says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 06:40 PM

Amazing images but I still cannot get over that image of the little boy at the beginning. There is just something about that image.

Dorothy Huynh says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 10:14 AM

I love her dress! These images are amazing. You're taking my wedding photos... whenever that is!

Christine Golden says: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 08:38 AM

This is the most beautiful rehearsal dinner I have ever seen!!

Allison says: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 06:26 PM

I love this place, rustic and chic at the same time! Flawlessly done! The subtle details are amazing, one for the rehearsal dinner record books for sure!

megan welker says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 11:31 PM

ohhh that barn is amazing! your photos are ridiculously good! hope you had a wonderful birthday :)

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:51 PM

Wow! Gorgeous. What a fun party! I wish I could jump in the photos and be there myself!

Lisa says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 05:57 PM

Is the really just the rehearsal dinner?! Its A-maaaa-zing! When you guys capture moments they always look so magical. *sigh* Beautiful photos. Oh, and even though I'm a complete stranger....Happy birthday for yesterday Sarah! ; )

Marta says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 05:40 PM

Happy Birthday Sarah!

PS... can't wait to see the actual wedding. The rehearsal looks absolutely wonderful. Love all the interesting details you captured.

Mark Brooke says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 05:13 PM

SO GOOD!!! oh man... counting down the days till november!!!!!!!!!

Randy says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 10:59 AM

This wedding looks like such a fun atmosphere. The environment is awesome and you two did an amazing job capturing it! Hopefully you two win the "blu" contest!

Heather Kincaid says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 10:40 AM

I LOVE these kind of weddings... so cool. Incredible images, as always.

Jonda Spurbeck says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 10:10 AM

Wowzers! What an amazing rehearsal dinner!! Happy birthday Sarah! Many blessings.

jamie delaine says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 09:26 AM

OH MY GOSH. What a rehearsal dinner. Sheesh! :) Lovely work.

Alexandra says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 09:11 AM

Happy Birthday! Hope your day was great :) I LOVE these shots. So beautiful. Can't wait for part 2 .

Maiko says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 08:38 AM

esse fico muito legal.....parabens....do brazil!!!!!

applem00n says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 08:30 AM

love the details!

James Moes says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 08:29 AM

That's one beautiful dinner - looking forward to seeing how the actual wedding can top this :) And a very happy birthday to you!

anda part two says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 08:18 AM

ps - happy birthday! you have one of those photo blogs that i love to READ as well, but the pictures always pull me in first. then i go back and read the poetic and passion-filled posts. i should start reading the posts first so i don't miss something when i comment :)

anda says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 08:14 AM

i love these photos. i feel like i was there and it looks like a really nice night filled with love and fun. really nice.

Shannon says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:40 AM

Great post Sarah. Beautiful photos of the Rehearsal, what a gorgeous evening. Happy Birthday!

Gina Meola says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:37 AM

Happy Birthday!! This place looks AMAZING! Brilliant job capturing the details, as always!

Kara Wieler says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:33 AM

First of all, Happy Birthday Sarah! Second, definitely the most gorgeous rehearsal dinner I've ever seen! The details are amazing. I absolutely love that second one of the little boy, it is precious!

Bruce Patterson says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:32 AM

Great pics - everything looks timeless. Love the treatment you've done to the pics = perfection!

mary says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:26 AM

holy gorgeous. loving the details, truly unique and personal.

shooting guns.... and you say you're not assassins ;) hope you wore leather to the range.

Adele Cabanillas says: Monday, September 28, 2009, 07:15 AM

Gorgeous. So much detail. Amazing location.

Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:08 AM
Katie & Dennis met in Vegas. As told by Katie's maid of honor, Oonagh, Dennis was there for a bachelor party and Katie was in Vegas with some of her girl friends. They saw this group of loud guys and the moment Dennis saw Katie he didn't leave her side. He even wrote in sunscreen "Katie" on his chest during the trip as he laid out by the pool. Katie was still a little "unsure" about this Dennis character :). He took her to the airport with her friends and stayed with her at her gate until her flight took off, even though that meant he missed his own flight... but he didn't care. Because thats what you do when you are head over heels for someone. Upon coming back to Seattle, Katie realized she sure enough had strong feelings for Dennis and the rest is history. :)

Their day was just beautiful. Dennis couldn't stop going on and on about his beautiful bride all day. It was so cute! And Katie was an absolutely Stunning bride. In every facet of the word. One of my sweet brides, Maureen, connected me to these two and I feel so grateful she did :) Katie & Dennis thank you so much for letting us be a part of this sweet season of your lives! 


In other news, I am going back home to Oklahoma tomorrow to spend time with my family, I am really looking forward to seeing my mom, sis and grandmother. I am going to do my best not to respond to business e mails and phone calls while I am there so I can really "be" in the moment with them :) So I will get back to everyone Tuesday next week when I get back. 

Oh and in yesterday's post about our Blu Domain Nomination I said the voting started yesterday but it looks like it actually starts Friday so if you are planning on giving us some love you can do it on Blu's site then: :) 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (32)
JENNIFER SKOG says: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 09:59 PM

absolutely stunning coverage guys!

amber says: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 07:28 PM

your work is so completely inspiring! these wedding images may be my favorite yet that i've seen.

Brian Waltz says: Monday, September 21, 2009, 04:22 PM

Awesome images! It was excellent working with you!
Brian
Good Times DJ Service

naomi house says: Sunday, September 20, 2009, 11:52 AM

inspiring!

marissa moss says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 09:48 PM

that veil is out of control!!
love. it.

Jen Voigt says: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 02:03 PM

WOW! if i didnt know you i would think u were a model! You looked so beautiful! Im so happy for you guys! :)

applem00n says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 08:59 PM

gorgeous as ever!

oneshotbeyond says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 01:12 PM

how beautiful!!!

matthew morgan says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 10:43 AM

diggin the deets and documentation on this post. thx for the inspiration.

Kisha of Sahara BLue says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 10:35 AM

oh wow! these are all so beautiful. i love everything about them - looks like a beautiful wedding too.

Katie says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 09:57 AM

Sarah & Chris, we had no doubt that you two would capture the spirit of the day, but these photos blew us away! I can't tell you how lucky we feel to have these beautiful photos to remind us of our day and to call you two friends. You are the best!

italida says: Friday, September 18, 2009, 01:56 AM

parappappappààààà: I'm loving it! :D

lauren clark says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:29 PM

Love it!

Angel says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

These are all SO beautiful!

Kim Kalyn says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 08:48 PM

I don't know how you guys do it, but I think I have a favourite post from you and then BAM you post then next one and I love it more than the last. Amazing, amazing, amazing work !

geri e. says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 07:14 PM

you are honestly so amazing.
brilliant actually.

Cheyenne Schultz says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 04:56 PM

I know you guys get this all the time, but I would really like to re-do my wedding so I could have you photograph it.

Phenomenal.

James Moes says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 03:24 PM

Pure poetry. Intimate and understated. Some of your best work yet.

Kathryn Speyer says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 02:56 PM

Awesome, awesome pics! They are such a beautiful couple, too. He looks like a movie star and she looks like a model. I can't believe how dramatic her lip shape is! Ohmigod, and I loooove her veil! Nicely done. :)

Angie Baxter says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 02:02 PM

WOW! These are heavenly Sarah. Love Love Love them.

Lydia says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 01:11 PM

Wow, one of my favorite weddings ever! Gorgeous pictures!!

Yuka photo art says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:19 AM

Amazing story how they met and beautiful wedding!

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:13 AM

Your photos are beautiful and I love love love love them :) Keep up the fantastic work! :)

Randy says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:09 AM

I really love the picture of the brides face in shadow! It's a good use of shapes in the light vs. shadow. Really great idea! :)

ryan flynn says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:08 AM

that shot of her with the checkered shadows falling on her face ... sooo good.

scott neumyer says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:39 AM

These are GORGEOUS! There's so much life in them. It actually looks like you shot film, which I'm sure you didn't. So So awesome!

Kathryn Widell says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 10:28 AM

Stunning, Sarah!!!!!!

Erin Wallis says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:30 AM

This is seriously, beautiful. Seriously.

jess@studio3z says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:21 AM

katie is absolutely stunning!! loved this wedding, and their story is adorable. amazing eye/soul candy as usual.

Joop Rubens says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:18 AM

Take this from a fellow photographer... it's rough to accept how good you guys are. Your range of style, and the blend of hip/classic is just so solid.
Very Jealously,
Joop

Gina Meola says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:17 AM

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! The bride's shots are ALL stunning!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 09:16 AM

Gorgeous stuff! You inspire me each time you post to your blog! I love your use of lines and light. And I love her shoes.

xoxo, B