Thursday, September 10, 2009, 07:45 AM
Here at the Rhoads abode we are in the thick of wedding season and in quite a shooting frenzy :) Tis the nature of the season! As I was having lunch with Chris today, we started talking about the idea of what it really means to "live in the now." As a dreamer, it is something that I find very challenging... especially in a season like this one. I find myself constantly dreaming up the next big thing, setting new goals & forecasting our future. Even as a child, I always had what I call "tunnel vision" i.e. when I am extremely focused on pursuing one specific idea or goal. Doing what your passionate about is extremely rewarding, however, it can also be "all consuming" at times. It is so easy for me to get 'tunnel vision' in this season and get stuck behind the computer editing/processing/email'ing/designing for 16 plus hours in a day and become a slave to my to do list. Today at lunch, Chris reminded me of how important it is to look around me every once and a while, to live in now. To breathe in deep and soak up the beautiful moments that are happening before my very eyes. My mind is always racing with new idea's, new endeavors, new things to create... and although it can be so very invigorating, and dreaming can be so very healthy, there is always something invigorating about taking life in as it is right now. I have so much to be grateful for. I need to take more moments out to savor it. Sorry for the random rant, I just felt like perhaps that might be something that would resonate with someone else out there during this season. I know I need a daily, hourly reminder of how important it is to take time out for the "now."

So without futher adieu let me introduce you to Param & Kevin :)
Param & Kevin got married at a place that holds a special place in their heart, The Columbia Tower Club  in downtown Seattle. Kevin's dad did all of the architecture on the building that stands taller than any building on the west coast. The views were unbelievable. We stood as tall as the planes that were soaring all around us, it was quite magical. Kevin's dad has passed away, but his legacy will always live on through the tower that stands majestically in the heart of Seattle. It was a special day for many reasons... a tribute to those who are no longer with them and a celebration of those that are...Kevin and Param had a very intimate and personal wedding with a small group of about 50 guests. It was a very special event and many of Param's family came from far and wide to celebrate with Kevin and Param on their big day. It was such an honor to be a part :)

Venue/Catering: The Columbia Tower Club 
Makeup/Hair: Tiffany Lowry






Thoughts
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Karen Simons says: Monday, September 14, 2009, 07:37 AM

What a wonderful day for you, and everyone! What a special couple you are! Such fabulous photos that capture the beauty of the moment, and the heartfelt love you share! xo

Karen Simons says: Monday, September 14, 2009, 07:36 AM

What a wonderful day for you, and everyone! What a special couple you are! Such fabulous photos that capture the beauty of the moment, and the heartfelt love you share! xo

PROMISE TANGEMAN says: Monday, September 14, 2009, 12:32 AM

WEIRD!!! i am just now reading this, after we hung out on friday. We talked about many of the things you wrote about the day before. Wowzers. It is overwhelming at times to have your head RUSHED wiih ideas of how to improve and push forward, yet very exciting and encouraging that we can think outside of the norm. love ya

sean says: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 07:22 PM

love it
http://www.help-portrait.com/

Alexandra says: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 12:29 PM

Beautiful words, and beautiful photos - they are art. Keep it up.

Sarah says: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 07:57 AM

Sarah, you are such an amazing photographer. Each session you post is full of new original ideas. I love viewing your blog! You are just amazing girl! Thank you so much for sharing your talents to the world =)

Emma Case says: Friday, September 11, 2009, 02:02 PM

I've just read your message and smiled instantly... I'm completely new to photography but have been acting for about 10 years now and the tunnel vision thing completely comes with the territory... you are so focused and besotted with the job you love that you simply sleep it, breath it and if you could you'd probably eat it!
Right now I feel so overwhelmed as I am totally besotted with photography, acting and I also started learning Sign Language which has also completely taken over my life in such a positive way that I find it difficult to articulate how strongly I feel about it... I actually feel guilty for finding 3 things that complete me (well 4 if you count my amazing fiance) when so many people go through their life not finding 1. We have no money, we never go on holiday and haven't even been away for the weekend for such a long time.. actually I can't even remember the last time I REALLY relaxed and switched off.... but I don't think I'd change it. I love feeling passionate and ambitious and inspired and creative and hungry and I absolutely love learning... I'm starting to believe that when I'm holding my camera, when I'm acting on stage, when I'm Signing.... that's when I am relaxed... that's when I'm happy.

Steve Gerrard says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11:19 PM

That first paragraph could almost have been written by me Sarah. It's so true how we get caught up in the life of being a photographer and working hard to achieve our goals and over-deliver to our clients. I need to try harder to "live in the now" and take in the amazing life I have been lucky enough to have been given and to spend quality time with family & friends.
Photos here are especially moving and beautifully captured.
Thanks for sharing :)

kimberly says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 09:37 PM

so many aspects of your work to adore.....truly, i am quite awe struck...AGAIN!!! the emotion, the creativity, the truth, the passion and the love that oozes from your art almost stops my heart. simply splendid!!!!!

Melissa Cain says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 08:40 PM

LOVE these pics so much. Your love for each other is so evident in these photos, I wish that I could have been there. Your photographers really did a great job of capturing your emotions!

Congrats again!

Thiloshini Schmidt says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 03:57 PM

The photoes are amazing Param & Kev....I cried too....wow I felt like I was there.....xxxxxxxxx

Patrina Odette says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 01:30 PM

Very beautiful, they brought tears to my eyes and I don't even know the lucky couple. You're so right about living in the now. And to stop, and just breathe. I'm a big believer in breathing. It keeps from getting swallowed up by life. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Feels good, right?
You two are amazing for many reasons.

Michael Rowley says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11:26 AM

If the whole wedding thing doesn't work out you can be a professional rush-hour-traffic-photographer :D really nice set Sarah

Ben Blood says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11:11 AM

The picture of the freeway. Yes!

JENA says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 10:53 AM

I'm not even kidding when I tell you that your work has brought me to tears more than once. I don't even know anyone that you've photographed but your work is just so inspiring and emotional - i just love it! keep up the amazing-ness :)

Laura says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 10:31 AM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on being in the moment Sarah. I too struggle to remember to do that. I'm on vacation this week and I have a long 'to do' list. So your reminder came at the perfect time.

Thanks as always for sharing your inspiring words and photos!

Param Simons says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 09:34 AM

Thank you Sarah, the pics brought tears to my eyes, I love them!!

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 08:36 AM

I love these. They have some sort of quiet strength to them, like I'm watching a silent film. You tell a great story!

Melissa Blue says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 08:33 AM

Is it just me, or does that girl look like Angelina Jolie? Great job, as always!

John Edgar says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 08:27 AM

Beautiful work guys, love that last image a lot.. your style is so original and smart... just beautiful. :)

Chris Barber says: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 08:08 AM

Love the way you've processed these, guys! The shot of the traffic. Lovely!

Thursday, September 3, 2009, 07:40 AM
Sarah & Jared decided to add a PartyBooth at their reception about a month before the wedding and I am soo glad they did because the fun we had with their group of friends and family was endless. My abs were ridiculously sore when I woke up the morning after their wedding... that is how hard I laughed while doing their PartyBooth! It was so much fun. 

I'm not sure if you are familiar with the term "jowling", but my friends and I often find ourselves in the middle of a jowl-off with our point and shoot camera's laughing in hysterics at how ridiculously funny we look. It is when you shake your head really fast and have someone take a photo mid cheek flapping... It is endless entertainment. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Sarah and Jared's friends have a deep appreciation for a good jowl or two and that my bride, Sarah, especially loves jowling photos.... just my kinda gal ;). So in light of Sarah & I's shared love for jowling, I will kick this PartyBooth post off right with a good old fashion jowling pic. Enjoy and have yourself a good jowl today.

**If you were a guest at the wedding and would like to see and/or order any prints from the PartyBooth at Sarah & Jared's wedding you can access the gallery by going here


Thoughts
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Kristin says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 03:51 PM

amazing!! this looks like a super fun wedding! What great pictures!

marissa moss says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 02:57 PM

hah!! that 'jowling' one is hilarious. and i know exactly the game you are talking about although we've always called it 'shakey face'!

Sarah says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 10:41 AM

Best jowling picture ever. Well done!

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 09:57 AM

Looooove the shots! hahaha. Hilarious. Seems like a fun group of people :)

Heather says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 09:27 AM

LOL. These are great!

Kathryn & Michael says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 08:29 AM

These are great!! I laughed outloud!

italida says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 08:21 AM

Your photos are ever wonderful, Your lights and colours... my God, I'd like so much to be a good photographer like you!!! Really compliments! ç_ç

Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:00 AM
First of all, I cannot believe it is officially September today! This summer has flown by before my eyes. It has been a summer rich in growth. I've learned so much... photographically speaking... yes. But more than anything I have learned a lot about who I am and the important things in this life. I've learned a lot about true & steadfast hard work. I've learned how to be a better wife. I've learned that time is precious and that you will make time for the things and people that you truly care about, even when it seems as though there is no time left to give. But more than anything I have learned to love better & deeper. Being with people, working with people teaches me to love better....It reminds me that each of us is flawed and needs grace from time to time.... I sure know that I do. It pushes me to give grace more freely :) September is my very favorite month of the year, it carries us into my favorite season of all, fall. So happy September everyone!

 I would like to start this month off right with sharing a little bit of Sarah & Jared with you :).  They had one of my favorite engagement sessions of the season and had an awesome wedding to follow at Seattle Tennis Club a couple of weeks ago. They opted to work with one of our very favorite florists in Seattle, Christiane of Flora Nova who always makes everything flawless :). And their wedding was a true celebration!

Sarah & Jared were surrounded by friends and family from coast to coast, and let's just say this, they know how to throw a killer party! Sarah & Jared are the life of the party and it is so cute to see how much they love each other. Jared is the happy-go-lucky type who loves Sarah to the ends of the earth. Sarah is a passionate and driven  lover of life. It was so precious to see her face when she saw Jared for the first time during the reveal. She just busted into tears... It was beautiful. 

We wish you two love birds all the best in the world! Thanks for letting us play such an important role ;) 


Thoughts
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yusep says: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 11:54 PM

cool

Davey Morgan says: Monday, September 7, 2009, 07:20 PM

The ring shot is amazing! Did you use an 85 or 100mm macro lens?

Kim Kalyn says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 06:48 PM

That ring shot is pure genius !! Loved all the incredible emotion you captured :)

Airika Pope says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 11:50 AM

I love the one of Sarah kissing the puppy. Most adorable pic ever!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 07:26 AM

Wow! The emotion in the two pictures of the reveal gave me goosebumps! So beautiful! Amazing work. Just amazing.

Julie h says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 09:37 PM

It's pretty darn evident that these two are so in love. Just from their expressions, they seem like the kindest couple. Beautiful work!

megan welker says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 02:40 PM

what an awesome location!!! amazing photos you guys! you are fabulous!!!

Randy says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 10:56 AM

Awesome pictures! I especially love the picture of the guy ripping off his jacket. Such a great facial expression!

imthiaz houseman says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 09:50 AM

what a beautiful wedding. i love the colors.

Alexandra says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 07:22 AM

I've told you this countless times, but your photos are incredible, they make me so happy. I love your style, I love the perspective, I love the compositions. It's photography at it's best. It's so creative, so artistic. It's beautiful and I thank you so much for sharing.
Keep it up,
Alex

Mitchell Orkis says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 04:12 AM

If I could legally get married...they would be my photographers!!!! haha...these are so so good! congrats =)

caspix says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:21 PM

totally fabulous, you guys rawk!

Melissa Oholendt says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 05:42 PM

Love love love the images on the tennis court - so fun!

Chad Morgan says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 02:39 PM

My favorite might be the guy ripping off his jacket. I laughed out loud. Nice work, Roadses.

Kara Wieler says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 01:37 PM

Love 'em! Fantastic ring shot, and the group shot - so simple and yet so fun! Also love the one of the two of them behind the tree. And the flowers are absolutely gorgeous!

Kathryn Speyer says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 12:03 PM

Nice! Love the berries... and the bridesmaids and groomsmen with switched accessories (made me chuckle). Looks like it was a blast. :)

Chelsea McGowan says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 11:36 AM

That tennis court picture is epic. EPIC.

Jared says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 11:22 AM

Fantastic! I love the photo of Sarah and me on the tennis court by the score. It captures us perfectly!

I had a couple of general questions though:

1) What is Arturo doing to Christy on the dance floor?

2) When did Blair start breakdancing?

Anonymous says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 10:20 AM

Beautiful. She is

Dennis Bullock says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 10:07 AM

These are all so great Sarah! Good stuff!

Dennis Bullock says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 10:06 AM

Sarah these are all so great. Good stuff!

clary says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 10:01 AM

Always love your captures...the range of emotion. Sarah first seeing Jared to the doggie and bride kiss. Beautiful. OH!! And that cake looks so yummy!

Gina Meola says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:23 AM

Amazing!! And what a phenomenal couple! How breathtaking was their first look?!

ninjaken says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:21 AM

beautiful . love the ring shot . delicious

Melanie Watson says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:20 AM

Beautiful work as always. Your pictures and your writing are always so full of heart. I just love visiting your blog. Your love for people and life are always evident in all you do. Thanks for sharing.

PS: I could not resist the temptation of a Bob Loblaw tweet. ;)

Saturday, August 29, 2009, 09:13 AM
Laura & Ryan's wedding spanned the emotional chasm :). From tears of passion and emotion to moments of total and complete roll-on-the-floor laughter. Most of the roll-on-the-floor-laughter moments happened in the following frames taken during the PartyBooth at their wedding. I spent most of the reception laughing as some of these fantastic folks made it into the PartyBooth. It was our first experience where we had the father of the bride take off his shirt in the Booth haha! And he's pretty dang muscular! It was pretty epic.

The PartyBooth is a great time for the right reception. Usually the requirements are, a fun group of people that is up for an adventure and can laugh at themselves. If that doesn't describe the guests in attendance at your event the PartyBooth may not be the best fit :) But if it is, as it is with many of our couples, the PartyBooth can be a great way to capture your guests and is an excellent form of endless entertainment :) 

For those who were at Laura & Ryan's wedding and want to see the full PartyBooth selects and/or order any prints you can access the gallery by going here.




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (16)
Lauren "Chipman" Keester says: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 08:41 AM

Sarah, that was spectacular! One of my favorite entries of your blog! thank you for that! -Chip

carrie says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:35 AM

you guys KILLED it. totally killed this. xo

Emily Grober says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:26 AM

This is one of my favorite posts - you guys are just fantastic! Congrats on all your success...the passion you have, Sarah, is contagious!

KrisD Mauga says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:24 AM

WOW- Love the party booth! We do this for our parties but never have I thought to this for a wedding!!!! You are right, with the right bunch this works awesomely!

Rylee Sundquist says: Monday, August 31, 2009, 06:56 PM

Great party booth! You seem to have way more fun in yours! We are gonna need to add a little action to our photobooth! Wow, that's three exclamation points in three sentences...happy Monday :)

miriam says: Monday, August 31, 2009, 04:53 AM

You are my new favorite photographer!

Leila says: Monday, August 31, 2009, 12:11 AM

What is the PartyBooth!? looks like a lot of fun. is it new? did I miss something??? :)

Kisha of Sahara BLue says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 10:30 PM

haha! how fun! absolutely love these shots - what an amazing time it must have been :)

Beata English says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 08:07 PM

Fantastic yet again. What camera do you use to get the polaroid shots?

jess@studio3z says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 06:00 PM

these are all great!! totally hilarious. :)

Patrina Odette says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 01:22 PM

Oh my gosh, Sarah, what a hilarious group of photos! And what a fun group of people to party with! I bet these will be some of their favorites, the party booth images deserve an album all their own!

Rachael Earl says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 12:58 PM

LOL-these are awesome!

SecondShootr says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 12:53 PM

Lovely shots, and a fantastic website too! Keep up the good work.

Joshua Mahar says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 12:26 PM

Love it!!!

sarahrhoads says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 12:17 PM

@michelle oh that was ALL HIM! ;)

Michelle Henrick says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 12:15 PM

Love it! Now, did you suggest he take off the shirt or was that their/his idea? He does look good :)