Monday, June 6, 2011, 08:12 AM
We headed down south for Emily and Jeff's Oklahoma wedding a couple weekends ago. We had such an amazing time with these two & their loved ones. Emily is a friend of mine from the college days, the two of us directed the largest student-run concert in the nation together, shared notes from PR class and griped about Dr. Senate, our law teacher and his overall ridiculousness. Emily is such an incredible lady. She's funny as heck, passionate, creative and driven. I am so glad Emily found such a knock out guy to call hers. Jeff is such an incredible guy; funny, charming, down to earth and loyal. These guys are quite the pair. 

Their wedding took place in Emily's hometown in Muskogee, Oklahoma. It was a city I had never experienced until last weekend. The people were delightful and I loved all of the character and charm of the town. Emily & Jeff decided to get married at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. It was such a rad venue and so perfectly suited for them. Emily and her family put in a lot of DIY time into the decor of the reception and it was playful, whimsical & fun. Emily & Jeff did it their way, which is the magic the best weddings are made of. These guys had a live band that played some seriously good tunes at the reception. We felt so honored to be a part of this special day. The world doesn't make them better than these guys. What a great thing to celebrate in one of the sweetest places in the nation.

Thoughts
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Drew says: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 03:36 PM

i cant go to your blog too often because i lose track of time.

so many good photos. I love the photo of them facing forward in the green forest. so good.

those are my thoughts.

Michael Wachniak says: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 11:52 AM

That one should be on a wall!!....no THAT one should be on a wall!!!...no THAT one!!! This couple might need bigger walls in their house... :)

Aaron Snow says: Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 07:46 PM

Great photos guys! You make Oklahoma proud!

Annie says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 07:32 PM

L-o-v-e :)

Momma Lucy says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 09:58 AM

Yeahhhh.........can't wait to see the rest. Thank you Sarah and Chris!!

jeff ambrose says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 09:06 AM

you guys kill me, everything is always so honest. love it.

julie harmsen says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 08:54 AM

she is darling and seems like such a ball of light.

Katie says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 08:52 AM

These are incredible you two! I love love love them! Especially the b&w flare shots! :)

Lauren says: Monday, June 6, 2011, 08:42 AM

GORGEOUS!

Everything about this is just beautiful!!!

We are so excited to have Kayko & Doug's fantastic Destination wedding in Mykonos, Greece featured in the most recent issue of Destination Weddings Magazine! It was such an amazing experience to be a part of so we are thrilled to have their special event published. It's always nice to see your work in print. 

In other less exciting news, life has been busy on the home-front which is pretty reflective on the lack of time I have had to blog, sorry guys! Chris and I are amping up for three weeks of shooting in five different cities. Needless to say, being the cat freak I have become, it's pretty likely that I may have a minor break down due to cat withdrawals from our Sophie-cat. But at least I know she is in very good hands while we are away. Over the next few weeks we will be heading down to LA, our second home, then straight to Chicago, then back to Seattle for a couple days (then possibly dallas for a job) and then back across the map to New York. 

So I am in need of a new book for while I travel! Does anyone have any good recommendations? I just finished Tina Fey's new Bossypants book, there is just too much comedy in that woman's body! Although the book really had no climax, it was totally cool because I laughed my patuty off. And lets be honest, when you're Tina Fey you can break some major rules of writing and get away with it no questions asked. 



Thoughts
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Martin L. says: Thursday, June 2, 2011, 02:45 PM

http://data.whicdn.com/images/10270989/tumblr_llw0iwbxaR1qfp8luo1_500_large.png?1306708858

Made me immediately think about you two :)

Union of prayer,
Martin

Adam Pratt says: Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 08:21 PM

Congrats on the publication. I think that wedding was some of your best work that I've seen in the past year. Well deserved and great exposure for you guys!

For reading I suggest anything by Tim Keller.

For travel, I suggest dinner at my house. Give us a call if you have time to swing by Wheaton.

Kirsten Julia says: Sunday, May 29, 2011, 08:12 PM

Wow, that's so awesome! Congrats on getting published. It looks like such a beautiful wedding!

Madeline says: Saturday, May 28, 2011, 06:06 AM

SO FUN! Awesome accomplishment.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave is definitely no humorous Tina Fey...but it's winning awards and very intriguing til the last drop.

Lor says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 07:00 PM

Just a comment about Mary Roach, if she is the same author/writer that contributes to Reader's Digest? If so, she really cracks me up, and that is saying a lot because my sense of humor is not that great!!

Kari Padilla says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 04:34 PM

Congrats on being featured in the magazine! That's awesome! :) I have also read "Room" its really good. I just finished "Packing for Mars" by Mary Roach - it's a humorous take on the science behind astronauts training for and then going into space. Really interesting! There is a website called Goodreads.com where you can get recommendations for good books, and if your friends sign up you can see what they've read and recommend. Also, my fave book is Memoirs of a Geisha if you haven't already read it :)

Dan O'Day says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 04:20 PM

Congrats you guys!! The spread looks amazing... Also, safe travels over the next 3 weeks xx

the detailed life says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 03:14 PM

oh, and HOORAY! for being featured.

the detailed life says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 03:11 PM

No Exit and Three Other Plays -by Sartre. Short and interesting reads... No Exit is the best, though!

lynda says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 02:26 PM

i just finished reading "the help" and really enjoyed it. http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0425232204/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306531521&sr=1-1

sarahrhoads says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 01:47 PM

@gail thank you thank you!!! you sound like a girl after my own heart! I am excited to check some of these out!

Gail says: Friday, May 27, 2011, 01:43 PM

Depending on what you're in the mood for, here are a few of my go-to book recommendations for friends!

Whip-smart and hilariously funny in an "Arrested Development" kind of way: Jonathan Trooper's "This is Where I Leave You"
A page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat: "Room" by Emma Donoghue
Pulitzer-Prize winner with brilliantly told stories about rock n' roll (and a Power Point chapter that'll blow your mind): Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
A smart love story hitting the cinema in August: One Day by David Nicholls
And finally.... myfavorite book that's both a tear-jerker and one of the most haunting stories I've ever ever read (and I read a lot): The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Monday, May 16, 2011, 02:44 PM
I have been such a bad blogger this past week! This is me publicly slapping myself on the hand. However, in my own defense, we have been up to some fun projects, most notably an office renovation project that pretty much occupied all of our time for the past 9 days. Chris and I have had our hands full considering neither of us are pro-carpenters.... really my skills fall somewhere very much below amateur and that is if I had a very gracious judge. But lucky for me I have a man who is pretty skilled with those large scary power tools and he made it all come to life... I was honestly there for moral support and simple sous-chef tasks :) Once I get caught up on my blogging over here, I will be posting some before and afters of our crazy DIY reno project on our blankhaus blog. Now onto the exciting stuff...

Sarah & Steve got married a couple of weeks ago in Carefree, Arizona. It was one of the most charming little southwest towns I have ever experienced. When we arrived the first night we grabbed some BBQ brisket and I felt like we were picked up and put in a shoot em' up cowboy movie. The man next to me literally had a gun holster (with no gun in it) on his waist with his boots and his pearl snap button up shirt to boot. It was pretty darling. Sarah's parents have a home in Arizona and Sarah & Steve wanted some sunshine and warmth for their outdoor wedding making Arizona a great choice. I was in LOVE with the color palette they choose for their day. The florals and location were just breathtaking and so was Sarah. 

I also had one of the more "dignifying" experiences of my career while on our creative photo session with these two #sarcasm. I stepped in a Jumping Chola Cactus bush and literally had to throw away my Toms Shoes mid wedding day. I posted a photo of my shoes on my facebook page here. It's pretty ridiculous. Thank goodness for Sarah's sweet bridesmaid who came to my rescue and let me borrow her flip flops so I didn't have to be the barefoot photographer :) 

This day was just so much fun, Steve and Sarah are such a delight and their families made us feel like we were family! Enjoy a little bit of these two!

Venue/Catering: Desert Mountain, Arizona



Thoughts
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Arran Moffat Edinburgh Photography says: Friday, May 20, 2011, 03:16 PM

Wonderful pictures! I'll be sure to check back regularly. Very inspiring stuff.

Tegan says: Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 09:54 AM

SOOOO beautiful! I

yana says: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 10:17 AM

Beautiful work. Love the hanging lanterns and the photo with the two ladies helping with the veil.

Aaron Snow says: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 08:09 AM

Beautiful colors in these images. Awesome work guys!

Rich Park says: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 07:41 AM

beautiful wedding - you guys did an amazing job capturing it!

Christine says: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 12:33 AM

beauuuuutiful, rhoadsies. :) i adore every last detail, and those couples shots with that light is just to die for. beautiful beautiful beautiful. :)

Anda says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 07:28 PM

well, your cactus/shoe encounter makes me feel better about some of the clumsy stuff i have done while shooting ;) love arizona and love your description and images of arizona. xoxo.

erika says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 06:15 PM

absolutely st st stunning!! lovin her veil

Kelsey says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 05:11 PM

I already commented on fb, but I'm seriously enamored by these images! A.ma.zing.! Love.

Chelsea Patricia says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 04:31 PM

Completely stunning.

Annie says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 04:00 PM

Favourite. Wedding. Ever. That has to be the most beautiful bouquet I've seen in my life. The moments you have captured are magic. I'm in love! :)

Andrew Cahill says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:51 PM

Beautiful, really get that warm feeling.

Rachel Pick says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:43 PM

Really lovely colour tones - colours of the day and your treatment go perfectly together. Nice job!

Mike says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:40 PM

cute couple! Great set! Sorry about the Toms!

Rensche Mari says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:26 PM

I love it! The colours for the wedding are really well picked. And yes, I can feel the sunshine!

jeff ambrose says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:17 PM

love what you did out here sarah. mind shooting me the venue? my fiancee and i are still looking.

Chelsea Carbary says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:17 PM

I love all of these - what a pretty day =)

Savanah Loftus says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:16 PM

Simply beautiful. My favorite is the one of them with that monster cactus!

-Savanah

Diane says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:08 PM

Beautiful wedding! I am a huge fan of your work!

the detailed life says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 03:08 PM

yay! love them ;)

velvetowlphotography says: Monday, May 16, 2011, 02:57 PM

Absolutely stunning wedding & photos!!

Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:31 AM
Julie & Andy had a gorgeous wedding in Andy's childhood stomping grounds on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a beautiful celebration on so many levels. It was full of color, whimsy, honest emotion and charm. Andy & Julie's families are really beautiful people and came around these two to help them make all of this happen for them. It is so wonderful to see families who really adore one another. 

Their wedding was an honest reflection of them. My favorite moment of their big day was when Julie walked into the room where the ceremony would be held, saw it for the first time and her eyes welled up with big tears, as she hugged Andy she told him she couldn't believe how much everyone did... her gratitude was so sincere. You see, Julie & Andy's wedding was supposed to be outdoors but it rained quite a bit that morning so they made the executive decision to move everything inside so Jules had no idea what it would look like. Andy & his family put together a gorgeous surprise for these two indoors and it ended up playing out perfectly. Enjoy!

To see more of Julie & Andy's Story you can go here: Julie & Andy Story
If you are a family &/or Friend of Julie & Andy you can order prints & see their full gallery here
*This wedding is also being featured on Style Me Pretty*

The wonderful crew that made all of this come together so swimmingly: 
Wedding Coordination: Annie Sundseth
Hair & Makeup: Judy Cunningham
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Anna Ranch in Kona, Hawaii
Brides Dress: Sarah Seven
Grooms Custom Suit: The Dutches
Tables, Chairs, Linens: Waimea Party Rentals
Tent Rental: Big Island Tents


Thoughts
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Ryan says: Monday, April 11, 2011, 01:27 PM

Sarah, these are so gorgeous. I'm always amazed by your work.

Luke Carrangis says: Thursday, April 7, 2011, 05:44 PM

Love the couples shoot especially, overcast weather often = lovely light for portraits and skin!

Brooke Kelly Photography says: Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 11:26 AM

Just came across your work for the first time and so glad I found you. Your work is just so pure and simply inspiring. Love this wedding.

Amanda Donaho says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 12:23 PM

Wow, this is just gorgeous. The wedding, the images, the style... love love love.

PS - Looking forward to seeing you at the HER Conference!

Branden Harvey says: Sunday, April 3, 2011, 06:36 PM

Awwwww. So great! I especially love the shots in the field.

Martin L. says: Saturday, April 2, 2011, 03:37 PM

Hey Sarah and Chris,

I don't know why, but I feel like this series might be the most "authentic" that I've seen so far on your blog!
There's something about the "mirror shot" that intrigues me; it's as if all of the sometimes mixed feeling about a marriage find their impression in these complementary pictures...

Keep on showing the beauty the Lord put in us :)

yana says: Friday, April 1, 2011, 10:18 AM

What a beautiful wedding! I love the handmade touches... Splendid captures. Keep creating!

Nirav says: Friday, April 1, 2011, 08:38 AM

Sarah & Chris, you guys are the bomb diggity and all that jazz :).

tim willoughby says: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 06:42 PM

Wahwa weewah. These pics (and all your photos) are so gorgeous!!!
I saw this wedding somewhere else but I can't remember where.
Anyways, these photos are awesome and I'm glad to see you're rockin it.
I'm off to look through the rest of the blog.....

Brittni says: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 08:21 AM

How were the pinwheels made with the rosettes? My wedding is in April and my bridesmaids will have pinwheels instead of bouquets.

This wedding was absolutely gorgeous by the way.

Kristopher Willis says: Monday, March 28, 2011, 09:13 PM

Not much to say..You guys have just got it. So inspiring!!

Peter Yana says: Monday, March 28, 2011, 09:16 AM

OMG!! Is this even possible.. These are just incredible. Your black and white processing is to die for ..

Stephanie says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 08:02 PM

I am in love with this wedding, this couple, and THESE PHOTOS! Absolutely beautiful...all of it!

Chelsea Patricia says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 07:36 PM

SUCH a gorgeous wedding, and captured just BEAUTIFULLY!

Pam Harmsen says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 05:49 PM

Sarah and Chris,

Thank you for capturing all of the heartfelt emotions of love that everyone experienced on this special day. Your photos of Julie and Andy radiate their love. A treasure to be cherished! Thanks!

Stacey Fitts says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 11:10 AM

I'm so honored to have been a part of this wedding! I cried reading what you wrote about your favorite memory of the wedding. These photos are a perfect reminder of a perfect day! These photos by far, are my favorite wedding photos, Sarah & Chris~you are truly gifted.

katelyn james says: Sunday, March 27, 2011, 11:06 AM

LOVE all of this!!! So vibrant!

Lara says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 04:42 PM

These images fill my heart. They're beautiful and express so many emotions. Great work!

Lauranne says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12:39 PM

love those precious freckles!

Taylor Lord says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 10:28 AM

The most unbelievable colors and emotion. This is my favorite wedding I've ever seen! You are amazing.

Karen says: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12:29 AM

This wedding is: Honest. True. Sincere. Happy. Love. These two really care for one another and that comes out beautifully in your photo story of their wedding day. Spectacular work Sarah and Chris---some of your best work.

April says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 04:25 PM

Oh wow, great details. Love the shots at the green and red shed thing!!

Kena Helen says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:52 PM

GORGEOUS! Love the colors, locations and details! You guys did such an awesome job capturing moment!

arenda says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:44 PM

what beautiful photos! love the love that you captured. i'd love to snatch one of those chocolate chip cookies through the screen and eat it!

Becca O. says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:28 PM

Beautiful photos, Sarah and Chris! And congrats on the post on Style Me Pretty, as well! You guys rock :)

Kirk says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:17 PM

What a beautiful and spirited couple! You really show off how perfect they are for each other. Loving the details

Gabi Sebrell says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:00 PM

Simple, emotional, lovely, perfect!
Congrats!

hayley says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:21 PM

adorable wedding .. love the color choices..& gorgeous photos as usual!

kylie says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 12:08 PM

These are wonderful Sarah! Julie is such a sweet person and the Big Island is just stunning. Perfect combination for your photography. Just wonderful, as always.

chriStina e says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:45 AM

The bride is adorable and the wedding colors are wonderful... Your work is great, of course!

Sarah Danaher says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:37 AM

sooooooo precious. sooooooo full of love.

Emily Faulknor says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 11:02 AM

Sarah, this is an adorable wedding with such vibrance and detail and you captured it so sweetly. What great work!

victoria says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:29 AM

another job well done. beautiful images.

Whitney Schey says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:26 AM

I feel so much joy looking at these pictures. This wedding was seriously perfect. Colorful and comfortable. Three Cheers to them!

Whitney Schey says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:26 AM

I feel so much joy looking at these pictures. This wedding was seriously perfect. Colorful and comfortable. Three Cheers to them!

julie fitts says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 10:04 AM

can we do it all again pretty please? we're so thankful and blessed. thank you. thank you. thank you.

Ryan Ray says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:19 AM

BEAUTIFUL weddings with such a SWEET couple!!

Colette says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:14 AM

What a beautiful wedding! Well done on the pictures, and congratulations to the gorgeous couple!

Jenn Stark says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:10 AM

Such a sweet wedding! What great style this couple has - love the all the colours, the flowers, the dresses, and they clearly know how to pick rad photographers :) :) Well done guys xo

Gladys Allen says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 09:08 AM

what a lovely love filled wedding, and beautiful couple! Congratulations Julie and Andy! Julie, you're so stunning :)

Robyn Russell says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 08:42 AM

Stunning work! Oh, what a joyful couple! You really brought out their true spirit!

Kat says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 08:09 AM

The moments of the two of them hugging are so sweet. Also, love the details with the maps...super cute.

ben and laura says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:34 AM

gorgeous work you two!

Jen O says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:28 AM

Guys, this is amazing. One of the prettiest, heartfelt weddings I've ever seen. Love the colors, too. Simply beautiful.

Rich Park says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:19 AM

what a cute/stylish wedding! GREAT SHOTS!

Laura says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:13 AM

Beautiful images. Love how you captured their joy!

Mikhaillllllllllll says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 07:09 AM

very pretties. greats shots!

Steve says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 06:55 AM

Jaw dropping, Sarah + Chris! I love how beautifully the couple interacts with the Hawaiian landscape in these shots. You can feel the love pouring through. Solid, solid work.

Paige says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:55 AM

I love your work--beautiful couple & beautiful images...

christine says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:16 AM

your photos of stunning weddings like these just make me even more sure i want you to come to ireland some day! such beautiful people and such a joyful story told through joyful photos.

Mae says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 05:05 AM

Mmm...these pictures make me tear up and want to jump right into them. They hold so much love and joy. So happy for Julie and Andy...Lovely job capturing their day amazing day!

ShariLee says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 04:22 AM

you captured every detail of this wedding so beautifully! This could be one of my favorites!

tahiti says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:31 AM

ahhh! this is so crazy and awesome to see. this location is 2 minutes from my house and I have shot here before... I can't believe you guys were so close to where I am! it's a reminder that you are REAL, not just some amazing photographers I have made up in my head! haha.

beautiful photos... inspired for my next shoot there.

christophe says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:25 AM

Lovely.
Cheers from France

Rensche Mari says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:09 AM

Simply AWESOME!

AmyPunky Photography says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:02 AM

Such a beautiful and moving wedding!! Julie is so gorgeous. I love the colors of the reception, this is so joyful!

Annie says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 03:01 AM

You guys are rock stars :)

Pobke says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 02:22 AM

So perfect. So beautiful. So happy to say that I know these two and these images are a perfect reflection of their love and admiration for one another. Beautifulx tremendous work, Rhoadsies. Bravo. :)

kaethe says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 02:20 AM

some of my favorites of yours to date--no doubt about it.

Andy Fitts says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:48 AM

Dear Sarah Rhoads Photographers,

I am Amazed how close I feel to each moment here. I want to do it all again exactly the same. Thank you for encouraging that feeling to be the one, through your photographs, that will remain with me. You are a dear force of nature to us.

Sandy says: Friday, March 25, 2011, 01:47 AM

truly beautiful. I love love love the red shoes + cardy!