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
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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

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
Add a Comment View Comments (7)
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