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
Add a Comment View Comments (25)
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 :)

Thursday, August 27, 2009, 08:00 AM
Laura & Ryan are so special :) Laura teaches photography to high-schoolers and Ryan is a musician.  So they share some of our favorite passions and interests in life, which is just one of the many reasons why we adore them :).  They are old souls, rich with passion and selfless with their affections. More than anything, when I think about them, I think of tenderness. There is a frame in this set of images that to me, speaks entirely to who they are as a couple. It is the black and white image where their hands are all entangled and heart is just pouring out of it. It turns me to mush... 
Another thing that turned me to mush on their big day was Laura's dad. His pride in his daughter was so evident. He was in tears for a lot of the day....I love to see dads and daughter's have the kind of relationship that Laura and her dad have with one another. They are rare and to be cherished.

Laura and Ryan got married at Sodo Park and had a Jewish ceremony with some modern twits that were reflective of them :) It was so much fun! They also had a PartyBooth at their wedding and I'll post a few frames of those in a post to come. I also want to give a shout out to Laura and Ryan's Day of coordinator, Laura Gram for being so helpful and to the DJ, Leslie of Seattle Parties for throwing a great party for these two! And to Florist, Christopher Flowers for the great florals at the event. 

Laura & Ryan we feel honored to have captured your special day and to call you friends :) We hope you are having fun gallivanting around Italy on your honeymoon!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (30)
Cheryl says: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 08:03 PM

Laura told me her wedding was "magical"...you truly captured the magic...artistically stunning!

Kayleen T. says: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 10:38 AM

Wow the one with her parents lifting her veil is soo beautiful! And how come they remind me of Alice and Jasper...or maybe that's just because I'm reading Twilight right now. he he he....either way they are a good looking couple!

Kayleen T. says: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 10:38 AM

Wow the one with her parents lifting her veil is soo beautiful! And how come they remind me of Alice and Jasper...or maybe that's just because I'm reading Twilight right now. he he he....either way they are a good looking couple!

matthew lyons says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 07:56 AM

So many things I like about the images in this set. I love the wrings on the note. I like the couple holding the Polaroid of themselves--hiding their faces. I like the mother, in the background, wiping a tear, as the father hugs the bride.

carrie says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:37 AM

perfection. this set is amazing.

Laura says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:31 AM

Sarah! Your weddings always look like they could be anywhere in the world. I thought for sure this was an East Coast wedding. It's all in the way you capture it. Beautiful job.

Jared Deason says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 03:00 PM

Awesome pics! You guys are extremely talented!

Pascal says: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 09:32 AM

The picture of them kissing in the street is just perfect!

KrisD Mauga says: Saturday, August 29, 2009, 07:42 PM

Fabulous! Love it all !!!!

Lara Beck says: Friday, August 28, 2009, 10:44 PM

I am a secret admirer from Australia!! I love your work, it is so inspiring!! This wedding is amazing!! :-)

Wendy Krause Goodman says: Friday, August 28, 2009, 03:19 PM

As I look at these magnificent pictures of the two of you captured by a photographer who truly has a gift I think back at experiencing this wonderful wedding. The love and energy that your projected was felt by everyone in that room and the stars beyond. I am honored that I was able to be there and to be a part of your lives.


Love you both,
Wendy

Christine says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 10:12 PM

LOOOOVE. drool. amazing. breathtaking. you guys freakin' ROCK!!!! :)

Sarah-Jane says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:38 PM

Ryan looks like a sophisticated musician!
Sensational work Sarah :D

Allie says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 06:55 PM

Wow, talk about capturing emotion - these are beautiful.

Danielle says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 04:15 PM

Beautiful work Sarah. Love the warm one from the ceremony and the last one too! miss you.

d

Christopher Smith says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 03:44 PM

Wow!! So beautiful - can't wait to see more. I loved making the flowers for Laura and Ryan, and these photos are simply gorgeous!

alyda says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 03:44 PM

These photos are captain awesome!!!!

kylie danielson says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 03:08 PM

Blown away. Without words.

Jeffrey Rapoport says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 03:00 PM

Sarah.......... You have captured the essense of friends, family and love in so few photo's............... I am waiting with baited breath to see all that you have done. Thanks, Daddy Rap.

clarah says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 12:34 PM

This is my favourite session ever!!!! So beautiful...man, you're so gifted!

clarah says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 12:33 PM

This is my favourite session ever!!!! So beautiful...man, you're so gifted!

Rebecca Cash says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 10:34 AM

WOW!!! You two are amazing! I am so inspired by everything you do but this wedding is phenomenal! You captured some amazingly beautiful moments!

Jeff Holt says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:37 AM

I love the images guys, SOOO MANY "MOMENTS". Then again I wouldn't expect anything less from the two of you. Always so inspiring!!

Gabe says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:33 AM

so you two are amazing...but this wedding is easily one of my favorites from the incredible Rhoads team...that shot of her at the alter with her parents....perfect!! well done.

Bianca Valentim says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:28 AM

beautiful wedding!!!!
You guys rock!

Trisha says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:23 AM

omg! so many beautiful shots. i love it.

emily says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:15 AM

Absolutely stunning. I love the mix of urban & natural you got. Just beautiful.

Steve Gerrard says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 08:59 AM

I need a Polaroid camera! :)
Fantabulous pics again Sarah x

Heather Sharpe says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 08:56 AM

OMG, Sarah ... Every time I visit your blog I am blown away yet again. I have the biggest crush on this venue (Sodo Park) ... I coordinated a July 4th wedding there this year. Herban Feast Catering is amazing to work with. Great job on this!
~xoxo
Heather Sharpe
A Sharpe Occasion

jamie delaine says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 08:52 AM

Their first look is PRECIOUS. Sheesh. And that last image is crazy cool.

Sunday, August 23, 2009, 09:00 PM
"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." -W.H. Auden 

That quote completely sums up how I feel about Leda & Jonathan. I don't think I have ever laughed harder in my life with a couple. It feels soo good to laugh, I mean who doesn't just love that euphoria you get after a good bottom-of-you-stomach laugh? Well, that is the kind of laughter these two have with one another. One thing that I've noticed in couples who have had long and successful marriages is that they still laugh with one another. When I think about Leda and Jonathan fifty something years from now, I picture a cute little 80 year-old couple cuddled up in the corner of a bustling party giggling :). Joy just ebbs from them and their natural charisma rubs off on everyone who comes into contact with them... It makes it VERRY difficult not to absolutely adore them.

These two had their reception at an amazing, modern and stylized hotel in Tacoma, Hotel Murano. It was a totally inspiring setting, with lots of loving family and one of the most killer wedding party's ever! Chris even busted out the Polaroid for a lot of this wedding and I have posted a few here in the blog. We feel very blessed to have played a special role in your day Leda & Jonathan, thank you for treating us like family ;) You are true friends.


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (39)
Teri says: Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 01:51 PM

Would anyone know what style this dress is by Pronovias? or collection/year? I have been looking EVERYWHERE for it!

Mrs B says: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 01:47 PM

Leda, I just heard recently that you were married this past summer and per chance, found my way to this website. (Ok, ok..... I had to do some web snooping to find ya!) I just can't tell you how touched my heart was, seeing these photos of you as a beautiful bride. I can't wait for Jo and Chris to come home from school today, so I can show this to them. They are going to be so surprised and happy! You have always been on my mind and in my heart and now I can rest assured that you have found happiness. I know I speak for all the Burkes (Matt, Pat, Kelsey, Chris, Jo, Gabe and Liam) We LOVE you and our hearts are filled with JOY !
With ((Hugs)) & Blessings,
Mrs B.

Heather Kincaid says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 07:57 PM

Oh... so so stunning.

Airika Pope says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 11:56 AM

Beautiful photos (as always), but wow-Leda is gorgeous and the joy that emanates from her just brightened my day. great work, sarah!

Lars says: Monday, August 31, 2009, 04:03 PM

The pictures are amazing! You guys look like friggin models. Beautiful.

Leda (the bride) says: Friday, August 28, 2009, 09:58 AM

Wow these comments are so incredibly sweet. Thank you for the compliments, truly. Holly: the dress is Pronovias (slightly customized). But above and beyond the best investment in our wedding was in our amazing photographers, Sarah and Chris. They can make anyone look good! xoxo

Nora says: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 09:00 AM

Beautiful shots!

Jesse says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 08:34 PM

Too cute! The hair, the veil, the dress, and the shoes, I am dying!! It is perfection!

Julie h says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 12:09 PM

They have the most infectious smiles. :) I laughed out loud picturing an old couple giggling in the corner at a party. adorable!

Holly says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 11:22 AM

I must know: WHERE DID THAT DRESS COME FROM?!?! I'm not even engaged yet but I believe this is the dress I want to wear on my wedding day! It's stunning. As is the bride and the rest of the pictues, great job!

kelly beane says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 08:08 AM

Cannot get enough!! Seriously fabulous!!!

CReid says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 08:07 PM

Love the images as usual. My favourite is the last image of the couple in the crimson red elevator.

Regards,
Carl

shanni says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 05:35 PM

oh to my wow.

Charmi says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 10:53 AM

They are the most gorgeous couple! I love how you captured them not only smiling but cracking up all day. Beautiful pictures as alway!

ashley says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 09:36 AM

Sarah, your work is so inspiring.
This wedding is just gorgeous! Fabulous work!

Jennifer Liebo says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 08:45 AM

crystallized visions of a beautiful day! congrats! Great wedding!

Melissa Sedotal says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 07:23 AM

All I can say is BEAUTIFUL! It felt like I was looking at a Vogue or a Wedding magazine. The Pictures...Beautiful...the Bride & Groom...Beautiful...the reason...even MORE Beautiful! I love you guys and wish you both happy years & memories to come. Thank you so much for inviting me to enjoy your special day...it was just that...SPECIAL! I lub you both...

Luisa Brimble says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 05:01 AM

WOW another absolutely amazing wedding images!!! you're style is so natural and just breathtaking!!!! Love them all.

Shawn Alexander says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:37 PM

The pictures really capture the happiness this couple shares and how much the people around them truly love them. Thanks Sarah for the memories!

Stephanie Brazzle says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 09:06 PM

wow this bride is so stunning! wow great shots!

Rachel says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 07:08 PM

I just cannot get enough of your work. The talent amazes me every single post that you show! Every picture is a work of art. Beautiful :-)

susan yee says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 06:33 PM

holy crap! I LOVE this wedding, especially the polaroid of the couple. love love loveeee! love her style, can i steal her? so cute!

Kelly Taylor says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 05:11 PM

These are amazing. Love this stylin' couple.....and I remember loving their engagement session!

oneshotbeyond says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 01:08 PM

these are fantastic!

Leda and Jonathan says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 12:19 PM

How can you not laugh when *someone* gets stuck hanging out of the limo window on their wedding day! lol Thank you both Sarah and Chris for the beautiful words and even more beautiful photos. To the only photographers we would trust to capture one of the most important days of our lives. You are AMAZING. ~L&J

Olivia Leigh says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 12:11 PM

Love these!

Nicole Gates says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 11:55 AM

These are so awesome!!! Enough said. :)

Theresa says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 11:14 AM

Wow! You both look so AMAZING - such a beautiful bride and handsome groom! I am so happy and feel very blessed that I was able to share the day with you. Love you guys!

Sasha Ball says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:31 AM

LOVE it!!! This was such an exciting post for me, because it was their engagement post that got me hooked on you guys! Now I'm a regular blog lover, and it's so amazing to see love like this come through in the photos again and again. I can't say enough how much of an inspiration your photography has been in the past year, and I thank you for sharing what you do with the world. :)

-Sasha

Nicole Moses says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:10 AM

what a very special day. i also was so lucky and thrilled to be a part of it. i love you too so much!! you guys both look amazing. leda you made an incrediable bride!!

Nicole Moses says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:10 AM

what a very special day. i also was so lucky and thrilled to be a part of it. i love you too so much!! you guys both look amazing. leda you made an incrediable bride!!

jonathan says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 09:47 AM

this rocks

Lesley says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 09:29 AM

Holy moly these made my jaw drop! So many details and such a stunning couple!

Alicia Lee Saetern says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 09:09 AM

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
-Germaine Greer

that quote is so perfect for the two of you. Leda, Jonathan, your wedding was def. one of the most beautiful wedding that i've ever attended. i do agree with Sarah about all the laughters, smiles, and just the whole entire room was filled with love and fun! every one of your pictures are amazing, and the expression on both of your faces, tells it all, LOVE that will last a lifetime and more. i love u both and what an inspiration! mwa! ps great job Sarah! u def. captured it all!

Julia Wade says: Monday, August 24, 2009, 06:44 AM

These are incredible! Cool and chic and trendy and timeless. Love it!

Betsy says: Sunday, August 23, 2009, 10:48 PM

yeah.. they're children are gonna be knock-outs.

beautiful wedding. beautiful work.. as usual.

Beata English says: Sunday, August 23, 2009, 10:46 PM

My gosh guys - this is amazing! What a gorgeous couple! I love the shoes. You guys are truly amazing, such an inspiration!

josh mccullock says: Sunday, August 23, 2009, 10:29 PM

holy schnikes Rhoadses! Such an inspiration!

Becca says: Sunday, August 23, 2009, 10:12 PM

Wow. I knew that the wedding photos would be amazing, after seeing the engagement session, but...wow! Leda, you are beautiful! I love all the details, and the photos are A-MAZING! Well done, sister :)