His friends gave him a firm hand shake and a congratulations and then left Brendon alone to wait nervously for his bride.  He waited for her down by the pond. The champagne was on ice, the glasses careful placed. Their first look was going to be perfect. The car drove up and his bride got out, anxious to see her husband-to be. Heather excitedly walked to him trying to hold back the tears.




The decision see one another before the ceremony is one that I have been trying to encourage for my couples. Being able to have a quiet moment alone before the ceremony can be very special. I have yet to have a single couple regret the decision. Not only do they get to share an intimate moment alone, we are free to get images of the bride and groom and their wedding party done before the ceremony, allowing them time to enjoy their cocktail party with their guests. 









This is a wedding that I photographed with Sybrand Cille in South Africa. The ceremony site was stunning, at La Terra De Luc in Franschhoek. The Rose garden and the morning light was beautiful. 

Photo by Ananda Shorey who flew all the way to the Bahamas to help me photograph a wedding.  This image was taken in the Bahamas at the Atlantis while running around the resort. Just wait till you see the blog from this wedding. The images are amazing!


Beatrice: I love all your images... they are so stunning !! What camera do you
use primarily for your wedding shots ?

Sara Marie: That is a great question Beatrice. I actually use two camera's at all of my weddings. My primary camera is a Canon 5D Mark II. I love love love it. Not only does it take stunning photos, but the video that it produces is AMAZING. My backup camera is a Canon 5D. Both of my cameras are full frame meaning they have an image sensor that is the same size as a 35 mm film frame. One of the major advantages to using a full frame camera is pixel size. The larger sensor allows for larger pixels which provide for a wider dynamic range and lower noise at high ISO levels.  In other words, a full frame sensor produces better quality images in low light situations (like receptions).

I hope that answered your question! Happy Monday!

This is a post that I put up on Mother's day while I was in South Africa in 2005. Today I am enjoying a Mother's Day while sitting right next to my mom. I thought I would re-post this old blog for the fun of it. In fact, I may make a habit of re-posting old blog posts every once in a while. It is fun to look back and see where I was and what I was feeling. So, enjoy!



Happy Mothers Day Mama!!!

I was going to send you a letter in the mail but I was afraid it wouldn't get to you on time, so instead you get a posting on my site...I guess that is the way it goes when you are twelve thousand miles away from someone. I could go on and on about how much I love and appreciate you, but I thought it would be better to compile a list of just a few of the many things I have learned from you in the last 23 years. (In true Sara fashion...when did I start this crazy list making fanaticism??)

1. It's easier to catch a bee with honey than with vinegar...this has proven to be true time and again!

2. Never underestimate the power of a hug (giving or receiving).

3. Ibuprofen fixes everything.

4. Your brothers may smell bad and pick on you but they will always be there for you.

5. If you starve your guests they will eat anything.

6. Even if you are just going to take out the garbage, brush your hair and put on some lipstick!!! You never know whom you will meet on the way! (I know it seems as though I haven't listened to this one...)

7. With number six in mind, don't ever be afraid to get your hands dirty.

8. Why use a recipe when you can wing it??

9. Don't forget to send thank you notes, people really do appreciate it.

10. No dinner is complete without a tablecloth.

11. Never be afraid to speak your mind and stand up for your morals, if it bothers someone, they probably needed to hear it the most.

12. When cooking, whenever possible toss the spoon and use your hands.

13. Always leave a clean house; it makes it much better to come home to.

14. Always lock your doors.

15. If you want to talk to someone about something really important, do it in the car... that way they can't get away.

16. Little kids love to receive gifts, always try to have something for them to unwrap.

17. Animals are good for the soul (my soul is doing great!)

18. Take time to smell the flowers, and if no one is looking...steal them.

19. If your husband is acting up...or even if he isn't, run him over with the car.

20. Friendships take work and need to be maintained.

21. You will have a better day if you are wearing matching bra and underwear.

22. Mom is always right.

23. A girl can never have too many purses or shoes.

24. It's the little things that count; let people know that you are thinking about them.

25. There is nothing better than a mom made bed.

26. Life is too short to behave all the time, break the rules every once in a while.

27. Happiness is a walk on the beach with your mom and your dogs.

28. Always say please and thank you.

29. Let people do things their way and then fix it when they aren't looking.

30. The easiest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

31. Don't take life too seriously

32. Never give up on your dreams (I know this sounds cliché, but if it weren't rue I wouldn't be in Africa right now)

33. No matter where you go or what you do, your family will always be where your heart is.

34. A smile and a hug can do wonders for a broken heart.

35. You never get too old to need your mom.

36. If it won't matter a year from now, don't fret.

37. If the dog has fleas, burn the house down.

38. Everyone needs a passion.

39. Nothing helps to mend a broken heart like staying busy.

40. Your day will run more smoothly if you make your bed in the morning.

41. Animals work wonders to ease an aching heart.

42. Things don't matter, people do

43. Don't cry over spilled milk

44. Nothing like a pedicure to brighten your day!

45. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

46. You may not always like your family, but you will always love them.

47. No one else is going to live you life for you, take chances.

48. Everything in moderation.

49. Sometimes it is ok to sit on the couch with nothing but a jar of peanut butter and a spoon.

50. Don't let your mistakes go to waste, learn from them!

51. You should try everything at least once.

52. Flowers and candles make a home more inviting.

53. You can get through just about anything, just give it time.

54. When things aren't going as planned, improvise!

55. A squeaky wheel gets oiled.

56. You can never have too many dishes

57. You appreciate the things in your life more when you have to work for them.

58. Every cloud has a silver lining

59. You can't wait around for someone else to fix things, do it yourself.

60. You are never too old to learn something new.

61. Your mom really can be your best friend.

Mom, I have never met a stronger or more loving person, I am so lucky to have you in my life as my mom, friend and teacher. So many women are mortified when they see themselves becoming their mothers, I am honored. You have lead your life with such grace and have taught us kids so much about what really matters in life. You keep us honest and we will forever be indebted to you for the life lessons you have taught us. I hope you have a wonderful day; I wish I could be there with you! Have a pedicure and an artichoke and think of me!!!

While perusing the internet on the lookout for unique resources for my brides (and grooms) I stumbled upon Rethink Ink Design. Yes, it may be true that my green side is peaking through, but they also have stunning design. From Judy: 'Rethink ink designs are all original hand drawn illustrations, purposefully designed so there will be minimal ink coverage, which also reduces waste produced in the recycling process. I create as little waste as possible in day to day operations as well. All paper scraps are recycled, reused or shredded for my chicken's bedding! Everything else is composted or reused whenever possible. Each order is custom made, hand cut and folded for you on 100% pcw recycled paper. So whether you are giving a gift, sending a thank you note or planning a wedding, you will receive an eco-friendly product you can feel good about. I am inspired by the things I see in the natural world around me. I  appreciate nature, especially the way it works, the way it repairs itself, despite our continual abuse. Nature adapts and changes it's own design when necessary, and I feel we should too.' From the website: 'All of the designs are printed on 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled papers and envelopes, no new trees are used in the process. These papers are Forest Steward Council (FSC) certified. FSC tracks paper from forest to final product to ensure it comes from legal and well managed forests. The papers used are also made with renewable green e-certified energy and manufactured chlorine free.' You can find Judy's website HERE. She does stunning work, it is definitely worth a look! Enjoy!