Growing up, I didn't have just two brothers. This is Brian, he was my third brother. When I was in sixth grade I saw him walk across the school yard for the first time. I remember thinking...I wonder which class he teaches.
It was only later that I found out that he was an 8th grader. My brother Dustin became best friends with Brian and he has been a constant fixture in our family ever since.
When we were in high school Dustin and Brian where in the high school Dance Company. A few times Brian used his vocal talents on the high school stage, we were all dazzled by his rendering of Elvis while doing a toe-touch. It was only after high school that Brian's musical talents really began to develop. It is so much fun to go out and watch him perform. Brian has grown into an talented vocalist and has a fantastic stage presence.
The other half of Brian's band, Band of Ninja's, is Orion. Orion also went to North Monterey County High School, but we just missed one another. Orion is amazing on the guitar. Brian and Orion make a great pair on stage and the music that they produce is fantastic. They do a lot of cover songs which are so much fun and great to sing along to, but it is their music that really sets them off. They have a whole different level of passion for the music when they play something of their own.
So, go check them out sometime! We got to see them play at Woody's Bayview Grill in Monterey, but they play in quite a few different venues in the area. You can see what they are up to on their facebook page, and become a fan! Brian and Orion, you are two talented fellas. Thank you for a great evening.
Katie and Clinton, you rock my world. Seriously.
The first time I meet these two was at Carmel Beach in Monterey. We did their engagement session and the two of them were so in love they could hardly stand it. Not only that, but they loved to play in front of the camera which makes my job easy and fun.
Now they are already married and even more into each other than on that first day I met them. And let me tell you, they really know how to throw a party!
The ceremony and reception took place at the beautiful Wine and Roses resort and spa in Lodi, California. This was the first time that I had been to this venue, and it was absolutely gorgeous!
I loved the moments before the girls got ready. They all shared a bottle of champagne and laughed and teared up now and then. It was so sweet. Everyone was so happy and Katie was just beaming. Everyone once and a while she would scream out, 'I am getting married!', Clinton is one lucky fella. Katie is such a beautiful bride. And so much fun to photograph! Between her and her many many ladies I was surrounded with beautiful women.
That's right Katie had nine bridesmaids. Nine! I loved it! They were so funny with their matching EVERYTHING. They had matching pink flasks, tissues, bags and sandals. They were a wonderful group to photograph and it was awesome to be a part of the day.
We get so wrapped up in 'the kiss'. And yes, the kiss is of course and important part of the ceremony. But my favorite part is not the kiss. My favorite part is just after the kiss. The part where he looks at her and says, 'you are my wife'. Yup. That is most definitely my favorite part.
Now, hands down my most favorite part of the evening was when Katie started taring up the dance floor. Elite Entertainment provided the music for the evening and when Michael Jackson came on Katie busted out some moves that I didn't realize she had in her. Oh man. I love my job.
Katie and Clinton, you are amazing! I had such great time photographing your wedding, I am so happy for the two of you! Congratulations!!!
You captured the day, the bride, the joy in all it's glory! Great shoot Sara.
(11.30.09)Sara this wedding was serious fun. I love the shot of Katie in the doorway and the getting ready shot where the light is coming from the side and she's in the middle of the girls.
I wish these two a long happy life together.
(11.30.09)Priceless!
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Here is a little creepy crawly that introduced himself to us just in time for Halloween...
calisoga longitarsus, photography by Sara Atkins Photography.
How about that for a visitor? I can't believe I stood in one place long enough to capture this image. This last weekend while staying at my parents place (to shoot an amazing wedding, images soon to come) I thought I saw Shasta moving out of the corner of my eye. It turns out it was this enormous creature. We think it is a Calistoga longitarsus, also known as a false tarantula. It is a California native and is one of the 'small' mygalamorph spiders. Right, small. All I know is that it makes the floor boards creek when it walks and it is creepy. Actually, the only truly creepy thing about it is that it was in the house. I would probably have thought it was a great find if I didn't have to think about hall of his brothers and sisters waiting for me in my bed. After seeing such a huge spider I was pretty certain that I had spiders crawling on me the rest of the weekend. It didn't help that Shelly's husband, Jamison, kept pointing out those phantom spiders on my shoulders.
Haha. Thanks for putting the penny down for reference. That is one big spider! Yuck!!
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The first time I met them in a little cafe in Oakland I knew that they were going to be one of my couples. Sometimes you just know, and with them I did. Jenn is adorable. When she smiles her eyes dance. She is so full of energy and life, and she is kind to her very core. Shane fits her perfectly. He is quiet at first, that is part of his charm. His smile matches hers. Together they are comfortable.
It feels like we were just doing their engagement shoot. I remember stopping at their old stomping grounds, Venezia in Berkeley and chatting about their plans for the wedding. It is amazing how quickly time flys!
Jenn's dress
was stunning, it was perfect for her. It was sweet and flowing and
beautiful. It was completely unique, just like her. The few
moments before heading to the ceremony site are so full of excitement.
Jenn was gorgeous in her gown and as the last few adjustments were
being made she patiently waited. Jenn's good
friend David Cushing was responsible for the beautiful flowers. He did
an amazing job. The fall colors were stunning and made for a perfect
compliment to Jenn's ensemble. Shane was so proud of his shoes. He designed them himself on the Van's website.
A friend of Jenn's actually made the cake stand. I love the way it almost glows in the candle light. Between Jenn and her friends I am floored by their artistic abilities. And what a joy for a photographer!
And if you haven't had enough, you can see a slideshow HERE
Congratulations on a beautiful day and what I know will be a long and happy marriage!
I thought I would take a little break from all of the wedding images and give you a peek at some food. I recently decided to start a project wherein I pick a country at random and try to find traditional recipes from the area. I then attempt to cook the recipes that look the most interesting. This is a project that will take forever to finish, but it is fun to work on. I haven't really decided to set any sort of time line for myself, but it is something that will probably sneak into the blog from time to time. If you have any traditional recipes that you think will fit into my little project, please leave a comment. I would love to try your recipe!
I love heirloom tomatoes. They are so beautiful and have so much more character than the boring old hothouse tomatoes that are in all of the supermarkets. They never have the same shape and the colors vary from red to orange, yellow and green. And don't even get me started on the flavor... oh the sweet flavor of a fresh heirloom tomato. Delicious.
Afghanistan was the first country that I choose. Naturally, It is the first county alphabetically. I know, random. Anyway, I chose several recipes to make, but the one I chose to photograph was a yogurt soup. The other option was basically meat on a stick, which is drastically less beautiful to photograph. And I figured I should get all of the photographs of my precious heirloom tomatoes while they are still around.
And now for the Recipe:
Afghan Yogurt Soup with Tomatoes (Sherwa-e-Lawang)
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 4 Tablespoons ghee (I used olive oil)
- 3 Medium tomatoes, skinned and chopped (I was too lazy to skin them but realized after that I should have)
- 16 oz. yogurt (I use bulgarian)
- 2 tb all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- salt to taste
Method:
Drain yogurt in cheesecloth or muslin bag for about an hour. This is called 'chaka' in Afghanistan and is preferred for use in cooking because it avoids imparting any acid or sour taste which the whey in ordinary yogurt can give to a dish.
Fry the garlic in the margarine or ghee until brown. Add the tomatoes and stir and fry until reddish-brown.
Blend the strained yogurt, 1 cup water, the flour, turmeric and salt, either by hand or in a mixer. Then slowly add to the garlic and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer gently until the soup s thickened, about 30 minutes.
Serves: 3 - 4
I thought it was pretty good. Definitely peel the tomatoes, I had funny chucks of tomato skin floating around in my soup. All in all though, not bad.
This is such a cool idea -- looks yum!
(11.30.09)Tx for the recipe Sara, looks wonderful, I will make it this week!
(11.30.09)What a wonderful idea, Sarah! I too am braving the fine world of cooking myself and experimenting with recipes. Thank you for sharing this recipe; Robert has been interested in trying Afghan food and this looks like a great place to start.
(11.30.09)What a wonderful idea, Sarah! I too am braving the fine world of cooking myself and experimenting with recipes. Thank you for sharing this recipe; Robert has been interested in trying Afghan food and this looks like a great place to start.
(11.30.09)Very cool! I am going to send you some yummy Malaysian recipes for when you get down to letter "M"! :)
(11.30.09)Thank you! I am enjoying every bite! And Sue.... don't wait until I get to M, send them now!!
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