I met her in high school. She had stunning red hair and a personality that matched. Kate Martin and I ended up working together on a project in one of our classes which meant we spent many hours outside of school together. We learned a lot about each other during our project. I for one learned that Kate had a snort that wouldn't quit, a never ending supply of BBQ potato chips and a theatrical side that I hadn't before recognized. But what I remember most is her kind heart. Kate is a gem and I am glad to see that her fiance sees that too.
Kate and I grew up and life took us in separate directions. It was the magic of facebook that brought us back together again. We stumbled upon one another and she found out I was a photographer, I found out that she was engaged. Perfect-o! Almost 10 years later and Kate has hardly changed. She is still the smart, ambitious person that I knew in high school, only now she has met her match. Russell.
We decided to meet at lovers point to do their engagement shoot. This is where they got engaged. They remembered the exact spot, and they showed it to me. After the recent storm the waves were wild which made for a fun backdrop for our images. It is amazing all of the different personalities that the Monterey Bay can exude. This day it was all about passion!
When I met with Kate to chat about her wedding the first time, she told me that they weren't exactly the 'mooshy' type of couple. I said that was fine, I didn't expect her to be anything that she wasn't. And then came the engagement session and they were more than happy to show their affectionate side. I guess being back at their engagement site brought out a little romance.
Russell oozes charm. I liked him instantly. He has a fantastic smile and was so much fun to photograph. He is so easy going and was up for just about anything, including climbing out to where the raging waves were knocking tourists off the rocks. He just couldn't convince his fiance to follow him.
Russell and Kate: you two are wonderful. You compliment one another perfectly and I can't wait for your wedding! I know it is going to be a special day filled with memories that will last a lifetime. I am so honored that you have chosen me to be your photographer.
An occasion to celebrate, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
We
all gathered around. It was a special evening. We were going to
celebrate Katie's birthday (the first of three birthdays that week, why
stop with one?).
Will you..., originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Little
did Katie know that the watch that she thought she was going to get was
actually an engagement ring. With all of the family gathered around
Jason asked Katie to marry him.
Newly engaged, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
So
we took the opportunity to do some impromptu engagement photos. Not too
bad for 10 minutes. It helps that they are both so beautiful.
Jason and Katie, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Makes her smile, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Ready for life, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.
Congratulations Jason and Katie! I can't wait to see you soon, hopefully BEFORE your wedding!
Another great shoot with Julie, Julie Chesire Photography.
San Francisco has so many interesting locations for photos. I am
constantly finding myself amazed at the locations that we stumble upon.
Chris and Phyllis were so much fun, I can't wait to shoot their wedding with Julie.
The tryptich is by far my favorite of the photos from the shoot. There is a funky little bunker behind Baker Beach that makes for really interesting shots. It helped that Chris and Phyllis were so playful.
Guest Book, Photography by Sara Atkins Photography.
Katie and Clinton's Guest Book Arrived for their October wedding at Wine and Roses, I am so excited! I had such a great time designing their album, I can't wait for them to see it. They used the images from their engagement shoot that we did in January at Carmel beach and the Carmel Mission. The decided on a leather cover and it looks great. The guests will be signing in at their reception yearbook style. So much fun!
Tilden Park, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
Just last weekend my husband and I discovered Tilden Regional Park for the first time. It is such a beautiful place, filled with birds and trails and the biggest tadpoles I have ever seen. Just two days after I stumbled upon Tilden for the first time I found myself their again, but this time on a shoot. Jenn and Shane will be getting married at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Park and I can't wait!
Their Moments, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
I love the connection here. You can see that they are great together just by the way they look at one another. Such a sweet moment.
Jenn and Shane, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
The boy likes to climb, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
Tilden park is filled with the most beautiful oaks. We had to stop and take advantage of the climbing opportunities. Shane is a rock climber and had no problem. Jenn on the other hand, well she would rather be planted firmly on the ground.
Tilden Park, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
Jenn and Shane, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
I love this look, Jenn you are too cute.
PDA, originally uploaded by sara.atkins.
Jenn and Shane, you two were so sweet. Thank you for a wonderful shoot! Your wedding is going to be beautiful.


And she said yes, originally uploaded by 
Another great shoot. Too bad you were not around when I got engaged. Dad
(11.30.09)Same here
(11.30.09)Dad, that just would not be possible. Anony, I wish I was there too!
(11.30.09)Love the light coming through the trees. Great composition. Great couple. Looks like it was a perfect location on a beautiful Monterey day.
(11.30.09)Thanks Shelly! It certainly was a stunning day.
(11.30.09)What a flashback I had as I read the intro! You wouldn't be talking about the infamous Family History Project, would you? :) Memories, memories... Can't wait to fly you out to Hawaii for something good...! Tell Kate I said Congratulations and Best Wishes!
(01.10.10)These are great shots!! I can't wait to do our engagement session with you!
(08.15.10)Thanks Cindy! I can't wait either!
(08.16.10)