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Welcome Hello. This is my new blog, thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to have a new, fresh and totally me place to share my voice and my photography. In case you don't know me, I am Sara (thats me to the left, the one without a big white furry coat). I am a photographer based in the San Francisco Bay area, California. Please feel free to have a look around and even leave me a note. I would love to hear from you! 
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Not every couple I meet is going to be a perfect match. I know that and I also know that while I would love to photograph everyone's wedding, if it isn't a perfect match then I need to help them find someone else to photograph their day. It sounds crazy, but it is true. On the wedding day, the bride will spend more time with me than she will spend with her new husband. This is why it is so important that we have a great relationship.

When I first met Lianna and Ethan at a little breakfast place called Stacks, I just knew they were my couple. We talked and talked. We didn't just talk about their wedding. We didn't just talk about pricing. We talked about life. Where they met, what they love to do. Their favorite places to visit together. Family. It was such a joy to spend time with them and it made me realize, yes, this is my couple. My couples turn into my friends. That is the only way that I can be sure to provide them with the best images on their wedding day. This is the only way that I can be sure to capture their memories through their eyes. The way they remember it.

Here is a little peak at Lianna and Ethan's engagement session at Santana Row in San Jose. Yes, they are dripping with awesomeness. 

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Thank you for an amazing session! I am so excited to celebrate your wedding with you two. You are such an amazing couple! Happy wedding planning!


(6) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Lianna:

Yay! I'm so excited! You are amazing and I can't wait

(03.26.10)
DD:

Such a lovely couple. Good shoot!

(03.26.10)
Lianna:

Everyone at my house today wishes they had you as a photographer. I feel so lucky! Thanks so much!

(03.28.10)
Sara Atkins:

That is great to hear Lianna! I am the lucky one though. You two are the sort of people that I dream about having as clients. It is so nice to have found a perfect fit!

(03.28.10)
Sara Atkins:

Thank you, and yup you nailed it. They are lovely in every way!

(03.28.10)
Sara Atkins:

Me too Lianna!

(03.28.10)
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It is so funny how places creep in and out of our lives. As a youngster I spent quite a bit of time at the Santa Cruz beach board walk. I remember warm summer days riding the roller coasters eating ice cream and enjoying the beach and time with friends. So, when Julie (Julie Cheshire Photography) asked if I wanted to join her on an engagement shoot at the boardwalk I was thrilled. I had never been to Santa Cruz for a session, but I knew it would be perfect!

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Monica is so little she is always on her tippy toes. So cute.

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Monica and Ben will be getting married in June, a sweet little wedding and reception at their new home.
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Yvette:

Beautifully done!

(02.13.10)
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Here is a sneak peak from their engagement session in November. The beautiful thing about Northern California is that November is still pretty warm and the colors in wine country are simply amazing.

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These two were so much fun to photograph and so obviously into each other. I LOVED Tristen's laugh. And clearly, Kevin does to!


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The fall colors were out in full force on the wine farm.  Stunning!


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This is that moment that I love. Not the kiss, but that moment just before the kiss. That perfect moment.


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Kevin, what a handsome fella. Looking pretty suave, I couldn't help but take advantage of the barn, the perfect manly background.


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Tristen and Kevin, thank you for letting me document a little bit of your love. I wish you the best in your wedding planning!
(2) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Megan:

these are great!!!

(01.20.10)
Sara Atkins:

Thank you Megan, it helps to have such a beautiful place to photograph!

(01.25.10)
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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. 


(8) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Anonymous:

Another great shoot. Too bad you were not around when I got engaged. Dad

(11.30.09)
Anonymous:

Same here

(11.30.09)
Sara Atkins:

Dad, that just would not be possible. Anony, I wish I was there too!

(11.30.09)
Shelly Waldman:

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)
Sara Atkins:

Thanks Shelly! It certainly was a stunning day.

(11.30.09)
Jen Scott:

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)
Cindy:

These are great shots!! I can't wait to do our engagement session with you!

(08.15.10)
Sara Atkins:

Thanks Cindy! I can't wait either!

(08.16.10)
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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.

And she said yes, originally uploaded by Sara Atkins.

And she said yes!

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!

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