Sarah Maren Photography

stacy and gavin {wedding}

Sarah Maren — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:06:28 +0000

Oh the adorableness that is Stacy and Gavin! Talk about a couple in love! These two are head over heels for each other, and did it ever show at their wedding. I seriously adore them, and am so glad Ben stayed put in my belly so I could photograph their big day. With the help of my most beloved husband and my most beloved Beth Baugher we were able to make some beautiful images of this beautiful (inside and out) couple. Bethie and I started with the ladies over at the Vizcaya. Stacy is a TREASURE! We knew she had arrived because we heard her laughing before we saw her. What is not to love about that?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!!??! Hello beautiful! I could seriously photograph this girl ALL DAY! Stacy had a pretty rockin’ group of bridesmaids too… so of course we had some fun with them.

Of course Dustin was with the fellas as they got ready as well. One thing I love about Gavin is his sense of humor. I laughed out loud when I was going through Dustin’s images and came across this one.

Stacy, aren’t you happy to know Gavin had clean ears when you got married? I also LOVED Gavin’s cuff links – they rocked!

Because pictures were so important to Stacy and Gavin they chose to have a first look and do their couple portraits prior to the ceremony. OH MY GOSH did we have fun with them. They were so up for anything, and I have the pictures to prove it! I just love everything about their portraits!

Then it was time to make it official and get these two married! Again… how much do we love these two? Their whole ceremony was laughter through tears… the best emotion ever in my opinion. I loved their vows, and how personal everything felt. Just the way a wedding should!
Then is was party time! And party they did! It was so fun to hear family and friends celebrate these two… because let’s be honest… they totally deserve to be celebrated!

Stacy and Gavin THANK YOU for having us be there to witness your wedding! We loved every second of it! Check out their SLIDESHOW HERE or below for more of this lovefest of a wedding!

Wedding and Reception Venue: The Vizcaya
Florist: Visual Impact
Cake: Ettore’s
Officiant: Rev. Shane McDow
DJ: Billy Lane
Hair: Hana Kim
Makeup: Shana Beals
Stationary: Angela Del Bon

rachel and darren {wedding}

Sarah Maren — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:30:01 +0000

Rachel and Darren are LOVES! There is nothing about them I don’t like. Seriously, I adore them! And I so adored their wedding. Sure I was less than two weeks away from having my baby, but that didn’t matter! We called in the photographic cavalry and had our dear friends Tammy Swales (who flew in from freaking NEW YORK to shoot with us!) and my lovely Beth Baugher shoot this wedding with us just in case Ben decided to make an early appearance. Luckily he stayed put and we rocked out this amazing wedding of two of the loveliest people I’ve ever met! Tammy and I started off with Rachel and her ladies at The Citizen. And OH! How lovely were her details and how GORGEOUS Rachel was. She was SUCH a beautiful bride!

And Rachel had the MOST awesome bridesmaids! They were all so laid back, funny and really very pretty too! One of her bridesmaids even had a baby EIGHT DAYS before the wedding! Did I mention Rachel is apparently a fertility goddess?

Meanwhile, Dustin and Beth were over at Rachel and Darren’s place with the fellas while they got ready.

Then the boys headed over to The Citizen where Rachel and Darren were going to have their first look. Before they saw each other though, we delivered letters that they had written to each other. Um… did I mention all the crazy hormones of a 9month+ preggo lady? And the tears that will happen because of the hormones and all the freaking tenderness and love… yeah… I was a hot mess as they read their letters, but then when I saw Darren’s face as he saw Rachel for the first time I totally lost it. I’m such a goob! But seriously! The LOVE!!!

Then we took some time for couple portraits and portraits with the wedding party. We had SO much fun rockin’ out the alley behind the hotel! It was great fun!

Then it was wedding time! Rachel and Darren had a beautiful ceremony full of personality. They had some pretty awesome vows that included promises to not make Darren go to Ikea! That really IS love! I mean, Ikea involves heavy lifting people… to let your husband stay home is a serious sacrafice! But that’s just how much Rachel loves Darren.

Then it was party time! Rachel and Darren had a beautiful reception full of fun and so much joy. Everyone in attendance was all about celebrating and it made for such a wonderful night. I seriously had so much fun!

Of course, we had to go grab some sunset shots on the terrace upstairs too! Rachel and Darren ROCKED our quick portrait session… we couldn’t have asked for more!

One of the things I love about Rachel and Darren’s reception was how much personality there was! Rachel’s dad made a HILARIOUS slideshow, the toasts were funny and touching, and then there was the dancing. Rachel and Darren did a beautiful first dance (no dancing in a circle for them!) and then the parent dances just melted me. It was wonderful to witness this wedding!

Rachel and Darren I don’t think I can thank you enough for choosing us to be a part of your spectacular wedding. We love you so much, and feel so grateful to know you! Thank you for being so rad it almost crazy! Thanks again as well to Dustin, Tammy and Beth who were AMAZING! Thank you for carrying my bags, getting me water, and getting so many incredibly beautiful shots! You are the best! Check out more pictures of this stellar wedding in their SLIDESHOW HERE or below.

Wedding and Reception Location: The Citizen Hotel
Catering: The Citizen Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Every Little Detail
Flowers: Ambience Floral Design
Brides Dress: Miosa Couture
Cupcakes: Icing on the Cupcake

Our Sweet Boy Benjamin Lee {personal}

Sarah Maren — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:49:40 +0000

We are so excited to announce the birth of our super cute baby boy Benjamin Lee. Ben was born last week on July 6th at 8:12am weighing in at 9 pounds on the nose and 21 inches tall. Everything went really well, and we are so happy that Ben has joined us. He is so even tempered, and really laid back – obviously he gets that from his dad.

Dustin was amazing during Ben’s birth and photographed the whole thing AND videotaped it on my iPhone4. He’s such a multi-tasker! We had to be at the hospital CRAZY early (5am!) for my scheduled c-section. I was tired, hungry and strapped up with crazy baby moniters. Dustin thought that would make for some pretty great pictures. Me… not so much.

And then it was go time! We headed to the OR and had ourselves a baby! They apparently gave me a little something to calm my nerves and it REALLY calmed my nerves.

And then at 8:12am our baby boy was born!

One of the nurses offered to take a few pictures for us as a family, and of Dusty and the baby. Poor thing was REALLY confused by our gear. Back button focus? Viewfinder not screen? huh? But she did a great job and I am so grateful for the photos she got of us and especially of this one of Dustin and Ben. It makes me happy.

It was nice to get some baby time with my boy. Then Ben was off for a bath… which apparently was not his favorite.

Then came one of the best parts of the day… Lauren meeting her new baby brother. She LOVES him and it just amazing to watch. Every morning the first thing she wants is Ben. She has also taken to telling us that she is the ONLY one who taken care of Ben… THE ONLY ONE! I find it pretty cute. I also like that she pets him like he’s her pet. It’s pretty adorable.

Ben and Lauren also had a little gift exchange. Ben brought Lauren a Buzz Lightyear (he’s such a thoughtful brother!) and Lauren brought Ben a silkie teddy bear. I think they both enjoyed their gifts.

We are so happy about our Benny boy, and are so happy to have our little family. Thank you to our family and friends for all of the love and support you’ve given us. And a huge thanks to my clients for your patience at this time. We are slowly getting back to our computers, but we really like this baby boy… he’s pretty fun to look at and snuggle and kiss and love. I mean…hello! He’s pretty irresistible!

stacy and gavin {sneak peek}

Sarah Maren — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 05:52:26 +0000

Oh I know I’m being such a tease, but I just can’t help myself. Here is a sneak peek from Stacy and Gavin’s awesome wedding yesterday! It was SO much fun! We had the best time dragging these two all over for some rad pictures. Here’s just a little taste of what’s to come!

Maternity Leave {around the office & personal}

Sarah Maren — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:16:19 +0000

Just a reminder that on (or before) July 6th we are welcoming a new baby into our family! Sarah will be away from the office through most of July – but email, phone calls and inquiries will be handled by our office manager. Consultations will be available in August, and we will be available for shooting beginning in September. We have a few fall and winter dates available for weddings in 2010, and are actively booking 2011 as well. Please contact us for more information. We are excited to meet our little man, and will be sharing pictures soon after his arrival. Thank you for your patience, support and love!

rachel and darren {sneak peek}

Sarah Maren — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:23:34 +0000

Oh Rachel and Darren! The love! The laughter! The tears! The dancing! Seriously, yesterday’s wedding KNOCKED MY SOCKS OFF! Add to all that awesome I got to shoot with THREE of my best photog buddies and well… it was magical. Don’t believe me… well… maybe this will convince you.

I seriously can’t wait to share these images with you all… and hopefully will be able to do so pre-baby. But if not… here is one more to tide you over.

LOTS more coming your way soon! Have fun in Mexico Rachel and Darren!!!!

ashley and chris {wedding}

Sarah Maren — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:20:59 +0000

Wonderful Ashley and Chris! These two are so cute, and love each other so much. It was a joy to photograph their wedding last week. We had a great time with their hilarious family and friends and are so grateful to have been a part of their big day. They got hitched at the Lodge at Orchard Creek in Lincoln, California, and it was just lovely. Chris was a handsome groom and Ashley was a stunning bride.

Ashley and Chris chose to have a first look and we used Ashley’s grandfather’s REALLY cool vintage car as a backdrop. I love that Chris reached back to Ashley before he turned around… it was really cute.

Ashley and Chris were SO on it that we were able to bridal party pictures AND a BIG chunk of their family portraits prior to their ceremony. It made things go SO smoothly! I loved it. And I loved this group! They were all so much fun!

And then it was ceremony time! I love how happy Ashley and Chris were through their ceremony. Their smiles were contagious!

And we rocked out some sunset pictures of our love birds as well.

And then it was party time! And party we did! Ashley and Chris had a WONDERFUL reception with a PACKED dance floor and a whole lot of fun. It was just the best!

And what is a wedding without a ring shot? NOTHING! If ever there was a reason for uplighting it is this shot.

Ashley and Chris THANK YOU for having us be a part of your wedding! We adore you! Check out their SLIDESHOW HERE or below for more images from their beautiful day!

Ceremony and Reception: The Lodge at Orchard Creek, Sun City Lincoln Hills – Lincoln, California
Flowers: Jackie’s Flowers
DJ: Creative Memories Entertainment- Mike Anderson
Cake: River City Cake Company

to my husband on his birthday {personal}

Sarah Maren — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:52:10 +0000

Dear Cute Husband,

Today you turn 31. And if I do say so myself, you are pretty darn cute. I am grateful every single day that I get to wake up next to you because you are the perfect beginning to every day. I love you so much for all of the beauty you have brought into my life. You made me a wife and a mother (twice!) and a much, much better person. Thank you for being you – the perfect guy, my best friend, the one I laugh most with, the one who mocks my crazy bed head, the best kisser ever, the selfless guy who rubs my swollen preggo feet even after you’ve spent all day shooting a wedding too, the kitchen dancer, the dishes washer, the best partner ever, and the person I love very best in the whole entire universe. You are everything, and I can’t thank you enough for being mine. Happy birthday Mister!! I love you lots! You are my friend.

Love, Me

annie and troy {wedding}

Sarah Maren — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:27 +0000

Oh sweet, wonderful Annie and Troy. If ever there was cause for a gushing blog post, it would be these two really wonderful people! I loved every single thing about their wedding. From start to finish it was just awesome and I am so happy that Dustin and I got to be a part of it. We had so much fun all day! It was non-stop excitement and joy all day. I cried like a baby during their ceremony and was nearly trampled during the dancing at their reception and it was just absolutely perfect! Annie and Troy have A LOT of people who love them A LOT, and seeing and hearing all of that love throughout the day was overwhelming and wonderful. Seriously, we feel so blessed to have been a part of their day. We started things off at The Citizen for some getting ready goodness. How much do we love Annie’s shoes? SO MUCH! After getting ready we headed over to Land Park for some portraits at her parents home and then Vic’s Ice Cream. YUM!

My beloved Shannon from Flourish did the wedding flowers and holy moly I loved them! Great job, as always, Shannon! And can I just say Annie had THE BEST bridesmaids ever! They were all so much fun! It was a blast hanging out with them.

Of course whilst I was hanging with the ladies, Dustin was hanging out with the fellas. Troy LOVES music, so they hopped in the limo and headed over to R5 to rock some fun groomsmen portraits. (I still think ice cream is more fun then records… but that it’s probably just the 9 month pregnant lady talking.)

Then it was off to B’nai Isreal for some ceremony. Annie and Troy saw each other prior to the marriage ceremony for a first look and to sign their Ketubah. The look on Troy’s face when he saw Annie was priceless! It just made me adore Troy even more!

Then it was time to get these two married! One of my favorite things about Jewish weddings is that both parents walk the bride and groom down the aisle. It makes me happy.

After family portraits it was back to the Citizen to celebrate Annie and Troy and for some pictures of the entire wedding party and the bride and groom!

Once again Kate Miller of Kate Miller Events knocked this wedding out of the park! I swear if I could shoot every wedding she plans I would! Everything in the terrace room looked AMAZING! And hello purple artichokes in the centerpieces! Let’s be friends for life!

And then it was party time! Annie and Troy had a ROCKING reception with an ice cream bar instead of a cake (AWESOME!) and the live band Poprocks! Add into that my very first hora, and people… it was magic! All of my dreams came true! Annie and Troy you are dream makers!

And one more ring shot before I go…

Annie and Troy! Thank you for such an amazing day! We loved everything about your wedding! Congratulations to two of the most in love people we have ever met. You two really are meant to be, and we loved witnessing the start of your family. Check out their SLIDESHOW HERE or below for LOTS more pictures from their lovely day.

Wedding Designer: Kate Miller Events
Ceremony Location: B’nai Israel
Reception Location & Catering: The Citizen Hotel
Flowers: Flourish
Ceremony Musicians: Mersonacta String Quartet
Band: Pop Rocks
Event Lighting: Extreme Productions
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Videographer: Xsight
Bride’s Hair: Michelle Roloff
Bride’s Makeup: Amy Branum

Annie and Troy {sneak peek}

Sarah Maren — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:33:39 +0000

Dustin and I shot the wonderful Annie and Troy’s wedding on Sunday and it was NON STOP AWESOME from beginning to end. We can’t wait to share more images from their big day with you… but for now you get this little taste of the coolness that is to come. Congratulations Annie and Troy!