Sarah Sanville Photography Blog

Chunky Potato Soup and a Smile

2012-02-27T09:16:00.002-08:00

The weather has been a little "dreary" and cold here lately, so I decided that some nice hot soup, bread and cookies might warm the house up a little!

I found this awesome potato soup recipe that I thought I would share; we loved this recipe and it is now on my "make frequently" list! :)

Chunky Potato Soup

3 medium red potatoes
2 cups water
1 small onion
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
Ground black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups milk
1/2 tsp sugar
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed cooked ham

Step 1: Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Bring water to a boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside potatoes. Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water, if necessary; set aside.

Step 3: Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to saucepan; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown

Step 4: Add flour to saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Cook 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture in saucepan; stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

And here is a smile from Emma....

Baby #2

2012-02-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

On a much more personal note, I'd like to tell you that my husband and I are expecting baby #2 on September 16, 2012. We are very excited to have another little one that will be close in age to our daughter Emma! Some days I wonder how will I ever manage a newborn and 22 month old...but I'm sure we will get through and I know we won't regret it!

Right now I'm feeling pretty good overall; I still have some days that are worse than others when the "all day" nausea creeps up on me and I'm more tired than usual. However, I'm not complaining as I know that a LOT of women get very sick during their first trimester! I'm feeling the baby move already, even though I'm only 10.5 weeks along. Now that I'm an "experienced" mother, I guess I know what I'm feeling, much earlier than I did with my last baby!

Here is Baby Sanville #2 at nine weeks, three days gestation as of 2/15/12:

Crystal & Steve Tie the Knot

2012-02-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

I first met this adorable couple when we met up to do their engagement photos. Immediately, I knew I was going to get along with them wonderfully! They are fun, easy going and so much fun to work with!!

The bride and her girls got ready at the lovely Woodbound Inn in Rindge, NH. This inn had beautiful indoor, natural lighting and the suite that the girls got ready in was absolutely charming!

The wedding was held at Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, in mid-October. While the weather was a wee bit chilly, we had plenty of sunshine during the ceremony. The rain held off until after the ceremony and almost all of the outdoor photos were done! What better timing could we have asked for?

The reception was held at Hidden Hills Banquet Facility also in Rindge. They have a gorgeous ballroom...check out the dancing photos!

Crystal and Steve were a pleasure to photograph and their love and adoration for each other was evident to all. Their day was simply magical from beginning to end and I wish them all the best!

Below are the pages from the custom hardcover coffee table album that I created for Crystal and Steve with photos from their wedding day:

The outside cover

Page 1

Pages 2-3

Pages 4-5

Pages 6-7

Pages 8-9

Pages 10-11

Pages 12-13

Pages 14-15

Pages 16-17

Pages 18-19

Pages 20-21

Pages 22-23

Pages 24-25

Pages 26-27

Pages 28-29

Page 30

What Really Matters?

2012-01-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

I read this beautiful, tear-jerking story on another photographer's blog. It is about a woman who regretted not spending the money to have a family portrait session done when she was healthy and had time to do it. This woman ended up being diagnosed with terminal cancer just a few weeks later and left behind a husband and two young children. Remember, photos are so much more than fancy paper!

You have to read the whole letter! Please click on the link below to read it:

http://fototails.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/a-letter-on-my-doorstep-portraits-are-more-than-paper/

Beka

2011-12-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

During peak foliage season, I had the privilege of photographing my sister Rebekah. Her boyfriend had contacted me and asked if I could do a portrait session of her; of course I agreed!

Rebekah and I have grown up as not only close sisters but best friends. Ok, well, maybe not best friends when we were really young and still fighting over toys, but we definitely were best friends as we got older!

Rebekah just got engaged to a wonderful man, who I'm very excited to call my future brother in-law. I know that he will be not only an awesome husband but a fantastic doctor as well. He treats my sister like a princess and she is one lucky girl. Their wedding is only a few months away and I'm very excited for the both of them, but a little sad to see my best friend move far away. *sniff* Technology will make the separation easier, though, and I know we will be taking advantage of Facebook, cell phones and Skype to keep in touch.

Rebekah, you are a gorgeous girl, both inside and out and I'm going to miss you like crazy! It won't be the same when I go "home" anymore and you aren't there; but I know that God has given you a special man to marry and we will just have to make sure that we take time to stay in touch! I love you. --Your Big Sister

Steven & Beckie

2011-12-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

Steven and Beckie opted to have a family session in place of their engagement session; I thought it was a great idea! We had a beautiful, sunny day (a tiny bit too sunny!) in October for this fun session. Steven's family all arrived in matching clothing and matching black sunglasses---how cool is that? This family looked like they stepped out of a James Bond movie! We had fun getting some family photos around the Newport area!

Enjoy....

Jocelyn & Family: Fall Fun!

2011-12-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

Now I must admit that I haven't had time to post some of my fall sessions until now! *GASP* Somewhere in the midst of a ton of photo sessions, edits, weddings, my two other "real" respiratory therapist jobs and being a mom and wife...yeah, the blog didn't fit. But the good news is, things have slowed down a tiny bit and I'm playing catch up so please be patient with me! :)

This session was done up in the beautiful Notheast Kingdom of Vermont in early October. The weather was fantastic--warm, sunny and gorgeous fall colors! Who could ask for more? This session was a little crazy as we chased around two toddlers and for the record I was down on my stomach and my backside and any other position needed to capture these beautiful smiles! I don't know about you, but I really really prefer outdoor photo sessions, especially with young children. Not only do we get them having fun and being themselves, but we get REAL smiles and beautiful sunlight! My mom has pictures of me when I was young and these photos were the annual Christmas photos--you know the kind to give Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Bob? Well, I always had a blotchy red face, swollen eyes and tears running down my cheeks because I HATED the photos so much and I was so shy that I didn't like having my photo taken in a studio. Yes, this is a true story! When I see these pictures, I laugh now, but really, who would ever want to hang them on their wall? I'm all for having fun and getting beautiful pictures with kids! I promise you that I WON'T send you home with photos of a crying child unlike some studios. If you book me for your family session, I can guarantee it might be crazy but we will get some amazing pictures!

On that note, enjoy a few pictures....

Leave us a note below or check us out at www.sanvillephotography.com.

Introducing Baby Carter

2011-10-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is not the first time that I have had the pleasure of photographing Kyle and Jessica! Nope, this was our fourth session together and each one gets better! We started with engagement photos, moved on to the wedding and then maternity and now, finally: THE FAMILY session! Jessica and Kyle welcomed their beautiful son, Carter, into the world a month ago and here are a few photos from our time together this past weekend. Enjoy!

http://www.sanvillephotography.com/ * sarahsanville@yahoo.com * 603-852-9290

Danielle and Gabe's Engagement Session

2011-10-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, this session was scheduled for 2pm last Thursday, in Island Pond and according to the radar, we were in for a huge rainstorm. The rain started around 12pm and I will admit that I was a little nervous as to how we were going to get decent outdoor photos...but Danielle and Gabe were still up for the challenge and Danielle brought a couple of fun umbrellas with her. Amazingly, the minute we stepped out of our cars, the rain slowed to a sprinkle! We were able to get the photos we wanted and I have to say the day exceeded my expectations thanks to Danielle and Gabe being such great sports and my sister Hannah for all of her help!

I can't wait to photograph Danielle and Gabe's big day in just a few short weeks! I know their day will be nothing short of fantastic! Enjoy some of the engagement photos here on the blog and if you want to see more, stop by my website here at: http://ssanvillephotography.zenfolio.com/clients.html and enter the password: danielleandgabe.

Crystal and Steve's Engagement Session

2011-09-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, I had the honor of photographing Crystal and Steve in the beautiful Ashuelot Park in Keene. We had never met before, but as soon as they jumped out of the car, I knew we were going to hit it off very well! These two are so cute and so in love that it shines through all their photos---it made my job so easy! Crystal and Steve met in college at Keene State and both have a severe passion for good coffee; they even plan to start their own coffee business soon. I can't wait to photograph their wedding in just a few short weeks! Enjoy a few pictures from their engagement session....

Make sure you visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sarahsanvillephotography or on our website at: www.sanvillephotography.com

2011-09-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

This week has been so busy; there are just so many things going on in my life that seem to pull me in three million directions...and sometimes I wish I could make it all stop! But in my crazy life, I still make time for the simple quiet moments spent with my husband and baby girl. After all, they are two of the most important people in my life and if I don't take time to stop and and enjoy them, I know I will forever regret it.

Today we went out for a lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Keene and sat in the glorious sunshine and enjoyed watching Emma try rice and beans for the first time: she loved them! I knew my daughter HAD to like that kind of food if she really was my child! :)

Here is a favorite photo of mine from when Emma was just a few days old; I love the simplicity of the moment and the significance of her holding her daddy's hand. I've turned this little photo into a piece of wall art that can be purchased on my website here: http://ssanvillephotography.zenfolio.com/p629362460

This photo would make a perfect gift!

It's School Time!

2011-09-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I actually miss being in school and college a tiny bit; the process of learning new information is something I crave and I know that I would love to further my education someday! However, there is part of me that does not miss the horrible tests, mornings of getting up at 3am for clinicals, days and nights of no sleep and having no time to see family and friends! The snapshot above is one of my favorites: me and my sister in-law and my friend graduating from college together! Yes, it's one of my favorite memories for sure. The sense of accomplishment

So parents, as your kids head back to school, just remember that someday soon you will be taking snapshots like this as your kids graduate. Enjoy these days of school and sports and activities...they will be over before you know it! :)

Here are a few tips to make this transition easy and fun for you and your little ones:

Check out the school

Back to school nights are a great time to visit your child’s school, meet their new teacher and help you and your child become more at ease with their learning environment.

Gear up

You can save a lot of money by paying attention to your favorite store’s weekly ads. Make sure to buy clothes and shoes on the larger side so your children will have a little growing room. Buy everything in the same color palette so it will match no matter which combination your child chooses to wear. Pastels, primary colors and neutral earthy tones are all fun palettes that you can focus on, depending on your child’s personality and tastes.

Set up shop

A small desk, comfortable chair and a lamp are all you need to give your child a quiet place to do their homework. Let your child help you set up their study nook, and encourage them to decorate their space and make it their own.

Set a schedule

A week or two before school starts, be sure to manage your children’s sleep patterns according to their school schedule. Put them to bed early and wake them up early, so they will be used to the new schedule by the time school starts. You can also avoid television in the weeks before school starts, so your children will be more primed for active learning.

Suck up early

Okay, joking. (sort of) Show your child’s new teacher how much you appreciate all they do with an apple scented candle or a gourmet caramel apple. Attach a personal note with a fun quote about teachers. Here is one of my favorites: “A teacher takes a hand and opens a mind, touches a heart, shapes the future.” ~Author Unknown Add a wallet sized portrait or one of our custom bookmarks for an extra special touch.

With the help of these quick and easy back-to-school tips, you will be sure to get your little ones off to a great start this school year, and finally have a few minutes to yourself too. Nice work Mom!

Happy Nine Months, Emma!

2011-08-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

I know every parent told me that my little girl would grow up way too fast, and I totally believe them, but I just didn't realize the reality of it. I do now! It seems like just yesterday that I held her for the very first time and cuddled my precious bundle of joy. Now she just turned 9 months old, has 8 teeth, is learning to walk and wants to play all the time! I'm so thankful that she is a ham for the camera---it made this session a whole lot easier! Although, she did keep trying to eat the grass; there are 30 other photos of her with grass in her mouth that I didn't post! :)

Jessica's Maternity Session

2011-08-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

It's very fun for me to be able to photograph my clients in different stages of their life; this session was no exception! Last year I was photographing Jessica as she pledged her life to my cousin, Kyle. On July 3rd of this year, I had the honor of doing her maternity photos; Jessica looked completely adorable and it we had a lot of fun shooting her session in the baby's nursery! Her little baby boy is due on 9/11/11 and while his name is still up for debate between Mom and Dad, I know he is going to be one handsome boy that will be born to parents that are eagerly waiting for him! So hurry up, baby boy, all of us out here can't wait to meet you in a few weeks! :)

Michelle & Jay's Wedding: July 9, 2011

2011-08-12T22:57:00.001-07:00

After letting my blog go on vacation...ok, I will admit it, I just didn't have time to keep up the blog with a new baby around...but the blog is back from vacation and now I'm in the process of catching up on some of my awesome 2011 sessions and weddings! And let me tell you, they have been AWESOME! I know I'm biased, but I think I have amazing clients and the proof is in the photos! :)

Michelle and Jay are high school sweethearts; they went off to college together, shared the same major and now they are both teachers. These two are completely made for each other! The light in their eyes and the adoration they have in their eyes is something very special! Michelle and Jay were married at the beautiful St. Mary's Church in Newport, Vermont. The church overlooks the town of Newport as well as Lake Memphremagog; the views are stunning! We were able to get some fantastic photos of the bridal party outside of the church, down by the lake and up on Shattuck Hill. We were blessed with a gorgeous summer day and it made my job so much easier! Enjoy some of my favorites from their special day...

Fall Photo Special!

2010-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm currently running a new fall photo promotional deal. Make sure you tell your friends and family and book a session with me!

Day at Clark's Trading Post

2010-08-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that this blog is about me and my life...not just my business! I've recently been reminded that all areas of my life are blended together and I really should be sharing a little more of it with you all, because it is ME!

Two weeks ago, Jim and I met up with my mom and my little brothers at Clark's Trading Post up in Lincoln, NH. We spent the day there riding the train, climbing the climbing wall, getting soaked in the bumper boats, riding segways, eating pizza, watching a bear show, and of course...eating ice-cream. We had so much fun and if anyone is looking for a good place to take their family before summer ends, you should definitely visit Clark's Trading Post. I've posted some of my favorite photos of the day below. Enjoy!

Jessica & Kyle's Wedding Part 2

2010-08-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

It was hard to pick out the photos that I thought I should put on here, because there are just too many awesome photos of Jessica & Kyle's big day! But I tried my best to find my favorites to share with you...so here they are! Again, my congratulations to Jessica & Kyle as they start their new life together.

Thank you also to my sister Hannah for shooting with me, as always! You did a great job! :)

Jessica & Kyle's Wedding Part 1

2010-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

My cousin Kyle married his beautiful bride, Jessica, this past Saturday, up at the beautiful Jackson's Lodge in Canaan, VT. The location was stunning and the weather cooperated to make for an amazing day. The weather was terrible all weekend, but the sun came out an hour before the wedding, which made for great photos! It was a privilege to photograph their wedding and to be a part of their special day.

Kyle had been nervous about the wedding, for shall we say...YEARS! But no one would have ever known by the smile he had all day! You could see the joy and love in his eyes when he looked at his beautiful bride. Jessica had been planning her dream wedding for a long time, and she did a fantastic job! She adores Kyle, which is obvious by the way she looks at him...just look at the photos for proof!

Kristen & Jesse's Wedding

2010-07-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Way back when... somewhere around the year 1999, a girl from a little town called Tuftonboro, NH, became my penpal. I think Kristen's mom suggested we become penpals because I was living in Ireland then. Kristen and I sent letters back and forth across the Atlantic for the 3.5 years that I lived in Ireland and we continued to stay in touch after I moved back to the U.S. Our college years came and went and we lost touch but eventually we reconnected on Facebook! This past winter, Kristen contacted me about photographing her wedding. I happily agreed and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kristen commit her life to the man of her dreams, Jesse! So Kristen and Jesse, I wish you all of God's blessings as you start your new life together! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.

Erin's Graduation

2010-05-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

My cousin and childhood best friend graduated from River Valley Community College on May 14, 2010, as a physical therapy assistant. I am so happy for her, as she has worked very hard to finish this program and has spent countless hours studying away, trying to memorize practically every muscle and bone in the body! Erin, congratulations on your success and I wish you all the best as you launch into a new job and a new chapter of your life!

Jim's Graduation

2010-05-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

After 24 months of hard work, long hours of studying, endless papers, and countless cans of Mt. Dew, my husband Jim graduated from Franklin Pierce University on May 15, 2010! Jim received his master's degree in business administration and graduated with honors because of his 4.0 GPA. Jim was also recently inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, for his academic acheivements at the University. I am so proud of Jim and thankful to God that we made it through another degree! I am looking forward to having my husband back...at least until he decides to get a second master's degree or his PhD (which he is already talking about)!

Animals

2010-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will admit it right now. I have never been a true animal lover. Nope. I grew up in areas that weren't really pet friendly and we moved often (even overseas) so having pets wasn't practical. I finally have my first real pet, besides a gold fish...my black lab, Lily! She has been work from day one, but she is so much fun. I had to include a few of my favorite photos of her in this post and a few other cute animal pictures that I took in the past year.

Lily loves treats made by Heavenly Homemade K-9 Cookies! They now have a new store, or should I say, barkery that sells delicious treats for dogs. New treats will be out soon for other animals. So if you are in Keene, make sure you stop on Washington Street at my friend Jamey's store!

Spring 2010

2010-04-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. Finally! Even the recent snow hasn't stopped the flowers from blooming or the trees from budding! The temperatures have warmed up and everyone is migrating outside to enjoy this beautiful weather. I was one of those people last weekend...I couldn't resist a few photos at the local park in Keene.

Maternity Session

2010-04-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

"What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails
That's what little boys are made of !"

Last month I spent some time with my husband's sister, Jessi, who was up from TX. Jessi and her husband are expecting their fist child, a little boy named Josiah on July 4th! When Jessi was up, we made sure that we spent some time getting some fun maternity pictures of her. Jessi looks super cute pregnant and has an adorable baby bump, so it really was quite easy to get some nice pictures of her! Enjoy....