pleased to meet you,
I'M SARA TOKI
I'm so excited you're here.
I remember getting my first entry level pro camera at 14 (I'm 31 now). I got one every year for Christmas after that until I was 18 (typing this out made me even more aware of how lucky I am to have my mama!). Photography is almost secondhand to me. I can't remember a time in my life where I was not documenting the world around me. Before my first Nikon at 14, I had several point and shoots. I used disposable cameras. I played with my aunts camera as a kid, she'd take me on hikes around her cabin and we'd take photos of the flowers and squirrels. Photography has been a part of me since I can remember.
I started to establish myself in 2020 and officially opened my business in November of 2020. I quit my full time job in July of 2021 and never looked back. I say it a lot but this truly is not just a job for me - it's my favorite thing in the whole world. I got inspired to try my hand at photographing weddings after my husband and I got married in 2019. I was obsessed with the entire process and wanted to be fully immersed in it. That's how we ended up here.
I love getting to meet people from all different walks of life and document and share their story in their own 'words' so to speak. I quite literally do not meet a stranger. I guess I have one of those faces or auras where people just feel comfortable telling you things, I have actually had clerks at gas stations give me their entire life story while I was buying my morning coffee. I love it. I love listening, I have always been a deeply empathetic person since I was a little kid.
As an artist, I use it as fuel for my work and how I approach weddings. I know how to read a room and make myself scarce when necessary but I will be your #1 hype gal when it is time for me to guide you through portraits. I genuinely want to get to know my clients, I want to hear about everything from your pets to what color shoes you're choosing to wear on your wedding day. Building connection is so important to me because it shows up on your wedding day in ways that are vital - it allows your friends and family to feel comfortable with me - in turn, it allows me to catch the real authentic moments you see folks going on about on the internet.
a peek into my life
When I'm not out shooting, you'll find me cozy in my home that I share with my husband and our 3 dog children. My husband (his name is Dillon but he goes by our last name, which is Toki) and I have been together for 10 years - in that time we've managed to build a nice little life for ourselves. Our home is my favorite place on planet earth because it's where we have grown up together and where my puppies and my plants are. My dogs are a huge part of my life - from oldest to youngest: Athena 9yr (Pig) top center, Apollo 4yr (Small boy) left, Atlas 2yr (Flooferton) right. None of them ever go by their government names here because why would they?! So - if you're ever wondering 'I wonder if Sara would care if we brought pets to our session/wedding?' the answer is I would be offended if you DIDN'T bring your pets!
My favorite way to spend a morning is in bed with iced coffee, music playing, a candle lit or incense burning - maybe both. Cuddled up with my dogs - watching the birds outside eat from the feeders hanging in our backyard. I really, really find the most joy in the peace and quiet during my downtime. I require lots of time to reflect and recharge - otherwise I am a social butterfly. Which seems kind of conflicting, I usually describe myself as an introverted extrovert. I love thrifting and going to antique stores and looking for treasures. I am an avid plant collector and have over 30+ indoor plants. I love tattoos and collect flash. I'm a leo sun, taurus moon and cancer rising (if you're into that~). I'm a sports girly - a die hard Razorback fan, (especially Razorback Baseball) to be specific. We don't have pro sports in Arkansas, so when you're from here you're a hog fan. End of story.
When I say I don't meet a stranger, I really mean it.
I can't wait to get to know you! <3
kind words
"Sara is such a talented photographer and amazing to work with! Sara shot our elopement and later our bigger wedding celebration. She has captured many of our special moments and done so beautifully. Her incredible artistry is matched with care and professionalism. She made me and my husband feel so at ease. 10/10!!"
The Seminarios