Sarah is one-of-a-kind. She brings flare, authenticity, and fun to every occasion, and I will miss seeing her around Old Town. I have run races, planned with her and Shelby in her apartment, shared a beverage with and been in dozens of Sarah's photoshoots. Her kindness, honesty, quick mind, and creativity are evident in all of them. I have no doubt that California, or wherever her beautiful journey leads her, will continue to show her openness to live, grow and love without boundaries. Bask in the Carlsbad sunlight for me, Sarah!

– Adrien of Alexandria Wellness  

She is such a joy to know, and she has an incredible talent for photography. Whenever I interact with her, she is so bright, engaging, and warm. We are lucky to have her in Alexandria!

– Meaghan of Alexandria & Company  

I am so excited to follow along on Sarah's new life and business adventure. She has been such a big part of my stores, Alexandria Stylebook, and so many other businesses. Her photography and love of all things Alexandria have helped us all grow our businesses. We are sad to see her go but can't watch to see what the future holds. Thanks for everything! – Elizabeth of The Hive & The Shoe Hive 

Sarah was one of the first people I met and worked with when I moved to Alexandria. Instantly, her spirit made me feel so welcomed! Sarah is not only extremely talented, but a great listening ear and always serves up a smile. I'm going to miss collaborating with her multiple times a week for Stylebook features, but excited to see all the adventures she is heading for! – Leslie of Alexandria Stylebook  

I've known Sarah from her days at Mint Condition! I always loved her interpretation of style and fashion. Little did I know then that she had this incredible photographer card up her sleeve! Sarah, I wish you continued success as you leave Alexandria and live your life full of love, laughter, fearlessness, curiosity, and creativity! I'll miss you!

– Alicia of Tullebox

Sarah Marcella has built and established the quality standard for photography in Alexandria.  Her outgoing personality and ability to share herself bring out the best in her clients.  The entire Patterson Team will miss her! – Britt of The Patterson Group

Sarah is like the unofficial mayor of Alexandria.  She knows everyone in our little town and is loved by all.  She has a genuine warmth about her and always puts everyone around her at ease.

– Rachel of Helen Olivia Flowers 

There are some people you meet in your lifetime that you will always remember and always think very highly of and that my friend is what I think of Sarah Marcella. Every photoshoot she has done for us at Boxwood has been spot on. I'm always a nervous wreck when she arrives, but with her professionalism, grace, knowledge, and badass attitude, my nerves settle as I know we are in good hands. It's hard to think of Sarah not being here with us in Old Town, but I'm being selfish. I know she has a mission. Take off my friend, and best of luck with all that you discover, acquire, experience, and fall in love with.

– Joanna of Boxwood  

Sarah Marcella is an absolute rockstar behind the camera and a force here in Alexandria! Since I took over TSG Alexandria almost four years ago, she has helped me bring my vision to life through her beautiful images and willingness to push the boundaries to create editorial style images for our book. Her larger-than-life personality has brought so much light and energy into our shoots and into our friendship, and I am forever grateful for both. I hope that she enjoys her time on the road because she deserves it! But hope she knows how much she will be missed by us all! – Sarah of The Scout Guide Alexandria

Many of you may recognize my name before my face. I'm the photographer behind Alexandria Stylebook and several of the boutiques here in Alexandria. I started my journey with Stylebook back in 2015 as the Creative Director. Since then, I have watched this community grow in unimaginable ways, especially this last year. The women behind Alexandria Stylebook, and Alexandria as a whole, have come together to overcome challenges unlike any before. It's been inspirational to watch them overcome their tenacity, and it has motivated me.

Here are some of my favorite shoots during my time with Alexandria Stylebook.

Like all small businesses in Alexandria, the pandemic impacted my business. The financial struggle and emotional toll forced me to take a long hard look in the mirror at who I was and who I wanted to become. Originally in 2015, I left my high-stress retail job in the hopes of chasing my creative dreams. I replaced my 40-hour workweek with an 80-hour week working as many shoots as I could physically handle and falling into a "more is more" mentality. I had become obsessed with financial and career success. As soon as I hit one professional or financial goal, it was on to the next - nothing seemed to be enough to satisfy me. Then, Covid hit. All the ways I had measured success in the past came tumbling around me. My contracts ended, my schedule emptied, and all of a sudden, I had too much time on my hands. I'm not one to sit still. A 60 plus hour work week is when I'm at my happiest. When suddenly I was hardly working 60 hours a month, I began to plummet. My anxiety took a turn for the worse, and so did my mental health. I struggled to perform daily tasks, and my depression and OCD suffocated any sense of peace. Little did I know this lack of control was the wake-up call I needed. 

After eight months of drowning, it was time for a self-rescue. Understanding and managing my anxiety fears, and depression became my priority. I packed my car and headed out west for a three-month road trip. During this time, I visited seven states and drove over 11,000 miles. For part of the trip, I lived in my Subaru Forester, sleeping in the bed I had designed. My most memorable week was in Sedona, Arizona, where I fell in love with "Vanlife" and met my first "vanfam." We hiked, cooked, went to the gym, danced in the dirt, and watched shooting stars. On my 31st birthday, I decided it was time to take the leap. Vanlife has been a life-long dream, and I was ready to commit to the nomadic lifestyle.

As I continued on my journey, I decided I would purchase a school bus. I would convert it into my home and also pivot my business to go on the road. After spending over 80 hours searching for the right bus, I found her on my last day - Shakti, my 30' school bus from Tennessee. She's a 2007 Freightliner with a Mercedes engine and enough soul to move mountains. Shakti and I will be traveling the country empowering women through my newest business adventure - The Boudie BusTM, the traveling boudoir studio. We hit the road next Friday on our own journey to the west with our first planned stops in Oregon, Nevada, and California. 

Alexandria has been my home for eight years, and I have loved it dearly. The women I have met and the lifelong friendships we have created are nothing short of amazing. I cannot thank the women of Alexandria Stylebook enough for giving me the opportunity to grow as a creative professional. Pretty sure Elizabeth Todd didn't realize her IRO booties would be stomping around at a desert rave in the middle of Sedona. 

To the women of Alexandria - thank you for supporting me and allowing me to take the leap to live my dream. 

Until next time, 

Sarah Marcella

* Shakti, meaning sacred force or empowerment, is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe in Hinduism. Shakti is the concept, or personification, of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as 'The Great Divine Mother' in Hinduism.

(Source: https://www.definitions.net/definition/Shakti)

If you would like to come meet Shakti, please join me at Dolce Gelati on Fairfax today from 7:00pm - 10:00pm - I will be giving tours of my newly renovated home! 

Sarah is wearing head to toe Mint Condition.

Photography: Sarah Marcella