Wedding

Paige + Andrew's Beecher Hill House Wedding - Leavenworth, WA | Destination Wedding Photographer

Paige + Andre's Beecher Hill House wedding in Leavenworth was such a blast! What a beautiful town and what a beautiful venue!!!

Venue: Beecher Hill House

Flowers: Floral Noir

Romantic + Moody Styled Winter Wedding | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

I recently joined a group of talented photographers and vendors to pull together a dreamy stylized winter wedding and what a great time we had! The original plan was to shoot outside at Auburn's Flaming Geyser Park but since we caught a standard Seattle winter day we were forced to switch to the Tacoma Graffiti Garages to stay dry. Although I missed the rich greens of the park the dramatic light of the Graffiti Garage set a very romantic and rich mood to the day.

One of my favorite parts of putting together this event was all the incredible vendors I was able to meet! There is so much local talent and creativity in the PNW that I am frequently in AWW at the amazing creations that I photograph. A custom ring box, carefully designed invitations, handmade barn tables and s'mores bar, elegant and detailed dresses, rich and textured floral arrangements, a unique and delicious cake, a rustic wooden sign and professional hair and makeup are just a few of the items designed and created for this event. We absolutely could not have pulled off such an amazing event without the help of these hard working companies. Special thanks to the following companies!!

Ring Box and Wood Decoration/Cake Toppers: Lee Six Laser & Design

Invitations, Menus, S'mores sign, Paper Table Decorations: Sandpaper Custom Stationary

Wooden Table, Benches, green goblets, S'mores Bar: Puget Sound Farm Tables

Wedding Dresses, Veils & Headband: Country Bridal

Flowers: JNJ Floral

Cake: Delicately Sweet Confections

Wooden Welcome Sign: Happy Heart Design Co

HMUA Couples: Alisa Clark

HMUA Single Bride: Brenda Beauty Guru

For more vendor information please see Sarah Gonia Photography's Preferred Vendor List or contact me if you have specific needs.

XOXO,

Sarah

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Tonya + Mark's Seattle Courthouse Wedding | Seattle Wedding Photographer

In December I second shot Tonya + Mark's Seattle Municipal Court wedding with Markie Jones Photography. Markie and I met Tonya, Mark and their parents at the courthouse and spent some time taking some outdoor portraits. It was a typical Seattle winter day with bouts of cold wind and rain and we were definitely chilly! It didn't take us long before we opted for some indoor shots by the large windows in the entrance of the courthouse. They made for some fun and dramatic images! We then headed upstairs to a long corridor where many couples and their loved ones waited for their turns. We didn't have to wait too long before Tonya + Mark's names were called. We were lead back to a large corner conference room lined with windows and an amazing view of downtown Seattle. The ceremony was short and sweet and soon we were headed to CI Shenanigans in Tacoma to celebrate their marriage with friends and family. When we arrived people were already getting seated and it was a full house!! So many friends and family came to honor the couple and laughter and chatter filled the room. Soon a deliciously decked out buffet was served and drink were flowing from the bar. The multi-leveled cake had a cute custom topper and boasted several different flavors! The reception was fun and relaxed and everyone had a great time. Side note, look how cute those little wedding favors are!

This couple has already seen their share of tough times and unfair circumstances, but their commitment to each other has held them together. Stronger is their love today and it will continue to grow as time passes.  Through sickness and health, they will stand together and conquer all that comes their way. Cheers to the adventure of marriage and all the wonderful moments it will bring!

“Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.”

-Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Congrats Tonya + Mark!

XOXO,

Sarah

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Caylee + Jonathon's New Years Eve Wedding | Seattle Wedding Photographer

On New Year's Eve I had the pleasure of second shooting Caylee + Jonathon's traditional Valley Church wedding in Renton, Washington -along side Tammy Dalquist Photography.  I had not met Caylee, Jonathon or any of the wedding party prior to their big day but after just a few short hours with them I felt like a life-long friend. Tammy spent time with Caylee and her girls while I was downstairs with Jonathon and his groomsmen. His bestie from college, his brother and a set of hilarious twins that Jon had known since diapers made up his crew and they were quite the bunch! Relaxed and joking with smiles on their faces, they were all excited to be present for Jon's big day. As an Olympia Wedding Photographer, I attend many weddings a year and I always enjoy a light-hearted bridal party that keeps me laughing through out the day.

After the getting ready pictures we headed outside in the church's little yard to take some Groomsmen pictures and of course some family portraits! Jon's mom and dad were fun and after many years of marriage they were quite obviously still madly in love! What a great example for Jon + Caylee to follow - so sweet! We even got lucky and had some soft, beautiful snowflakes falling for some of the images! I also love how Jon and his dad had some awesome matching socks!!

One of my favorites moments of the day is when Jonathon handed a letter he had written Caylee around a wall. They didn't want to see each other before the big moment and it was so cute because I could see the excitement and anticipation in their faces as they stood so near to each other and held hand through an open door. Tears glistened in Jonathon's eyes which of course made me tear up!!!

The parents of the bride and groom and other special people in their lives started down the aisle and a woman elegantly played the piano. They were followed by the bridesmaids who wore gorgeous dark purple dresses and carried simple silver lanterns. This is the first time I've seen lanterns instead of flowers and it showed how creative and simple Caylee's tastes are, I have to say it was such a cool idea and I hope to see it again in a future wedding!

Once again I saw tears form in Jon's eyes as he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle. Caylee's wedding dress was so simple an elegant and fit her perfectly, I adore that she carried one white Calla lily in her hand. A simple yet beautiful detail. I could just feel the love they have for each other and it was so special to watch these two lovebirds bind themselves in holy matrimony.

After the ceremony we headed back outside to take bridal party and family portraits and the mood was simply electric!! The whole group was full of smiles, laughter - and jigs! How fun! Outside we were posing and playing and snapping pictures galore but inside friends and family were working together to arrange the reception area. The church looked like an entirely different venue when we re-entered! Tables were Tetras-ed in and every table was packed full. So much love, friendship and support in one room is amazing to witness!

To Caylee + Jonathon, you two are so cute and so so in love! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day and looking forward to hearing about all the amazing moments and anniversaries to come. Congrats on your marriage!!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon + Caylee Bammer-Van Schenck!!!

XOXO,

Sarah

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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Marionette + Cory's Pt. Defiance Boho Elopement | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

When a session gets rescheduled and you have a day "off" what do you do? Collaborate with a fellow photographer and an AMAZING florist to set up a phenomenal stylized elopement!!! As a Pacific Northwest Wedding Photographer January and February are my slow months and setting up an event like this is a dream!!!

Samantha Ek of Picturesque Art and I decided to put out a model call to shoot a couple. Well, one Facebook post, two Pinterest boards and a message to a florist later and we were in business! Since both Sam and I love doing wedding that is exactly where our Pinterest mood boards took us and the results are just stunning!

I would like to talk about Shannon of Floral Noir for a moment and recognize what a talented florist she is. I worked with Shannon on another Wedding Shoot and not only was she super nice and personable but she brought these incredible floral arrangements that just took my breath away! I could not stop starring at them! Her use of texture and color gives every hand designed bouquet a wow factor that will command feelings of 'Awe' and 'Wonder.' I know this isn't the first time I've gushed over her work but she continues to surprise and impress me.....and as a wedding photographer I see a lot of flowers!!! To all you lovebirds getting married - if you want floral art instead of just flowers and you want them to be dreamy and Pinterest worthy - Send her a message!

Ok, Shannon, I'll stop talking about your wonderfulness now and get back to your part in the planning of this amazing stylized elopement. Shannon took one look at our Pinterest boards and the wheels were spinning! We left full control of the bouquet and floral crown in her hands and she completely nailed what we were looking for! Sam and I spent nearly a half an hour just photographing the flowers and if we didn't have the couple waiting for us it probably would have been longer. :) Shannon, you rock!

Seems that the date was a perfect pick too since we had clear skies and sunshine, how often does that happen in Washington in January?? A sunny Sunday is completely unheard of - I'm pretty sure Mother Nature has a sense of humor and only plans sunny day's on Monday's during the hours of 9 and 5 when everyone is at work. HAHA. Thanks for the sunshine MN, you're my girl, blue.

Both Sam and I wanted to explore Pt. Defiance Park more so location was an easy decision. From the Rose Garden to the Pagoda to the romantic wooded area and nearby Owens beach - Pt. Defiance is a diverse and ideal location to do portraits AND/OR get married. *hint hint* MESSAGE ME, I'm awesome lol!!! :)

Sam, you're a treasure. So glad to have a friend that shares the same tastes and loves to put together these events as much as I do. I can't believe how easily we rolled this all together and turned a rescheduled session into an amazing adventure.

Marionette + Cory - you two are so stinkin' cute! Thanks for getting all fancy and stepping in front of our cameras. It can be hard to relax when you have a camera in your face and let your true emotions shine but you two have such a strong connection that it made it easy to capture your love.


Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.
— William Goldman, The Princess Bride

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Bright + Colorful Fall Themed Ft. Steilacoom Park Stylized Wedding | Tacoma Wedding Photography

In October I joined a fabulous group of photographers and local vendors to so a Fall Stylized wedding, and it was absolutely amazing! All the details were so gorgeous and the couples did such a great job - as a Pacific Northwest Wedding Photographer, this is my FUN!! I love for these shoots.

I'd like to first mention the flowers....not that I have to, they speak for themselves but I was blown away by them so I want to talk about them. Guys! I'm so excited because I finally found a GO-TO florist! Shannon from Floral Noir has an amazing eye for color and texture. Her bouquets are absolutely stunning and a wedding photographer's dream! Take a minute to check out the flower pictures and REALLLLLY enjoy them. Just look how the colors go so well together and all the amazing textures. This is not your average bouquet! Brides, husbands, fathers, ladies.....if you are looking for flowers that will leave a lasting impression, for any occasion, contact Floral Noir (Keep an eye out for her website too, it's launching soon!!!)

Another lovely detail I'd like to mention about the day is the gorgeous dresses! They were supplied by Lace N Links. How perfect are they!! They are perfectly accented by gorgeous make-up done by Katie Horton of Bridal Esthetics By Katie. She did such an amazing job highlighting the features of the brides and she's currently booking for summer weddings so contact her if you need make-up done professionally.

Next, lets talk about this elegant wedding cake, it's simple and stunning and makes a statement. I love the accent of fall colored flowers and the wooden heart. This beauty was made by Stephanie Williams, thanks for spending time to make this for us Stephanie - it was perfect for the setting! The decor was tied together with an amazing sign and adorable little pumpkins made by Jennifer Lauer. Such sweet details that really pulled together the mood of this stylized fall wedding.

Thank you to all the vendors and the two lovely photographers who planned out this amazing shoot. Kellie and Jennifer, you rocked it!

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

In Lifestyle Tags Olympia Lifestyle Photographer, Candid Photography, Olympia Photographer, Newborn Lifestyle Photography

Char + Nate's Rustic Country N' Lace Wedding | Olympia Wedding Photographer

The Venue

The venuuuuue! I could gush all day about Country N Lace, what a gorgeous place to get married. Located just outside of Olympia, Washington in the small town of Toledo, Country N Lace is a 50+ acres privately owned property that is THE place for a wedding in the area. With multiple barns, fields of horses, a beautiful wooded area, a long dreamy driveway and an amazing old stable that has been expertly transformed into a dream location, it is truly a unique and versatile venue. Throughout the day I had the pleasure of working with Michelle, owner/designer/multi-talented/wedding coordinator and enforcer (haha) of Country N Lace. Michelle is a firecracker and I enjoyed her personality immensely! One great thing about choosing Country N Lace, is along with a venue you also get MICHELLE!! She not only acts as a wedding coordinator to ensure your event goes smoothly but also her and her husband Luke decorate for you! You choose the basic color and themes and they set it up! Michelle has a simple, elegant and country chic style that I was thoroughly impressed with. She nailed every detail!

The Details/Behind the Scenes

In early afternoon, Char and her bridesmaids sat in the quaint little loft of Country N Lace. They sipped icy beverages and smiled and joked as they prepared for the big day. Nicole and Stephanie from Glam to Go did a lovely job on their hair and makeup and were both so sweet and fun. Although the normal wedding jitters were present, the atmosphere of the room was light and fun and these girls all made for an amazing time.

 

CHAR AND NATE'S BIG DAY

The whole day was just beautiful! I am so grateful that I was able to join Char, Nate, Addi and their friends and family on their big day!

Thanks to Memories By Monica Jo Photography for second shooting!

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

 

Danielle + Jeff's Columbus Park Wedding | Olympia Wedding Photographer

On August 20th, 2016 I photographed the Miltier/Downing Wedding. Danielle and Jeff united not only their lives but their families on this beautiful, sunny summer day! The venue was a fun little summer destination in Olympia, Washington (Thurston County) called Columbus Park that boasts RV hookups, Volleyball pits, a large swimming area and a cute little on location convenience store. A great location for such a fun and low key wedding. As the day unfolded I observed and captured fun and nerves, laughter and tears, and hugs and happiness beyond words! If I had to pick just one thing about the day that was my favorite it would be the love that I witnessed!! Two families becoming one, the look in Jeff's eyes when he looked at his bride, the love Jeff and Danielle have for their children... what a truly special and memorable day!

Cheers to Danielle and Jeff, I look forward to witnessing your bond grow over the years to come. Enjoy each other and all that you share, forever and always.

Below are some of my favorite moments from the day.

P.S - Thank you to Monica Bongcac of Memories by Monica Jo Photography for second shooting this wedding! It was fun having you along.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful