Justin Gambino - Journey Within My Soul (Olympia, WA)

Turns out house concerts are a thing! A really amazing thing!

We recently attended Justin Gambino's 'Journey Within My Soul' at a private residence in Olympia, WA and had an amazing experience! Justin's voice is unique, authentic and as raw as his message. He is passionate and lives for his music. Opening for Justin was the melodic and thoughtful Whitlee Casey. Justin + Whitlee are deeply spiritual and committed to their journey, both together and apart they have a united message worth hearing.

Definitely an entertaining show.

For those who attended and are interested in downloading images click HERE.

To find a show near you click HERE.

Jade's Bridal Session | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Bouquet: A Moment in Time Floral Design

XOXO,

Sarah

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

Kailey + Gary's Gold Creek Pond Vow Renewal | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Kailey + Gary were originally married 10 years ago in a small informal ceremony. They were young and in love and ready to take on the world together - which took precedent to the wedding ceremony of their dreams. A decade later, they got to live their dream and renewal their marriage vows surrounded by the mountains and forest of Washington State.

Gary serves in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed in Texas, but Kailey + Gary knew that they wanted to renew their vows near JBLM, since they were originally married here and it holds a special place in their hearts. Thanks to a referral from a mutual friend (Erika, you're the best <3), this beautiful couple contacted me and we begin to piece together this stunning vow renewal. After several location scouting trips and much back and forth correspondence we decided on Gold Creek Pond (for obvious reasons.) As months passed, Kailey found the perfect dress, Hair and Makeup was booked with the lovely Bethany Yackel Beauty, vows of love and support were written and plane tickets were purchased. Kailey, Gary, their son and Kailey's parents flew from Texas to Washington with a vow renewal and then much needed vacation on their minds. Reports of rain lingered on the weather report and we all experienced a roller coaster ride of nerves and emotions due to it. Finally, the day before the vow renewal, Mother Nature decided on an accurate forecast and warmth and sun were waiting for us when we arrived at Gold Creek Pond.

Talk about the perfect combination of PNWesty (I need to copyright this word) scenery + amazing couple + perfect weather + a twist of adventure and storytelling. I heart this more than words can express.

Congrats to Kailey + Gary on your 10 year vow renewal! I'm so grateful you chose me to document it.

Hair and Makeup:  Bethany Yackel Beauty

Can you picture you and your love in these images? If you're considering an intimate wedding ceremony, vow renewal or elopement contact me today to start planning!

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

Rachel + Jason's Courthouse Wedding | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

When you want a low key wedding but you still want fun and creative wedding photos!

Rachel + Jason were a blast to work with and I loved their sense of humors. 

Congrats, lovebirds!

Venue: Tacoma Municipal Courthouse

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

Brock's Studio Head shots | Olympia Portrait Photographer

‘Cause sometimes you need photos to document your badassness.

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

Lerae + Jordan's Tolmie State Park Engagement | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Lerae, Jordan and I met up on a beautiful Fall day for these fun and sunny engagement photos. Fast forward several months, a change of calendar year, three seasons and many many many hours of planning and here we sit 9 days until their wedding! NINE! We have finally hit single digits! Man, it's crazy how fast time has flown by!

Lerae + Jordan wanted an area close to Olympia that showed the greens of the Pacific Northwest but also had water and a variety of areas to shoot. Tolmie State Park makes for great scenery for portraits and is one of my favorite locations in the area! Beyond the beach, forest and fun wooden bridge there are also tons of trails to explore with a variety of dark green, PNWesty scenery. For other options near Olympia check out '10 Great Portrait Locations Near Olympia'.

As well as a great location, I love the tones that Lerae + Jordan chose for their wardrobe. The soft neutral tones and natural colors were perfect for both the wood and the beach and they were both comfortable and relaxed in the outfits they chose. Outfit selection is critical for good portraits and colors, patterns and fit can really change the mood and outcome of the images. For more tips on wardrobe selection see 'Preparing For Your Portrait Session'.

I don't typically encourage bringing a ton of props to portraits session because I prefer to focus on people and their interactions with each other rather than items, but a few per session can add some variety and sweet, personalized little touches. Lerae + Jordan chose to bring a cute little sign with a significant phrase on it, 'Love you More...', and a blanket, which fit great into their session! Need ideas for a prop or two to bring to your session? Check out 'Fun Prop Ideas for Your Portrait Session'.

Lerae + Jordan's session was not only amazing but it was also so much fun! I LOVE to capture 'love' and the way these two interact it is undeiable how much they love each other! Their sweet little cuddles, constant giggles and the way Jordan so sweetly looked at and attended to Lerae was really heart-warming. I'm counting down the days until this sweet couples says 'I do!'

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

Amy + Jimmy's Hall at Fauntleroy Wedding | Seattle Wedding Photographer

Amy + Jimmy picked the perfect day to marry! March in the Pacific Northwest is usually pretty soggy and drab but with a strike of luck the day was not only full of laughter, love, friends and family but it was also full of sunshine and warmth. The perfect start to a lifetime together!

One thing I liked about Amy + Jimmy's wedding is that they kept it simple and made it about what was most important to them.... people. It was fun to follow them throughout the day as they interacted with their friends and family. They weighed out tradition and people on a scale and were able to put together an amazing balance, and experience for their friends and loved ones. Many times I see brides indifferent about traditions or doing them because ... well, because it's tradition. I am definitely a fan of the new wedding trend of setting tradition aside and doing what works best for the bride, groom and their guests. Hooray!

There is a new twist on an old tradition that I do really like though.... first look with the bride and her dad! I love when my brides and grooms do a first look, or even get ready together as it adds an emotional/unique aspect to the wedding (and makes family photos before the ceremony possible!) There is just something so special about the bond between a father and daughter, I always get teary eyed during these first looks! Of course I was raised by a (simply amazing) single dad and we are still very close, so that could be why I love first looks with brides and their dads SO much! Scroll down to see the first look between Amy and her dad, it's pretty darn cute!! Side Note: .... John Goodman?!?!

Overall, Amy + Jimmy's wedding at, The Hall at Fauntleroy in Seattle was pretty darn amazing! Congrats to Amy + Jimmy on their nuptials, may you always be surrounded by as much love and support as I witnessed on your wedding day!

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

Jess + Jeff's Woodland Park Zoo Wedding | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Dress: Lillian West via I Do Bridal

Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden

Bouquet: Eco Flowers

Suit: Calvin Klein via Men's Warehouse

Church: Luther Memorial - Lutheran Church ELCA

Reception: Woodland Park Zoo

Catering/desserts: Lancer Catering

Second Shooter: Tammy Dalquist Photography

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

Ian's Studio Head shots | Olympia Portrait Photographer

Check out Ian's fun and stylish head shots! Ian is so handsome, fun and easy to work with. I look forward to the next time!

Can't get enough Ian?? Follow him for more awesomeness.

AMPLE BLACK - Branding

Ian Vogue - Stylist/Model

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

Travia's Ft. Steilacoom Bridal Session | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Oh briiiiiiiiiiiiides! I know I post lots of these bridal sessions, but I just LOVE doing them! Such a great way to get some beautiful images of yourself and by doing your session on a day other than your wedding day you'll be more relaxed and it won't be taking away time you could be spending with your guests.

“Work on being in love with the person in the mirror who has been through so much but is till standing.”

“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.” – Anna Taylor

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”

“Don’t ever allow yourself to forget how incredibly special you are, even for a single second. Without you, the world would not be as magnificent. Let yourself remember to love again, starting with you loving you.”

“You, yourself, as much as anybody else in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” “If you have the ability to love, love yourself first.” “Demonstrate love by giving it, unconditionally, to yourself. And as you do, you will attract others into your life who will love you without conditions.

Bouquet by A Moment in Time Floral Design

Check out more beautiful bridal sessions below!! Also if you are in need of hair, makeup or florals for your bridal session click HERE.

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

Jenny's Bridal Portraits | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Jenny's bridal portraits were taken in a swanky loft in downtown Seattle and it was a perfect location for them! The vintage loft was full of character, deep neutral colors and rich textures that really brought some personality and depth to the photos. One wall of the quaint and charming space was knee to ceiling windows with long, sheer, white curtains that softened the light as it shown through the windows. These curtains also served as a visual warden, intercepting the view of the outside world and helping maintain the vintage feel of the loft. A few times throughout this beautiful vintage bridal session I stopped and looked around, feelings of being in a different era lingered over me. As I blinked myself back to 2018, I saw endless opportunities for amazing images!! 

Ladies and gents - are you wondering what bridal portraits are? Are you wondering why you should plan a bridal portraits session? Check out my blog post '8 Reasons You Should Plan a Bridal Session' for some answers! Also, scroll down past all the images of the lovely Jenny for a peek into some other bridal portraits. Indoor, outdoor - even bridal boudoir is an option!! So much fun and a great way to capture some beautiful portraits surrounding such a memorable, once in a lifetime, event!

For more information or to book your own session, contact me today!

Happy Thursday, friends!

Bride: Jenny

HMUA: Pacific Brides

Dress: Edith Elan

Flowers: Sublime Stems

Super special 'Thanks' to all the vendors who came together to pull off this stunning bridal session, especially to the planners Beginning and End Photography and Kendall Lauren Photography! 

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

Alicia + Brock's Rattlesnake Lake Couples Session | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Adventure! One of my favorite type of sessions to capture is an adventure session. An adventure session is where we pick a location that is amazing, epic, gorgeous, breathe taking, memorable or all of the above and put you in it. This type of session is great to capture a location that has fond memories or just to capture the PNW in general. Most types of session can be done as an adventure session, which is a great alternative to session at a local park or urban setting.

We chose to do Alicia + Brock's adventurous couples session at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend. It had been a while since I had shot there so I was pretty excited. We got a beautiful day that was warm and sunny so we shot in the evening and utilized the beautiful soft light of golden hour.

Alicia is such a sweet person, so positive and happy. She was constantly laughing and smiling, which is contagious! Brock is the strong and silent type, his serious face is pensive and you can just tell he is taking everything in. Both Alicia + Brock are artists and are so expressive in their own ways. Their personalities compliment each other and aren't unlike the Chinese Yin + Yang principles that represent the universe. 

Alicia + Brock even got SUPER brave at the end of our session and climbed into the chilly lake for some super sexy couples photos. I guess I can't say much since I shot from a dry and warm rock a few steps from shore but in my opinion it was totally worth braving the cold water for these fun and playful photos! HAHA!

This blog really makes me realize how much I love doing adventure sessions! So, stay tuned for a blog on Adventure Portrait Sessions coming soon...!!

Also, check out the amazing necklace Alicia is wearing. It has the prettiest little moonstone hanging from the moon. It was the perfect accessory for her low-v cut dresses.

Moon + Moonstone Necklace: Ethereal Earth Gifts

Dresses: Forever 21

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