Flowers

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

South Sound Wedding Resource Guide - Preferred Vendor List

As a Pacific Northwest Wedding Photographer I get to work with wedding vendors from all over the sound sound. I enjoy meeting all these people and watching them unite and use their skills to make wedding day's come together in the most special and amazing ways. Below are some of the vendors that I have had the pleasure of getting to know during weddings that I've photographed, each did an exceptional job or had something amazing to offer. Please keep in mind that many of the below vendors are wiling to travel..the others may be worth the drive!

There are many other wonderful wedding vendors in the area and I recommend choosing ones that match your style, budget and location. If you do not see one that works for you below but would still like help find vendors please feel free to contact me and I will gladly help you find vendors to meet your needs.

A big part of who I am, and my business principals, is supporting small businesses. If this is important to you as well please let me know and I can assist you in finding small but amazing vendors!


Cake

Scarlet Nantes

Seattle/Kirkland, WA - Creative and delicious, a treat for both the eyes and taste buds. Scarlet Nantes specializes in Cake, Macron's and Meringue that will compell you to sneak back in line for seconds and thirds.

Beautiful cake by Sugar Rush Cupcakes

Sugar Rush Cupcakes

  • Tacoma, WA - Delightfully tasty! I was impressed with the unique flavors and their cakes and cupcakes are beautifully decorated! YUM!

Wagner's Bakery

  • Olympia, WA - I'm hungry just typing about Wagner's Bakery..... I love them! My wedding cake came from here. They are a bit spendy but worth the extra dough...get it....ha. Ok, fine - back to my review :) Wagner's not only makes spectacular, and delicious wedding cakes but also a variety of other desserts to impress your guests. Get a yummy wedding cake AND think outside the (wedding cake) box and stock your dessert table with a variety of top notch desserts.

Delicately Sweet Confections

  • Seattle, WA - Super beautiful, elegant and uniquely styled cakes but BEWARE they taste just as good as they look, which I didn't think was possible!


Catering

RibEye Ramblin Jacks

  • Napavine, WA - Not only is the food amazing but the staff is even more amazing. One of the weddings at the venue started to leak during the wedding and water spilled into the reception area as guests were eating. Rambling Jacks staff, without blinking an eye went above and beyond their catering duties and cleaned up the mess. I was SO impressed with their dedication, service and pleasant attitudes.


Calligraphy

Custom handwritten invitations and Calligraphy by Ink + Sable

Custom handwritten invitations and Calligraphy by Ink + Sable

Ink + Sable

  • Seattle, WA - Add a custom touch to you invites, place cards, menus or thank you notes with some elegant calligraphy from Ink + Sable. See Invitations for more info.


Day of Coordinator/ Wedding Planner

My Perfect Wedding Assistant

  • Seattle, WA - Organized, prepared and relaxed, Mama Ernestine, Roz and their staff were ON TOP OF IT! Every detail was executed flawlessly and on time. To top it off they were very pleasant and excellent at interacting with the wedding party, guests and vendors. This team brings a professional yet fun touch to weddings and are an excellent choice for wedding planning and day of coordination. Be prepared to smile, laugh and have fun with these ladies!


DJ

DJ Pooji

  • Olympia, WA - Pooji is a very experienced wedding DJ and has a fun and lively style. Hate the silence when music cuts out in between songs? Me too! Don't need to worry about that happening with DJ Pooji, he is on top of it and so easy to work with. A five star rating is well earned by DJ Pooji!


Decorations/Gifts (Custom)

Lee Six Laser & Design

  • Olympia, WA - Lee Six Laser & Design does custom engraving on a variety of gifts and decorations. They are innovative, creative and some of the sweetest people around. If you are looking for custom decorations for wedding or gift for your bridal party, fiance or family then CHECK THEM OUT!!

Ring box by Lee Six Laser & Design

Ring box by Lee Six Laser & Design

Skinfully Simple

Olympia, WA - Stock up on amazing and natural skin product for your bridesmaids gifts, wedding favors or Emergency Wedding Kit! Skinfully simple is ran by two local mama's and their products leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. From sugar scrub to chapstick and more, check out their site for a full product listing.


Dresses

New Beginnings Bridal Studio

  • Puyallup, WA - New Beginning Bridal Salon boasts a variety of unique and STUNNING wedding dresses with a wide variety of sizes, styles and prices. Don't "Say yes to the dress" without stopping in here first!!

Adorned in Grace

  • Tacoma, WA - Adorned in Grace is such a unique vendor because they have a mission to end human trafficking. Find a beautiful dress and help a good cause. If you'd like to donate a dress email Chris at chris@adornedingrace.org.

Gorgeous wedding dress by New Beginnings Bridal Studio


Fireworks and Sparklers

Boomtown Fireworks, LLC

  • Seabeck, WA - Great vendor for all your 1.4 firecrackers and Sparklers. They are unable to ship.

Halo Fireworks

  • Seabeck, WA- If you want an amazing firework show at your event then check them out. Cory is the main "Pyro" and is an expert in putting on an amazing, and safe, firework display.


Flowers

A Moment in Time Floral Design

  • Yelm, WA - Heidi, of A Moment in Time Floral Design, is sweet and innovative. She is easy to work with and does not fail to deliver epic and creative wedding florals.

Elopement published in Bellissima Bridal Magazine Issue No. 30Bouquet by A Moment in Time Floral Design, HMUA by Bethany Yackel Beauty

Elopement published in Bellissima Bridal Magazine Issue No. 30

Bouquet by A Moment in Time Floral Design, HMUA by Bethany Yackel Beauty

Blooma Flora

  • Yelm, WA - Blooma Flora is a small local business, which I love to support! On top of that they have an extraordinary eye when it comes to putting together floral arrangement. Check them out!.

Busara Flora

  • Bellevue, WA - Simply stunning! From classy to unique to big and bold Busara Flora with nail your dream bridal bouquet and take your breathe away.

Floral Noir

Bouquet and floral crown by Floral Noir

Bouquet and floral crown by Floral Noir

  • Redmond, WA- Shannon Hagen of Floral Noir is my go-to florist. Her bouquets are unique and stunning - she has a knack for putting together just the right colors and textures to make magic. Call her, you won't regret it - she is absolutely wonderful!

JNJ Floral

  • Enumclaw, WA - Jessica of JNJ floral is such a sweet and talented florist. She is easy to work with and has a lovely, near whimsical floral vision that is perfect for special ocassions.


Hair + Make-up

Allison Peck

Make-up by Allison Peck

Make-up by Allison Peck

  • Lacey, WA - Allison is based in Lacey but travels throughout Lewis, Pierce, Thurston and King Counties. She is not only an experienced MUA, she is also furthering her education by going to school to obtain a Master Esthetician License. Go Allison!! If you love bold and beautiful makeup, Allison is your girl!

A Prima Salon

  • Gig Harbor, WA - Christine Carbone of A Prima Salon is a very talented and experienced Make-up Artist. She has a history of working with big names and once you see her work you'll know why!!

A Second Look - Makeup by Amanda

  • Tacoma, WA - Amanda is through and very detail orientated. Her work is beautiful and flawless!

BeautyBy: Alisa Clark

  • Tacoma, WA - Alisa is professional and easy to work with. So convenient to have on site hair and make-up!

Bethany Yackel Beauty

  • Lynnwood, WA - Bethany does an amazing job and is super sweet and easy to work with. She strives to give each bride a custom and gorgeous look that enhances their features and brings out their natural beauty.

Bridal Make-up by Bethany Yackel Beauty

Bridal Make-up by Bethany Yackel Beauty

Bridal Esthetics By Katie

  • Bellevue, WA - Katie Horton of Bridal Esthetics By Katie is a great option if you are near Bellevue. Look her up!

Fusion Salon

  • Lakewood, WA -Brook Ferber has an eye for for simple yet stunning looks.

Glam to Go

Nicole + Stephanie of Glam to Go working their magic

  • Napavine, WA but they travel! - This gorgeous duo is a one stop shop for you beauty needs. Nicole is an expert at bringing out your best features with the application of make-up and Stephanie is a ninja at taming even the most unruly of locks. Both women are experienced and very easy to work with. You will be looking your very best and happily entertained when working with these two! They also come to you on your wedding day, can't get easier than that!!

Seattle Bride Hair

  • Seattle, WA - Dawn of Seattle Bride Hair does an amazing job on hair AND make-up! She travels not only over Western Washington but to any destination!! She is very popular in the area so book early!

Ronny Marcella

  • Auburn, WA - Ronny is fun, sweet and really easy to work with. She did a great job and I highly recommend her!

Urbanista Wedding

  • Seattle, WA - Simple and elegant. Urbanista wedding does and amazing job at providing custom and stunning bridal looks.

Yoana Lizabeth Clark

  • Seattle, WA - Yoana is super sweet and does amazing work.


Invitations (and other paper product)

Ink + Sable

  • Seattle, WA - Custom, hand written menus, invitations and other wedding paper products. Ink + Sable specializes in some super elegant calligraphy.

Sandpaper

  • Olympia, WA - Tina is the owner and designer of Sandpaper and such a pleasure to work with. She was great at communicating ideas and executed our vision perfectly. We ordered invitations, menus, monogrammed programs, a custom sign, table numbers and name tags and they brought all the decorations and venue together so well! Tina is super flexible and does a huge variety of paper products. Check her out!

Invitations, Menus and Place Cards by Sandpaper

Invitations, Menus and Place Cards by Sandpaper


Limo Service

Access Limos

  • Tacoma, WA + the entire Sound Sound Area through Seattle - I've worked with Paris since 2008 and have never been disappointed. They are a small local company therefore customer service is their top priority, not to mention he's the most prompt person I've met! If you want to feel like royalty and not stress about driving or getting to your destination on time then Access Limos is just the business for you.


Officiants

Best Day Ever Officiant - John Candler

  • Tacoma, WA + beyond - John is an amazing speaker and officiant. He is funny and calm and always has a smile on his face. He has a way of putting audiences at ease and bringing joy and laughter to all attending. The Best Day Ever Officiant would be an absolute asset you YOUR best day ever.


Rentals

Balancing Balloons

  • Seattle, WA - Creative, unique and innovative. Give your wedding an extra special touch with rentals from Balancing Balloons.

Puget Sound Farm Tables

  • Bonney Lake, WA - The days of matching table linens are OUT!! No need to worry about them when you can rent BEAUTIFUL, sturdy, hand built farm tables! Once you see how amazing these are you'll say goodbye to tablecloths for sure - plus hey, that's one less expense! Here's where it gets even MORE exciting... they have more than just fab tables.... they also have decorations, goblets, vintage dishes, cake stands, serving utensils and more....I can't even list it all. A unique twist about them is they also have tables specifically for dessert, hand made beer bars aaaaaaaaaaaaaand s'mores bars!!! Maybe it's just me but no wedding is complete without s'mores, amiright?! Clint and Ashley are so easy to work with and they have so many awesome rentals, check them out!! Did I mention they have a calligrapher..... can you say one stop shop!


Venues

Albee's Garden Parties

  • Olympia, WA - Albee's Garden Parties is an absolute hidden treasure! A bride, and a photographers DREAM! Beautiful fields, tree coverage, a charming indoor area, an orchard, full kitchen and cute little greenhouse area are just a few of the amenities available. The layout is amazing, landscaping is impeccable and unique and the details are rustic and lovely. Five stars for sure!

Ballard Bay Club

Beecher Hill House

Center of Urban Horticulture

  • Seattle, WA - A little paradise in the city. With lush gardens, a variety of unique and beautiful plants, a stunning greenhouse and multiple ceremony locations this venue is definitely one of my favorites!

  • See Serena + Javier’s wedding - Coming Soon

  • See Amanda + Craig’s wedding - Coming Soon

Country N Lace

  • Toledo, WA - I don't even know where to start on this stunning venue! There are multiple location including a country house, woods and barn to choose for your ceremony - all are amazing. There are fields of horses and a row of beautiful sunflowers. Michelle + Luke, the owners are seriously amazing and Michelle has some serious wedding planning skills! She guides the day's events and keeps everything on track and makes it look effortless! One of the best things about this venue is the decorations.... Michelle has a stock pile of vintage and handmade decorations to choose from that will surely meet your needs. My first wedding here I wanted to spend all day photographing the decorations because they are so fantastic! There is even a photo booth area with props! Every detail has been thought out and mastered at Country N Lace. If you want easy and beautiful then Country N Lace could be for you!

Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

  • Olympia, WA - Yes they do wedding .... walking down the aisle surrounded in vibrant purple flowers is unique and a huge win!! Make sure you book early though the flowers are in bloom mid June through mid August.

Hall @ Fauntleroy

  • Seattle, WA -

  • See Amy + Jimmy’s Hall at Fauntleroy wedding

Port Gamble Weddings & Events

  • Port Gamble, WA- Port Gamble is a quaint little town with an old fashion charm. It sits right on the water and offers a good variety for wedding images and cute town for your wedding guests to explore. The church, the reception pavilion and the little downtown businesses are all in walking distance.

  • See Danny + Marco’s weddings at Port Gamble Weddings & Events.

Rein fire Ranch

  • Ravensdale, WA - This venue has it all. Beautiful barns, grassy fields, horses.... and more! Rich and his staff are well organized and easy to work with.

  • See Tayla + Danny’s weddings at Rein Fire Ranch

Salish Lodge & Spa

  • Snoqualmie, WA - Well there is a waterfall….enough said. This venue is a popular tourist destination so it can be fairly crowded in the public spaces but the terrace is beautiful and who wouldn’t want to get married with a view of a stunning waterfall. Bride and groom photos at the base of the waterfall also makes this venue a good choice!

Stocker Farms

  • Snohomish, WA - A big red barn, vintage farm equipment and some beautiful fields. The outdoor ceremony location is beautiful and they have outdoor covered seating too. There are also games and a huge trampoline to keep your guests entertained.

Tacoma Courthouse / Courthouse Square

  • Tacoma, WA - A beautiful and decent sized room with good lighting. It is elegant and vintage. There is a separate room for the bride to get ready and a kitchen space for the caterers. The halls and steps of the courthouse are great for photos and being downtown Tacoma is convenient for some beautiful urban portraits. The 11th st bridge is in walking distance!!

The Golf Club at Newcastle

  • Newcastle, WA - This venue is not only beautiful and elegant but it is huge so it can accommodate even large weddings. Don't forget to step out on their balcony and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Thornwood Castle

  • Tacoma, WA - Get married in a real castle? ABSOLUTELY! The garden area at this venue is absolutely stunning and a perfect location for a ceremony or wedding portraits. There is also a dock that has killer sunsets and a beautiful view! Inside the castle is very remarkable as well. The inside is laden with dark wood that is carved with awe-inspiring details. Upstairs there are rooms to spend the night, as well as get ready for your big day. Each room has so much character and make for beautiful getting ready pictures. There is also a large balcony perfect for a memorable bouquet toss! The stairs going down to the ceremony location are truly luxurious and make for a fairy tale entrance for the bride. There is a large room for the ceremony that also doubles as a dance floor and in the back there is a perfect area for the reception including a covered patio. This venue has it all and if you're looking for a unique location full of character to tell the story of your love then look no further.

Titlow Lodge

Woodland Park Zoo


Videographer

Griffin Studios

  • Check out Brooke Griffin's fun and amazing style!


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

"She's the one with the elephant logo"

Hi! I'm the photographer with the elephant logo....as you guessed I get that often.

As a photographer, our logo also known as a "brand" is like our label. It tells you, our clients, a little bit about us with just one little image. An elephant may be a bit strange for a brand, but I feel that it truly fits me and show who I am and and how I want to represent my business.

Travel back in time with me and I'll tell you about where my love with elephants started.

My first encounter with an elephant was when I was about three years old, my daddy took me to the circus in my hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska. Elephants are pretty large creatures, especially compared to a little girl but I had no fear. I was so curious and fascinated that I wasn't scared to interact with them. I reached out to my new friend, lettuce in hand, and instead of a little tickle from him trunk when he grabbed the lettuce (which I surely expected) I got quite the surprise! My tiny little hand inadvertently, or purposely who knows, went into the elephants trunk. Back out it came, slightly slimier then it entered. Not long after my dad gave me a yellow elephant stuffed animal, that I named Sabrina, and she became my fave. I still have her, although she's in need of a few surgeries to get her healthy again. That is just where it begun...

When I was 16 I traveled to Thailand on vacation and not only did I get to feed and play with the elephants but I got to ride one!! One little baby even picked me up when I was trying to get a photo with it! So fun.... want more stories?? Let's get coffee and chat!

I do have quite a few positive memories with elephants and it is part of the reason why I love them. But I also connect with them on another level. Although I am not Buddhist, I have much respect for spirituality and have a fascination with the concepts behind Buddhism. The elephant is strongly connected with Buddha and symbolizes power, wisdom, strength, protection of the home, fertility and good luck. An elephant trunk facing upward is a sign of good luck, hence the elephant in my logo! So... isn't an elephant a perfect fit for the logo of a wedding photographer??? Me, especially.

***TIP*** Scroll all the way down to see some nice little gems from my childhood. If you need a good laugh you won't want to miss them!

 

Olympia Wedding Photographer

Sarah Gonia Photography Logo designed with and created by Wild Hyacinth Design Studio.

Olympia Wedding Photographer
Chiang Mai, Thailand circa 1999

Chiang Mai, Thailand circa 1999

Reference: http://luckypath-fengshui.com/elephants-and-feng-shui-nine-ways-to-use-elephants-for-good-luck/

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

Kelly + Robert Historic Bigelow House Elopement | Olympia Wedding Photographer

This day was so amazing, I don't even know where to start!

Kelly and Robert eloped at Robert's family's homestead in downtown Olympia, The Bigelow House. The Bigelow House, also known as Daniel R. Bigelow House or The Bigelow House Museum is run by a non-profit focused on preserving history and they have done JUST THAT with all the renovations they have completed. The Bigelow House is the oldest residence in Olympia and even neater yet, one of the oldest structures in the PNW. The amount of history that has been preserved in this house absolutely took my breathe away. Even Robert, the great Grandson of Daniel and Ann Elizabeth Bigelow, was speechless as he moved throughout the house. Most of the rooms looked just like he remembered as a child and as we toured the house he told story after story of his families legacy and his childhood memories. By the end of the day I felt as I was a part of the history of this great house as well.

The beautiful bride, Kelly, selected a champagne dress that had a vintage feel and seemed to fit the venue, and the day, SO perfectly. Kelly topped off her look with a gorgeous Victorian necklace and earrings, a delicate and simple bouquet of dried wildflowers and her heart on her sleeve. I could feel how important this day, the history of the house, and her groom were to her. Another detail that stands out in my mind is a tiny picture of Robert's Great-Grandfather fastened to the base of Kelly's wedding bouquet. His presence was important in so many ways and most importantly because Kelly + Robert chose the day of their union with purpose. June 18th, 1854 was Robert's great-grandfather and great-grandmother's wedding anniversary! What a great way to honor family with 163 years of history mixed in there!

Kelly + Robert, I am beyond honored to have been there to capture your big day. The history that surrounds you and your family is enchanting and the thought that went into the details of your elopement is heartfelt. This day will forever remain in my mind and in my heart. Congrats you two!

A bazillian thanks to my awesome second shooter, Samantha Ek of Picturesque Art Photography.

Kelly + Robert's pictures tell the story of their big day, and so much more, so I'll quit yammering and let them tell it....

Bigelow House Museum Elopement | Olympia Wedding Photographer
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Bigelow House Museum Elopement | Olympia Wedding Photographer
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Hooray!

Kelly + Robert's wedding is featured on the fabulous wedding site, Borrowed & Blue. Check it out!

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

SLOW FLOWERS: A Conscious Choice

Today's blog comes straight from the floral industry. Brides and grooms, gardeners, vendors, florists and conscientious consumers, this is for YOU.

Debra Prinzing, award winning author, speaker and founder of slowflowers.com.PC: Mary Grace Long Photography

Debra Prinzing, award winning author, speaker and founder of slowflowers.com.

PC: Mary Grace Long Photography

The Slow Flowers Movement was born when flower consumers started questioning the origin of their flowers. Debra Prinzing is the founder - and heart - behind the Slow Flowers Movement which supports the idea of using local, American-grown flowers. She gave the Slow Flowers concept life with the creation of an online directory of florists and flower growers who support the cause: slowflowers.com. Prinzing initiated American Flowers Week to create awareness about Slow Flowers and bring to light the many reasons why flower consumers should buy local.

The Slow Flowers path was paved by the Slow Food movement. Somewhere along the way America went from a nation relying on local crops as a main food source for it's people to importing the same foods from areas of cheap labor and lesser health standards. Flowers also joined that list and America currently imports billions of dollars of international flowers each year. The undertow of the Slow Flowers Movement is really about making a conscious choice about one's purchases. Flowers are a necessity for many events and choosing to support locally allows one to know and better appreciate the origin of their products, support the small business owners in their area and better honor the season and region where they live with flowers that are local and timely.

Prinzing is the proactive and dedicated voice that has brought to light this conspicuous but previously unspoken subject.  Prinzing has a degree in design and a long history of gardening. For many years she has worked as a journalist, writing articles and speaking about gardening, architecture and floral design. With the birth of Slow Flowers and slowflowers.com, Prinzing was able to combine all of her vast experiences to not only start a revolution of flower consciousness but also find her niche. Some of Prinzing's accomplishments are as contributing writer and editor of Country Garden's Magazine, recipient of the first annual Grower's Choice Award and author of ten books. For more information on Prinzing, please see her 'About' page. Prinzing also does a weekly Podcast 'SLOW FLOWERS with Debra Prinzing' which is very informative. For more information, click HERE.

This year, June 28-July 4th, will be the 3rd annual American Flowers Week; a celebration of the Slow Flowers Movement. These dates are appropriate because as we celebrate the freedom of our country, we celebrate the return of home grown flowers and support for local businesses. Modeled after England's British Flowers Week, American Flowers Week was designed to bring awareness to any and all flower consumers.

The concept of Slow Flowers, although fairly new, is spreading at a rate that is anything but a reflection of it's name. Seed companies, flower growers, florists, wedding couples and even super markets are getting on board and making a mindful choice to keep the flower market local. Prinzing's passion and dedication to the Slow Flowers Movement is monumental in bringing change to the flower industry. Her yearning for mindfulness, and dedication to informing consumers, will ensure that the popularity of American-grown flowers will continue to rise. Events like American Flowers Week are also critical to educating consumers and raising excitement regarding the Slow Flowers Movement. Slow Flowers has already created a huge impact on the flower industry over the past few years. As consumers become more aware, the momentum of this movement will undoubtedly and thankfully be unstoppable - a guiding light for all other Slow Movements to come.

Special thanks to Debra Prinzing for granting me an interview and for being so excited and passionate about such a worthy subject.

Resources

http://multinationales.org/Where-do-our-flowers-come-from

http://www.debraprinzing.com/

http://slowflowers.com/

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

Armin + Tailor's ROMANTIC Seattle Surprise Proposal | Seattle Wedding Photographer

Swooooooooooooooooooooooon! In December, Armin went full out to surprise his then girlfriend, Tailor, with this fairy tale worthy proposal.

Tailor had been out with her best friend for a fun girls day but when they arrived back at her friends house, Tailor had a romantic surprise waiting for her. A tantalizing trail of red rose petals, lined with the warm glow of candles lead Tailor up a set of stairs to a glowing arbor where her boyfriend, Armin, anxiously waited. The next moments were a medley of tears and heart felt words that were passionately followed by kisses - SHE SAID YES!

As a wedding photographer it was so neat to see the moments that lead to couples contacting me to photograph their weddings! All the preparation, planning, organizing, setting up - the waiting, the anxious laughter and thoughtful gazes. Friends and family coming together to pull off an epic surprise. Proposals, being where a new chapter begins, are such an intimate and special part of a couples story. Each engagement is unique, personalized to the couples love story and worth documenting no matter the circumstances! I love story telling and if I could follow each couple from proposal to wedding, and beyond... my heart, and my camera, would be pretty darn happy.

So back to my story, Tailor + Armin are engaged!! Surrounded by their closest friends and family they celebrated their big news. Lots of wedding and life planning are in their future but together they will build a life and become a family. This is how their story begins...

If you are planning to propose to your Cuddly Wumpkins, you may have a ring and a general plan in mind but don't forget one HUGE factor. Me! Having a photographer present to capture your proposal is a great way to document the start of "the rest of your life" together. The expression on her face, the tears that fall -smeared makeup and all- the love you have for each other in that moment will all become solidified in time. A true candid and heartfelt moment that is worthy to remember over and over and pass on to generations to come.

Tailor + Armin's story starts here, but where does yours start?

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

 

Check out the below wedding blogs and resources!

Bri + Chris' Owen Beach Elopement | Tacoma Elopement Photographer

As a Pacific Northwest wedding photographer the months of January and February can be a bit slow because of the cold and rain.....so, I try to make the best of my down time and set up fun stylized shoots like this dreamy beach elopement!

When you meet Bri she is just a ray of sunshine - beautiful, friendly and positive. Chris is quiet, easy and caring.  They are this dynamic yin and yang couple that compliment each other perfectly. My favorite thing to capture when I'm photographing a couple is the connection that they share, the deep and fierce love that is only shared between two lovers. It is immediately undeniable how much these two love one another. Their sweet connection is inspirational!

The gorgeous flowers from this event are from Floral Noir. I've been talking a lot about Floral Noir lately, but how can I not?! This is the second event that I have worked on with this company and I am thoroughly impressed! The rich textures, the color combination that melds together perfectly and the minty green of the foliage makes this bouquet hard to ignore. They have a knack for using just the right combination of flowers and foliage to really get the perfect look. This bouquet was completely designed by Shannon at Floral Noir off of a simple Pinterest mood board that was made to inspire this session. Shannon is an expert at putting together breathtaking floral arrangements no matter the circumstances. Thank you for working with us to pull off this amazing beach elopement! My wedding photographer heart is soaring in the clouds after this memorable event!

We chose the location of Owen's beach for it's size and prominently to Point Defiance Park. This was my first opportunity to shoot at Owen's and the fact that it was a beautiful evening made the experience pleasant.  The earthy tones and grey rocks make a perfect background for any color wardrobe and the light pinks and white of this session popped especially well. Owen's Beach is defiantly been added to the return to shoot list!

Loved working with all those involved and and I am looking forward to the next fun stylized shoot!

Thanks to Samantha Ek of Picturesque Art Photography for helping plan this amazing shoot!

 

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

Karrie + Zephan's Albee's Garden Parties Stylized Wedding | Olympia Wedding Photographer

Here's a little throwback to September 2015- A beautiful stylized wedding that was organized by two crazy talented photographers, Allison and Lori, and held at Albee's Garden Parties.

This was my first experience doing a big wedding event like this and it was my first stylized shoot. I loved seeing a new venue and working with new vendors, like Sugar Rush Cupcakes who made the delicious cake and Blooma Flora who designed all the amazing wedding floral arrangements! Also, I love so many of the pictures that I had a hard time narrowing down which ones to feature but looking back I realize how far I've come as a photographer. I was still a brand new photographer at this point and hadn't even opened my business let alone thought about becoming a full time wedding photographer. I love looking at these images because they remind me where I started and show how much I've grown. They remind me why I keep taking photography classes, attend workshops and practice new techniques as often as I can.

They remind me of why I LOVE being a wedding photographer!

When I think about my wedding day, the memories are a blur. There was so much going on at once, so many people to talk to and so much to keep track of that I have very few solid memories of that day. When I look at my wedding photos, it all comes rushing back AND I am grateful that my photographer captured so many behind the scenes and candid moments that I missed.  The flood of all these amazing memories and feelings is like having a little "vacation" from the routine of present day life and is a great reminder of how important good wedding photos are.

There is just something so special and magical about capturing all the love and raw emotions of a wedding day and solidifying it in history as a special little "vacation" for each couple. Add in the amazing summer sun, the dark green vegetation, and the beautiful landscape of Washington and you get just a few of the reasons I love being a Pacific Northwest Wedding photographer.

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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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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

Jaime's Boho Session

Jaime! I just love this girl! Not only is she gorgeous but she is smart, funny, caring and just an all around amazing human. Jaime is super fun to photograph and I can't wait to work with her again! Keep being fabulous, girl!

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