Olympia Event Photography
XOXO,
Sarah
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As a wedding photographer I don't photograph as many family as I used too since my summer and fall are busy catching "I do's." BUT when I do get to squeeze one in I remember how fun they can be.
This is the Morgan Family's second time having their family portrait's taken with me and it was really fun to see how much the girls had grown up. Not to mention the addition of a little, chubby-cheeked and smiley brother! So much can change in two years!! We hammed it up, danced and played and had a blast exploring the Capitol Building! What a great setting and an amazing family.
OF COURSE now I'm going to sneak my favorite quote about families in here... not that it pertains to this family cause I don't think I've met their 'nut' yet but when I think of it relative to my family it makes me giggle!
...... side note...... if you are the 'nut' do you know it?? If you read this and think "no, not my family - we are 'nut' free" could that mean that YOU are the 'nut'? Anyway, I find it pretty humorous and it also reminds me how much I love my family, 'nuts' and all.
People, and family, change over time and it's great to have images to hold side my side to not only remember fond moments that have passed but also to see all the changes that may not be as obvious because you see people every day. A solid reminder not to take any moment, phase - good or bad- or person for granite.
Second side not of today's blog, I'm happy to see how much growth there is in my photography skills too .... so SO much can change in two years!
Thank you Morgan family for trusting me to capture your family portraits not once but twice! I hope we can enjoy each other's growth again!
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
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....
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
In April, my family and I attended the Arts Walk 2017 in downtown Olympia, Washington. Arts walk is a two day festival that celebrates local artists - of all different crafts. From Painting to little wooden bird houses, sewn masterpieces and hand crafted statues there was an endless variety of beautiful, locally crafted Art. There were also performers filling the streets; some of my favorite being the children jugglers, fire dancers, break dancers and musicians. Local businesses aided in the spirit of the festival by displaying the Art of local Artists, from preschool students to accomplished Artists alike.
The streets were closed to traffic for the festivities and there were so many people it was hard to find room to walk. Looking all around there were smiles on the faces that whizzed passed me, children danced, laughed and chased bubbles. Looking up I saw balloons, a beautiful blue sky - and some rain. Even looking down was festive as the streets where covered in detailed chalk drawings, names of children and lovers and inspirational quotes.
The Luminary Procession is held the first night of Arts Walk and boasts some elaborate and visually stunning lanterns -many homemade. From dinosaurs to bugs to simple shapes, a parade of beautifully lit works of art passes through the streets of the Olympia. What a great way to close out the first day of Arts Walk.
A unique and popular part of Arts Walk is the Procession of the Species, which is a parade where it's participants dress up in detailed costumes of all species. It is intended to celebrate our connection with the earth and all living things. More immediately it provides joy and entertainment for all that witness it's magnificence. The Procession of the Species in Olympia has very minimal funding and depends on donations to keep it running. Please consider donating (information on donating HERE.)
The experience was one of a kind, chocked full of culture, spice and life. A truly remarkable and eye-opening experience that we will now be adding to our calendar every year.
Some of my images from Arts Walk and the Procession of the Species were featured on Thurston Talk's website. See the article HERE.
Arts Walk is presented by the City of Olympia Arts Commission and the Parks, Arts & Recreation department with
support provided by the local business community.
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 December I photographed a fun Self-Love inspired Lularoe event with my good friends Kristin. One of her friends brought these amazing pretzels for us to snack on!!! GoofyFoot Brand Pretzels are delicious so we decided to take some fun pictures with them. I love that Gooftyfoot is ran by a local mom in Lacey, WA!! Supporting small local businesses, just like mine, is definitely important to me. That being said, try these pretzels!!! Just don't bring them around my kids or you won't get any, they are that good!
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 November I was approached by my friend, Julie Major, to volunteer my time to a fundraising 5k put on by Crime Stoppers, and I gladly agreed! Not only am I a runner (on a post-babies hiatus haha) but I am also a strong supporter of law enforcement and maintaining a safe and peaceful community to raise my children. Perfect fit for me!
The 5k started bright and early at the Olympia Hands on Children Museum and set up was in full swing when I arrived. Staff and volunteers from the HOCM and Crime Stoppers of Thurston County were working through the cold to prepare the race and event areas. The other supporters for the event included DJ Pooji, Batdorf & Bronson, Mark Brown, Club Oly Road Runners, LOTT, Allwest Moving & Storage, Major & Company, Yelm Jewelry & Loan, Propel Insurance, Washington Performing Arts Center, Oly Chivers, Tumwater Police Department, Yelm Police Department, City of Olympia Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff's Department, Olympia Fire Department, Lularoe Sunshine Kristen and OntheRunEvents.com. <---- Check them all out because they ROCK!!!
I had a blast photographing this event and it was great to see how many people participated! -238 PEOPLE FINISHED THE RUN! Not including all those who did the 1 Mile Candy Cane run and the countless personnel who gave their time for this event. Plus SANTA!!!! Thanks Santa and thank you to Olympia Fire Department for bringing your awesome vehicle for Santa.
Special Thanks to Brendan Hay for picking up my second camera and capturing tons of awesome action shots. You rock buddy, even if you shoot Sony ;)
Click HERE to see the race results!!!
Contact Crime Stoppers to see how you can donate or volunteer your time.
Also if you see any of our hard working law enforcement agents out and about take a second to thank them for all that they do. They work hard to keep us all safe. THANK YOU from Sarah Gonia Photography!
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
