Welcome to Sarah Gonia Photography

Sarah Gonia Photography vows to go beyond traditional posed photography and capture the true you and everything you are feeling in that instant. For in the end, it's the little moments of joy, laughter and connection with those you love that are a huge part of what makes us up as people. These are the moments that describe our souls without a single word; these are the moments truly worth documenting

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

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!!