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

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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.

If you like this blog and want to see more, check out the blogs below

XOXO,

Sarah

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A Hot Chocolate Tradition

Today I'm going to talk about one of my favorite family traditions that my husband and I started with our son and then continued with our daughter- the Hot Chocolate Tradition! Overall we as a family eat pretty healthy - our kids (4, 2 and 8 months) don't drink soda or eat candy but they do get a bit of watered down juice or a piece of chocolate on special occasions.

Before you are a parent you think about main disciplinary tactics for your future child and maybe if you'll breastfeed or not but when and how you introduce sweets may not be on the pre-parent radar. When my son was a baby we made sure he ate healthy, diverse and organic meals and luckily he turned out to be a great eater and enjoys nearly all vegetables, meats and dishes we cook. Starting at about a year I kept having people try to give him candy or chocolate milk and I was a bit taken back. Isn't he too young for that "stuff??" We decided if he got a cake smash (banana bread with cream cheese frosting lol) for his first birthday then maybe we should start something special for his second birthday. My friend Julie, from my mom's group, suggest "first hot chocolate" and I thought it was a cute idea! So on my son's second birthday, poor little lad was sick, but we went out as a family and got him his first hot chocolate. Of course he didn't care for it but it was a fun and memorable outing and a good way to introduce chocolate and celebrate him turning two.

Fast forward nearly TWO years and it was our middle daughters turn to celebrate a second birthday! So on the porch we went with some warm hot chocolate and can't forget the can of whipped cream. We all drank our hot chocolate (or bottle) and giggled and filled our mouths with whipped cream. The kids loved it and it was a fun photo op for our family yearbooks. I often think back to these few moments and recollect on celebrating my children as fully entered toddler-hood and every time it makes me smile. Maybe they won't remember it, but I will...the smiles and joy that came along with such simple amenities as hot chocolate and whipped cream are such a great representation of childhood to me.

Even now, with a big four year old we haven't introduced candy and still monitor what they eat but someday the time will come when we cannot control these things...until then my kids with devour foods like cheese and peas for snacks and we will enjoy our occasional cup of hot chocolate.

Part of me wants our youngest to never grow up, she's so sweet and such a happy baby but on the other hand I look forward to our special moments like her cake smash to celebrate her first birthday and .....well she was born in May so depending on the weather some chocolate milk , haha, to celebrate her second birthday. I don't necessary look forward to my kids growing up per say, because I will miss nearly every moment of them being little, but I DO look forward to all the new traditions we sill start together and the wonderful things my kids will accomplish. Maybe some day I will sit on the porch with one of my children and a grandchild and sip hot chocolate to celebrate a second birthday....and generations of a very special tradition.

I'd love to hear about your family tradition, please share them in the comments or message me!!

...and of course our Christmas card came from this fun shoot!!

XOXO,

Sarah

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Goofyfoot Pretzels

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

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Kristin's Lularoe's Self-Love Experience #2 | Olympia Event Photography

Kristin's Lularoe Self-Love Experience went so well the first time that she decided to make it a monthly thing!!! How great is that! I just love her sunshine-y personality and how she invests time in others and strives to make them more confident in themselves and see their true beauty! Kristin, you're a saint!

December's event was on a rainy day, but that didn't stop us from taking some fun photos to celebrate the get together. Some of the attendees came to the first event, but most were there for the first time. The ladies (and one gentleman) had a blast setting up outfits for each other to try on and they even had some fun Christmas props to throw in there!

One thing that I find very interesting about Lularoe is that it's so versatile. One woman will put together an outfit and rock it and yet another could take the same pieces and rock it in a different configuration. Very cool and fun and flattering! And there are so many patterns to choose from!!

We even enjoyed some Starbucks hot chocolate in their festive red cups and some Goofyfoot Brand Pretzels, which are absolutely amazing BTW! They are made by a local Lacey, Washington Mom! Stay tuned for a blog about them!

Another successful event focusing on loving yourself and making new friends! Keep it up Kristin! Next one is planned for February! If you'd like to participate please message Kristin HERE or visit her group HERE.

To read about Kristin's Lularoe Self-Love Experience test run click HERE.

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.

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“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

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XOXO,

Sarah

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Rachel + Jordan's Boho Ft. Steilacoom Couples Maternity | Tacoma Maternity Photography

Today on the blog is one of my favorite sessions of 2016! This couple was so much fun and just look how adorable they are! Rachel had an idea to take some pictures in a white canopy so she brought some fabric with her and we made a cute little retreat for them to cuddle for photos. It went perfect with her GORGEOUS floral dress and Jordan's blue shirt. Rachel and Jordan are so amazing together, their love for each other just radiates around them and the look they get when they are with each other is just the sweetest. I can't wait to meet their baby girl - with so much love for each other their little girl will be loved beyond measure.

Did I mention how fun and hilarious this couple was??? My favorite is the one with Jordan's little kick while he goes in for a kiss haha! There were so many hilarious outtakes I had to add them in! Hope you get as big of a "kick" out of them as I did. :)

XOXO,

Sarah

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Dnycia's Ft. Steilacoom Park Senior Portraits | Tacoma Senior Photographer

I met this sweet senior's mother, Letitia, at a get together with some friends and she started telling me about her soccer-loving daughter, Dnycia, so I was excited when Letitia contacted me to do Dyncia's senior portraits! We had one reschedule due to rain but as a Pacific Northwest Senior Photographer I considered that lucky because the next was beautiful and we even had some sun!!

Letitia had warned me that Dnycia was shy but camera's don't lie! Just look at that smile!!! Once she warmed up a bit I think she even had fun! I know I did! So nice to meet you Dnycia, good luck in the rest of your senior year and I'll see you for family photos in the summer.

XOXO,

Sarah

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Winter Wonderland Stylized Senior Shoot | Olympia Senior Photography

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE shooting in the snow? Well....I absolutely do!

I got together with some fellow photographers for this fun and snowy Stylized Senior Shoot . Tammy of Tammy Dalquist Photography brought her stunning squad of Senior Models and we had a blast shooting and playing in the snow. 

As a Pacific Northwest Senior Photographer I love the rich greens of our beautiful scenery, the way red from this shoot pops makes me grin ear to ear. Red is BY FAR my favorite color to shoot!

Girls, you are gorgeous and I had a blast getting to know you a bit. Countdown is on until the end of senior year, make it memorable!

XOXO,

Sarah

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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

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

Crime Stoppers Reindeer Run 2016 | Olympia Event Photography

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 ;)

Below are some photos from the event and some actual race photos. To see a full gallery or download images please click HERE.

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!

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