Olympia Arts Walk 2017

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

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Fun Prop Ideas for Your Portrait Session

Most of the portraits that I shoot focus more on the connection between people rather than props but I do recommend bringing one or two personal items to make your session unique and fun. It doesn't have to be big and elaborate to make amazing photos (but if you have a beautiful armchair briiiing it!!)

Couples/Engagement Photography

• Chalkboard

• Save the Date

• Rings

• Pillows, blankets

• Candles

• Flowers

• Flower Crown

• Beautiful Dress

• Uniform

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Matching item ex baseball caps or jerseys

• Balloons

• Hammock

• A bicycle

• Large balloon or half a dozen small ones (helium)

• Umbrella

• Signs

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Row boat

• Coffee

• Hat

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Maternity Photography

• Book

• Ultrasound Photo

• Baby Shoes

• Sign

• Chalkboard

• Letters Spelling Babies Name

• Flowers

• Floral Crown

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Balloons

• Pickles and Ice Cream!

• Significant or cherished item

• Chalk

• Lace dress, a flowing dress

• Fur baby and sign to announce pregnancy

• Tiny crown

• Baby Daddy!! siblings.

• Sun hat

• Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

• Large piece of sheer fabric

• Wedding Rings

• Tulle Skirt and Bralette

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Senior Photography

• Letterman Jacket

• Sports Paraphernalia

• Your best friend or close family member so you are more relaxed

• Medals or Awards that you are proud of

• Sports uniforms

• Instruments

• College Swag

• Several Outfits

• A fun hat

• Sunglasses

• Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

• Flowers

• Floral Crown

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Balloons

• Book

• Sign

• Graduation year numbers

• Globe

• Flag

• Significant Necklace or Bracelent

• Class Ring

• Props that elude to your future career (stethoscope for doctor etc)

• The best prop you can bring is confidence and a genuine smile!

Family Photography

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• Pillows and Blanket

• Tent, Campfire, s'mores

• Chalkboard

• Family Pet

• Bicycles

• Kayaks

• Hiking boots and a gorgeous view!

• Signs

• Bubbles

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Tee-Pee

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Children's Photography

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• Watermelon

• Lemonade stand

• Kissing booth

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Signs

• Bubbles

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Tee-Pee

• Bicycle or Tricycle

• Umbrella

• Balloons

• Child-sized chairs

• Headbands

• Bow Ties

• Cakes or cupcakes

• Lollipop

• Swing

• Vintage Suitcases

• Chalk

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Lifestyle Photography

• Game or activity

• Books

• Baking

• Ice cream

• Pillow Fight

• Fort

• Sprinkler

• Water balloons

• Tea/coffee

• Couch

• Bed

• Wagon

• Bicycle or Tricycle

• Popsicles

• Trampoline

• Hike

• Tent, campfire, s'mores

XOXO,

Sarah

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

Elicia's Discovery Park Maternity | Olympia Maternity Photographer

Maternities have steadily become one of my favorite sessions to photograph. There is something so wonderful and magical about creating and sustaining a life and it should be celebrated. We all have heard, and probably used, the term "pregnancy glow" in our lives and in the beginning months this can be very true. Yet as time passes the physical effects of pregnancy can leave women feeling a little less like a fairy goddess and more like a turtle stuck on it's shell. 

As a mother of three I personally know how women can struggle with self-confidence as their bodies change and grow. My favorite thing about photographing maternities is to help expecting mothers to feel beautiful in their skin and there is something about getting your hair and makeup done and putting on a gorgeous flowing dress to do just that!

My second favorite thing about shooting maternity sessions is documenting that amazing period in time! Some day these babies will grow up and look back at these images and see how beautiful and STRONG their mothers are. Daughters will compare their pregnant bellies to the shape of their mothers. You'll be able to look back at the images and have all those feelings you were experiencing come flooding back! 

Heck, if every woman got maternity photos maybe new developments would be made on the old wives tale about whether boys/girls sit high/low! HAHA Only kidding.

Before you know it these moments -the little kicks and the uncomfortable nights will be a fleeting memory and believe it or not you WILL miss it. So document these moments... capture the joy, the anticipation, the wonder, the questions of their future, the love between you and your spouse and the amazing process your body goes through in order for you to be able to snuggle your sweet babe. 

After all, life is precious and the most valuable gift we can have or give so why not document every moment of it?

The cherry on top is being a Pacific Northwest Maternity Photographer! Just look at those rich greens and the soft colors of the coast. The PNW is extremely diverse and offers some breathtaking backdrops!

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

Preparing For Your Portrait Session

Hello friends! So you're getting your picture taken! Let's talk about a few things to get you ready for our session!

Although we can schedule your session any time during the day, we try to schedule to take advantage of the best natural light. The hours after sunrise and before sunset are 'golden' times and have ideal lighting. The golden light of these hours are soft, flattering and BEAUTIFUL! Please make sure you specify one of these time slots if you are interested.

ASK QUESTIONS! We strive to create a custom experience for each of our clients. Feel free to ask questions including location advice, wardrobe, style, props and more! Below are a few guidelines to get you started.

Clothing

• Keep the attire simple, but coordinate colors for groups.

• Solid colors are best... try to avoid large bold patterns and neon colors as they can take attention away from your face. If you do select an outfit with a pattern try to match that pattern to solid colors for the clothing of the other parties in the portrait.

• When selecting your wardrobe consider the location of your portrait session and match accordingly. For example, soft colors look great at the beach and avoid green in the forest so you don't blend in!

• If you plan to hang a large print or canvas of your images consider the colors of your home when selecting your wardrobe.

• Darker, solid colors appear more slimming than lighter colors.

• Dress weather appropriate so you aren't too hot or cold.

• Be sure to include the appropriate shoes, socks and stockings for your outfit. Plan your wardrobe from head to toe as full length poses are a part of your portrait session.

• Bring an outfit change(s) to add variety to your sitting.

• Wear clothing you are uncomfortable in. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your face and will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.

• Avoid baggy clothing as it can make you look big/boxy.

• Eyeglasses can create glare that hides your eyes. We recommend wearing contacts if you have them or asking your optician if you can borrow a similar frame without lenses.

• Remember to empty your pockets of cellphones, keys, chapstick etc so there aren't visible outlines.

• Ladies!!! Take your hairbands off your wrists.

• Feel free to bring a few props with you to add a unique touch to your portraits.

• Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes! Music can create some great vibes and help you relax.

Hair/Make-up

We highly recommend getting your hair and make-up done as professional stylists know how to apply makeup to best bring out your natural beauty! Besides, knowing you look fabulous and FEELING fabulous will help you be more relaxed and happy. Those natural smiles and real laughter are always my fave!

There are many talented Hair and Makeup artists in the area, if you'd like suggestions please contact one of the artists on our Wedding Resource Guide.

Kids

• Bring snacks to avoid hangry 'tudes. Also good for bribery.

• Bring a comfort item - stuffed animal, pacifier, blankey etc.

• Make sure parents AND kids are both rested. You may be so focused on making sure your child is well rested that you forget about yourself. Children are very sensitive to their parents emotions and even the slightest bit of grump or frustration can affect their behavior. Bottom line, if you are happy and relaxed your kids will be too!

• Allow for extra time to get to the location and prepare for your session. The events leading up to your session can set the tone of the day. Extra time = no stress about being late and time for your munchkins to look around and acclimate to the location.

• Don't force them to smile! That's my job! Kids are much more relaxed and natural when you aren't telling them what to do and what not to do. Relax and have fun with them, your smiles and laughter will relax them and then their smiles will come naturally. I'll say it again - when you are stressed they are stressed, when you are relaxed they are relaxed!

• Bring baby wipes! Cause boogers.

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

Kendra + Thor Ft. Steilacoom Engagement Session | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

Kendra + Thor are getting married!

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

Alli + Reese's Ft. Steilacoom Couples Session | Tacoma Engagement Photographer

Alli + Reese's couples session at Ft. Steilacoom Park was loaded full of favorites! One of my favorite photographer friends, her favorite boy, one of my favorite locations, my favorite type of session (love stories!!), my favorite type of weather (no rain!), one of my favorite colors to photograph (those PURPLE pants!!!) and my favorite atmosphere - relaxed, lots of laughs and LOVE! I'm also very drawn to the dark greens that winter in the PNW provides!

Although winter photos do lack the warm beautiful sun of summer portraits, there is just something so nice and calming about the grey of Pacific Northwest during rainy season. A big difference being that the greens are very muted compared to when it's summer so there are nice dark greens in the background rather than bright green of summer. Visually this can be an excellent thing!

It is already April and we are starting to get more and more nice days where the clouds and rain take a break and the bright warm sun illuminates the earth, and our moods. Soon every day will be sunny and a variety of plants and flowers will be in full bloom. Summer portraits full of flowers, blue sky and a warm glow will soon be possible.

Every season has it's perks - summer has flowers and warm, golden sun, fall has beautiful orange foliage and falling leaves, winter has neutral and calming tones - and snow! - and spring has flowers and a mix of winter and summer tones. This is important to consider when planning portraits as you want the scenery and light to match the mood of the images. So if you are thinking about getting portraits done, plan ahead and if you aren't sure what season is best then message me and we will find the perfect time to get the look you are aiming for.

No matter what time of year you step in front of my camera we will have some fun and create some relaxed, memorable and fun images.

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

Romantic + Moody Styled Winter Wedding | Tacoma Wedding Photographer

I recently joined a group of talented photographers and vendors to pull together a dreamy stylized winter wedding and what a great time we had! The original plan was to shoot outside at Auburn's Flaming Geyser Park but since we caught a standard Seattle winter day we were forced to switch to the Tacoma Graffiti Garages to stay dry. Although I missed the rich greens of the park the dramatic light of the Graffiti Garage set a very romantic and rich mood to the day.

One of my favorite parts of putting together this event was all the incredible vendors I was able to meet! There is so much local talent and creativity in the PNW that I am frequently in AWW at the amazing creations that I photograph. A custom ring box, carefully designed invitations, handmade barn tables and s'mores bar, elegant and detailed dresses, rich and textured floral arrangements, a unique and delicious cake, a rustic wooden sign and professional hair and makeup are just a few of the items designed and created for this event. We absolutely could not have pulled off such an amazing event without the help of these hard working companies. Special thanks to the following companies!!

Ring Box and Wood Decoration/Cake Toppers: Lee Six Laser & Design

Invitations, Menus, S'mores sign, Paper Table Decorations: Sandpaper Custom Stationary

Wooden Table, Benches, green goblets, S'mores Bar: Puget Sound Farm Tables

Wedding Dresses, Veils & Headband: Country Bridal

Flowers: JNJ Floral

Cake: Delicately Sweet Confections

Wooden Welcome Sign: Happy Heart Design Co

HMUA Couples: Alisa Clark

HMUA Single Bride: Brenda Beauty Guru

For more vendor information please see Sarah Gonia Photography's Preferred Vendor List or contact me if you have specific needs.

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

Tonya + Mark's Seattle Courthouse Wedding | Seattle Wedding Photographer

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

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

Perfect Banana Muffins; A Baking Adventure with Toddlers

I love my kids, they are amazing, adorable, sweet and stubborn little jerks. Most days we play, color, practice writing, read and eat everything they can get their hands on but there are some days that are rough and I'm not afraid to admit that I bribe them to take a nap.  These are the days that something along the lines of "sure we can make muffins, now go to sleep" escapes my mouth when I actually meant to say "no, we are going to clean your playroom after nap - won't that be fun!" The results are delicious banana muffins (my new favorite,) one salivating dog and two toddler covered in flour and giggles.

I found a promising recipe on Pinterest (yay for it not being a Pinterest fail because I've had my fair share of those) and we started getting the ingredients in order. Out come the stools that Grumpa, my dad, made for the kids and there is bickering and pushing as they fight there way up for one of the two equally prime locations to access the counter. For Christmas they received a Pampered Chef kids baking set from their Auntie Owlie and every time we use it there is tons of excitement quickly followed by tug-o-war then drum playing and then ends with me washing all the slobber off the spatula and bowl because my spicy (thanks for that term, Magan) two year old likes to put everything in her mouth. Next, I re-wash everything because while I was washing the spatula and bowl Quin put the remaining items in her mouth. Finally, side by side they are lined up with extra clean bowls and measuring equipment and are playing the "me first, no me first game." Love that one *eye roll.* Soon they are in the swing of things and carefully measuring out somewhat close to full measuring cups and spoons and adding the ingredients to the counter....and then remeasuring and (with mom's help) adding them to the bowl. Cue giggles and the inhalation of flour as they begin a flour fight to where I'm pretty sure the spicy two year old won. Once (the majority) of all the dry ingredients were in the bowl we pulled out mommy's bowl and started in on the wet ingredients. Which would have been about 17 eggs if let them have their way. I was pretty impressed at how well they cracked the eggs as I expected to be crunching shells at some point but not a one made it in the bowl!! Shout out to our chickens for finally not freeloading after the cold spell we had earlier this year. After mixing all the ingredients we brought the bowl over to the greased muffin pans (we did a double batch and added chocolate chips to half) and I started to spoon the batter into the pans.....imagine me squished into the corner of our counter with one child trying to climb up my body to get a good view and the second pushing the other, and me, from their stool to insure that THEY get the better view. While I'm trying to keep my balance and restrain myself from flinging batter at my crazy offspring, suddenly there are tiny fingers going from bowl to mouths and all I can do is laugh since it's finally silent for the first time in almost five years... If you are a guest at my house in the next two day - I'd recommend you don't eat the muffins.....

Soon the muffins are in the oven and as I'm closing the door the silence is broken with "are they done yet?" and "Nana muffin, Mama, nana muffin!"

Needles to say it was a pretty long 15 minutes but well worth the wait when hubs and I got to enjoy a muffin...and another moment of silence since they both shoved the whole things in their mouth at once. I do have to say that the cuddles and kisses were pretty awesome afterwards, even if it's just because they wanted more muffins.

Below is the recipe that we used in case you wanted to make your own batch....I MAY have added a few ingredients and steps..... also, scroll down to see some cuteness!

Love my two crazy, energetic tots.....even when they drive me bananas....

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Perfect Banana Muffins

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large bananas, mashed
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• (Toddler slobber - optional)
• (One toddler sneeze- optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
4. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until dry ingredients are just combined. Do not over mix. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter each muffin tin.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.
6. Try not to eat them all in one sitting.
7. Hide the remainder so the rest of your family doesn't eat them.
8. Get up at the break of dawn so you can eat said hidden muffins without little fingers stealing them all.
9. Make your kids eggs for breakfast.

Recipe From My Mommy 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

Sarah + Deven's Ft. Steilacoom Couples Session | Tacoma Engagement Photographer

Passion, lust, love, adventure, fun and amorous. Just some of the words that come to mind when I think about this magnetic couple's Tacoma portrait session. Sarah + Deven were so relaxed in front of my camera and there is nothing shy about their love, not to mention how adorable they are together.

I love when my couples trust me to take creative control and are up to get some fun moments. For the past 6 months I've been moving away from posed images and moving towards more candid images. I just love ones with movement, may it be hair blowing in the wind, a romantic twirl or a fun little wrestling match. The images that capture the feelings between a couple without a single word or a playful moment are by far the most memorable. I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic and a dreamer so when I see love that meets those rather high expectations it always makes me so happy. The power of love is so amazing because it has such a positive effect not only on those experiencing it but to all those who witness it too. Love like this helps overcome some of the over-abundance of hate that exists in this world.

We even pulled off an epic dance move from the movie Dirty Dancing that would have made Patrick Swayze proud and it gave us some good giggles too!

Couples sessions (and weddings) are my fave!! So fun to capture the dynamic spark between two people! Sarah + Deven, you two are so stinkin' adorable together - I can't stand it!! Come and see me again!!!

I'll leave you with a romantic passage from the book 'God of Small Things.' Soul-searing, raw and poetic, a bit like love.

“The way her body existed only where he touched her. The rest of her was smoke.” -Arundhati Roy

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

Children's Posed Portraits vs. Lifestyle Photography | Olympia Photographer

When it comes to documenting the childhood of your kids there are several types of photography to choose from. One is posed - this is a very traditional type of photography and has been popular for a long time. Think school pictures!! Posed images can be taken indoor in a studio session or outdoor as well. Posed portaits are a great way to document your child's milestones and can turn out pretty stinkin' cute!!!

Big milestones are happening (back in December HAHA) at my house! I finally got around to taking some milestone portraits of my babies! Quinlynn turned two in September, Teagan turned four in October and Avalyn turned six months in November! Here are some cute little pictures of my babies that hopefully make you smile! If you have met these sweet kiddos you know that they are a pretty good representation of their personalities. There is the wild and Spicy Quinnie with a "Ba" (Pacifier) always in her hand, Avalyn with her constant smiles and chubby cheeks that make her eyes disappear when she grins and my sweet, giggly and giant Teagan. As an example of posed portraits, see these increcibly adorable studio portaits I took of my kids.

For many families professional photographers are hired once a year for family photos to put on a Christmas card but photography is so much more than that! Posed images with a flawless background are awfully adorable - and very convenient in winter months- but a more candid, lifestyle approach is really what speaks to me. Those little moment where my babies are concentrating on a project, learning a new skill, delighted with their favorite snack, playing dress up or hugging each other are the ones that I never want to forget. I love a good smiling picture and I do want some of those once in a while but the ones that capture the magic of their childhood at it's purest are my most treasured possessions. As examples I'll use my favorite images of 2016 and a couple irresistable ones from 2015.

Life is busy, parents, but no excuses. These moments with your child pass so quickly - it's easy to get caught up in life and put off photos over and over and then before you know it they are driving and applying to colleges. When they are tiny and sweet and just discovering the world there are so many little moments that your heart will miss so dearly. So get out your camera, or your cellphone and snap away.

For those of you that are reading this and shaking their head in laughter, thinking - "No way, not my kid, they are too crazy!" Hire a professional!! MOST kids are different with any other human on the planet than their moms. We've all seen it - we are at our wits end with a cranky baby and then a friend, or daddy shows up and they are smiling and giggling!! It's frustrating, but we share a deep connection with our kids that no one with ever experience so although they can be little turkey's for us time to time it's so worth it. Hiring a professional photographer can take some of the stress off of you when it comes to getting great pictures of your kids! It's part of our job - so sit back and relax and let's go capture your kids' personalities....don't forget to jump in a few too! Your kids will thank you when they are older.

In the end,  it doesn't matter if you choose posed or lifestyle photography - just choose! Remember, you have options and pick one or the other or, like me, a combination of both- what matters the most is that you do it!! Happy documenting! Call me if you want advice on great areas to take pictures of your kids, or better yet let me show you. <3

Happy Saturday! Have a great weekend and hope you get to spend some quality time with those you love the most.

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!