XOXO,
Sarah
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For Hillary and Eric's downtown Tacoma engagement session we wandered around, talking of their adventures and laughing endlessly. This sweet couple was so much fun!
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Kendra + Thor said 'I do'!
I first met Kendra + Thor earlier in the year when they interviewed me as their wedding photographer and in just a short period of time I could see what a great couple they were! Not only are they both very nice people but they are so real! They knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding, and it was mostly based on people that were important to them being present and creating an environment to host the love and support they all have for each other.
Kendra + Thor chose to do a 'first look' before their ceremony and it worked out perfectly! We were able to get great photos of them first seeing each other all spiffied up and finish all the wedding party and family portraits before the ceremony. This allowed them to spend more quality time with their guests during the reception!
Kendra grew up on a rustic little farm just outside of Olympia, WA and her neighbors have the BEST barn (see below.) She grew up loving this barn so it made perfect sense to take portraits at it! Such great memories from her childhood that we were able to incorporate into her wedding day. As a PNW wedding photographer I couldn't ask for a better setting!
It rained on and off throughout the whole day but overall, the wedding was so amazing!! We didn't let the persistent drizzle affect their day one bit! It was a TRUE, and perfect, Washington wedding!
A little shout-out to all the amazing vendors that came together this September day to help Kendra + Thor with their wedding. Your amazing contributions are documented below and will forever be apart of Kendra + Thor's wedding day!
Make-up: Lisa Marie at Lonestar Salon
Hair: Devyn at Lonestar Salon
Florist: Greenwood Floral Design + Events
Dress: Country Bridal
Venue: Kendra's Family Farm
Catering: Kim & Mike Showalter
Thanks to my second shooter Picturesque Art Photography!
See Kendra + Thor's Ft. Steilacoom Park Engagement photos HERE.
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
So you're getting married! Congrats. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming but good wedding planning is necessary to make your big day run smoothly.
There is so much to do! How do you know all the steps if you've never planned a wedding before?? First step... get a solid wedding planning guide and a wedding checklist. Second step, BREATHE! A planning guide can't do the work for you but it can help you stay organized. Step three, get to work planning your dream wedding!
Attached is a guide to give you an idea of the steps required to plan a wedding, as well as the recommended timeline for each. You can download your PDF copy HERE.
Also get your free Wedding Essentials Checklist HERE.
Happy planning!
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Hello! Congrats on your engagement! Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life but it's going to take some planning to get there. After all, if you've never planned a wedding how do you know everything you'll need to do?? This is a simple checklist to keep track of the tasks that need to be completed before your big day. So don't let it scare you! Take charge, start planning and have fun with it!
Browse below then download you PDF copy HERE.
Discuss below details and expectations with your photographer
Discuss wedding day details and expectations with videographer
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Calling all brides and bridesmaids!
Wedding days are a mix of beauty and chaos. The day where all the hard work and planning comes together for a memorable and glorious event!
Back to the chaos part....with the events of the day relying on so many little details to come together correctly, it is really important to cover your bases to ensure it will all run smoothly. An emergency wedding kit will do just that. Instead of stressing last minute about forgotten or lost items, breathe easy and save the day!
As a wedding photographer I've seen these kits come in handy time after time, in fact I carry some of these items with me to every wedding. I recommend packing your kit one month before the wedding so you aren't worrying about it last minute. Many of the below items you may have already siting around your house!
If you think of an item you don't see on the list, CONTACT ME and let me know!
See list below and download your PDF Emergency Wedding Kit Checklist HERE
Tissues
Boutonniere pins
Safety pins
Sewing Kit
Crochet hook (for buttoning up dresses with ease)
Scissors
Baby Wipes
Eyelash glue
Mascara
Blotting paper
Clear Nail Polish
Nail File
Nail Clipper
Tweezers
Razor
Chapstick
Mirror
Mints/Gum
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Floss
Mouthwash
Tylenol
Tums
Decongestant
Benedryl
Cough Drops
First aid kid
Band aid/Moleskin
Bobby pins
Hair Tie
Hairspray
Hairbrush
Q-Tips
Lotion
Sunscreen
Extra earring backs
Deodorant (spray so you can share)
Baby Powder
Eye drops
Tampons
Pads
Phone charger
Batteries
Lint Roller
Stain remover pen
Granola Bar/Dried Fruit/Nuts
Energy drink
Water
Mini Bottles
Post-It Notes
Pen
Sharpie
Ziplock bags
Double stick tape
Duct tape
Super glue
Cash (think vending machine or tips for staff)
Portable radio/MP3 player
Lighter
Flip flops
Trash bags
Straws
Washcloth
White chalk
Swiss Army Knife
Bottle Opener
Static cling spray
Hand Sanitizer
Umbrella
Emergency Phone Numbers
Bug repellant
Extension Cord
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagramand check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
I can't believe Danny + Marcos' wedding is only TWO days away! So exciting!
Danny + Marcos chose to do their engagement session at Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle because they have had many adventures in and around the area. They were preparing to move to the Midwest so why not capture some memories of a familiar and happy place!
Danny + Marcos were referred to me by a mutual friend, Rebecca (thanks girl!) and I'm so glad they were! Individually they are both amazing humans; smart, funny, kind, successful, humble. Together they are magic! One thing that I love about photographing couples is being able to see, hear and feel the connection they have and Danny + Marcos did NOT disappoint!
The way they looked at each other...as if no one else existed...
The little gestures of love as they emotionally checked in with the other...
The happiness that radiated from them as they talked about their upcoming nuptials and thought about spending the rest of their lives together...
I live to tell love stories through my photography and they have quite a wonderful tale to tell. I can't wait to join them on their big day and capture all the little moments that will make their wedding both amazing and memorable. Danny + Marcos, there will be many adventures in your future. May the love you share be the grandest of them all.
I'll end here with a few of my favorite quotes about love...
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
“In a sea of people, my eyes will always search for you.” — Unknown
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
A bridal session is where just you, or you and your love and your photographer schedule a day after your wedding to get back in your wedding getup and have a fun and romantic portrait session at whatever amazing destination your little hearts desire. Beautiful photos of just you two to celebrate your new lives together.
Why should you do a bridal session?? Here are a few good reasons to consider...
8. There is a special destination that is important to you both that you want to have photos taken at
Do you have a certain destination that holds a special place in your heart? Is where you met or had your first date precious to you? Or maybe it's where he (or she, let's be real it's 2017!) proposed? Wherever that one special spot is it's time to solidify those memories with a fun and romantic bridal session. You'll end up with beautiful portraits of you and your love looking your best with the added bonus of all the pleasant memories that will come flooding back every time you look and are reminded of the memories you shared there. What better way to document the story of your love!
7. There is an EPIC location that you need beautiful images at to decorate your house
The snowy peaks of Mt. Rainier, the blue waters of Diablo Lake, A lighthouse on Friday Harbor...the jagged cliffs of Ireland, clear blue water and the sandy beaches of Hawaii. Can you picture the romantic images of you too embracing in one of these scenes? The wind blowing through your hair and your dress swaying as you walk hand and hand with your love. Can't imagine it? Let me help you CREATE it. Where is YOUR epic location? ....and when do we leave? :)
6. Gift
We all have that one friend, or family member, that had modest nuptials but still dreams of a perfect white wedding. Although the events of that day can't be modified, an amazing new memory can be added. Give the gift of a memorable and adventurous bridal session. A simple but elegant dress, slacks and a button up shirt, a tie and a floral bouquet - the list is minimal to create these one of a kind experiences that will last a lifetime.
5. Anniversary celebration
Are you celebrating your very first wedding anniversary? How about your tenth? 50th?? What better way to renew your love for each other than a stunning bridal session at that one location you keep meaning to visit.... break out your wedding dress or find a beautiful dress that suits your current style and start planning your anniversary bridal session!
Published in Bellissima Bridal Issue No. 30 (October 2017)
4. You ran out of time to get enough on your actual wedding day
Wedding days are always busy and packed full of stuff that needs to get done. Many times makeup and hair can run over, people get held up and arrive late etc. For whatever the reason, if your big day was crunched for time and you didn't get as many portraits as you wanted than a bridal session is a great idea for you!
3. You weren't happy with the ones from your wedding day
Did rain spoil your big day? That doesn't happen in the PNW. No, never!! HAHA. But if it does and you didn't get those dreamy outdoor portraits you picture hanging above your mantle than consider a bridal session.
2. You didn't get a big "official" wedding
Did you say 'I do' at the courthouse or have a small backyard wedding and didn't get those epic portraits you've always dreamed about? This is the PERFECT reason to schedule a bridal session! You get a sweet, decently priced ceremony and a once in a lifetime experience with a bridal portrait adventure.
1. You want to spend more time with your friends and family on your wedding day
I offer this reason because it happened to me. Friends and family came from all over the world to watch us say 'I do' and then immediately after we rushed off for photos. Then there were speeches, cake, dancing and by then people were starting to head home. I felt like I missed out on time with friends and family that I hardly get to see. If I got to do it all over again, I would break tradition and plan a bridal session! After the ceremony I'd attend cocktail hour and catch up with all my people!!
Besides, lets be real. The exhaustion level on a wedding day is real so take some stress out of it! If your wedding runs late and you don't get enough bridal images, if you want to spend more time with your family on your big day or if you simply want your bridal images to be somewhere amazing... whatever your reason a bridal session is definitely a new tradition worth considering.
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
Here are a few of my favorite images from a fun Halloween themed styled wedding I did withsome super fun and talented photographers! Feels good to let loose and be creative.
What are your Halloween plans??
Got an idea for a fun or creative styled wedding?? Message me!!
Models: Kari Rae, Andy Rodriguez, Chalayia Fuller
Hair + Makeup: Urbanista Weddings
Florals: Busara Floral
Rentals: Balancing Balloons
Invitation Suite: Ink+Sable
Desserts: Scarlet Nantes
Coordinators: Beginning and End Photography, Jackie Rose Photography
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
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
Hi Friends,
Are you ready to meet with potential wedding photographers but unsure of what to ask them?
Your wedding day is very important and many moments will happen that you can't get back. Hiring a competent and experienced wedding photographer to capture all those little moments is a decision you'll never regret!
So, before you hire just any photographer.. get to know them, their style and their business ethics. Below is a guide to get you started in the interviewing process (a PDF version is also available so take it with you to your meetings! Download Below)
Do you have my date available? NOTE: If the answer is ‘No’ then skip to the ‘Unavailable’ section at the very bottom.
How long have you been in business?
How many weddings have you shot? Have you done any similar to mine?
Have you shot at my venue before? If not will you scout it ahead of time?
Do you specialize in weddings? NOTE: Hiring someone that specializes in wedding photography is important because of the nature of the event. You can’t get those moments back or get a redo!
How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, creative)?
What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?
What type of equipment do you use?
Do you shoot in color and black & white? NOTE: Now is a good time to express your preference!
Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like done?
Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour?
Will you follow a shot list? Or do you prefer to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?
How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?
What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
May I have a list of references?
Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants with you on that day? What about a second shooter?
What about backup equipment? Do you have or will you rent spare equipment if your main gear fails? What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?
Are you photographing any other events on the same day as mine?
How will you (and any of your representatives) be dressed?
Is it okay if other (non-professional) people take photos while you're taking photos?
What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?
If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
What are the steps that need to be done to secure you as our wedding photographer?
Will I be able to see your contract ahead of time so I have time to go through it?
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?
Do you offer a payment plan?
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Do you have liability insurance?
Do you have a current business license?
Do I feel a connection with this photographer? Are our personalities a good match?
Does this photographer’s work match my ideal wedding photography style?
Do our communication styles match?
Has this photographer listened well and addressed all my concerns?
Is this Photographer as awesome as I am?
If you aren’t available to shoot my wedding can you recommend someone with a similar style, experience and price range?
Download a PDF version 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
Paige + Andre's Beecher Hill House wedding in Leavenworth was such a blast! What a beautiful town and what a beautiful venue!!!
Venue: Beecher Hill House
Flowers: Floral Noir
