Maggi + Ryan | Intimate and Vibrant May Wedding | Lincoln, NE, NE
As Maggi and Ryan thought about their perfect wedding day, they saw all their friends and family, they envisioned bright vibrant colors, and they heard lots of laughter. They put so much work into making it the perfect day, only to face some major uncertainty because of COVID19.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
As Maggi and Ryan thought about their perfect wedding day, they saw all their friends and family, they envisioned bright vibrant colors, and they heard lots of laughter. They put so much work into making it the perfect day, only to face some major uncertainty because of COVID19.
They considered postponing, but when it came down to it, what really mattered was celebrating their love for each other and starting this new and exciting chapter in their lives. Getting married during a pandemic is part of their history. It’s the story they’ll share for years to come. And while it may not have been as big of a celebration as originally planned, it was still filled with their immediate families and their very closest friends, beautiful sage colored skirts and vibrant spring flowers, and more laughter than they every could have imagined. Like the kind of laughter that makes you laugh just watching them laugh. And to make it extra special, Maggi’s sister and future brother-in-law made them a special video with messages of congratulations, advice, and well wishes from friends and family that weren’t able to attend. Seriously the sweetest thing ever.
Maggi and Ryan, your ability to overcome such a stressful roadblock, and to be able to carry on with such grace and joy is truly a testament to your character and your love for one another. I am so excited to see where this next chapter takes you and all the adventures you go on together!
Thank you so much for welcoming me into your world and trusting me to document such a special time in your lives!
The Creative Team
Hair: Emily Huttes & Kerri Hagger of H Salon and Day Spa - Hickman, NE • Makeup: Anna O’Melia • Bridal Gown: Dream Dress Express - Lincoln, NE • Bridesmaids Dresses: Skirts from Etsy, tops picked by each bridesmaid • Groom’s Tux: Tip Top Tux • Bride’s Engagement Ring: Blue Nile • Bride’s Wedding Bands: Riddle’s Jewelry • Groom’s Ring: Manly Bands • Flowers: Grow with the Flow • Cake: Cupcakes and More - Lincoln, NE • Catering: Doorstep Diner - Lincoln, NE • Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church - Lincoln, NE • Reception Venue: Williamsburg Village - Lincoln, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios - Lincoln, NE • Second Shooter: Tonya Ottemann •
If you’d like to download images from this gallery, please click the button “go to gallery” and ask the bride, or email me, for the download pin!
Amer + Kiir | Holy Trinity Episcopal Wedding | Courtside Banquet Reception | Lincoln, NE
June 8, 2019
One of the best things about photographing weddings is all of the different cultures and traditions I get to witness and experience. It's such a beautiful thing that we can all have different ways of life, different beliefs, different ways of doing things, yet we all still celebrate one of the greatest treasures in life: Love.
Amer and Kiir are of the Dinka Tribe, and their wedding weekend revolved around the rich culture and traditions of their people. Friday night, they kicked things off with a Traditional Henna Party. While the bride and groom got their hands and feet decorated with henna, family and friends gathered in a beautifully decorated room, and they celebrated. Once the bride and groom showed up to the party, they each did a traditional dance in, and then danced together, surround by all of their guests. Everyone was dressed in traditional African garb, all so beautiful, colorful, and ornate. They hugged, they laughed, they cried some happy tears, and they spent the night celebrating the soon to be husband and wife. You’ll see a little peek into this beautiful tradition after the wedding sneak peek below!
The wedding day was a little more traditional in the American sense. They each got ready separately, and waited until the wedding to see each other. Amer’s dress was beautiful lace, with a small train, and a gorgeous cathedral veil. The men wore navy tuxes, and even the little guys matched! Amer and Kiir got married in a beautiful church, where their friends and family gathered, so excited to be a part of their day.
Although the “white wedding” as Amer calls it, was more typical of American weddings, I love how much Dinka culture they kept in their day. During their reception, instead of the best man and maid of honor giving a toast, several different family members took turns standing up and talking. Each time someone new stood up to talk, they would sing a song and several members of that family would all get up and dance together. Between Dinka, Arabic, and bits of English, I often didn’t know exactly what was being said. But that’s okay, because despite not being able to understand the words, I could understand the feelings. I could feel the wonderful energy they were sharing. Everything they spoke of revolved around loving and respecting each other. Taking care of each other. Being thankful for each other. They spoke of these things so sincerely, and with so much passion. And when it’s all said and done, that’s what marriage is all about. It’s about unconditional love. It’s about being there for each other, no matter what. It’s about spending your life with your best friend.
Amer and Kiir, thank you for trusting me to document your beautiful day. I am forever grateful that I got to witness such a wonderful marriage between two people with such big hearts and kind souls. I am also so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your beautiful culture and traditions. I wish you both a life time of love and happiness!
Much Love,
GabbyOne of the best things about photographing weddings is all of the different cultures and traditions I get to witness and experience. It's such a beautiful thing that we can all have different ways of life, different beliefs, different ways of doing things, yet we all still celebrate one of the greatest treasures in life: Love.
The Creative Team
Makeup: Diana Opara - Omaha, NE • Hair: Yassbeautiful Hair - Omaha, NE • Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal • Flowers: Made by the Bride and Friends • Ceremony Venue: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church - Lincoln, NE • Reception Venue: Courtside Banquet Hall - Lincoln, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Bailey Buschelman of Bailey Buschelman Photography • Gretna, NE
The Henna Party
Becca + Trenton | North American Martyrs Catholic Wedding | Cornhusker Marriott Reception | Lincoln, NE
May 31, 2019
When I think about Becca and Trenton’s wedding day, a lot of things come to mind. I think about how the weather was perfect; it was warm and sunny, but not terribly hot and humid like it often is once summer hits here in Nebraska (although, I know the groomsmen, bundled up in layers on layers in their tuxedos, would beg to differ). I think about all the family and friends who traveled near and far to witness these two say their vows. I think about all the beautiful details, from the blush bridesmaid dresses, the gorgeous corset back on Becca’s gown, the bright, springy greens and pinks of the floral bouquets, the delicious flavors of cupcakes from cookie dough to lemon to almond, and everything in between. I think about all the laughter and joy that was shared throughout the day. I think about how the diamond in Becca’s ring was Trenton’s Grandmother’s diamond, and how his grandfather passed it on to Trenton, knowing Becca was the one. And mostly, I think about how relaxed and kind everyone was all day.
Becca and Trenton are both so laid back, and Becca has a tendency to be late. To everything. Always. Almost all the time. But this day wasn’t about the timeline; this day was about getting to marry the love of her life, about why they fell in love, and celebrating that with the people they cherish. So even when things were running behind schedule, everyone was relaxed and content. There was one thing she did have to be on time for though, and that was the ceremony. I’m sure you’re all wondering it started on time… The answer is YES! 5:00 on the dot, the music started playing and Becca’s brothers started walking the bride and groom’s parents and grandma down the aisle. The ring bearer even had the cutest sign, letting us all know that we wouldn’t be waiting for the bride, “For once she’s on time!” (cue the giggles)
I love documenting love stories like Becca and Trenton’s, mostly because they’re so authentic. They’re so full of life and laughter and special moments and love. They’re completely comfortable with each other, and over the 5 years they’ve been together, they’ve come to love every version of each other. As Becca’s maid of honor, Ali, put it, “If you can handle and love a drunk Becca, a sweet and peppy Becca, a sad Becca, an excited Becca, a weird Becca, and any other side of Becca, Trenton you are without a doubt, the one. I am so happy you have each other.”
Becca and Trenton, thank you for trusting me to document your love. For asking me to be a part of your day. For welcoming me into your home, and into your world. I am so thankful for you both, and wish you all the joy, laughter, and adventure this life has to offer. Cheers to you, Mr. & Mrs. Royse!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Kirstey Grim - Lincoln, NE • Makeup: Alicia’s Makeup Artistry - Lincoln, NE • Bridal Gown: Bridal Elegance - Tulsa, OK • Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee - Online • Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse • Rings: Moody’s Jewelry • Flowers: I Bloom Flowers - Lincoln, NE • Cake: Roberta Royse (aunt of the groom) • Catering: Cornhusker Marriott Hotel - Lincoln, NE • DJ: Jared Tupper of Complete Weddings + Events - Lincoln, NE • Ceremony Venue: North American Martyrs Catholic Church - Lincoln, NE • Reception Venue: The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel - Lincoln, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Tonya Ottemann of Ottemann Photography - Nebraska City, NE •
Kyle + Andrea - Talon Room • Lincoln, Nebraska
November 18, 2018
She stood across from the love of her life, her greatest adventure, her future husband. She was steady, confident, and so full of joy. Her bridesmaids looked on from the left, the groomsmen from the right, and all of their family and friends who they cherish so deeply, watched from their beautifully decorated seats. String lights hung from the ceiling, and deep burgundy roses and dreamy greenery covered the tables. Andrea looked tenderly into his eyes, and she began to softly speak.
“Kyle, my boy. The first time I saw you, I told you that you ‘looked familiar,’ but I now know that what I was seeing was my future.” She spoke of his ability to bring out the best in her and how he’s given her the best years of her life. She made promises of a lifetime of laughter, love, and respect.
Then it was Kyle’s turn to share his vows. He took the microphone, looked at his beautiful bride, and let the familiar words flow from his mouth. “Andrea, who knew that a girl messaging me the words 'you look familiar' nearly three years ago would completely change my life.” He spoke of her unwavering support, and her ability to make sure he knows he is loved, fully and unconditionally, with nothing but a look from her mesmerizing eyes. He made promises of a lifetime working together as individuals, partners, and equals, a lifetime of love and respect.
The words they shared were simple, honest, and deeply heartfelt. A perfect reflection of their love for each other.
Getting to celebrate their love with their friends and family was the perfect way to kick off their new adventure. It was such a beautiful day. Andrea and Kyle both spent the morning getting ready with their wedding party at the Embassy. They saw each other for the first time on the skywalk. Kyle waited nervously as Andrea backed up slowly until they were back to back. They exchanged letters and read them while holding back tears. After taking a moment, they turned around. Pure joy. Pure love. The way they went into the day is the way they ended it. Filled with love, joy, and respect. It was one heck of a party.
Kyle and Andrea, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to witness and capture your love. Getting to know you over the past year has been such a joy. The respect, kindness, and pure bliss that your relationship emits is absolutely inspiring. I wish you nothing but the best on this grand adventure called marriage!
Much Love
The Creative Team
Dresses: David's Bridal • Tuxes: Tip Top Tux • Flowers: Bloom's Floral & Gifts • Hair: Leigh Dier • Makeup: Makaila Murphy • Bride & Groom Cake: Kim Lichtas • Sheet Cakes: Sam's Club • Brownie Bites: Super Saver • Venue: Talon Room • Catering: ChefauChef