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 •
Emily + Mitch • Cornhusker Marriott Winter Wedding • Lincoln, Ne
December 15, 2018
The soft notes filled the room as the Emily and Mitch took their places on the dance floor. Their family and friends watched with teary eyes and bursting hearts. The ball room was overflowing with joy as the couple softly swayed to the beautiful lyrics we all know so well, “Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you.” The bride and groom gazed into each other’s eyes, letting it soak in that they were officially Mr. & Mrs. Parker, dancing tho the lovely words that were so fitting for their big day and every step of their journey that brought them to this perfect moment. “Won’t you please just take my hand and my whole life too, because I can’t help falling in love with you.”
When Emily and Mitch met over 4 years ago at bar called Bodega’s in downtown Lincoln, they instantly bonded. One of the things they bonded over was a love for whiskey, and this love is evident in some of the special details they planned for their wedding day.
Now, you all know I’m a fan of love letters. I love when couples read them before their first look. I love when I catch glimpses into their deepest, most honest feelings. But what Emily and Mitch created takes love letters and their meaning and their power to a whole new level. What they created was a capsule. A Love Capsule. A Whiskey Love Capsule. During their ceremony they vowed that when times get tough, they promised to love each other and remember why they chose, and continue to choose, to love one another. On their 5 year anniversary **or their first REALLY big fight** they’ll open this capsule filled with a bottle of Jameson and their unread love letters. They’ll pour each other a glass of whiskey, and they’ll read. They will read, and they’ll remember exactly what they were feeling as they vowed to love each other for the rest of their days. They’ll be reminded of all those reasons they couldn’t help but fall in love.
Emily and Mitch, while your December wedding wasn’t very wintery, (Nebraska’s weather is a roller coaster of unpredictable emotions, you just never know any time of the year) it was perfect in every way. Every detail, from the whiskey barrel guest book and whiskey love capsule, to the first dance songs, to the NFL socks and sheet cakes, they were all beautiful and they told your story perfectly. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the opportunity to witness and capture such a beautiful, and heartfelt day. “
“May your hands be forever clasped in friendship, and your hearts joined in forever love.” - Irish Proverb
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Emily Thurmond of Salon Plush - Lincoln, NE • Bridal Gown: Ellynne Bridal - Lincoln, NE• Tuxes: Tip Top Tux - Normal Blvd - Lincoln, NE • Rings: A.T. Thomas Jewelers - Lincoln, NE • Flowers: The Stem Gallery - Lincoln, NE • Cake: Rabbit Hole Bakery - Lincoln, NE • Catering: The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel • DJ: 5 Star Entertainment • Venue: The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel - Lincoln, NE • Decorator: Grand Illusions - Beatrice, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Jesse Becker of Shauna and Beck Photography
Sami + Justin • Nebraska State Capitol Winter Wedding • Lincoln, Ne
November 8, 2018
On a day they’ll never forget, Sami and Justin finally made it official. As the snow fell softly outside, they stood in the beautiful, ornate state capital building, surrounded by the people they hold closest to their hearts, and they made a promise: a promise to love each other until the end of time, in good times and in bad, a vow to be best friends for now and for always.
It was beautiful, and wonderful, and simple. It was an intimate celebration of their love, and it all came together so perfectly. On New Year’s Eve of 2016, Justin completely surprised Sami with his proposal! They started the planning and originally thought they’d have the traditional big wedding, but then quickly decided that it just wasn’t for them. They wanted to do something that would be more meaningful to them, and that’s how they decided that a small intimate ceremony was the perfect fit.
On top of keeping the ceremony small, they made their own bouquets and boutonnieres, picked beautiful details that truly matched their personalities, and picked a day they’d always remember: their 5 year date-aversary. I know, cuteness overload!
Something they initially left out of their day was photography. Two years ago, just after Justin’s proposal, I talked to Sami at a bridal show, and I dreamed of having her as a bride! She spoke about the vintage details and her vision for their special day. But with such a small celebration, they weren’t sure it was necessary. Fast forward a year and a half, I started working at the same school where Sami works. She saw my Sonnenblume bag that I carry with me and remembered me! Needles to say, what’s meant to be will always find a way.
Sami and Justin, thank you for allowing me to witness your perfect day, and thank you for braving the snowy weather. Watching the joy in your faces and feeling the love radiate from your smiles brought so much happiness to everyone surrounding you. I’m wishing you many year of love, friendship, and adventure!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Rings: A.T. Thomas Jewelers - Lincoln, NE • Venue: State Capitol Building - Lincoln, NE • Photography: Sonnenblume Studios - Nebraska + Worldwide
Scott + Justine • North American Martyrs Wedding • Lincoln, Ne
September 29, 2018
As Justine and her girls were getting ready in Malcolm, and while Scott and his guys were having breakfast at Cracker Barrel, and as I was on my way out to start documenting the Hahn Wedding, it was drizzly, and foggy, and cold. That’s the thing about Nebraska weather; you just never know, especially at the end of September! It could be 90 degrees, it could be pouring rain, it could be a perfect sunny and 75, heck, it could even snow! This year, on September 29, the day Scott and Justine said, “I Do,” Mother Nature decided on a light, but steady, rain all day long.
But you know, I don’t think anything could ruin this special day, not even the rain. In fact, I would go as far as saying that perhaps it made it a little more special... You see, this past April, Scott lost someone very special to him: his beautiful, strong mother, and as the Steve Wariner country song goes, “There’s holes in the floor of Heaven, and her tears are pouring down. That’s how you know she’s watching, wishing she could be here now…”
Scott, your mom would be so proud of you and Justine, and I believe in my heart that all that rain was a little reminder for you both that, while she couldn’t be there with you in body, she was, and always will be, with you in spirit. Plus, isn’t it an old wives tale that rain on your wedding day is good luck!?
Justine and Scott, your rustic country wedding was a perfect portrayal of country boy meets country girl. From the sunflowers to the twinkle-lit wooden backdrops, from the jeans and boots to the smiles on your faces and they joy in your eyes all day long. It was perfect and it was beautiful. It’s easy to see how deeply you love each other and how much you cherish the people in your lives. I wish you all the love, happiness, and joy that this life has to offer. May your marriage be so very blessed!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: • Makeup: • Bridal Gown: Nebraska Bridal - Wahoo, NE • Tuxes: Tip Top Tux - Lincoln, NE • Bride’s Ring: Kay Jewelry - Lincoln, NE • Groom’s Ring: Riddle’s Jewelry - Lincoln, NE • Flowers: Russ’s Market on Coddington - Lincoln, NE • Cake: Amy Sue Sweet Shop - Lincoln, NE • Catering: C-K Catering - Brainard, NE • DJ: Primetime DJ - Lincoln, NE • Ceremony: North American Martyrs Catholic Church - Lincoln, NE • Reception Venue: Seward Fair Grounds - Seward, NE • Decorator: Hillcrest Rentals - Seward, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Jesse Becker of Shauna and Beck Photography