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 •
Chris + Claire • St. Anthony's Catholic Church Wedding • Columbus, Ne
April 27, 2019
“He is so patient with me” This is one of the first things Claire told me about Chris. His patience. His ability to bring about a sense of calm. The way he, without fail, can make those around him happy.
From the moment she began telling me why she loves Chris, I knew April 27th was going to be one beautiful day. The moment I knew it would be absolutely perfect was when Chris started telling me about why he loves Claire. “She makes me smile, she’s funny, and I love the way she is always putting others before herself. She makes me happy, and she’s cute.” Of course, giggling followed.
I could tell from that very first meeting how much these two truly, deeply love each other, and oh did their love shine through on their wedding day.
Let me remind you that we live in Nebraska, so when the forecasted 80 degrees and sunny is suddenly 44 and windy as all get out, you roll with it. When getting ready takes longer than expected, you roll with it. And when your brother can’t be with you on your special day because he’s sacrificing his life for his country, you get a special yellow flower in your bouquet to honor him, you miss him like crazy, and you roll with it. You celebrate that you have so much to celebrate, and you recognize all those you little things you love about each other. Witnessing Chris’s patience and calm demeanor in the midst of a time crunch and Claire intentionally making sure everyone else was taken care of first throughout her day, the way she made everyone around her laugh despite the bone chilling wind… seeing the way they looked at each other all day long, with nothing but joy in their eyes. Witnessing these qualities is a true testament to how honest and sincere Chris and Claire’s love really is.
The thing is, I’m not the only one who has taken notice of how perfect these two are for each other. In their speeches, Jill (one of Claire’s best friends) and Corey, (Chris’s brother) were sure to let us know that they knew it, too. Jill reminded us about Claire’s fabulous sense of humor and how they became friends in college despite Claire’s serious “RBF”, and how they bonded over ups and downs, boyfriends and heartbreak, adventures and stressful times, tubs of ben and jerry’s ice cream, and how Claire has a knack to always keep you grounded and laughing. To end her toast, she thanked Chris for loving Claire, her best friend, so very vey well.
Once the giggles and clapping died down, Corey took the mic. He told the crowd how growing up, he and all the other cousins made bets that Chris would be the last one to get married. Turns out, they all need to pay up, because he’s the first to have such a beautiful day! (que the cheering and fist pumps) He knew Claire was the “one” mostly because Chris wouldn’t shut up about how pretty she is. But most importantly, she makes his brother the happiest man in the world. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Chris and Claire. Thank you for welcoming me into your world and allowing me to witness such pure, sincere, and deep love. Documenting your day brought me so much joy! I wish you all the happiness this life has to offer. May you choose to love each other well, day after day, and always always remember just why you fell in love in the first place. Cheers to the two of you and a lifetime of love and adventure!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Northtown Stylists - Columbus, NE • Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: Black Tie & White Satin - Fremont, NE • Suits: Men’s Warehouse • Rings: Grace Jewelry - Columbus, NE • Flowers: Hy-Vee - Columbus, NE • Cake: Hy-Vee - Columbus, NE • Catering: Hy-Vee - Columbus, Nebraska • DJ: Zach Buresh of Those Boyz DJ Service • Ceremony Venue: St. Anthony’s Catholic Church - Columbus, NE • Reception Venue: The American Legion - Columbus, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Corey Rourke of Rourke Photo • Videographer: Colin Ortmeier & Tanner Podraza of Cottonwood Valley Creative - Iowa + Nebraska • Party Bus: Papa G’s Entertainment - Columbus, NE
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