Sami + Ryan | Snowy and Romantic Winter Wedding | Lincoln, NE
It was always Disney Princess Land in Sami’s world. From the time she was little, she was this bright, beautiful, bubbly girl, who brought joy to every person she met. To this day, she is a strong, dedicated, hardworking, joyful, bright light for the world. When I met with them for the first time, I felt like I had just made a new friend, and I could not wait to be a part of their day. Thats the thing about Sami and Ryan. They’re the kind of people you can’t help but want to be around. They make you happy.
December 19, 2020
It was always Disney Princess Land in Sami’s world. From the time she was little, she was this bright, beautiful, bubbly girl, who brought joy to every person she met. To this day, she is a strong, dedicated, hardworking, joyful, bright light for the world. When I met with them for the first time, I felt like I had just made a new friend, and I could not wait to be a part of their day. Thats the thing about Sami and Ryan. They’re the kind of people you can’t help but want to be around. They make you happy.
They were so excited to have this big celebration with all their friends and family, and EVERYONE they knew was looking forward to their big day. So while Sami was trying to finish clinicals and graduate and get a job, and then a pandemic got thrown into the mix, my heart broke for her. There was so much hurry up and wait throughout the entire year of 2020, and it was just so hard to know what to do.
As their big day got closer, Sami and Ryan had to make the incredibly tough decision to celebrate their day with only their immediate families and wedding party. 35 people max. Then then would have a big celebration the following year when it’s safe again.
This game plan for their wedding day was far from the perfect day that they had been dreaming about. This was NOT Disney Princess Land. But as it turns out, this was so much better. Because this was Reality. And this was the day she got to marry her high school sweetheart, the love of her life.
As I was editing Sami and Ryan’s wedding, I teared up so many times. I don’t know if I’ve every seen someone so excited to finally be marrying their best friend. I mean, I know it was like 8 years in the making, but these two… these two were SO EXCITED ALL DAY! From the moment they saw each other, to the letters to each other talking about how ready they were for this day and all their future dreams, to the tight hand squeeze and silent squeal of excitement during their ceremony when future babies were mentioned, to the speeches that were given at their dinner. The entire day was an intimate reflection of the gentle, joyful, and genuine love between Sami and Ryan.
As you look through their day, I hope it brings you a sense of joy. I hope it makes you FEEL. Because after a year like 2020, we could all use a happily every after.
Sami and Ryan, I am so thankful that our paths crossed and you trusted me to document this imperfectly perfect day. Heres to all the adventures to come! I can’t wait to celebrate with you again this year!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Brooke at Hairingtons - Lincoln, NE • Makeup: Acacia Linn Aesthetics - Lincoln, NE • Dress: Nebraska Bridal - Wahoo, NE • Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie • Tuxes: Tip Top Tux - Lincoln, NE • Rings: Elder Jewelry and Sartor Hamon • Flowers: Made by the Bride! • Cupcakes: Sherri - Waverly, NE • Church: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church • Reception Venue and catering: The Venue Cornhusker Room • Photographer: Gabby of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Alecia of Alecia Amber Photo • Videography: Katie Janky Multimedia
If you’d like to download images from this gallery, please click the button “go to gallery” and ask the bride + groom, or email me, for the download pin!
Ashley + Ben | Winter Wonderland Wedding | Lincoln, NE
Getting married in Nebraska in December is a gamble. You have no idea whether you’re going to have a 60 degree day with some warm sunshine, or a straight up blizzard. You just don’t know. But on December 11, 2020, the snow started to fall, and what we woke up to the next morning was the perfect winter wonderland…
December 12, 2020
Getting married in Nebraska in December is a gamble. You have no idea whether you’re going to have a 60 degree day with some warm sunshine, or a straight up blizzard. You just don’t know. But on December 11, 2020, the snow started to fall, and what we woke up to the next morning was the perfect winter wonderland. A little bit of sunshine, no wind, and just the right amount of snow to feel like this day was straight out of a fairytale. The absolute perfect December day for a winter wedding.
Ashley and Ben’s day didn’t just look like a fairytale, it felt like one, too. From the sparkle in her dress to the way he dipped her for a kiss on the way out of the church, every detail and moment felt magical. As the minister retold the story of how they met, and how they fell in love, I found myself laughing along with a full heart. And as I watched both of their parents with their arms around each other, and their grandparents cozied up together watching Ashley and Ben say “I Do”, I found myself tearing up a little and thinking just how lucky are they to be surrounded by so much love. Generations of love.
A few years back, Ashley was getting ready to leave for a year long internship in Texas. Just three weeks before her moving, there was this boy at a party who made really good margaritas, and she ended up staying later than she had planned. Those margaritas must have really been bomb, because a couple years later, on a cruise with her family, Ben finally popped the question!
The moment that really got me on their wedding day. was something that happened in the morning. Ashely’s mom gave her a special ring as her something borrowed and something blue. You see, that cruise that Ben proposed on was a family vacation celebrating Ashley’s parents anniversary. That ring was the ring that her dad gave her mom on that cruise as an anniversary gift. HOW SPECIAL IS THAT!?
Throughout Ashley and Ben’s day, I saw so much love and I felt so much love. I always ask my couple what they love about each other, because I feel like it brings me so much closer to their story and allows me to tell it more genuinely. Ashley told me how down to Earth and caring Ben is, and Ben told me how sassy Ashley is. (he also said she’s caring and kind, and beautiful) I also always ask about a perfect day together. Ashley’s perfect day includes a load back day together, maybe on a porch or by a pool, grilling out, and definitely with a dog. Ben agreed (but also included that spontaneous trips are fun, too). Their day may not have been warm, but it was definitely laid back. It was filled with love, and patience and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The best part is, now Ashley and Ben get to share their love for generations, too.
Ashley and Ben, I cannot thank you enough enough for trusting me with their special day. Just being near your love makes my heart happy, and I’m sure it has the same effect on everyone else around you, too. So here’s to warm weather, good margaritas, and getting a dog! Cheers to you, Mr. & Mrs. Serr!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair and Makeup: MacKenzie TePoel • Dress: Allure Bridal from Dream Dress Express - Lincoln, NE • Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie • Tuxes: Tip Top Tux - Lincoln, NE • Bride’s Rings: Elder Jewelry • Groom’s Ring: Manly Bands • Flowers: Wedding Consign and Design • Cake: Cupcakes and More - Lincoln, NE • Catering: Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q • Church: Lincoln Berean Church • Reception Venue: The Apothecary Lofts Ridnour Room • DJ: Unforgettable Events by DJ Kaz
If you’d like to download images from this gallery, please click the button “go to gallery” and ask the bride + groom, or email me, for the download pin!
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
Michael + Emily • Newman Center Winter Wedding • Lincoln, NE
It was ten years ago that, by the power of the moon and the stars and all things divine, Emily drank some wine at a going away party, thought Michael smelled good, and sat on him. Seven years later while taking measurements in their new, still empty home, Michael decided to pop the question, on both knees, with the ring upside down. Miraculously it didn’t get lost down a vent when it went flying from the box!
Despite sounding like a proposal disaster, it was perfect. Every last clumsy, silly part of it. It was perfect because Emily and Michael love each other so sincerely. They are optimistic and gentle, joyful and so full of life. I can just imagine the laughter that echoed off the walls of their new home.
Three years later, the same gentleness, sincerity, joy, and laughter filled their wedding day. Every detail of the day was perfect. Emily’s incredible Grandma Sandy did all the flowers, and she added a special memento to her bouquet; a pink lace handkerchief that has ben handed down for generations. There were M&M’s at the reception in honor of Great Grandma Virgina. Family introductions were made to bring both families together. Traditional egg rolls and sticky rice made by Michael’s mom, aunts, and cousins were added to the menu. The speeches brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Every detail was meant to honor and bring their families together, and that is exactly what it did.
Surrounded by all of the people they love so dearly, Emily and Michael shared so many incredible, raw moments. They joy on Emily's face as she was about to see Michael for the first time. Emily and her father walking down the aisle as a tear rolls down Michael’s cheek. Their elated expressions as they recessed from the church say it all. They laughed until they cried as toasts were given. But my absolute favorite was the way they looked into each other's eyes and sang as they danced to Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Sincere. Joyful. PERFECT.
Everything they ever dreamed it would be. More.
Emily and Michael, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for asking me to capture your love. The way you look at each other is so heart warming, and I am so thankful for all of the connections that brought us together. It was meant to be!
Much Love
THE CREATIVE TEAM
•Second Shooter: Stacy Kamler Photography
•Hair: Tangerine Hair Artists //Kate Huenink & Nicolby Petersen
•Makeup: Kiss and Makeup a Beauty Boutique // Casey Donnor
•Dress: Diane's Bridal // Wymore, NE
•Tuxes: Tip Top Tux // Lincoln, NE
•Flowers: Garden of Eden: Flowers and Gifts // Emily's Grandma Sandy
•Cake: Sam's Club
•Catering: Chef Au Chef
•Ceremony Venue: Newman Center Catholic Church //St. Thomas Aquinas
•Reception Venue: The Gala