Jason + Amanda • Intimate October Wedding • LaVista, Ne
Every moment I’ve spent with Jason and Amanda has been surrounded by this unwavering sense of calm. From the misty drizzle on the day of their engagement photos, to the heavy rain every day the week of the wedding, to intense wind on the big day… Never once did this feeling go away. And it’s been like this from day one for Jason and Amanda.
When they met for their first date at the Mill Coffee shop in the Haymarket of downtown Lincoln, it instantly felt right. It felt comfortable. They sat there at the checkered table and talked for hours, just knowing, this was the start to something big….
October 5, 2019
Every moment I’ve spent with Jason and Amanda has been surrounded by this unwavering sense of calm. From the misty drizzle on the day of their engagement photos, to the heavy rain every day the week of the wedding, to intense wind on the big day… Never once did this feeling go away. And it’s been like this from day one for Jason and Amanda.
When they met for their first date at The Mill Coffee Shop in the Haymarket of downtown Lincoln, it instantly just felt right. It felt comfortable. They sat there at the checkered table and talked for hours, just knowing, this was the start to something big.
Fast forward through lots of time spent together, attending art shows, wandering around the farmers market, sleep overs at the zoo, and so much more, Amanda was making brownies, talking about apartment shopping, and feeling a little stressed. Jason wrapped his long arms around her with one of his big hugs that make her feel so safe, and there it was, the beautiful, perfect, pear shaped diamond ring. Instantly, all her worries melted away.
Now it’s October, and Jason and Amanda are surrounded by all the people they love most. They started the day getting ready with some mimosas, writing letters to each other. Then it was time for the first look. They stood back to back reading their hand written notes, holding back tiny tears of joy. Then it was time for the moment they’d been waiting for all morning. Jason and Amanda gave each other’s and a squeeze, and on the count of three, turned around with the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen. She was so happy to see the man she would call her husband in a few short hours. The man who puts everyone else first, who makes her feel safe. And he was so thrilled to see this beautiful humble, and wise woman he would call his wife, the woman who is so caring and helps stay level headed. Together they took on the rest of their perfect day, never once losing their sense of calm.
Finally it was time to make it official. Their siblings stood by their sides, while their parents and grandpa watched from the front row. The other important people in their world filled the room. As the two exchanged vows, Jason was so excited to finally call Amanda his wife that he said “I Will” twice… Que the laughter, which didn’t end for the rest of the night. Their intimate ceremony was followed by delicious food, desert, and dancing, all in a room full of love.
Jason and Amanda, thank you so much for welcoming me into your world and letting me be a part of such a special day. Your love has shown me the power of calm, and laughing along with you throughout the day brought me so much joy! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair and Makeup: Jenna of J Salon Spa and Boutique - Loup City, NE • Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dress: Ellynne Bridal - Lincoln, NE• Tuxes: Shannon Formalwear • Rings: AT Thomas Jewelers - Lincoln, NE • Flowers: The Petal Pusher - North Souix City, SD • Bridal Bouquet: Hand Beaded by the Bride • Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes - Omaha, NE • Catering: LaVista Conference Center • DJ: 5 Star Entertainment - Lincoln, NE • Ceremony and Reception Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton - LaVista, NE • Pastor: Gary Main of Gretna United Methodist Church - Gretna, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Justin Barnes of Barnes Photography •
Desirae + Cooper • Romantic September Wedding • Fremont, Ne
“As they sat there in the front pew of their bright, beautiful church, Cooper and Desirae read each other their love letters. As I quietly listened to them, I quickly realized that timing is everything. It’s the essence of their story.
Dez and Cooper both attended Midland Universtiy, and over the course of 4 years, they never directly crossed paths, despite living in the same building sophomore year just one floor apart, despite….”
September 14, 2019
As they sat there in the front pew of their bright, beautiful church, Cooper and Desirae read each other their love letters. As I quietly listened to them, I quickly realized that timing is everything. It’s the essence of their story.
Dez and Cooper both attended Midland Universtiy, and over the course of 4 years, they never directly crossed paths, despite living in the same building sophomore year just one floor apart, despite him being the annoying wrestler in the front row of a discussion class who would always ask one last question, holding up the entire class, despite having similar practice schedules in the same building, and despite Cooper’s several attempts. You see, Coopers friend John and Desirae’s friend Bailey were getting married. As their friends kept telling them about each other, Cooper thought, “This was a woman I could see myself marrying.” They both had the mindset of dating with the intention of marrying. Perhaps this is why Cooper had to work so hard to get her attention; she was focused on her studies and athletics, and if she couldn’t give her best to a relationship, then it wasn’t the right time. That didn’t stop Cooper from at least trying to meet Dez!
Attempt number 1: Cooper drove his future best man to Briar Cliff. Desirae had just finished playing a softball game and as she walked in his direction, he cheerfully said, “Hi!” Focused as always, Dez didn’t even hear him and walked straight past him. Fail.
Attempt number 2: 1 year later, Cooper was at a sports bar with his family. Desirae happened to be at that same sports bar with her softball team. A friend texted him from her phone and got the conversation going. They texted for about a week, but it fizzled out quickly because she just wasn’t interested. Fail.
Attempt number 3: 1 year later, Desirae and Cooper were playing spike ball with their best friends, Bailey and John. They were teamed up and were completely dominating the game. A sign that they might make a great life-long team? Perhaps! Bailey told Coop to make a move, but after being denied for two years in a row, he was a little hesitant.
Not long after, Cooper decided to start using his hour commute to listen to podcasts about how to talk to, understand, and date women. It paid off, because one day, he decided to finally make the move. On his way home, he stopped by the flower shop that Desirae worked at, marched up to her, and then totally lost all ability to say words. As he stared at his shoes, he eventually made out the words, “Will you go on a date with me?” And you know what? SHE SAID YES! The timing was finally right.
So here we are, a couple years later, witnessing this beautiful couple promise forever to each other. What I loved most about their wedding day was how genuine and honest Dez and Coop are about the love they have for each other. How excited they are to share what they love about each other. In his letter to Dez, Coop told her that the reasons he loves her are numerous. Smart. Strong. Capable. Beautiful. The list goes on. In her letter to Cooper, Desirae boasted about his work ethic. His transparency. Humble. Genuine. Selfless. So much more. The entire day was a reflection of these cherished qualities and how truly, deeply they love one another, their families, and their friends.
Cooper and Desirae, thank you for sharing your inspirational love with me. You are so loved by everyone around you, and the way you share your love, laughter, and faith with the world is a true testament to the gold your hearts are made of. Together, you will do so many incredible things!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Kelsey McCurdy of Red Brick Hair Chic - North Bend, NE • Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: Black Tie White Satin - Fremont, NE • Tuxes: Gentleman’s Choice Formalwear - Omaha, NE • Rings: Helzberg • Flowers: Maxine Poulas of Enchanted Weddings and Shelly Riggs of The Gardener - Fremont, NE • Cake: Cheryl Abbott of Out of the Box • Catering: Boyd & Charlies BBQ - Omaha, NE • DJ: Arius of Complete Weddings • Trolley: Apache Trolley - Norfolk, NE • Ceremony Venue: Fremont First United Methodist - Fremont, NE • Pastor: Bill Gepford • Reception Venue: Christensen Arena - Parks and Rec - Fremont, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Bailey Buschelman of Bailey Buschelman Photography • Videographer: Hillary of Twin Whimsy Videography - Omaha, NE