Emily + Shane | Dreamy Intimate July Wedding at Sunken Gardens | Lincoln, Ne
July 18, 2020
It was, by FAR, the hottest day of the summer. But this day had already been planned three times, so Emily and Shane weren’t about to let 100 degrees stand in the way of finally becoming husband and wife. When they first started planning, they envisioned a bigger wedding, so that’s what they did. They planned a big wedding, had most of the details decided on, but something just didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel like them. This day was about their love and choosing to spend the rest of their day together. So what did they do? They decided to plan their dream wedding in the mountains of Colorado on a cool September day, surround by just their immediate families. Finally, their wedding plans felt right.
Then COVID-19 hit. After watching bride after bride have to reschedule their big day, after being quarantined, after not being able to travel, and after watching the guidelines change on a daily basis, they decided that if they wanted to get married in the year 2020, they better keep the wedding close to home. So they planned their wedding day for the THIRD time.
This time they settled on an easy going morning getting ready at the Courtyard Marriott, followed intimate ceremony at the beautiful Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. It worked out because their family had already planned on being together for their bachelor and bachelorette parties. So with with their most important people around, they read each other their hand written vows *cue the laughter… and the tears*. Following the ceremony, they finally got to cool off with a nice dinner at the Green Gateau.
Emily and Shane, I know that it wasn’t in your plans to get married during a pandemic, or to have part of your decor be a mask for each seat, or to have to give up your dream mountain wedding. Despite all they ups and downs and challenges along the way, and despite the insane heat that literally melted everyones faces off, your day was absolutely perfect. It was perfect because you got to celebrate your love for each other, you got to share it with the people who mean the most to you, and you finally got to start your life-long adventure as the Kecks. You handled the roller coaster with so much grace, and I am secretly a little thankful you didn’t go to the mountains because that way I got to be a part of your day, too!
I am forever thankful for clients that become friends, because you guys are absolutely that! May your adventures together never end! Cheers to the Kecks!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Sisu - Lincoln, NE • Makeup: Keeley Dennis of Kiss and Makeup - Lincoln, NE • Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal • Grooms Clothing: Men’s Wearhouse • Bowties: LinenManStore - Etsy • Brides Ring: True Gem • Grooms Ring: Riddles Jewelry • Flowers: iBloom - Lincoln, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios • Second Shooter: Grace Trexel
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!
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!
Ashley + Dakota | Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Grandparents' Retirement Home | Papillion, NE
Sometimes when you’re planning a wedding, life throws you a curveball (ahem, Coronavirus). So what do you do? You quickly plan an intimate ceremony and celebrate with a vow renewal and reception later! The silver lining? Now you get two anniversaries!
Ashley and Dakota did just that. Their original wedding date…
May 17, 202
Sometimes when you’re planning a wedding, life throws you a curveball (ahem, Coronavirus). So what do you do? You quickly plan an intimate ceremony and celebrate with a vow renewal and reception later! The silver lining? Now you get two anniversaries!
Ashley and Dakota did just that. Their original wedding date was set for June 27, 2020, but when Covid19 hit and completely shutdown the wedding industry, their dream day was put on hold. As the date got closer, there was so much uncertainty about whether or not their wedding could go on as planned. Since restrictions were likely still going to be in place in June, and to make sure Ashley’s grandma would be able to see them get married, they decide to hold a small ceremony outside at her grandparents’ retirement home in Papillion, NE, and they decided to do it a month early!
It was a chilly and windy Sunday afternoon, but it it was absolutely perfect. A couple of Ashley’s friends and her Dog of Honor helped her get ready, while their families set up the ceremony. Ashley and Dakota were surrounded by their parents and Grandparents, and Ashley’s grandma was able to watch from the balcony above. As her dad waked her down the aisle, Dakota was beaming the entire time. The entire time, everyone was overflowing with joy, and they got to focus on what’s most important: their love for each other.
It was simple and so so sweet, and now I cannot wait to celebrate with them again in December!
Much Love,
Gabby
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!
Matt + Melissa • Heartfelt Hometown November Wedding • West Point, NE
Sometimes you dream of someone your whole life. Then one day, you meet her at a bank. You purse her for 3 months, and finally, one random Sunday at a dive bar, it all clicks. Now you’re doing life with your best friend. You’re taking on the world together. Every day you fall more in love with her sense of humor, her beautiful eyes, the way she completes you through the good times and the bad. And every day, she falls more in love with the way you love, how selfless and dependable you are. Then, when neither of you think your heart has room for any more love, you welcome a little one into the family. Now this, this is what you’ve been dreaming of your whole life.
November 9, 2019
Sometimes you dream of someone your whole life. Then one day, you meet her at a bank. You purse her for 3 months, and finally, one random Sunday at a dive bar, it all clicks. Now you’re doing life with your best friend. You’re taking on the world together. Every day you fall more in love with her sense of humor, her beautiful eyes, the way she completes you through the good times and the bad. And every day, she falls more in love with the way you love, how selfless and dependable you are. Then, when neither of you think your heart has room for any more love, you welcome a little one into the family. Now this, this is what you’ve been dreaming of your whole life.
This is Matt and Melissa’s story. They have hearts of gold, and family and tradition are so important to them. So when Matt proposed, they started thinking about what they wanted their special day to be like. Living in the midst of the gorgeous mountains of Colorado, it would have been easier to plan a wedding close to home, but they knew in their hearts they wanted to go back to Matt’s hometown in Nebraska. They wanted to get married at the church he grew up in. They wanted to be surrounded by their families and their closest friends. They wanted their day to be a reflection of their love. Easy going, and filled with love. That’s exactly what it was.
Melissa started out the gorgeous November morning with her girls at Matt’s granny’s house where they got their hair and make up done. Meanwhile, Matt and the guys hung out at Matt’s dad’s house. Both are right down the street from the church, St. Mary’s, where they would finally become husband and wife. As everyone started arriving at the church, Matt and Melissa snuck out back for a quiet moment together. Matt didn’t want to see her before the wedding, so they took a moment to hold hands around a corner and just breathe in the day together. Just feeling each other’s presence was enough to calm their nerves. Then it was time to get set.
Throughout the ceremony, I caught myself tearing up a few times. The way Matt looked at Melissa as she walked down the aisle, the way their little boy watched them the whole time, the way their voices were filled so deeply with conviction and genuine love as they said their vows, the pure elation that beamed on their faces at they exited the church. It was full hour of goosebumps and exploding hearts.
Once family pictures were over, Matt, Melissa, and their wedding party got on their party bus and stopped at a couple bars to celebrate. Just before going into their reception, we finished up pictures under the most vibrant and electric sunset. It’s like the sky was painted just for them that evening.
The rest of the night was filled with laughter and dancing, a live band, and even a performance by one of the guests. It filled my heart to see just how much fun these two were having on their special day.
Matt and Melissa, thank you for welcoming me into your world. For letting me tell your story by capturing your engagement photos in Colorado, and your wedding in Nebraska. Thank you for making me feel like family as I helped you capture these special fleeting moments. Your story is a special one, a genuine one, and one that I truly believe brings people together and makes everyone around you feel loved and appreciated. So here’s to you, Mr. & Mrs. Stieren. The world needs more loves like yours!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair and Makeup: Bridal by Amanda • Bridal Gown + Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal • Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse • Rings: Shane Co. • Flowers: Flower and Gift Gallery - West Point, NE • Cake: 45 Ivy Baking Company - Denver, CO • Catering: Angel • Live Music: Pink Kadillac - Bennington, NE • Ceremony: St. Mary’s Catholic Church - West Point, NE • Officiant: Father Steve • Reception Venue: Snyder Ballroom - Snyder, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios - Lincoln, NE • Second Shooter: Sean Farley •
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!