Back in Michigan...

I'm back in Michigan for Tricia & Jim's wedding this coming Saturday. So, please be patient with me if I don't respond to your email within 24 hours. I'm having a blast connecting with my family and friends. Tonight I had dinner with my college girlfriends. Two were unable to make it, as one lives in Denver, CO and the other in Indiana. The six of us lived together with a seventh in a house for two years during college. Imagine the stories... :) We haven't seen each other in 3 years and had a great time catching up. Here are the four of us and the kiddos...




And here Lauren is a budding photographer starting with self-portraits...

I've Been Tagged...

The following photographers have tagged me. So apparently I'm it :)

Nate & Amanda Reynolds of Turtle Pond Photography
Shan Renee
Sarah of Roxy and Kai Photography

The deal is they were tagged and had to share 8 interesting facts about themselves, then tag 8 more people. Now I'm IT. 8 interesting facts? Hmmmm....

1. I can only drink milk out of a glass. If it is served in a plastic cup it is a no go... must be glass.

2. (Totally copying this from Amanda and Nate) I have a Viszla... if you don't know, go look it up :)

3. I've been married for 5 wonderful years to a supermodel. (Although I agree with every word, my husband told me to write this one.)

4. I've worn hearing aids since I was in kindergarten. (Give or take a few years where I didn't like wearing them.)

5. I'm a dork. (Again, my husband told me to put this.)

6. The only time I get mean is when I need food.

7. My dogs have really long names. Kiya Makaka Pookie Marie Sassafras T.P. Thumper Kamakazi Roo and Kirby Spot Barnaby Humpernickel Buddy Boy

8. The minister was an hour late to our wedding. Oh yes, it is true. My mom was about to be walked down the aisle and she said "Where is the minister?" Once they figured out he was in his backyard enjoying a family BBQ and thinking the wedding didn't start for another 2 hours, my mom walked to the front of the church to make the announcement. We have a picture in our album of the minister's car tires up on the curb from peeling in late. It is very important to have a photographer document all the details of your day :)

Now that I've been the tagged, I get to be the taggee.

You're it...

Fred Egan
Lauren Clark
Davina Fear
Allan Zepeda
Kara Pennington
TimC
Scarlett of Captivating Studios
Lori Schaneville
Garrett Nudd (and his lovely wife Joy)

So that's 9. I've never been one to follow the rules.

WPJA - Wedding Photojournalist Association

I just found out that I've been accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) and am thrilled! Here are some quotes taken directly off the WPJA site, a few examples of why I am so honored to be a part of this association.

"The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets our members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography."

"Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity."

"...represents professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. The WPJA was founded to uphold excellence in the area of wedding photojournalism."

blessings,
amy

Erin & John ~ e-session in Grandville, MI

I am now back from my trip to Michigan. It was wonderful! I got to catch up with old friends and family. The reason for the trip was to do John & Erin's e-session. Erin & John have been good friends for several years now and I feel honored that they chose me to be their wedding photographer! We had such a fun time venturing around town. Both John and Erin are huge hockey fans and enjoy playing. Paul and I used to play with them when we lived in Michigan. (We love Hockey too!) I can't take the credit on this one though... It was all John's idea to go to the indoor rink to take some pictures. While Erin politely tried to help me find a way out of doing so, I immediately said "YES!!" ...brilliant. I had so much fun spending the day with them and am really looking forward to their wedding this fall! They truly build eachother up and are going to be tremendously blessed in their marriage. Congratulations you two!!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW

On My Way to Michigan...

I am headed to Michigan for the next several days. I haven't been home since Christmas, so I am very excited to plant my feet on home soil! I'll also be shooting Erin & John's e-session while I'm there. I am so excited!

While away, I will be checking my email less frequently. So if I don't get back with you within 24 hours, please be patient. If it is urgent, please feel free to call me at 888.804.4737.

Total off the wall thought. For those of you who know me well, know I have these often... like did you ever think how funny it is that while in a car we are traveling at high speeds like 70mph, but yet we don't move? Here's todays: So I'm sitting in the Chicago Airport and I'm wondering why in a day of over-obsessed cell phone use there are 14 pay phones within 10 feet of me. Haven't these become pretty much obsolete? Surely this many are slight overkill.

Reba & Bryan

I've had some down time in the last few days. This is a first for me in who knows how long. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. I took some time to get caught up on some personal stuff and actually exercise! Haven't done that in a while.

My cousin Bryan was married last fall to an absolutely wonderful amazing woman, Reba. I thought I'd post a few, since
a. they are a gorgeous couple
b. these were the first images I took with my 5D back when I first got the camera and
c. I love these images!

Blessings,
amy














My Aunt Jo Ann proudly looking on...







Mother & Son Dance...