June 30, 2007

Congratulatons to Jennifer and Joe who were married today!

Joe proposed to Jennifer outside of this TGI Fridays in downtown Grand Rapids. One of their requests for their wedding day was to have a picture taken in the same spot that he proposed to her. So once again I found myself in the middle of a busy downtown street, holding up traffic for that perfect shot. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Matt and Lindsey - Wedding Preview

When: Saturday, June 23, 2007

Where: Ceremony - St. Roberts, Ada MI
Reception - Private residence

Highlight of the Day: It was an outdoor tented reception! We loved being outdoors and taking part of this simple and classy, yet laid-back wedding. We also enjoyed getting to know the warm and hospitable families and were amazed at the near-perfect weather for an outdoor affair.

June 29, 2007

I think it's been a few weeks since I've featured a picture of my dog Tanner on the POTD, so I took him outside and sat him in our landscaping this evening for a picture.


This morning I had a pedicure with two of my girlfriends and quite honestly, was going to feature a picture of all of our cute toes for the POTD. But...in my haste to make the appointment in time, I forgot to insert a new memory card into my camera and thus, no brightly colored toenails to show off.


This picture was taken towards the end of my session with Tanner. It's his "I'm-not-going-to-look-at-that-lens-one-more-second" look.

Jack and Shelly - Wedding Preview

When: Friday, June 22, 2007

Where: Ceremonly - Reformed Baptist Church, Holland MI
Reception - Holland Fish and Game Club

Highlight of the Day: The toasts at the reception. They were heartfelt and well spoken. And the best man gave the bride his t-shirt to sleep in (you had to be there).

For each wedding that I do, I post a few pictures to give the couple something to look forward to while I'm busy editing the rest of their pictures. Isn't that nice of me?

June 28, 2007

When I am not quite sure what to do for my POTD very often I will just grab my camera and walk around outside. I love the summertime because of the many beautiful flowers that are growing everywhere.

I wish I had brought my camera to dinner tonight though. I decided to surprise my husband with dinner and didn't tell him where we were going. I took him to Mangiamo and if any of you have been looking for a great place to try....go here! It's on Lake Drive and used to be the old Gibson's. We had an amazing dinner, blueberry mojitos (YUM!) and even dessert. I wish I could have taken a picture of the creme brulee with the fresh berries on top.

Oh, and I was featured in a photographery blog today! Scroll down to the middle of the page:
http://bludomain.typepad.com/blus_daily_blog/

June 27, 2007

This afternoon I had lunch with a photographer friend who wanted a portrait done of her for her website. We went to a favorite back ally of mine in downtown Grand Rapids to do the shoot and as we were walking back there, we saw these two men working. I thought that the sparks the welder was throwing off looked pretty cool. They happily obliged for a quick picture and I even was asked to sign a birthday card for their foreman. Random.

In turn, I also had a few pictures of myself taken since quite honestly, I didn't have any updated pictures of myself. It is quite strange to be on the other side of the lens. Now I know how all of you feel! I am so much more comfortable behind the camera. I will share a few of my pictures from the shoot with you. You'll notice how shy I am when being photographed...

June 26, 2007

This picture was taken at a swampy area I stumbled upon. I'm not quite sure what type of bird this happens to be, but rarely do I get a good shot of a bird in motion. I was quite pleased with how this one turned out.

Anyone know this species of bird?

Thanks to everyone who took the time to email me today and for all of the nice compliments about the site. I had a few tweaks to do here and there and have a few more that are on my 'to-do' list.

On a completely unrelated topic, I got my invitation to my 10 year class reunion today in the mail. I knew this was coming, but until today had no idea of when this might fall. I had it in my head that I was sure I wouldn't be able to go if it was on a Saturday night...which they almost always are. But the date is September 15...a Saturday I purposefully didn't schedule anything for as a means of relaxation. Amazing!

June 25, 2007

Earlier this evening I was downtown near the Blue Bridge area downtown for an engagement shoot. As I was waiting there with the bride-to-be we noticed that there were some police officers starting to close down Front Street, where I was parked. I quickly asked the officer what was going on, as I started to see the K9 unit, equestrian unit, bomb squad trucks, etc. start filing in. Nobody seemed to be in a hurry or panic so I saved my judgement until I heard what the story was. Apparently, it is the first day of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and this was the kick-off! I even got to meet some of the chaplains who have been service for more than 30 years. You can learn more about them here: http://www.icpc4cops.org/2007ATSbrochure.pdf

Even more cool, is that one of the chaplians I spoke with also wrote a book called "Where Was God?" The World Trade Center Disaster seen through a Chaplain's Eyes. He showed me the book and then asked me if I would like my own copy. I graciously accepted and he even signed it and wrote a message to me inside. He was such a humble man, and yet what a story he has to share. I've already begun to read the first few pages and am captivated. If anyone is interested in learning more, his website can be found at http://www.chaplainbobwtcministry.com/.

Here is a picture of him signing my book.

June 24, 2007 POTD

This afternoon after church, my husband and I went out to lunch and out to the mall as is a favorite Sunday activity for us. As we were driving behind the Rivertown Mall area in Grandville, I happened to see a family of swans in one of the little pond areas. And lucky for me, my camera and my long zoom lens was in my car! So we pulled over and I walked down to the edge of the pond to take a few shots. I was careful to not disturb these beautiful birds and I've heard swans don't always have the best dispositions...especially with babies nearby...so I just took a few pictures and went along my way.

June 23, 2007 POTD

Congratulations to Matt and Lindsey who were married today!

This wedding was simply amazing. The wedding took place in the morning in Ada with a noontime reception immediately following at a private home in Ada. It was a tented reception sitting upon 40 acres. It was simply beautiful. And it was a nice change of pace for my assistant and I to be able to be outdoors in the perfect summer weather this afternoon. The bride and groom, as well as both families, were laid-back and enjoying the day. With limited formal pictures on their agenda, I was able to really document the day in a true photojournalistic way. I am very excited to edit this wedding!

A New Look for the POTD (Picture of the Day)

Welcome to the new "Picture of the Day"!

I know some of you were starting to panic...I even had a few frantic emails wondering if I'd done away with this feature. But the truth is that I've been trying to develop a new website, a more interactive website, and a new and improved format for the POTD.

And you can also view the archive of the POTD's at this link: http://www.amycarroll.smugmug.com/gallery/1520671#165388216

And just for a bonus, here is another picture from today's wedding. It was too cute not to share. This was one of the flower girls who really really can't wait to be a grown-up girl.