Through My Lens : : Portugal

I know many of you have been asking when I would be posting the pictures of Portugal that I took when I was away at Jessica + Tyler's wedding a few weeks ago and I am totally aware that this post is way past due. The truth is...this is busy season. Summer is busy, but fall...it's really busy and I have been putting my clients and workload ahead of even having the opportunity to look through the literally thousands of pictures I took while away.

Tonight, as I picked out a few to post, was bittersweet. I truly can't convey with mere words the beauty of this countryside...the castle ruins, the people, the sights, smells and good times I shared with my friend Jen, driving our tiny manual-transmission car and getting lost down the winding roads.

It was a trip that I'll truly never forget. It was my first time in Europe. I know it won't be my last. There are a lot of pictures that I chose to post tonight, but I still haven't even looked through the majority. I'll save some later for a rainy or snowy day when I'm feeling nostalgic, but I hope that you enjoy these.

Also, I hope to post tomorrow our Trash the Dress session that we had with Jess & Ty, but thankfully Jen had a chance to post some today if you're still hungry for more pictures from our time in Portugal.




One of our delicious meals. This at a seaside restaurant during our trash the dress session with Jessica and Tyler.
The Villa

This castle was nestled right into the city of Loule', my favorite city we visited while there.


Portugal had some amazingly constructed bridges. This picture really doesn't do this bridge justice...it was taken from while driving down the road from the backseat.
The Portuguese love their grafitti...it was all over any abandoned building or bridge.





I was awestruck by these little fishing shacks along the beach.
Even an ocean away I could not resist photographing the dogs that roamed about.


We passed by many castle ruins along the auto route. I wished we had had more opportunity to explore them...this was another picture taken while speeding along in the car.
Espresso! We enjoyed at least one of these every morning along with the delicious pastries. The pastries were amazing and the one thing I tell Jen every time we talk that I miss. Unfortunately I have no pictures to share as they were consumed immediately after purchase. My favorite was the noted natas pastry, a custard-based delight.
One morning as we headed out to the market in Quarteira in search of breakfast and sadly more shopping (we had to shop for clothes every day as we had no luggage) we came upon a fish market with fish being brought from the fishing boats.









This man was selling clams at the roadside
Jen, looking contemplative and right at home here.


The fountain in the square of my beloved Loule'.

Megan + Matt : : Engaged

Late Sunday afternoon, I headed from our trash the dress location and up to see Megan + Matt at Matt's family cabin also on Silver Lake.

Megan and Matt are a couple that I knew I was going to enjoy my time with. Their happy and loving personalities, two adorable pups, and a variety of amazing locations, I knew this was sure to be a fabulous session.

Matt's family cabin was located right on the lake, close to the dunes, and we had the entire area all to ourselves. The air was filled with hints of fall and as much as I love the summer weather, it was a welcome feeling.

Megan and Matt - I cannot wait for your wedding next year and I hope you two enjoy your preview!

Joanna + Sam : : Trash the Dress

My second session of the day was the lovely Joanna and Sam...another newlywed couple who made the trek up to Aletha's family cabin at the Silver Lake Dunes for a fabulous trash the dress session.

This couple was such a pleasure not only to work with, but also to get to know, to learn how they met and the details of their beautiful wedding last month.

Joanna and Sam, I hope you enjoy your preview!

Annie + Blair : : Trash the Dress

Yesterday, Aletha of Pearls Events, Jen of JK Photography and myself held our first marathon Trash the Dress session up at the Silver Lake Dunes. We had the cabin stocked full of fresh fruit, mimosas, and our hair and makeup crew of Erin and Anna (thanks again girls!) making everything perfect. The day wasn't as warm as we were anticipating but we rocked out an amazing session regardless of the cooler temps.

After the fun and success of this session, I'm sure we will be planning another next summer so if any of you have ever been contemplating doing a session like this, I assure you that you won't regret it. And as I always say...our goal isn't to 'trash' the wedding dress. The sand and water comes right out after a trip to the dry cleaner.

Annie and Blair were my first couple of the day and they were SO much fun to work with. A newlywed couple of not even two months, they were totally in the moment and up for the spontanaity of the session. Annie looked amazing in her gown and I adored the flower in her hair. And Blair's seersucker trousers...fabulous!

















Behind the Scenes Action:

Aletha helping Annie and Blair get onto and ride the tandom bike down the trail
Aletha snapped one of me explaining a pose to Annie on the beach
Jen helping a soaked Amy and Aaron back to the car.
Look for Joanna and Sam's trash the dress session soon!

Lisa + Danny : : Married!

Lisa and Danny were married yesterday in beautiful Bloomfield Hills, MI. Lisa couldn't have made a more striking bride and Danny's eyes were on her all day long. The day flowed perfectly and Angie and I were there capturing every minute. Look for a preview later this week!

Congratulations Lisa and Danny!

Congratulations Robin + Sam!

Little Vicente was born to my friend Robin and her husband Sam on Thursday and as soon as we were able, my friend Kari and I headed right up to the hospital to visit the happy family. Little Vinny wasn't feeling the greatest the evening we saw him, but he managed his first photo shoot just fine.

Congratulations again Robin and Sam!

The Hamilton Family

Yesterday afternoon I had the great pleasure of working with this adorable family. Even amidst the swarms of mosquitos, we enjoyed the park and our time together, taking in the last of the warm summer weather.

This little one impressed me greatly with his vocabulary. Cute and smart...watch out girls!

And little Olivia, sweet, full of smiles and personality.








Enjoy your preview guys! It was a pleasure working with you all!

Julie Strating : : Couture Make-Up Artistry

Last night I got to live out every America's Next Top Model and Project Runway fantasy working with make-up extraordinaire, Julie Strating. Julie is the make-up artist behind some of my favorite brides (Sarah, Alex, Rachel) and last night we both broke out of our wedding mold to try something new, something edgier, to expand Julie's portfolio.

I was giddy to work on this project with her and on Sunday we sat down and put together the outfits our models would wear last night. The outfits were a mix of thrift store finds and hand-creations from Julie herself (the bubble skirt...all her my friends...fabulous! Make one for me!). The models were friends of Julies and a few of my past clients. The looks were edgy, fun, fashion-forward.




















How fabulous do these girls look. We were getting quite the looks from passers-by.

Behind the scenes:



Maureen working Amanda's hair into its magnificent peacock hairdo.


Sin working his fabulousness.
Julie doing what she does best...fabulous make-up


Julie's hand creation, this bubble skirt. Love it!
Thanks to all of the girls (and Sin) who made this shoot amazing.

Rachel + Andy : : Engaged!

Monday afternoon I met the dynamic due of Rachel and Andy in downtown Grand Haven for their engagement session. To my delight, they also brought along Cuervo, their adorable chihuahua. As a fellow chihuahua owner, I was totally in my element!

Mixing the shoot with some urban and beach locations, we had a fabulous time enjoying the perfect weather and discussing the details of their wedding next September.


Cuervo!



Rachel, you look fierce!

Adorable! I wanted to take him home with me.

Jess + Tyler : : Married!

Jess and Tyler's wedding was my first destination wedding, and I couldn't imagine having any other couple in the world to work with. The location, Portugal, the couple, fabulous! I am still trying to get my bearings and catching up as I return to reality, but look for a preview gallery of their wedding, their rehearsal, and their Trash the Dress session later this week. As well as a recap of my time of Portugal, complete with pictures of the sights we took in.

Can you believe this couple? How ADORABLE are they?! They were like this ALL day and needed very little direction from either Jen or I to be comfortable in front of the camera.

Portugal : : A Few to Tide You Over

After a whirlwind of a trip and a severe case of jet-lag, I thought I would tide you over with a few pictures from our Portugal adventure. I have literally thousands of pictures to look through and intend to blog about them throughout the week as well as posting a preview of Jessica and Tyler's wedding and the festivities leading up to their big day. The country was amazing and my only regret is not getting to spend more time there. The people were friendly, the espresso and pastries to die for, and the views everywhere were a photographer's dream. I wholeheartedly intend to go back soon to walk the old towns and enjoy a natas pastry.

If you are waiting for an email or phone call from me, I intend to catch up with all of my correspondence by Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday, we took Jess and Tyler all over The Algarve area shooting their Trash the Dress session. It was a full-on, all day session that not only gave us a chance to know this amazing couple, but to also see a lot of the countryside.

Jen and I thought it would be a nice surprise and gift to them to go through and each pick out a couple of our favorite pictures from the day to give to them as a wedding gift. We went to the nearby city of Loule (my favorite that we visited) and had them printed and framed and set them at their place settings at the reception. The look on their faces made it all worth it.


I will be posting more pictures throughout the week so stay tuned. Have a great weekend everyone!

Melissa + Kyle : : Preview Gallery

Saturday, September 13, 2008

I am finally back from my time in Portugal shooting a wedding with Jen of JK Photography and I can't wait to share with you the pictures of Jess and Tyler's fabulous wedding and the sights we saw in Europe. We were without Internet capabilities so I apologize for the delay in posting, but I will be more than making up for it this week! I normally like to get my wedding preview galleries up within a week of a wedding and I am a day late on posting Melissa and Kyle's wedding so please forgive me guys! I hope the images more than make up for the delay. It was a perfect day, despite the pouting rain courtesy of Hurricane Ike.

Melissa and Kyle planned their wedding at Ventura Pines, a beautiful home that overlooked Lake Michigan. Although the weather had other plans for the day, not once did I see Melissa or Kyle flinch about the change in plans. The ceremony was moved inside the tent that was to be used for the reception and we rolled with the changes. The day was filled with true emotion, laughs, tears (of happiness of course) and a rockin' reception.

Melissa's dress was seriously perfect and looked like a million dollars on her! The lace overlay was romantic and perfect.






Before Melissa got changed into her wedding dress, her bridemaids presented her with gifts of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

The handsome groom, getting ready with his groomsmen.
Before walking out to the ceremony, they got together for a group prayer.

Flowers, fabulous.


Kyle and his dad look so contemplative here. Kyle's dad officiated the ceremony which was such a special part to their day.


Melissa and Kyle chose not to see each other before the ceremony so as she was walking down the aisle, the tears flowed. It was beautiful.


Sealed with a kiss!


Amazingly, the rain tapered off just a bit after there ceremony and allowed us to get some photos. I was so grateful for this break in the weather!









Announcing the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Guess who made this fabulous cake?
If you guessed Barb Hoek of Sweet Cakes, you were right! I wonder how many of her wedding cake goodness I've consumed this wedding season?

Aletha and her assistants for the day rocked out the setting up of this reception. Making quick decisions and moving things around, they were troopers through the rain.






I'm about to post an inordinate amount of pictures of this little ring bearer. He was cracking up the whole crowd!









Melissa and Kyle - I know I told you both already, but I loved loved loved being a part of your day and working with such a chill couple. I wish you two happiness and love! Enjoy your preview!

Destination : : Portugal!

Sunday morning Jen and I are taking off and heading to Portugal (ahh, SO excited) to shoot a wedding and spend the week soaking up a new culture. Email and phone usage will be limited so if you contact me I will do my best to respond when able, but appreciate your understanding if I am slow to get back to you.

I will officially be out of the office from Sunday, September 14 to Saturday, September 20.

Check my blog throughout the week, and if we have access to the internet, I'll be sure to post about our travels.

Até a vista!

Melissa + Kyle : : Married!

Melissa and Kyle planned the perfect lakeside wedding at Ventura Pines just north of Holland. The rain was unexpected but didn't dampen this totally chill couple's day. Angie and I enjoyed ourselves the minute we walked in the door.

Congratulations again Melissa and Kyle! I will post a preview as soon as I'm back from my trip to highlight all of the fabulousness, kept in check by the lovely Aletha of Pearls Events.

Katie + Matt : : Trash the Dress

Last night I met Katie and Matt out in Saugatuck for their Trash the Dress session. These two were married a few months ago and after seeing Allie and Paul's session in Chicago last month, Katie contacted me to set up her own shoot.

I couldn't have enjoyed my evening more with these two and was excited to scout out locations to use for their session. Katie and Matt - You two are fabulous and I hope you enjoy your preview!

Kate + Ben : : Preview Gallery

Saturday, September 6, 2008

It was a perfect day, the sky blue and the air starting to lose it's humidity for Kate and Ben's wedding this past Saturday. Angie and I arrived at the Bayou House in Douglas, MI to meet Kate, her sisters and bridesmaids, and her family. This house was gorgeous! The doors, the lawn, everything...it made the perfect backdrop to family pictures and detail shots.

Kate and Ben's wedding was a destination wedding of sorts, with friends and family in from Chicago, the East Coast, and other various parts of the country. Kate and Ben themselves reside in Chicago but loved this side of the Lake and so planned their wedding here with the reception held under a big white tent at Ox-Bow in Saugatuck, MI.

The details, the food, and the ambiance were all perfect and true to this sweet couple. I wish them both all the happiness in the world!












Kate, you are a very chic bride!




Married!

After the church ceremony we came back to the Bayou House for the family pictures. These two had the right idea, taking a rest on the chairs behind this beautiful house.







Sushi! My kind of cocktail hour treat.
And any reception that allows you to bring your dog is totally good by me.


The details...amazing!






A little behind-the-scenes kitchen action








Kate and Ben - You both planned the perfect day. I hope your honeymoon to Mackinaw Island was a perfect one. Congratulations again!

Cindy + Adam : : Engaged

Cindy and Adam drove over from East Lansing last night to have their engagement session taken at the beautiful Tunnel Park in Holland. While I've been out there a lot this year, this time it was a little cooler, a little calmer and a perfect evening for an engagement session.





The light coming through the Tunnel leading out to the beach was amazing last night! We were there right before sunset and the light was golden and warm.


Cindy and Adam, you two were fabulous to work with! I hope you enjoy your preview and I can't wait for your wedding next May!

Marathon Trash the Dress : : September 28!

What girl doesn't want to wear that wedding dress one more time? Here is your opportunity! (And don't worry...your dress should be back to it's pristine glory after a trip to the dry-cleaner after your session).

JK Photography, Amy Carroll Photography + Pearls Events are teaming up to bring you a Trash the Dress session in Mears, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan on Sunday, September 28th 2008. We have two open spots at 4pm. If you want in on this amazing day, let me know as soon as possible, as we can only take two more participants.

For $175 you get hair + makeup, and a one hour session with either myself or Jen, plus all your high-res digital files for you to take and do what you please with them. If you are interested, email Aletha at aletha@pearlsevents.com for more details. These spots will go quickly so email her soon if you are thinking about joining us for this super fabulous session!

The Biggarts : : Family Session

Last night I met up with this energetic, fun and close-knit family at Riverside Park. The session was a gift from the kids to their mom for her recent birthday. When I asked them when the last time they had a family picture taken, their response was 1986 I believe...long overdue!



Sisters!



Erin, you and Jared are ADORABLE!

So are these two...they are getting married next summer!
Thanks again for a fun session...enjoy your preview!

Photography Workshop : : November 11!

After receiving a lot of interest on holding another class, Jen and I are excited to announce that we have another one set for Tuesday, November 11.

We will be covering topics ranging from using your manual controls, to composition, lighting and even starting a successful photography business. If you're interested in attending, seats are limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

The Details:
Workshop will be from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
We will have live models to work with.
Workshop will be held at our downtown studio at 820 Monroe, Suite 401.
You'll want to bring your camera, lenses, etc.
Bring questions, they are encouraged! It's a very hands-on class and we're excited to be offering it again.

Class cost: $200 with a $50 deposit required to hold your spot.

If you're interested in signing up, please contact myself at amy@acarrollphotography.com or Jen at info@jkphotographyonline.com

We hope to see you there!

Kate + Ben : : Married!

Talk about a fantastically unique and beautiful wedding! Kate and Ben were married in Saugatuck, MI and included a fabulous reception at Ox-Bow, a venue I wasn't familiar with, which is home and a school to artists. Look for a preview later this week!

Alicia : : Senior Session

Friday afternoon Alicia and her parents met me at my studio for her senior shoot. When she first contacted me to schedule her session, she was so excited and bubbly that I knew it was going to be a fun afternoon. I had a great time getting to know this out-going teen and we rocked a seriously fun session. Alicia - I hope you enjoy your preview!

Kate + Nick : : Preview Gallery!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Kate and Nick were married in Traverse City last Sunday during Labor Day weekend with a reception following at the Hagerty Center right on the Bay.

As soon as Kate walked into the church that morning, she was all smiles, calm and beautiful. When I met with Nick and his groomsmen for pictures, he mirrored her vibe in every way. The day was full of happiness, perfect weather and lots of laughs.





Kate beamed liked this all day!




Married!





I cannot pass up brightly colored walls or doors!





The groom's cake



Breaking out cigars at a wedding is always a hit and guarantees me some fun shot at the reception.




And the night ended with the perfect sunset.

Congratulations again Kate and Nick!

Kate + Jason : : Engaged!

I met Kate and Jason for the first time last night as they came to meet me downtown for their engagement shoot (with their dog Tyson...lovin' it!).

This super chic couple is getting married in January and I am so excited to shoot their wedding. Kate has some seriously amazing ideas for her wedding (peacock feathers...are you kidding me...awesome!) and they are excited about pictures in the snow.

Tyson is their baby, a rescue dog, who couldn't have been more loving. I am always in favor of a couple bringing their pet to their session!



















Enjoy your preview guys! Thanks for a rockin' session!

Little Myah : : An Adoption Story

A few months ago, Jennifer contacted me and told me that their family had recently adopted a little girl from Guatamala, little Myah, and we put a session date on the calendar. This is something that I excitedly offer as a no-charge session under my affiliation with Celebrating Adoption to celebrate this little one coming into a families' lives.

When this adorable family came into the studio last night, I was immediately captivated by Myah, a sweet, out-going and adorable little 19-month-old. She happily posed for the camera and was super sweet with her older sister. The session was a wonderful one and I wish nothing but happiness for this family.





Soooo big!

Baby Ethan : : Newborn Session!

A few months ago I photographed Jamie and Ian's maternity session and tonight I got to meet their new little one...Ethan...TOTALLY adorable!

One of my favorite things about new babies is they fall asleep so quickly. I love photographing a sleeping baby. Is there anything more peaceful?

Baby feet!









Little Ethan loves my yellow chair just as much as I do. Put him right to sleep.
Jamie and Ian, so fabulous to see you and to meet your little one. Enjoy your preview!

Angela + David : : Preview Gallery

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Last summer I photographed Angela's daughter Veronica for her senior session and I was beyond thrilled to hear from Angela again this year to have the opportunity to work with her again, this time to photograph her beautiful lakeside wedding this past Wednesday up in Whitehall at the stately Michillinda Lodge.

I was there for a few hours, capturing the ceremony overlooking Lake Michigan, some portraits of the happy couple down at the beach and a bit of the reception. Everything looked absolutely amazing, thanks to the talented team at Procedo Events, out of Holland, MI. My favorite part was seeing all of the orchids incorporated into the floral arrangements, which are one of my favorite flowers.

Angela made a STUNNING bride. Her hair and dress were impeccable!

David and Angela's daughters peeking out to the ceremony site before the ceremony begins.
Orchids!



Married!
Angela's other daughter, Alexia, totally rocking her flower girl duties.
While we headed to the beach for some photographs, the staff served the guests for the cocktail hour outside on the lawn. These stuff mushrooms were fabulous. I had to sample one!













I wish I had remembered to ask Angela who made this cake and where it came from. It was to die for! The fondant even tasted amazing.





Angela + David - Enjoy your preview and I hope that your time in Greece is absolutely fabulous. Congratulations again!

Stefanie + Brandon : : Engaged!

Stefanie, Brandon and I met together yesterday afternoon at Tunnel Park on the hottest day of 2008. Thankfully, we were at the beach and were able to get our feet wet in the cool lake and enjoyed a fabulously fun session!

Stef and Brandon met in high school and when they get married next spring, they will be celebrating 10 years together. Cheers to this happy couple!

Kate + Nick : : Married!

This week I had weddings on two unusual days...a Wednesday and a Sunday, which I must say I rather enjoyed!

Kate and Nick's fabulous wedding was yesterday, Sunday, August 31, in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. With a reception overlooking the Bay and a band rocking through the night, everyone was enjoying this incredible celebration. Look for more pictures later this week in their preview post. Until then, I hope everyone has been enjoying their holiday weekend!