Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | February 9th, 2012
A few years ago, I met the super sweet and super talented Amy Hofacker, artist extraordinaire behind the whimsical watercolors of her business Funamals. I was delighted by the colors and her technique and the art show I met her at was filled with her pretty work of not only pets, but woodland creatures, elephants and more. I snatched a card and ended up commissioning her to do a portrait of my own little pup Tanner last winter.
While enjoying a cup of coffee together a few weeks ago, we started chatting about her business, her new promotional materials and the excitement over her new handmade paper. She wanted some pictures to promote her art and I couldn’t have been more delighted to spend some time with her and watch her work. The art of photography is what I know and an artform I enjoy doing. But I have absolutely no skill when it comes to painting or drawing so to watch someone paint and have a picture come together before my eyes was a true delight! Not only do I respect her work, but she’s also environmentally conscious by upcycling materials and using local vendors. Her handmade paper is truly it’s own work of art…created by Whitney Korstange of Maple Street Paper Co. in Fremont, MI.
Amy specializes in painting custom pet portraits and has her work displayed on Etsy here. She also does cards and other pretties so make sure to check out her work and follow her fun blog. Funamals is also featured in local boutiques, including one of my personal favorites, Minty Keen. Think of how unique a hand-painted watercolor of a loved little pet would be to a spouse, friend or family member! Support our local artists and show them we value their work!
Below is the painting she did of my my little pup Tanner J.! So cute!
Tags: All, lifestyle
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | February 8th, 2012
There is no better feeling for a photographer when we get to work with couples that embody everything we love about what we do. Sarah and Todd are a joy and after shooting their engagement session in Chicago this past weekend, I can say honestly that I adore them both.
Foregoing the typical ‘downtown’ Chicago session, they opted instead to roam the blocks of the Wicker Park/Bucktown area they reside in. Good choice you two! The areas are eclectic, colorful and fun and made for a great session, even in the colorless skies of a cold February weekend. Bonus for us? Their friend Leah gave us some rooftop access to overlook the city. Friends are neat.
Their wedding next month is one I’m ridiculously excited for. Not only do they have groovy venues but they hired Jamie of Heyday Event Lab to make all their ideas come together. It’s going to be a great way to kick of the 2012 season!
Tags: All, Engagements
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 25th, 2012
A few weeks ago I sat in my office, watching snow fall from my office window. Those big, perfect fluffy snow flakes that even for those that hate winter, have to take notice and smile. It was one of those days I was inspired by the snow. The perfect white that covered all the dark and dreariness outside. And it’s also just about the time of year that I haven’t shot any weddings in a few months and dearly miss photographing lovely people in love!
So a fun shoot was definitely in order and I knew that I couldn’t do it without collaborating with sweetie-pie Daisy of Pixel&Hank (remember some of our other fun shoots?). And my dear friend Jamie and I have been talking for way too long about collaborating on something lovely together. Jamie is the owner and talented videographer of Shutter Speed Productions and I just love her to pieces. A few months back, the sweet couple featured here contacted me about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session and I knew they would be perfect for this! I have known Jen since she was just a youngin’ and it still blows my mind she’s a married adult now. She and Matt have big hearts and Matt loves this girl a lot. For him to shiver through the session, rocking out a polka-dot bowtie in the middle of the woods…well, he didn’t do it for any other reason than for her alone ;).
A huge big thank you to the talented Stacy Jensen who came out to do hair and makeup (she rocks and it’s just not a collaboration without her) and to September’s Bride for the tux Matt wore. And of course my parents who let a troop of girls take over their house and property. Look for a little cameo from my little pup Tanner J. and my sweet little goats! And make sure to click on the video link at the end of the blog post to see Jamie’s video of our shoot!
LOVE from Shutter Speed Productions on Vimeo.
Tags: All, lifestyle, Personal, Trash The Dress, Weddings
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 15th, 2012
For those in regions that got snow, please tell me you went out and enjoyed it. It was magical. Completely magical.
Tags: All
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 13th, 2012
I have a lot of love for this sweet family! And knowing they were coming into the studio yesterday made for a great day.
I first photographed them when they first became a family of three. And now, four years later they are a family of five! Addie, Evie and Isaac…three sweet little blondies. So cute! I loved watching Addie and Evie smooch on their new little brother.
Tags: All, Children and Families
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 10th, 2012
A sunny, 50 degree day in January. There was no way I could not take advantage of such a beautifully perfect day. I grabbed my camera and off I went.
There is often a time I do this…take a drive. Explore. Scout. Drive. Pray. Think. Clear my head.
This afternoon I didn’t have anywhere specific in mind. I headed west, drove down a few dirt roads and smiled at the sunshine. I turned the heat off in my car. I even turned off the seat warmer (which has been on since Mid-October).
I saw this lovely herd of long horned cattle down a little dirt road and couldn’t not stop. I love animals. I dream of owning a farm (where the animals like to be fed after I wake up at 10 a.m.). So I hung out with them a bit this afternoon. I photographed for me, which it seems like every winter I finally have a break to do again. It’s refreshing and I thoroughly enjoyed the spring-like feeling of the day.
Tell me, what do you do to clear your head?
Tags: All
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 2nd, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Originally a June wedding was in the works for Keri+Bill. But a little over a month ago, Keri called me up and said that plans had changed. All of their family was going to be in town for the holidays and no time like the present, right? So a small wedding was planned for the afternoon followed by a fancy session with me and then onto dinner at Mangiamo in downtown Grand Rapids. The misting rain, while annoying that it wasn’t the gently-falling snow we were all hoping for, actually made the mood enchanting and romantic.
Keri and Bill worked together to make the absolutely charming details for their reception. Felt pom-poms, an owl cake topper, handmade ring pillow, and my favorite…the ’smitton in the mitton’ mitton-shaped favors. Keri’s tea-length dress and shall along with Bill’s dapper grey suit was perfection. It was an intimate affair filled with the people they loved and loved them.
Gail VanderLaan truly never disappoints in her amazing floral design.
Tags: All, Weddings
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | January 1st, 2012
First of all…HAPPY NEW YEAR dear readers!
So on Friday (AFTER I did my end of year wedding round up earlier this week…), I got to be a part of Keri+Bill’s wedding day and capture some lovely images for this sweet sweet couple. Look for a preview soon and marvel over their adorable DIY details.
Tags: All, Weddings
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | December 28th, 2011
Wow, what an amazing year! 2011, while my head is still spinning that it went WAY TOO FAST, was full of blessings. I am continually in awe that not only do I get to do what I love, but that I have the sweetest clients on the planet. Looking through the past 30 weddings I shot this past year, I was smiling ear to ear as I compiled some of my favorite pictures from each wedding.
This year took me the West Indies to a little island called Nevis, to sunny Mexico, Wisconsin, Detroit, Northern and Southern Michigan and of course my hometown of Grand Rapids. To my sweet clients - thank you…each and every one, for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. I am so grateful for you all!
Tags: All
Posted by: Amy Carroll Photography | December 16th, 2011
Once again I had the fabulous opportunity to capture the Design 1 Fashion Show to benefit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital this year. The hair and makeup, as always, simply blew me away. Photographing this looks is ridiculously fun…pink eyelashes, hair shaped into a sky-scraper? I died and went to fashion heaven.
A big round of applause to all those who made this event happen and done so fabulously. The event was amazing and the biggest bonus was all that was raised for the DeVos Children’s Hospital!
The runway show was held at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. An amazing venue for this event.
Tags: All, lifestyle
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