Movie Review: Marley and Me

Eeek. Go see this movie NOW. Men and women of all ages (um, over the age of 14 I would guess) will appreciate this account of a human and their beloved pet. 5 out of 5 stars.

Sarah and Mike

Awww. I still get excited when I think about these two-we had soooooooooooooo much fun on their wedding day! Between Sarah's train getting dirty during photos and me discreetly cleaning it; to Mike's "Absolut Wedding" (ok, that's a facebook inside joke) I couldn't of had more fun with them!
It was a perfect time of year at Silver Gardens- where the ceremony and reception took place. I must admit, today I didn't feel the need to go to another location for outdoor photos because the tress and bushes were the perfect fall shade. On the other hand, there is still something about the lighting and the banquet chairs that drive me batty about the inside of the chapel. Still- what an AWESOME place with AWESOME food- and the wait staff will bend over backwards for its vendors- so they will always get an A+ in my book.
After we left the nearby hotel where Sarah was getting ready, all us girls came to Silver Gardens to get Sarah dressed and ready to do some outdoor photos. Once the girls were hidden, it was time for the guys photographs- once they arrived.
We had plenty of time after the ceremony for photos outside before the reception started- they really planned the timing well; we had ample time, but not too much time where there was a huge gap. The sun was starting to go down at this point so we got some GREAT photos with a nice golden glow on their faces!
One cool thing about the reception was the cookie table- an Ohio tradition. Man oh man was it cool! I mean, there were just cookies upon cookies everywhere. At this point I was pretty ticked I was working because all I wanted to do was taste every single cookie there, then I would had looked like a complete pig just sitting around eating instead of working. The thought did indeed cross my mind though just to park my ass next to that table, camera in hand with a handful of deliciousness (Oh my- after re-reading that, I totally feel like Ralphie's dad and his obsession with the leg lamp.)

Congratulations my loves aka Amanda Williams website celebrities!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox

Christina and John

What a great way to spend my 31st birthday! Christina and John had a wonderful fall day!
I started the day out at Christina's dads home, where she was getting ready. What an AWESOME backyard this man has for photos! I just want to be able to rent it out!
After getting the photos of my Chrissy and her girls, we all headed over to the church for more photos of the guys while the gals hid. It was also great because I was able to knock out a ton of family photos that would usually be done after the ceremony- but time permitted so we took care of those. I must say to you all- if there is one part of the day that gets old for you real quick- it is standing at the alter doing traditional group photos while you have to look slap happy with a smile on your face for a half hour. This part of the day will bore you to tears. Don't get me wrong- this is a VERY important aspect of the day to complete, but I am in the same boat as you- it is not my most favorite part of the day- how artsy can you get with a wall with a hung Jesus behind you? Not very.
After the ceremony, we headed to downtown Rochester for some outdoor photos before the sun went down. I love photographing in this particular part of town-there are alot of cool buildings to use!
The reception took place at one of my favorite spots- Petruzello's on Rochester rd. It is quite funny because I haven't been here in about a year- yet the very first year i was in business for myself (2001) I was at Petruzellos like 10 times that year. Crazy!
What a great night this was- and what an awesome couple!

Congrats my peeps- and MUCH LOVE for the birthday serenade you all gave me at the bar! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Eeek! Makeup and skincare blog!

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I am in love! Check out this blog, you crazy makeup review lovers!

http://www.megsmakeup.com/

What do I do with those Holiday cards after the Holidays?

After the holidays, it can be kind of depressing to throw away all of those cards you recieved from friends and family in the mail-after all, they spent the time and postage to keep you in their thoughts. Well, I found a GREAT article in Womans Day magazine yesterday on how to reuse them.

During the holidays, you make go searching for that great appetizer or slow cooker recipe to bring as a side dish to a party, or you may even try something you totally fall in love with and want to make it yourself. All you do is take the holiday card and either on the inside or the backside of it place your favorite recipe on a label or print it out by hand- stash it in your recipe box and that special greeting or cool card will never be forgotten!

Or..have you thought about doing this as place cards for your guests at your wedding? If you are having a winder wedding- or even Valentines day for that matter reception- take a smaller holiday or valentine card, affix a name label (think address label sticker) on the front with the name/table number, and on the back place a recipe for your favorite signature drink at your reception! Voila- a place card AND a favor!

Jessica and Philip

I must admit, this couple strikes a very delicate cord with me, so much so that I find it a bit difficult to keep my composure writing this. Jessica and Philip are the type of couple that I could literally flip off and they would come running over to me hugging me anyway. They both have such wonderful personalities- and who can resist Jess with her adorable grin and Philip with his dimples? This couple has been through the ringer and back in such a short period of their courtship that my emotions run wild when I think of them.
The day started out at the Victorian Wedding Chapel in Waterford- what a beautiful place! The chapel itself certainly is not gigantic, and neither is the garden area outside- but it suited this event more than PERFECTLY! The weather was )pardon my phrase here) "kick ass" and the photographic view to the lake was stunning- couldn't ask for anything better for photos!
Jessica and Philip decided to see each other before their ceremony began, so I was able to get some snap shots of them seeing each other for the first time. Their special moment was magnificent and the way that they looked at each other will live in my memory for the rest of my life.
After the ceremony and more photos, we headed over to the reception site, Deer Lake Racquet Club. This just so happens to be the same place where the couple had their first date over 8 years ago while playing tennis! We took some time for more photos on the grounds before heading in to the hall for their grand entrance.
One thing that was VERY special was the bright yellow Barracuda that Jessica rented for Philip. This is his all time favorite car! While Philip drove the Cuda with Jess by his side, one of his groomsmen drove my car with me in the passenger seat so I could get some photos of Philip in his special ride.
What a wonderful day!

Congrats you two- I think you guys know you will always hold a very special place in my heart! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Katie and Bryan

Well, well, well. What a pleasant day this was! Sure it was nice and hot, but I couldn't of asked for a better group to work with. The day started at Katie's moms house where all the girls were getting ready, then we went outside to get the individual photos of Katie with each of her bridesmaids- and there were alot of them! This was the first time I met Katie and I was thrilled- she is a stunning Italian with olive skin and dark hair- awesome combo for photos!
From there, we went to the church and the girls hid while I waited outside with the videographers from Mike Staff for the boys to arrive.
after the ceremony, of course everyone wanted to par-tay in the trolley, but I convinced Bryan that we needed to take photos in the park that is named in honor of his Grandfather- Wahby park in front of Blossom Heath- and he agreed, as long as they could make a booze run. No problemo- we got plenty of photos of everyone having a fantastic time- then we were off to Villa Penna!
I was happily greeted by one of my favorite DJ's- Erik Hodge from Mike Staff. The wedding guest list was long- almost 300, so the bride and groom had most of the hall to themselves- and it looked GORGEOUS! They really went all out on the decor!
All in all- an utterly fantastic evening!

Congrats you two- did you ever see that server I was talking about last weekend??? xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

3 Month Old Session

Family Photo Session

Tracy and Vinnie

What a great day we had! The sun was shining, the weather was warm but pleasant enough to deal with outside photos, and the families were great! I couldn't have asked for a better day!
Tracy and Vinnie are a complete riot. It was like we all were old friends hanging out having a blast on their big day. The couples' engagement session was taken at Belle isle just days before the wedding, so Vinnie had a chance to warm up to me as well as the camera. Once the wedding day came- he was nothing but smiles and giggles. In fact, Vinnie has this contagious laugh that can make anyone roll on the floor laughing themselves.
The ceremony and reception both took place at Club Monte Carlo in Shelby township. One thing I like about this place is the location in reference to Heritage Gardens located at Van Dyke and 24 mile. Although you must call ahead and make reservations, the grounds are awesome for photography- as you will see with so many other people taking photographs there as well.
Obviously, after the ceremony we headed over to the gardens for some family photos as well as the bridal party and just Tracy and Vinnie. once we finished there, we went straight back to Monte Carlo for the reception. I LOVED how roomy the room felt- there was plenty of room to move your chair in and out and walk around without bumping into other people. You would be amazed at the amount of reception halls that really pack people in so you can't move- always keep in mind that if a hall says your room can seat 150 people, in reality for comfort plan on the max being 125-otherwise you or your guest will not be able to move!
One cool thing that this couple did was how they named their table- every table was named love but in a different language. It definitely was very cool and unique!

Congrats you guys- you were and will always be a blast in my book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Brooke and Bill

Oh how I heart these two. I had a friggin' slap happy smile on my face all day while in the company of Bill and Brooke.
This late September day was pretty overcast- a little more than I would have liked for the photos, but way better than the beaming sun in everyones face so I was thrilled. We had touch and go spots of rain, but nothing really umbrella worthy so we were all good.
I started off at Brooke's parents house to snap some getting ready photos before heading over to the church. Once we arrived at the church, I started the individual and family photos of Bill with his groomsmen and family; of course making sure Bill didn't see Brooke in the process.
After the ceremony, we all headed over to Metro Beach for some outdoor photos in the park before more photos on the pier at Gino's.
I got a kick out of Brooke all day because she would always ask me "Amanda, am I doing OK?" all the while having that sweet smile on her face- I wanted to pinch her damn cheeks so bad because she is so cute but I didn't want to mess her makeup up. So instead, I would look at her with a sweet smile and say "Baby cakes, you are doing fabulous."
At the reception, Bill wrote and played on his guitar a song for Brooke which literally brought the crowd, including me to tears. Moments like these are one of many reasons why I love what I do so much.

Congratulations you love birds- xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Movie Review- Four Christmases

A predictable holiday movie- but I must say the chemistry between Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon is fabulous. This is NOT a movie for kids- leave them at home. Go see it- worth it at the regular show. 4 out of 5 stars.

***NEW*** Bride and Groom First Dance Song!!!!!!

Oh Lordy. I am on a CONSTANT mission while editing photos to find new songs for the "First Dance." I get asked time and time again what a nice song would be- no too fast- just a nice song to hold each other close while being able to ignore the crowd and just focus on each other. Well, I have found the new song- it it PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!
it is by DIDO- I have a huge love for this artist ever since she took part in "Stan" by Eminem. Her new album is FANTASTIC. Go to itunes NOW- and download:

Look No Further from the brand new album Safe Trip Home

Amy and Bryan

What a fan-freaking-tabulous couple!
Seeing as these two live down the street from me, we have spent so much time together since the wedding- they are like family! Amy and Bryan were also part of my "Trash the Dress" session held on October 3rd. Anyway..........on to the wedding details!
The day started off at the hotel where Amy was getting ready with her girls. Bryan was in another room down the hall with the guys, so after some candids with Amy, I scooted down the hall for some fun stuff with the boys.
From the hotel, we headed over to the Grecian Center in Riverview, where the ceremony and the reception took place. The Grecian Center is an AWESOME one stop shop- you can have your ceremony outdoors in the pavilion (weather permitting) and there is about 4 acres of gardens and trees. Great for photo ops. I started with the girls photos, hid them and then photographed the guys. Once the ceremony was finished, we took photos outside for about a half hour then on to the reception!
As always, the food is grand here, one of the best Downriver halls around- in fact, it is my second favorite! And once again, Cakes by Stephanie was the cake baker ( I totally need to meet this girl!) and she seriously has the best cake I have ever tasted- EVERY single time. She is also EXTREMELY reasonable in price. I recommend her to everyone and anyone! Two for the Road provided the music and entertainment, and boy did the guests like these guys. The heckle people and sing and DJ and are just an all around bundle of fun! My friend Kristy from So in Love Invitations provided all of the paper products- boy she does a marvelous job!

Congrats you guys- I am looking forward to many more years of fun to come! PS-I will treasure my vase forever! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox