The Little Things--"Amber Waves of Grain..."

I've sort of made it my mission to take at least one photo pretty much every day. Not only has it taught me a lot about my camera, but even more than that, it challenges me to look at the world around me a little differently. We walk by so many beautiful things each and every day; things that we take for granted. The other day, Jeff and I were on our way somewhere when I noticed the field across the street from our home. It's a field that I must have driven by at least a thousand times by now, and had never really paid much attention to. This time, the gorgeous golden foliage [I'm not 100% sure that's the right term for what these are, but hey, I'm not a nature expert] growing in the field caught my eye. I told Jeff that I wanted to come back and take photos of the field, to which he gave me a weird look, and that's precisely what I did this morning. I think whatever these "plants" may be, they are beautiful in the morning sunlight! I challenge you to go find something beautiful around your home that may be a little unconventional or that you never noticed before :)

Free Engagement Session!

The holidays are a time filled with lots of exciting things, including engagements! Did you or someone you know recently get engaged? If you answered yes, you're in luck! For a limited time, I'm giving away a free engagement session (a $75 value!).

The Details:
1-2 hour session in the location of the clients choosing. (A small travel fee will apply if the location is more than 30 minutes outside of Grand Rapids).
All edited images will be uploaded to an online proofing gallery where the client will have the option to buy prints.
Includes a free, custom-designed engagement announcement or save the date!

For more information or to book your session, send an e-mail to wheeler.amanda.s@gmail.com

Congratulations!

Happy Holidays!

Just another quick Christmas post. Jeff bought me a new lens for Christmas so I had some fun with that while we were visiting my parents. Lots of Christmas cooking making was documented ;)

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Dogs get gifts at our house, too. :)

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Actually Christmas is still a few days away, but tomorrow is when Jeff and I are leaving to visit family for the holidays. This is our first Christmas as a married couple, and like most, it's been fun trying to combine our traditions, as well as make some new ones of our own to pass down. Christmas on my end has always meant church on Christmas Eve, followed by good food and exchanging gifts with my siblings. I really liked this tradition and will probably do the same with my children. Christmas morning is the rest of the gift exchanging and a big Christmas dinner. This year, I'm most looking forward to spending uninterrupted time with my family (including Jeff, who has promised to leave his computer at home! We will see how that goes....). I think I appreciate the holidays a little more than I have in the past. I've been living away from home for five years, but now with my sister being gone as well, it's more rare that all of us are together.

I hope everyone has a beautiful, relaxing holiday break no matter where or with whom you are celebrating! Here's a little something to get you in the Christmas spirit :)

Today was especially foggy... Hoping we will get a little snow on Christmas day! (I'm not disappointed if I don't have to travel in a blizzard like last year, though!)

Jake's 4th Birthday

This past weekend, Jeff and I went to visit some close family friends in Bay City. This visit was extra special because their oldest boy, Jake, just turned 4! Below are some of my favorite photos from his birthday party.

Two Thousand Eleven

I don't know about you, but for me this has been a BIG year, and I absolutely cannot believe that it is coming to a close. One year ago today, I got engaged to my best friend, Jeff. He took me all the way to our favorite spot in Chicago to pop the question, AND arranged for one of my very best friends to be there to witness the big event and take these awesome photos! Although it was not technically in 2011, it was a great prequel, if you will, for what was to come.

In January, I started my final semester at Grand Valley State University, and went on to graduate in April. College FLEW by. It's been over 6 months now since graduation and I still can't believe that it's over. I don't know if I am one of those people who would say that college was the best years of my life, but it was a time that I will definitely look back on fondly. I met a few amazing friends that I know I will have forever.

Christina | Graduation

Today one of my best friends graduated from Grand Valley with a degree in public and non-profit administration (and she's looking for a job if you know of anyone who's hiring!). Here's a few pics I shot today after the ceremony. Congratulations Christina!

First (real) Snow!

Up until this point, here in Grand Rapids, we have only gotten a few flurries, but this morning when we woke up, there was a light blanket of snow on the ground! The weather today is absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies, light sunshine, and the snow just adds a little extra sparkle! Here are a few shots from our backyard.

 [Mid bark...]

About Me: Part 3- My amazing siblings!

I am lucky enough to have been blessed with two amazing siblings-- Marissa & Brett. Watching them grow up has been pretty neat, and I'm really proud of the young adults they are becoming.

Marissa

Marissa is quite a bit different than me. Although she is sometimes shy like I am, she is way more sarcastic and sassy than I am. Marissa graduated high school this year and went off to college at LSSU up in Sault Ste Marie. As of right now, she is planning on going to nursing school. Oh and I forgot to mention that she is completely gorgeous! See for yourself... ;)

Brett

Brett is a lot like me in personality. He's quiet, good at math, and likes to draw. Unlike me, however, Brett is an athlete. He's played baseball most of his life and started running cross country when he got into high school. Oh, and he's also quite handsome ;)