Kathy and Josh

Kathy and Josh exchanged vows on August 28, 2011, at the Mill at Fine Creek www.themillatfinecreek.com. They are both naval officers currently based in Norfolk, Virginia with their precious baby daughter. Their wedding had to be postponed by one week because of Hurricane Irene but that didn't worry the vivacious Katiria who goes by Kathy. She was full of fun and happiness and the day went off without a hitch.

Every Life is Precious

Every Thursday I photograph the dogs and cats at Richmond's SPCA http://richmondspca.org. The images are used on their website to find loving homes for these animals. The SPCA saves the lives of 3,000 homeless animals each year and cares for 350 cats and dogs daily. They are dedicated to the principle that every life is precious. Here are a few of those precious lives.

Jenny and Craig's Love Story

Jenny and Craig were married April 30, 2011 at Willow Oaks Country Club www.willowoakscc.org. They were by far one of the nicest and easiest couples I have worked with so I would like to share their story with you.

Bill Gilliam from Choice Entertainment www.choiceentertainment.com mc and dj for the event, had the ingenuity to confer with the couple and create a funny story based on how they first met. The following is what he read out loud to the bride and groom and their guests during the reception.

Their story involved a chance meeting, a natural disaster, a classic movie, an aging rock star and blossoming love.

Back in August of 2005, Jenny and Craig met when mutual friends happened to run into each other at a bar. Craig began talking to Jenny, but when she found out he had family in Chicago she steered him over to to another girlfriend who used to live in Chicago. After a few minutes, Craig worked his way back to Jenny and eventually asked for her number. As she jotted her number on a napkin, Craig fed her a classic line from, Forrest Gump, I'm not a smart man Jenny..." Hmm Jenny thought, cute and a sense of humor, but I'm still not all that excited about dating. A few days later, Hurrican Katrina hit New Orleans and Craig called Jenny leaving her a voice mail saying "Don't worry, they found Fats Domino and he's okay." Now she was sold and the first date ensued.

After 4 dates Jenny knew she was falling for this witty guy and, for Craig, in spite of his promise to himself not to date a woman with a cat, felt the same. 10 months later they moved in together and 2 short years later, Jenny had Craig actually washing dishes. No one knows why it took 3 more years for Craig to propose, but finally propose he did, and on their 5 year anniversary, Craig proposed in front of the Governor's Mansion in Williamsburg.

Anything But Ordinary

In my mother's house, there are boxes full of photographs that contain memories of the past. Images from my childhood, the beloved pets that shared our lives, our grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends. A fragment here, a moment there, as a collection they represent the times of my life. However, with all these images, there is not by itself that completely documents any one event in my life such that I can remember every detail. There have been many times that I've wished for a complete story instead of just an image or two. My portrait sessions are designed to capture an event or a moment in the life of your family! During our session, you should choose a location and an activity that represents your day to day life--yes, that means no posing in matching outfits on the beach or in front of the Christmas tree. Anything But Ordinary is my motto of choice. I would rather see a game of soft ball, your daughter's first ballet lesson, your puppy's first birthday party. Your family at home relaxing with the latest member of the family albeit human or four-legged, not bedazzled and frozen by a set of studio lights against a white backdrop--a segment of our precious lives that we can remember. Engagement and maternity sessions also fall under this category. Even if I am not available to photograph your wedding, you can still share in one of my portrait experiences! Portrait sessions usually last about 1.5 hours, but can be less or more depending on what you are doing. All portrait sessions are posted online for ordering prints and also include your own copyright-free disc containing all high-resolution images. Sessions begin at $350. For more information, please send me an email and tell me more about the kind of shoot you are interested in! info@amandaanthonyphoto.com

The Day our World Turned White

December 19, 2009 is a an evening to be remembered. Not only since Dana Bonelli and Chris Johnson exchanged wedding vows at St. Giles Presbyterian Church http://www.stgiles.org/ but also because we were under a major winter storm warning. However, the snow did not dampen the couples evening but added to it making the nuptials more festive than ever.

Following an intimate ceremony, the couple and their guests then made their expedition downtown to the elegant Lemaire Restaurant http://www.lemairerestaurant.com/ at the Jefferson Hotel. Where they were invited to warm up with fresh cranberry laden cocktails before going into the "Library" for dinner.

Elegance and Ease

My associate photographer, Caron Sterling and I were fortunate to be part of two splendid weddings on November 7, 2009.

Caroline and Ned were married in the evening at First Baptist Church http://www.fbcrichmond.org/ with the reception following at Willow Oaks Country Club http://www.willowoakscc.org/. It was an evening that combined Caroline's natural elegance with Ned's casual ease. We really felt our photographs captured so many special moments. The reception was a grand affair with family and friends, and plenty of dancing!