One of my all-time fave photographers, Amy Wenzel, has hooked up with I Heart Faces to give away a spot to her photography workshop…and I’ll admit the moment I saw this my heart starting beating faster and my mind started racing…I mean what if I actually won!!??? I can honestly say that being lucky is NOT one of the ways I would normally describe myself.. “Sorry Try Again” has been in just about every one of MY candy wrappers…what gives? Normally I would talk myself out of anything like this and immediately walk away from my computer, but this time I didn’t.

Then I realized entering the contest also meant writing about how I’ve been an inspiration and how I love & serve others in my life and I literally FROZE up. Figuring out the answer to those questions has been my entire focus this past year! I immediately felt drawn to enter…to tell my story…to put myself out there…to allow myself to fail…and then I drew a major blank. What do I say?! I wouldn’t really describe myself as extraordinary. My journey has had its ups and downs just like anyone else and I am not really a fan of tooting my own horn, but rules are rules people.

As I sat to write this, I thought about all the times that I have NOT made a difference…have NOT been supportive & loving and have NOT served others in my life…it is really hard to be that honest with yourself. Sure, I have been there for people…been a good sister….a decent friend…wife & mother…but couldn’t I have done more? Maybe growing up in a dysfunctional world has made me too hard on myself, but this past year has given me a whole new perspective on how to be the person I am meant to be…to go on the journey GOD has in store for me, and to touch the lives I am meant to touch.

One year ago, I had plans, I was going to make something of myself even if it meant some major things in my life fell by the wayside…then GOD stepped in. All in one year, I was completely surprised by baby #3…losing 2 grandfathers…and then devastated when at my 9th month of pregnancy my grandmother was put in ICU 1000 miles away and I couldn’t be there as she passed. Although our outlooks on life were very different…I was the yin to her yang…she and I were beyond connected. When she was gone I felt like a part of me was gone too. As the months passed, I pulled the covers over my head and tried to put my life on hold. It didn’t work. Eventually I had to let go of so much that I had been holding onto. Life is way too short to go on thinking I could control every part of my world…I had to hand it all over to GOD and really put myself out there….which to me was the scariest thing I could do.

The way I am making a difference is not really as outward as it has been inward. In the process I have been able to be a better friend…a much better sister…a more loving wife and a more patient and playful mother. This workshop would be an amazing way to re-invigorate my passion for photography, learn more about how to live my life out-loud….and how to use my passion to see more of the little things that I’ve been missing….when its all said and done those things are all that matter anyway.

I have quite a few more surprises up my sleeves too so keep checking back! Class of 2011 is going to ROCK!

A little Extra 411:

Session fees are due within 5 days of booking

All sessions are shot on-location in and around Grand Rapids & Holland, MI

Your images will be available within one week of your session for proofing. Your gallery will remain active for 7 days (orders must be placed during this time or incur a $50 re-activation fee for an additional 7 days)

Ala Carte prints begin at $25 and all orders will include complimentary digital images for Myspace and Facebook

For more information please contact me by phone 616.299.9551 or email info@taylorgreyphotography.com

Book your session before April 15 and save 15% off the session fee!

(photos by Amy Wenzel)

Here are the rules:
* Leave a sweet comment below and tell me what YOU are obsessed with along with your name and email address (only one entry per person please)
* Deadline: Friday February 12, at MIDNIGHT…the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Valentine’s Day
so hurry up…you couldn’t possibly let yourself miss out on something this sweet!!!

WINNER UPDATE: I am a bit late in revealing the winner I came down with Strep Throat and was sleeping most of the weekend trying to recover. Now its cycling through the family…and its not pretty! Good thing chocolate is worth the wait The winner is….drumroll please……Jenn with Still Cross Photography!!! I will be emailing you Jen to get your mailing info soon!! Congrats!

check it out!

Kim and Jeremy were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony among the pine trees in their own gorgeous back-yard surrounded by a few of their closest friends and family. After the ceremony, we headed downtown Grand Rapids for some fun shots and then off to their amazing cocktail party reception at Eve Lounge . Everything was absolutely perfect! I am truly honored to have been able to be such an important part of their day!

Check out my faves:

Thanks so much guys for allowing me to share your day…oh and for hooking me up with one of my other fab couples Adrienne & Carl

The Details:

Salon: Design One

Ceremony: Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Theresa’s parents and grandparents were married here too…LOVE traditions like these)

Reception: Public Museum of Grand Rapids

Theresa YOU are one hot sista!

GORGEOUS!!!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Golden They are so flippin’ hot!

I LOVE this one below captured by my BFF Kelly B
Look at these two! My job is amazing!!!

I adored all of their details….fabulous pops of color looked amazing in the museum

Such a sweet first dance….and of course the carousel

Here’s my Top 10 goals for the year:

1. Blog More!

2. Create a realistic schedule for my life that allows time for my kids, my clients, my hubby and myself ( is this even possible?)

3. At least 20 mins on the Wii Fit daily

4. Simplify by scaling down on STUFF in our house…where does it all come from!

5. Eat healthier….no more standing in the kitchen snacking on junk food because I forgot to eat lunch!

6. Be more positive, thankful, thoughtful and encouraging

7. Have more date nights with Drew…so far our average is only 2 times a year I think we totally need some time away

8. Create a budget for our household using a cash system

9. Take a Ballroom Dancing class with Drew

10. Take more pictures of my own kids….I know ya’ll wanna see their sweet little faces!

And because every blog post should have pretty pictures….here’s some eye candy from my recent senior session with Lizz…isn’t she a cutie?!!!

I was fortunate enough to also have my fabulous buddy Kelly B along to capture this amazing day too, I feel so blessed to have such a fun job and such fantastic friends!

Here are some of my faves:

Mr. GQ…Derrick is a super duper cutie…

Lindsy is such a hottie! YOWZA!!

they are going to have some flippin’ beautiful children someday!!