• Amy Hutchinson Photography
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Amy Hutchinson Photography

Hi! My name is Amy Hutchinson, and I am a wedding photographer in Memphis, TN. I capture refreshing photos for modern couples. Every couple has a story, and it’s my job to tell it.

This blog chronicles my journeys in photography, motherhood, wifedom, and my own philosophies, with lots of pretty pictures. There may also be several references to the beach, rock music, and food. I try to be funny, and aim at being entertaining, but I often fail at both. Either way, this is who I am. Get to know me. Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

Learn more about me on my full bio page

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   From Twitter:

    happy anniversary, my love.

    May 17th, 2012

    We were in college, and we had only been dating a year. But that’s all it took to know. It was my birthday, and he took me to the nicest restaurant that he could afford. In our small hometown, there weren’t many choices. So we ate my favorite Chinese dishes at a small candlelit table [...]

       

      We were in college, and we had only been dating a year. But that’s all it took to know. It was my birthday, and he took me to the nicest restaurant that he could afford. In our small hometown, there weren’t many choices. So we ate my favorite Chinese dishes at a small candlelit table among a few other couples in the room. Then, like only a smooth, suave, young man in his early twenties can do, he dropped his napkin on the floor. When he casually went to pick it up, he dropped to one knee, pulled out a diamond ring, and asked me to marry him.

      I said yes, of course, and the next 16 years are a blur of joy, triumphs, and adventures.

      Happy Anniversary, Ed. This is the year that I have been waiting for. Lucky number 16. I am so grateful that I get to share it with you. Every year with you is better than the last, and I’m blessed to be able to share my life, memories, family, and growing old with my best friend and confidant. You are the reason I am who I am. I love you more than you know.

      I’ve told many an engagement story here, but never our own. So here’s to our story. And the pages that follow. And lucky number 16. Cheers!

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        i won the derby.

        May 16th, 2012

        We had driven 4 hours to Birmingham to visit with one of our couples for their engagement shoot. He is a huge sports fan, so naturally the TV was on and tuned to one of his favorites. The Kentucky Derby. He used to own horses, and he started telling us a little about it and [...]

           

          We had driven 4 hours to Birmingham to visit with one of our couples for their engagement shoot. He is a huge sports fan, so naturally the TV was on and tuned to one of his favorites. The Kentucky Derby. He used to own horses, and he started telling us a little about it and what being at the Derby is like, since he had gone a few years ago with some friends. Ed and I had never been, but it’s one of those things on our bucket list. And of course I would buy a fabulous hat for the occasion.

          My eyes went to the TV for an instant, as they were talking to the different jockeys and owners. I saw the name I’ll Have Another, and was instantly drawn to it. “If I were there”, I said, “that’s the horse I would bet on!” It was my perfect horse, as my own business hints at cocktail hour. And I may have been known to say that very thing once in awhile.

          Soon after that, the horses began racing, and I’ll Have Another came from behind to win the race. I was shocked, and it made the entire rest of my day. My horse won the Derby. With odds of 31 to 1, my horse won the Derby.

          Cedric  turned to me and said, “yeah, but if you were actually there, would you have really bet on that horse?”

          “Absolutely,” I said instantly. “it may have only been $10, but now I would have $310.”

          Sometimes it’s good to go with your gut.

          Later that night, Tamara and Cedric showed us the town, in its entirety, from the summit of Birmingham. It was Cinco de Mayo, and we all went out and celebrated in style.

          And we all had another.

          Cheers!

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            andria: ivoh.

            May 15th, 2012

            One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting other wonderful people in the industry. Andria, of Andria Lewis Events, is one such person. She is a true wedding planner extraordinaire, and works hard to make the day run smoothly. One thing that we share, and probably my favorite thing about her, is that [...]

               

              One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting other wonderful people in the industry. Andria, of Andria Lewis Events, is one such person. She is a true wedding planner extraordinaire, and works hard to make the day run smoothly. One thing that we share, and probably my favorite thing about her, is that she is passionate about the couples she works with. She forges a relationship that goes beyond professional, and she wants their day to be perfect, not because they are paying her to, but because she truly cares.

              Andria turns 40 soon, and is planning a proper party filled with her own personal style. We arranged a photo shoot that would help her celebrate not only her birthday, but where she is in life. She has made some difficult decisions in order to get where she is, and she is proud of what she has worked so hard to achieve. To her, 40 isn’t a number. It’s a milestone. And she intends to celebrate it with the respect it deserves.

              Naturally, Andria payed close attention to details, especially her accessories, which I adored. Special thanks to Tasha Anders, who did a wonderful job with her makeup.

              When Andria showed up to the shoot with a bottle of champagne, it only confirmed that we are soul mates. Intended to relax her, she said she brought it because she hates to have her photo taken, but I still don’t believe her.

              Andria wears heels better than anyone I know. Ed’s photo on the right.

              Andria is especially proud of her legs, and I don’t blame her! I’d trade with her in an instant.

              She has the best nose-crinkling laugh. I’d like to think I said something especially funny here, but it was probably the champagne starting to do its job.

              She had the help of a stylist, Opulent Couturier, help her choose her outfits, and I loved the hat!

              We just had to get silly for a few.

              Love these!

              At this point, we were having so much fun, that the seriousness didn’t last long.

              Happy birthday, Andria. I can’t wait to celebrate your success, your beauty, and your style with you this weekend! Keep being proud of what you’ve accomplished and celebrate all that you are. Happy IV-oh! Cheers!

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                anureet + nathan: sneak peek.

                May 14th, 2012

                This past Saturday, we had the honor and privilege of witnessing Anureet’s and Nathan’s love on their wedding day. They had an amazing multi-cultural day of ceremonies and festivities, full of color and laughter, that made me love what I do even more. I can’t wait to post more, but for now, I wanted to [...]

                   

                  This past Saturday, we had the honor and privilege of witnessing Anureet’s and Nathan’s love on their wedding day. They had an amazing multi-cultural day of ceremonies and festivities, full of color and laughter, that made me love what I do even more. I can’t wait to post more, but for now, I wanted to share this one photo from their wedding day.

                  Here’s to getting married twice in one day. And the coming together of two families and cultures. And tradition. Cheers!

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                    traci + ethan: joined. a downtown memphis wedding.

                    May 11th, 2012

                    Nothing is more important to Traci and Ethan than family and friends. Their friends are like family, and their family are like friends. They include them in everything, and want nothing more than to experience the best that life has to offer, with the people they love most. Their wedding day was no exception. The [...]

                       

                      Nothing is more important to Traci and Ethan than family and friends. Their friends are like family, and their family are like friends. They include them in everything, and want nothing more than to experience the best that life has to offer, with the people they love most. Their wedding day was no exception. The whole day was exactly what they wanted – a day-long celebration of their love. Not only the love they have for each other, but the love they have for the people who make their lives worthwhile.

                      Traci and Ethan started the beautiful sunny day early in the morning, preparing for their nuptials. They chose an early ceremony, so they could officially become husband and wife, and get to the part of the day they were most eager for – the celebration! After a short luncheon, they rented a tour bus that would take them and their closest friends around the city to all their favorite spots. They ended that evening at the reception, where they continued to dance the night away. Wrapped in each other. Wrapped in good wishes from those they love most. Wrapped in love.

                      Traci is all about the sparkle, and I love that about her!

                      Her bouquet gave a little nod to her and Ethan’s favorite city, New Orleans.

                      Traci laughed all day, and she made such a happy, stunning bride!

                      Traci chose bright, bold colors for her wedding, and they suited her perfectly!

                      Love this shot that Ed captured.

                      Ethan looked exceptionally dapper himself.

                      Ethan got a little choked up when he finally saw his bride coming down the isle. Ed’s photo on the right.

                      Married!

                      Traci and Ethan started the party at Elfo’s, with a short luncheon among loved ones.

                      We then spent the next 3 hours riding around to all of Traci’s and Ethan’s favorite spots, including the place they had their first date, their favorite tailgating location, and popular Memphis icons, like the Tennessee-Arkansas bridge. It was such a brilliant, fun way to get lots of wedding day photos!

                      After a quick rest and changing back into wedding attire, we took a few minutes for some portraits in beautiful light before starting the real party.

                      Traci, you are gorgeous.

                      Traci’s and Ethan’s reception was held at the Calliope Room downtown, and was decorated perfectly with Traci’s style! Special thanks to Gina at Holliday Flowers and the folks at Mahaffey  for making everything look incredible!

                      The cake (made by Oh My Ganache with lots of bling) was beautiful.

                      The First Dance (with extra light provided by my fabulous husband):

                      Ed and I absolutely loved the band! G3 kept the party going right. We may have even done a little dancing ourselves…

                      Traci and Ethan, thank you so much for not only giving us the opportunity to get to know you better, but for truly making us feel like one of the gang. We had so much fun on your special day, and we feel like we have made so many new lifelong friends. Thank you!

                      CLICK HERE to see more photos from Traci’s and Ethan’s incredible wedding day. Here’s to knowing what’s important. And making a day all about love. And those who stand by you while you do. Cheers!

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                        career day.

                        May 9th, 2012

                        Sometime last year, I was helping Helen with some homework. She had to write a short paper on Career Day, with things like what she enjoyed about it and what she didn’t. She gave it the mandatory positive remarks, but ended the paper with something like, “overall, I didn’t find it very helpful because my [...]

                           

                          Sometime last year, I was helping Helen with some homework. She had to write a short paper on Career Day, with things like what she enjoyed about it and what she didn’t. She gave it the mandatory positive remarks, but ended the paper with something like, “overall, I didn’t find it very helpful because my mom was not there to represent photography, my chosen profession.”

                          It was the first time that I realized that I had a child who actually wanted to follow in my footsteps.

                          I made up my mind right then, that if my girls asked me to come to Career Day next year, I would. And they did.

                          Naturally, they put me right next to the local K-9 unit. Seriously. It’s impossible to compete with a cute dog. Luckily for me, I had fantastic help from the ambassadors (and Ed):

                          I tried to be cool without being embarrassing, and spoke truthfully and excitedly about my job, which I adore. Some of the kids actually pretended to listen.

                          Helen and her friends stopped by, naturally, and kept us entertained.

                          And she even showed me some love. In public.

                          Thank goodness to Ed, who was present to keep me calm, and to make a very necessary candy run when our bowl ran dry.

                          I have to admit, I was nervous about speaking, but it turned out to be really fun! Hopefully, I may have at least inspired one young person.

                          I learned a few things as well:

                          • Fluorescent lights are not flattering for most people.
                          • You can’t compete with cute dogs. Or bald eagles.
                          • Young people find mini cards fascinating.
                          • 6th graders really like candy.
                          • Middle school boys preferred talking to Ed about photography.

                          I was honored to represent photographers, mothers, and entrepreneurs. Overall, I found it very enjoyable, because my daughters were there to cheer me on. I’m proud to be their mom and their photographer. And I think that just maybe, they might be proud of me too.

                          Cheers!

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                            rupal + kush: a memphis indian wedding sangeet

                            May 8th, 2012

                            A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by a photographer in New York City. Tara Sharma was shooting an Indian wedding here in Memphis, and she was looking for someone to second shoot and to help her with locations, since she was not from the area. I jumped at the chance, especially since I have [...]

                               

                              A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by a photographer in New York City. Tara Sharma was shooting an Indian wedding here in Memphis, and she was looking for someone to second shoot and to help her with locations, since she was not from the area. I jumped at the chance, especially since I have an Indian wedding of my own coming up this month, and wanted to experience some of the culture beforehand. I was unavailable for the wedding day, but I readily agreed to help her out with the sangeet the night before.

                              Since I’m almost always the main photographer, it was a fun challenge to work as second for a change. Tara was so fantastic and easy to work with, and a joy to be around. She put everyone (including me!) at ease, and she is a fantastic photographer! See her full post of the day’s festivities here.

                              Ed and I met Tara and the bride and groom at the Cadre Building, just in time for their First Look. Rupal and Kush had been apart all day, and this was the first time that day that they got to see each other.

                              We then took a little time for portrait photos downtown. Ed’s photo on the left.

                              They both wore traditional Indian ceremony outfits, and they looked amazing!

                              Rupal and Kush were so relaxed in front of the camera.

                              Rupal was an absolutely stunning bride, and I loved all the little details in her outfit and jewelry.

                              She has the cutest laugh ever!

                              Kush made a pretty handsome groom as well!

                              They are obviously so perfect for each other.

                              Ed captured this beauty.

                              You know a couple will last forever if they can make each other laugh.

                              The Indian sangeet is a celebration that takes place a day or two before the ceremony. The families and friends come together to sing, dance, and wish the bride and groom well. The Cadre was decorated to the nines for this special party.

                              I may have gone overboard on the detail photos, but everything was so bright and colorful! I couldn’t help myself.

                              The music and entertainment kept the party going all night.

                              I was told that Indians love to party, and Rupal’s and Kush’s families were no exception! I was absorbed by the energy and joy in this room. Everyone surrounded them and wanted to take part.

                              While I went up to the balcony for a different angle, Ed remained on the floor for a few close-up shots.

                              LOVE how they each are holding hands with their loved ones.

                              Tara, I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to shoot with you. We both had a blast, and we enjoyed getting to know you, as well as take part in Rupal’s and Kush’s sangeet. Thank you so much for having us! Be sure to read Tara’s account of the day.

                              Here’s to collaboration. And family celebrations. And chances to look at things differently. Cheers!

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                                in the mix: my human light stand.

                                May 3rd, 2012

                                My husband is amazing. And after last weekend’s wedding, I truly know how lucky I am. Weddings never go as planned, even when planned down to the minutest of details. So we’re used to going with the flow and rolling with the punches. Such was the case at our last wedding. The wedding party was [...]

                                   

                                  My husband is amazing. And after last weekend’s wedding, I truly know how lucky I am.

                                  Weddings never go as planned, even when planned down to the minutest of details. So we’re used to going with the flow and rolling with the punches. Such was the case at our last wedding. The wedding party was announced rather suddenly at the reception, and I hadn’t had a chance to set up my off-camera light stand. The bride and groom went immediately into their first dance, and I was heartbroken. The first dance is a big deal to me, and one of my favorite parts of a reception. But I didn’t have the extra light that I needed. The couple was exposed correctly, thanks to my on-camera flash, but the background was dark and bland.

                                  Ed must have seen the disappointment on my face, because my photos suddenly started getting better. I look over at him, and I see that he was sacrificing his own on-camera flash to act as my second off-camera flash. He had set it up to sync with my camera, and was acting as my human light stand.

                                  I may or may not have cried just a little.

                                  Not only is he a fabulous husband, but he is a wonderful second shooter, coming to the aid of the main shooter when she needed it the most. You can see him holding the flash in this photo of the mother-son dance:

                                  So that I could get beautiful photos like this:

                                  (ISO 400, 50mm 1.2 lens, f/2.0, 1/125 sec.)

                                  And this:

                                  (ISO 400, 50mm 1.2 lens, f/2.0, 1/125 sec.)

                                  Thank you, honey. Thank you for being the perfect husband and the most wonderful second shooter. And for knowing when I need you. And for always being there when I do. Cheers!

                                   

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                                    tranquility.

                                    May 1st, 2012

                                    Today, I don’t care that I’m behind. Today, I don’t care about schedules. Today, I don’t care about deadlines. Today, I don’t care about being creative on demand. Today, I don’t care about my house being a mess. Today, I don’t care about stress.   I’m taking the day off. Today, I need tranquility. Today [...]

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                                      Today, I don’t care that I’m behind.

                                      Today, I don’t care about schedules.

                                      Today, I don’t care about deadlines.

                                      Today, I don’t care about being creative on demand.

                                      Today, I don’t care about my house being a mess.

                                      Today, I don’t care about stress.

                                       

                                      I’m taking the day off. Today, I need tranquility. Today is all about me.

                                      Here’s to making your own schedule when you don’t like the one you’ve got. And tranquility. And rest. Cheers!

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                                        traci + ethan: joined. a sneak peek.

                                        April 30th, 2012

                                        We had an amazing all-day wedding this past weekend, and it was too much fun for words! Traci and Ethan put so much thought into their day, and the whole wedding and reception really reflected who they are. Traci and Ethan, I hope you are resting and enjoying your new marriage! There will be many [...]

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                                          We had an amazing all-day wedding this past weekend, and it was too much fun for words! Traci and Ethan put so much thought into their day, and the whole wedding and reception really reflected who they are. Traci and Ethan, I hope you are resting and enjoying your new marriage!

                                          There will be many more to come, but for now, one teaser of the happy couple:

                                          Cheers!

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