Melodee Lynn Photography

June 18, 2018June 19, 2018

Zane and Jake | Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West

I walked into the Sheraton Mesa Hotel and it was buzzing with life. Vendors were arriving to add their creative touches to Zane and Jake’s big day. Pink and blush linens. Mason jars with baby’s breath. The bouquets. The cake. OH, THE CAKE. (insert dramatic pause here) #IComeForTheCake

And then he walked by. On a mission. In his hand, he held the bride’s shoes. The ones that she would wear as he walked her down the aisle to give her away. Then, just like that, he was gone again. Marking tasks off the list one by one, determined to make this day run as smoothly as possible.

I walked into the bridal suite to see the bridesmaids dresses hanging, awaiting that final steam, girls hurrying about in floral robes and Zane, dressed in her white silky robe, “bride” bedazzled across the back, sitting in her make-up throne, as the final curls were added to her beautiful hair. I turned to greet, the mother of the bride, Carolyn, who minute by minute grew more overwhelmed with the events the day held. Up until this moment it had just been planning. But now, all the plans, all the dreams were put into action by the incredible vendor team. Her job now, was to stand with Griff to give their daughter away.

Family and friends all gathered at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and eagerly waited to watch as Zane and Jake, finally, became one. Griff, led Zane down the long center aisle to an emotional Jake, who proudly waited at the altar of his childhood church to take Zane’s hand in holy matrimony. An hour of blessings and prayers, exchanging of rings and communion passed and finally, Jake kissed his bride (quite passionately, I might add) and they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand as husband and wife.

Everyone returned to the Sheraton Mesa Hotel and joyfully celebrated Zane and Jake with the most delicious wedding feast and hours and hours of laughter and dancing. There was no doubt about it, this was a joyous occasion.

Zane and Jake, CONGRATULATIONS!

I am so incredibly excited for the two of you as you start this new season of your life. The best man said it best, keep Christ center of your lives. Eagerly seek him and he will surely determine your steps.

xoxo,

Melodee

Venue: Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West // Cake: Piece of Cake // DJ and Photo Booth: Got You Covered Music // Linens: Y Knot Party Rentals // Flowers: Fred’s Flowers // Ceremony: Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral // Second photographer: Benjamin Clifford Photography // Photographer’s Assistant: Donna Thompson Photography

May 1, 2018

Sangston Family Photos | Bella Rose Estate

Streater, Illinois. It was 1958. She was 18, he was 20 and they were in love.

Only 9 months after Dick and Rita were married, their first beautiful daughter, Laura, was born and it wasn’t long after until Dave, Sheri and Ricky came along. They lived and loved there for 15 years until they decided to pack up a Uhaul with all of their things (and a whole lotta faith) and moved to the wild-west in 1973.

Over the past 60 years, Dick and Rita have loved and served the Lord faithfully and raised each one of their kids to do the same. Both Dick and Rita have such a sweet, genuine love for other people that has trickled down through three, beautiful, generations.

This past weekend, the whole family came together to celebrate Dick’s 80th birthday and pre-celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary approaching at the end of the year. I feel so lucky to be given a glimpse into the life of a family. To see how they love each other and make memories and it all happens right before my eyes. And then, I get to go home and look through the photos, the memories, over and over again and I think, gosh, I have the greatest job in the whole world.

Then I sit here and think of all of the wonderful things I want to say about the family, to the family. For the Sangston’s I think I can sum it up in one word, gratitude. Though this weekend was officially Dick’s birthday celebration, I think this weekend was a lot more than that for them. It was a time where they came together to celebrate just how good God has been to their family. And he’s been, oh, so good.

Dear Sangston Family,

I can’t look through the photos and write anymore without tears welling up so if there are typos that follow, you know why, ha! My own heart overflowed with joy seeing you all together. I could clearly see how tight-knit you all are and the depth of your love for one another. I’ve been lucky to hear stories from Sheri over the years and am humbled beyond words to have met you all.

You have all been given the greatest gifts any family could ever ask for. Parents who have loved each other through 60 years of ups and downs and a legacy of faith. Being the nerd that I am, I looked up just exactly what “legacy” means. A gift by will. You get to determine the exact type of legacy you’ll leave. Dick and Rita, this gift you’ve created for your children and your children’s, children’s, children I’m sure had challenges. I’m sure that the days were oh, so long but somehow you found the years to be quite short. But through it all, your steadfast choice to continue to pursue your faith in Christ has resulted in blessings greater than you’ll ever realize.

April 2, 2018

Kimber’s Senior Session | Boyce Thompson Arboretum

It wasn’t long ago when I was photographing this girl in downtown Gilbert for her high school senior session!

No doubt Kimber is one driven individual (which is what I love about her!) Her high school graduation was just two short years ago and NEXT MONTH (oh good golly!) she’ll be walking to Pomp and Circumstance once again, this time proudly wearing maroon and gold.

But not just maroon and gold. Oh no, this girl is decked out in cords and a medal that signifies just how driven and stinken smart this girl is.

She’ll be handed a Bachelor’s in Psychology which means that a Master’s program is in her near future. I have no doubt she’ll have even more cords and medals added to her collection!

Kimber,

I remember when you were serving our littles at church. It was so evident, even then, that you have a love and a heart for the people around you. I’m so proud of you and all of your hard work! Just keep being you and I have no doubt you’ll take this world by storm!

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

Salt River Maternity Session

This Salt River Maternity session gives me all the feels and squeals. Not only was the light enchanting, but the subjects just happen to be my favorite people in the whole world, my sister and brother-in-law.

You guys, I don’t think I’ve ever had a session where the photos speak for themselves. I’m staring my computer screen feeling so giddy and wondering just what exactly I should say. And then my eyes glance down and meet my sister’s piercing blue eyes and I think, oh my gosh, I’m obsessed.

This is my sister.

The most selfless, kind hearted and beautiful person I know and she’s having a little girl! A little girl to inherit her laughter, her ginormous heart and her thoughtfulness. Oh Mary Grace, you didn’t just luck out with the best mom in the world, you have the best dad too! If you know Ralf, you know he has a heart of gold. He possess patience and gentleness that seems so rare today.

Sis, do you remember that one Sunday morning, you were sitting in the middle section about 6 rows from the back of the auditorium? Your head was down and tears were in your eyes because you were terrified and excited about where God was leading you. Terrified because you knew change was coming, excited because you knew change was coming. And we prayed together. It was then that God was preparing your heart for the incredible journey you would go on to meet Ralf.

And it wasn’t long after that morning that you met him.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was taking you for street tacos.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was down on one knee on those tennis courts.

And it wasn’t long after that until you were walking down the aisle.

And now it won’t be long (hopefully a week from today) when you’ll welcome your baby girl into the world.

You’ll be able to look back and see how the Lord has been so good. How he has directed your steps and led you to this time and this place.

Sis and Ralf,

I saw the joy that radiated from you on your wedding day. It was contagious. But it’s nothing compared to what I see reflected in these photos. Mary Grace is the luckiest little girl in the whole entire world to have you two as parents!

Click here to see my sister’s baby shower!

Dress: Pink Blush
Maternity Belt: Gold Coast Chic
Make-Up: Jessica Hamblin

March 7, 2018

Steve and Jodi | Las Sendas Golf Club Wedding

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It’s days like this one that make me love photographing weddings. Everything from the sweet detail shots to the last dance of the night, Steve and Jodi’s Las Sendas Golf Club wedding was sweet perfection.

I met Steve and Jodi in a Chandler Starbucks last fall where we talked about all of their wedding plans, how they met and what the most important thing to them on their wedding day was and I knew then that it was going to be perfect. I always love watching the bride and groom on wedding days, but there are times that I love watching their friends and family even more. You learn so much more about the couple themselves when you experience the amount of love and laughter that radiates from those they surround themselves with. There’s no doubting that Steve and Jodi are very loved by the people in their life.

During their engagement session, Jodi talked me about her grandparents, Bill and Jean, and how important it was to her that I photograph them at their wedding. Aside from walking down the aisle to Steve’s handsome and smiling face, photographing them was one of the most important things to Jodi on her wedding day.

During the reception, the DJ called up all married couples for the ever famous, “generation dance”. He started by eliminating the newly weds and from there, couples slowly trickled off of the dance floor until one couple remained, Bill and Jean. They slowly danced, people cheered. I cried. The DJ called them over to the microphone afterwards and asked for one piece of advice for the newly weds.

Everyone waited on the edge of their seat for the wisdom to pour out from this sweet couple who have been married for 70 years, hoping to take away something that will help and encourage their own marriages. Jean’s response?

“Keep having the sex,” she said. Laughter filled the room followed by high-fives and head nods.

Steve and Jodi,

It was such an honor to get a glimpse into your lives on such an important day. I hope that you live a life full of sweet blessings, surrounded by those you love. I hope that you will always be a joy to everyone you meet and that you show the world what it’s like to truly love one another. I wish you all the best!

Melodee