2017 - Page 3 of 7 - Melodee Lynn Photography

November 7, 2017

Goetzfried Family Session | Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park is becoming one of the most requested locations for photography sessions and it was no different for Bri, her son Landon and of course Leia, her sweet golden retriever.

As you can see, Landon has a sweet smile that is so contagious. And as you can imagine, he’s as goofy as any other six-year old boy you’ll meet.

Our session started at the beautiful desired golden hour and ended as the sunset behind the mountains along the western horizon. There is something that is indescribably magical about the desert at sunset. Growing up in the flat plains of midwest, I would sing the line “purple mountains majesty” from one of my favorite songs, not having a clue just how majestic those mountains really are.

When I first moved to Arizona, it was hard for me to wrap my mind around how in the world the desert could be beautiful. But the longer I have lived here and the longer I have been behind the camera, traveling to various locations the more I’m sure that the desert is one of the most beautiful places to be.

For more beautiful desert family sessions, click here.

November 6, 2017November 6, 2017

Zane + Jake | Boyce Thompson Arboretum Engagement Session

Starbucks. Tuesday Night. 6:30.

I walked in, my favorite aroma faithfully greeting me. And there they were.

They jumped up and greeted me, offering me some coffee which I surprisingly declined. Maybe I was nervous.

This wasn’t just any interview.

This wasn’t my typical consultation with the bride and the groom.

No.

There, sitting at the table in Starbucks was the mother and father of…

the bride.

Gulp.

Now I know how Jake felt.

There was one thing that was very clear from the get go, Carolyn and Griff love their daughter and I love how much they love her. As a parent of two little ones, I love when I can sit down and talk with parents who have walked the road in front of me. I know when they talk to me and hear my stories, they remember their own like it was yesterday and when I hear theirs I am reminded how quickly time goes. As my oldest is approaching kindergarten next year, I’m holding on to every second as tight as I possibly can! But I’m always so encouraged when I talk to parents like Carolyn and Griff because the parent-child relationship doesn’t end when they grow up. It changes into a beautiful type of relationship that is absolutely priceless.

After we shared our fun stories, I walked them through what an entire wedding experience looks like with me and before we left, we were already scheduling the engagement session.

I walked away from that meeting knowing that I’d just met my new favorite people.

And the fun was only just getting started.

This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting both Zane and Jake for their engagement session at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. I love that place every time I go, but this time…this one took the cake. (Is that a saying or do I just want cake?)

These two will both be graduating soon with their masters from GCU. Their masters you guys. (Fun fact: Zane graduated from community college before high school. Man, if I could go back and do it all again…) Zane and Jake are two driven individuals.

Zane and Jake,

This is only the beginning. Your story may have started at the GCU hot tub but that is just the prologue to the greatest adventure you will ever experience. Walk it hand in hand. (Notice I said walk, not run) because these precious moments come and go so quickly. I always used to cringe when people told me it went by quickly…probably because I don’t like being told what to do 😉 I’d just smile, nod and say, “oh yeah, don’t I know it”, but now that I’ve had a little more experience under my belt…I’m learning they are right!

Always put each other first. Jake, love her. Zane, respect him. Jake, don’t forget those little anniversary gifts Kim told you about, Zane support him as he becomes the head of your household.

Honor the Lord, honor each other.

Zane, I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle.

Blessings,
Melodee

October 26, 2017

The Fiske Family | Desert Botanical Gardens

There’s more to this photo than our fancy pants and runway make-up. There’s more to this photo than the Desert Botanical Garden cactus garden glowing at golden hour.

Ten years ago I would never in a million years (let alone, only ten) have pictured myself married to someone so tall, bald and handsome such as Ryan Fiske…because I was married to someone else.

I’ve never felt so compelled to share my story so publicly as I do now. I’ve always known that it was an experience that was meant to be shared with others in order to bring hope to what feels like a completely empty and hopeless season. Before I dive into details (which will be shared throughout a few different blog posts) I want to share with you that healing does come. Joy is restored. Hope is found.

We’ve had our family photos taken before, this wasn’t the first time by any means, but there was something about this session, that made everything sink in for me. If I wouldn’t have walked that long broken road of divorce, this photo wouldn’t exist. No Desert Botanical Garden location. No Pink Blush dress. No tall, bald and handsome husband who adores me. No blonde haired, blue-eyed boys who keep me swimming in Legos and coffee.

As I was going through that season in my life, there was one chapter in Psalm that became my chapter. I went back to it over and over again, I read, I underlined, I hid the words in my heart. You know those times where there is a verse or a phrase that speaks to a season of life you’re in and it becomes your motto, your mission statement? Well this was mine.

The Israelites were heading out of captivity from the Babylonians and were heading towards Zion. They were in that in between stage where they could still feel the effects of the bondage they had just incurred but at the same time, could look ahead and for the first time they could see their promised land.

Psalm 126:

¹When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
²Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,

    like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them.
I read this over and over again knowing full well that my tears of pain and sorrow would turn into tears of joy.  Slowly, people who watched me go through that time would comment and encourage me reminding me that God has done a mighty work in my life.
And now,
I can no longer just see my promise on the horizon.  I wake up next to him every morning.  I tuck them in bed every night.
No, these aren’t just family photos, they are a promise, fulfilled.  

Thank you Brenna Heater for our beautiful, priceless family session.

October 22, 2017October 22, 2017

Free “Gather” Printable

Okay, you know I love photography, but sometimes I love to pretend I’m a graphic designer. I love making little printables to put around my house for different seasons and this time, I wanted to share it with you, for free! I hope you enjoy this cute little gather printable. Just print it out on cardstock and display wherever and however you want to! Use the hashtag #mlprintable to share how you display yours! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

If you want to see more like this, sign up here!

October 17, 2017

The Thompson Family | Mesa, Arizona Family Session

I met Donna through Amy and Jordan Demos only a few short months ago. She and I live in the same area of Mesa so when we attended the live filming for their new business course, we became carpool buddies. We talked for hours that week, 6 hours to be exact. (It’s a long drive to and from North Scottsdale!) We talked about anything and everything from family to business. To say the least, she and I became fast friends, having so much of our hearts in common.

Not long after we met, I received a message from her to do their family photos. Is it cheesy to say that my heart leapt with joy? Because it did!

This past Saturday we met at a little gem hidden in north east Mesa. I was finally able to put faces to the names and stories she told during our drive time.

They were just how I pictured them to be. Passionate, driven and genuine. But that’s not surprising considering who their momma is. Both of her kids are really involved in athletics. Her daughter went from gymnastics to now diving on the swim team (I love watching the videos her mom posts of her meets!) Jared, plays college level baseball for a university here in town. (It’s also true that he has killer dance moves.) To say Donna loves her kids is an understatement. She beams with pride every time she talks about them! I think that’s one of the reasons why I admire her so much.

Her husband, Kevin, is on the city council here in Mesa. And fun fact: He’s the representative of the district Ryan and I live in, making us love our neighborhood even more. He’s very passionate about what he does. He does it to make a difference. He does it without an agenda. He’s just a guy who wants what is best for his community. Hearing his passion behind what he does and why he does it, definitely won our vote.

Kevin and Donna,

Ryan and I loved spending time with you all! Thank you for giving us a sweet glimpse into your life and sharing your passion for our community. Your family is absolute perfection!