events Archives - Melodee Lynn Photography

February 28, 2018

My Sister’s Baby Shower | Gilbert, Arizona

Oh my stars. I can’t believe it. My sister is having a little girl. It still doesn’t feel real! We celebrated Mary Grace’s coming arrival with a baby shower at Joe’s Farm Grill this last Saturday and I’m still reminiscing all the details.

At each place setting was a little clipboard and a letter for guests to write hopes and prayers to Mary Grace. (I still can’t get over that name, it’s the sweetest!) These little letters are definite keepsakes and I hope will give her the encouragement she needs at just the right time in her life. Here is a little collection of what everyone had to say to her:

Dear Mary Grace,

I hope you learn to bake like your mom (um, yes please!)

I hope you love to make others happy (I know she’ll be a joy to everyone she meets!)

I hope you experience everything on your bucket list (she’ll be a brave adventurer, I’m sure!)

I hope you get your mom’s laughter (yes please! It’s the best!)

I hope you get your dad’s kind heart (The most kind, gentle man I know…he is going to make an AMAZING dad!)

I hope you aren’t afraid to try new things (be brave, strong and courageous! For the Lord our God goes with you!)

I hope you ignore gossip (can I get an AMEN to that one?!)

I hope you become a strong woman of God (and that you hide His word in your heart!)

I hope you follow in your mom, grandma and aunt’s footsteps…women that reflect His hope to those around them (cue the ugly tears)

Oh Mary Grace. You’re so loved already. You’re not even here yet and you’re already surrounded by a community of women of believe in you, parents who LOVE you more than life itself and you have the coolest aunt around. Okay, okay, I may be exaggerating on that last part! We can’t wait to meet you sweet girl!

Christian’s Dress – Pink Blush
Christian’s Maternity Belt – Goldcoast Chic
Mary Grace cut-out – Kristina Allen Design
Venue – Joe’s Farm Grill
Bracelet (diaper raffle giveaway) – The Silver Loft
Macarons – Decadent Macaron
Oh Baby Pencils – White Turquoise Co.
Invitations – designed by me, printed at Millers

November 16, 2017

Justice for Michelle | Mini Session Fundraiser

One evening in late September, I received a message from a friend on Facebook inquiring about a mutual friend. “Has Demi posted anything about her mom?”

Immediately my heart sank.

I’d later find out that night that Demi, a former volleyball player of mine when I coached at Gilbert Early College, had lost her mom.

And not just unexpectedly. Tragically, to domestic violence.

She and her sister’s are not only having to come to grips with the murder of their mom, but they are having to deal with the emotional trauma of having witnessed it.

Last year when I held mini sessions for a dear friend with breast cancer, we raised $900 for her and her son. (See that one here —> Red Lips Campaign)

Now, I’m asking you all to do it again for Demi and her sisters. On top of funeral expenses, they’ve had the cost of moving to a new home, grief counseling and everything in between. If you haven’t already contributed, now is your chance (and get some fancy pictures in return).

Here’s what you need to know:

There are 8 spots available
Mini sessions are for up to 6 people
Each session is 15 minutes
Every participant will receive a style guide via email
You’ll receive 10 images in an online gallery with rights to print

DATE: December 9, 2017
TIME: 2:15-5:00
LOCATIONS: East Mesa (location will be given to participants)
COST: $150 (bring cash or check to your session)

Ready to sign up? Pick your time here —> Justice for Michelle Mini Sessions

Once you’ve selected your time, I’ll send you everything you need to know!

April 21, 2017April 21, 2017

Coup de Tartes | Phoeniz, Arizona

Anytime a vintage flower truck is involved, you know it’s gonna be a good day.

I’ve passed by Coup de Tartes a few different times and was always captured by the charm of this little venue. When I saw that this styled shoot was going to take place here, I was even more excited than before. The tall trees and shrubs in the back create a private and secluded environment making it the perfect setting for intimate events. On the back patio, a fireplace is set in one corner which as you can see makes this space even more unique.

Can we talk about this vintage floral truck? The gals of The Local Stem can be found at Farmer’s Markets and are making their way into the wedding scene. The truck is the cutest and made for some amazing wedding photos. I always admire florist’s work. I may have a creative gene, but it stops short at flowers. I can’t for the life of me arrange a bouquet so anytime I see one I just can’t help get all excited.

The Confetti Studio did it again with her adorable place settings and furniture. I don’t think there is a style she can’t beat.

Katie from Sift Bakehouse is extremely talented and I am blown away every time I see her work! I feel so lucky I actually got to see it in person this time!

Suzanne’s Bridal and Celebrity Tux and Tails knock it out of the park every time with their selection they offer. This dress was stunning on the bride!

Frou Frou Chic and The Family Joolz were styled with simply Lola Lee’s simply perfect invitations. I love her the level of sophistication she brings to everything she does!

Flourish Handlettering was on point with her beautiful signs. Not only was her calligraphy can’t-stop-staring-gorgeous, the fact that they it was on glass was simply stunning and added an element of high class sophistication.

It was so fun to watch Tara work her magic while she videoed the whole shoot! I can’t wait to see her final video!

The was the first time I’ve shot an event that Desert Whim has styled and I am SO impressed with how everything turned out!

As a Phoenix Fashion Blogger, Bethsaira styled the wardrobes for the models and everyone looked so beautiful. Vanessa did a great job on the girl’s hair!

It was so wonderful being able to capture the hard work and talents of all of these vendors along side so pretty fantastic photographers. My group consisted of film photographers and I was in awe of how they worked and approached everything! I absolutely cannot wait to see their work!

Jen, you did such an amazing job coordinating this shoot! Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to work along side you!

April 20, 2017April 20, 2017

Phoenix Blogger Shoot Out

I’ve been working with bloggers pretty consistently for well over a year now. Many of you probably don’t know this, but I actually started a blog back in 2014 called The Weathered Palate. I did everything from DIYs to food. I loved blogging, but what I found was that I just wasn’t good at it! I loved taking pictures of the projects and cooking…but that was about it! Now, I leave the blogging up to the bloggers and I just do what I do best, taking pictures.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bethanie from The Garcia Diaries since the beginning of 2016. She and I have known each other for what seems like forever, or at least since she was in Junior High! I know, right? It’s been so fun supporting her as she has grown her blog. It’s actually my favorite part about working with bloggers. I love supporting other mom’s who are working just as hard as I am at what they love. Not only is it an outlet for ourselves, it’s a way for us to support our families.

Espresso Ever After, Style Fit Fatty and Aubrey Kinch joined Bethanie for our first ever Blogger Shootout. I say, first, because we already have a second one planned! For this shoot, they collaborated with Pink Blush, Leotudes and Chrome Classic (a small shop here in Mesa!) I’d say the colors they chose went absolutely perfect with the Arizona desert.

To shop their looks and more, head to their blogs: The Garcia Diaries Espresso Ever After, Style Fit Fatty and Aubrey Kinch

To shop their looks and more, head to their blogs: The Garcia Diaries, Espresso Ever After, Style Fit Fatty and Aubrey Kinch

March 25, 2017March 28, 2017

Royal Palms Styled Shoot | Phoenix, Arizona

Even though the forecast said rain, I was pretty sure that it wouldn’t rain. But as the vendors started to come, so did the drops of water. Both the vendors and the staff at the Royal Palms helped us make a run for it and bring everything inside. All the while, I kept reminding myself that it was going to turn out even better than I had expected. While I had dreamed about the table in the middle of the Orange Grove, the salon complimented the style of the shoot perfectly.

The photographers who came were champs and produced amazing work despite the turn of events. There were 16 photographers with 16 different styles. Some were dark and moody while others were bright and airy but all of them were just perfect. It’s one of the reasons I love styled shoots so much. It’s a chance for you to learn from your peers and refine your skill in a controlled (ha, well somewhat controlled) environment.

The vendors we worked with were out of this world.

I love how Tara from The Confetti Studio started out just by simply collecting cake stands. And now you can find her at the finest venues in Phoenix displaying her collection!
The girls from Prim have a selection of furniture that creates endless possibilities! I can’t wait to use their pieces in my next shoot!
Heather from Sugar Lane Bakery is one talented little lady. When she’s not making, baking and doing dishes, she teaches workshops and supports small shops!
Geri Pearson is extremely reliable and is so easy to work with. I can’t tell you what a huge blessing it was having such gorgeous pieces from Chloe + Isabel!
Celebrity Tux and Tails made it all the way from Glendale to fit our groom. Measurements over the phone just wouldn’t do. The tux they provided for Jonathan was first class.
Brilliant Bridal treated us like we were brides ourselves. They had dresses picked out upon our arrival and even had a play area for my boys to play in. Kelsey was there the whole time during the shoot making sure the dress stayed in pristine condition!
Dortha from Set the Mood Floral blew.me.away. I don’t think there’s another way to describe it. The lush florals were spot on.
And can we talk about Jenna Davis for a minute? That Welcome sign? One of my favorites!! With the florals on top, I just about died.
Kaydee from Smoregasboard is probably the sweetest. And no pun intended. She and I met beforehand and she custom tailored her smores bar to fit the style of our shoot. Who would have thought a smores bar could be so high end!
Stephanie from Decadent Macaron seriously makes some decadent macarons! I may have even seen some cookie dough macarons coming up soon…but if you can’t wait until your next event to have her goods, then go get some at Sweetz Cold Brew in Gilbert.
Cristina Diaz did Janelle’s hair and make-up and she nailed the light and delicate look on her! While she met us on site, she has her own salon in Gilbert!
Jonathan and Janelle were AMAZING models. Their love and cuteness just radiated through the whole afternoon.
And Sari? Well Sari is amazing. No really. I was probably crazy a few times. But she let me be. And then she’d ever so gently, bring me back around to reality. When she’s not working on styled shoots, you can find her at the Elegant Barn.
Ashley Haxby was a great sounding board. She gave ideas and opinions like nobodies business. She’s a great decision maker and I was happy to have her in my corner the day of the shoot!

This list wouldn’t be complete without a huge cudos to the Royal Palms. It’s by far one of my new favorite places. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain in the heart of Arcadia, the hallways, venues and fountains create a little world all of it’s own that you’ll never want to leave. I worked with Emily on this shoot and was absolutely amazing. Because of the rain, she helped us secure a last minute venue in which the entire staff was extremely patient and accommodating. The next time I go back, it will be to stay in one of their luxurious rooms and to dine at T. Cook’s. If you’ve never been to the Royal Palms, add it to the top of your list.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for making this shoot such a beautiful success!

This shoot was featured on Wedding Colors in March and will be on Borrowed and Blue in May!