Zane and Jake | Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West

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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

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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

 

 

 

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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

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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

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Southern Illinois Wedding | Matt and Shaunda

Southern Illinois Wedding

Southern Illinois Wedding

It was at my cousin Garrett’s wedding that I first got the low down about Matt. Of course, I had started hearing a few things about this before then but it was at that wedding when I was able to see Shaunda’s face light up whenever Matt was mentioned.

They talked for hours, just like you’d expect from young love. Then she’d get off the phone and tell us all the sweet things he’d say to her. And we all has a pretty strong feeling, this was it. My grandma, the hopeless romantic that she is, was even thinking there would be a Christmas wedding.

The friendship between the Bakers and the Hales goes back 40 years, that’s right FORTY years when my parent’s were in their twenties. They all went to church together and spent a lot of time getting in trouble. The years came and went and are finally joined together by Matt and Shaunda.

Their special day was a blur of family buzzing around trying to get everything in place before she walked down the aisle. I think that’s what I love most about our family. Every one pitches in and does what’s needed. I think it’s where I learned to put others first, to love and to serve. My family has loved and served others my entire life, helping meet needs is what we do and it’s what I loved most about her big day. Matt and Shaunda’s wedding took place right in the middle of our very first family reunion so everyone was there to help in one capacity or another. Hair and make-up, cutting lemons, setting up food, moving furniture, whatever was needed, someone was always there from beginning to end.  Loving a serving is a part of the incredible legacy that my grandparent’s have created and I hope that it’s something we can continue to pass down to our boys.

I can’t possibly even begin to recall every detail from the day, but here are my favorites:

-Watching Adrienne do Shaunda’s hair and make-up.  (That girl is so talented and we’re so lucky to have her in our family!)
-Brittany styling my aunt Kim’s hair (Tease, hair spray, repeat)
-Seeing Shaunda’s brothers all dressed up in their fancy suits (Two of them are single ladies, wink wink)
-Watching Justice come down the aisle in a wagon pulled by Matt’s son, Collin.  (Totes adorbs you guys)
-Matt’s daughter twirling in circles in her flower girl dress (She couldn’t keep her floral crown in her hair!)
-Hands outstretched, my grandpa praying over the meal (His memory is slipping, but I don’t think he’ll ever forget how to pray)
-Eating the best BBQ!!  (Made by Matt’s uncle Joey, can I have more please?)
-Stuffing my face with the best.cupcake.ever.  (I think it was chocolate but it may have been red velvet, it was dark and I ate it too fast to notice!)

There are so, so many wonderful things about the day that I know we’ll all treasure forever!  Congratulations Matt and Shaunda!  We pray for many, many blessed years!

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Styled Shoot at the Olive Mill | Queen Creek, Arizona

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Last week, I packed up my boys and we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom.  My dad and I were planning the trip for 6 weeks.  I think this is the first time I’ve ever kept a secret!  (From my mom anyway!)   It got harder and harder not to say anything!  I made a little video of our trip, which at the end resulted in a very happy grammie!  We had the best week with my parents and though I’d say it was pretty relaxing, my parents would tell you otherwise!  I initially left my camera at home and had zero access to work email (maybe that’s why it was so relaxing!).  So it was a grand surprise when I opened up Facebook to see that Cake and Lace had not only accepted my submission, but had published it as well!

This shoot was absolute perfection.  From the vendors to the photographers and all the details in between.  My absolute favorite part was the stunning ceremony arbor.  A joint effort between Moonchild Floral, Prim Rentals and my mother-in-law (she made the macrame curtain), it was the focal point of the entire shoot.

A close runner up would be the invitation.  It’s the first time I’ve ever designed something like this before.  I included mounted deep matte prints of the Olive Mill in with the invites that act as a little gift sneak peek of the celebration to come.  I could go on and on, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

The amazing vendor team behind this shoot:

Venue/Food: The Olive Mill
Designer: Melodee Lynn Photography
Coordinator: Lovestruck Weddings
Floral: Moonchild Floral
Tables: Scottsdale Farm Tables
Rentals: Prim Rentals
Jewelry: The Silver Loft
Cake: SaraCakes and Cupcakes
Dress: JBridal Boutique
Tux: Top Hat Formal Wear
Videographer: Mandy Woodman Films

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Coup de Tartes | Phoeniz, Arizona

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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!

 

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