Arizona Wedding Photographer Archives - Melodee Lynn Photography

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

January 2, 2017January 2, 2017

Burgundy Styled Shoot – Phoenix, Arizona

Happy New Year!

I don’t think that I can quite describe the butterflies I feel right now! I’m excited for what 2017 holds but man alive I’m nervous! I spent all of 2016 focusing on laying a foundation to my business and this year I am continuing to build on it. Later this month, I’ll be launching a whole new Senior Collection designed around Senior Girls…which is giving me more butterflies than anything!

At the beginning of 2016, and even into the summer, I was too intimidated to attend a styled shoot. I remember having the conversation with Katrina Amburgey at my first Tuesday’s Together and of course she, the queen of styled shoots, asked me, “why?” At that point I was so intimidated to be around other photographers. One sniff and they’d know I was an imposter. She, of course, encouraged me to attend one, and even after I walked away, called after me to talk more about them. We stood there for another 20 minutes and she let me pick her brain about styled shoots and wedding day procedures. Katrina, you may not remember, but I won’t ever forget our conversation. It was a huge confidence booster and the first time I started to feel a part of a community.

I think it’s fitting that my first post for 2017 is this styled shoot that I attended at the end of 2016. It’s a reminder to me where I’ve been, where I’ve come and that it can only get better from here. You can’t expect to pick up a camera and get it right the first time. It takes investing in time, education, community and yes, even gear. What was amazing was that I was surrounded by 15 other photographers and we all saw the shot differently. Everyone positioned the models differently, used different lenses and stood at different angles. The same couple, the same background yet the outcome was endless.

If you’re just starting out in photography or feeling a little discouraged, my one piece of advice to you would be to remember that you have a God given talent that is yours and no one else’s. You have your own set of eyes, your own set of ears. Your pictures will not look like theirs, they will look like yours.

VENDORS

Event Coordinator- Samantha Turman
http://instagram.com/sjphoto_
https://m.facebook.com/samanthajeanphotos/

Wedding dress- Ivory Row Bridal
http://instagram.com/ivoryrowbridal
https://www.facebook.com/ivoryrowbridal/

Table- Scottsdale Farm Tables
http://instagram.com/scottsdalefarmtable
https://www.facebook.com/scottsdalefarmtables/

Floral- Karen’s Kouture
http://www.facebook.com/karenskouture

Stationaries- Lolalee Invitations
http://instagram.com/lolaleeinvitations

Cake- Suzy B’z homemade goodies
https://www.facebook.com/SuzyBzGoodies/
http://instagram.com/suzybz_goodies

Hair- Carissa Mott
http://instagram.com/hair_motty

Makeup- Rosie Reed
https://www.facebook.com/rosiereedbeauty/
http://instagram.com/rosiereedbeauty

Jewelry- Geri’s Gems – A Chloe + Isabel Boutique
https://www.facebook.com/gerisgemscandi/
http://instagram.com/gerisgemscandi

Tux- Celebrity Tux & Tails
http://instagram.com/celebtuxntails

July 15, 2016July 22, 2016

Salt River Engagement Session

As soon as we scheduled this session at the Salt River I started praying that we would see the wild horses. If you’ve never been to the Salt River before, I advise you to put your devices down, unplug and go. What you will find will take your breath away. This was my first time going “down to the river” (aside from 1 float trip) since I moved to Arizona in 2003. That’s 12 years I went without having this experience as a part of my life, and it was 12 years too many. Before Power Road starts gradually winding down, it comes to a peak between two small mountains, right near the dam and my response is the same every single time. God. You. Are. Good. To see the rolling dessert, majestic purple mountains and the winding river spread in front of me is a reminder of the goodness of God. Of His grace and mercy. That even when we’re in the desert, there is beauty to be found. And it’s indescribable.

Shane and Jinnae’s session was the very definition of perfect. We caught the sun at just the right time, the location wasn’t crowded and the horses were right there waiting for us, just as I had prayed! We hiked up and down the river bank through narrow paths, dodging tree branches, anxiously waiting the time that the sun set gently behind Red Mountain. And then, as if on cue, the desert lit up. Purples, pinks, greens. Even gray sparkles in the desert at dusk.

Shane and Jinnae, I couldn’t be happier for you! I’m so honored to be a part of your day. I love your story how you were dancing partners first and your love for each other has since grown into a lifelong friendship and commitment to one another. I pray that God blesses you two in countless ways. Cherish these days as you’re counting down to the best.day.ever!