arizona Archives - 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

November 14, 2017November 14, 2017

Hintz Family Session | Scottsdale, Arizona

Meet the Hintz Family. Actually, if you’re reading this, you probably already know them!

While hiking in the the desert doesn’t often, or ever, make the list of top things they do on a Saturday night, these 4 met me out at the base of a mountain for their family session, Tieks and all. We were lucky to have dodged the bikers and hikers, but unfortunately nature attacked and I was stung by a bee for the very first time in my life. *cue the dramatic effects* Thankfully Delia’s first aid kit came to the rescue.

We all have our own stories of this beautiful family about how they have impacted our lives. They’ve walked each of us through different seasons, some sad, some joyful. They’ve brought our names before our heavenly Father and given us encouragement when we needed it the most. They’ve opened their hearts and their home to each and everyone one of us and I doubt you and I will ever forget them for it. They serve well, they love well and reflect the hope of Christ every chance they get.

I love them most for how real they are. There’s no guessing what they are thinking. There’s no discrepancies in who they are. And I think we can all agree that Donavon and Kimber just might be the world’s best parents because Kyra and Delia are two of the sweetest girls I know. I’ve watched them grow into beautiful young women and I hope and pray that they wait 20 years for Dax and Rowen to grow up. Just kidding. 😉 But I do hope that my boys are lucky enough to know them when they are older.

Thank you Donavon and Kimber for giving me another glimpse into your beautiful family! It means the world.

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!

September 16, 2017

Emily + Daniel | Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session

The sun had set. The temperature had cooled, way to cool for us Phoenicians. We made the drive down off the mountain, our final location for their Flagstaff, Arizona engagement session. We pulled into a little burger joint, where the health code was certainly questionable. But when the food is that good, who cares that the workers were eating the left over milkshakes behind the counter…right?

We sat down with our plates of burgers and fries and that’s when he prayed. Not a solemn, everyone bow-your-heads-before-your-plate-of-food-prayer. But a simple prayer. He blessed the food and ended with the sweetest words, “I’m so excited to marry her. Amen”. I think I could hear their hearts leap from across the table.

I’ve loved watching these two grow. They’ve been dating, two years today and have one more year before they tie the knot. These two are disciplined and driven in relentless pursuit of their dreams.

Emily is currently student teaching (which brings back so many memories for me) and as we made the winding trip up to the peaks she shared with me her daily motto, “be the person you needed when you were little.” She wakes up every day, determined to be something to someone. Emily, I want to be like you when I grow up. Never let the weight of the world rob you of your sweet spirit.

Daniel has his sights set high in hotel and restaurant management, and no doubt he’ll achieve his goals in record time. Daniel, your leadership, determination and integrity will drive you to the top!

Emily and Daniel, whatever expectation you have of marriage and the life together after, “I do,” crumple it up and throw it away. Whatever ideas the world have standardized as normal, forget about them. The perception that has become your reality, forget it all.

Because it’s so much better.

It’s better because it’s what God has designed. It’s better because marriage is a direct reflection of how Christ loves His church.

Daniel, love her fiercely. Emily, love him unconditionally.

Emily, love him intentionally. Daniel, love her sacrificially.

Daniel love her honorably. Emily, love him patiently.

And always, always, keep Christ in the center. He will direct your steps. He will establish the work of your hands. He will bring hope. He will bring peace. He will bring joy.

Get ready for the best time of your life.

June 3, 2017June 3, 2017

Girl’s Session! | Mesa, Arizona

When your girls have girls, you celebrate it every chance you get! Little sweet Jordan was the most recent addition to this family, born on April 29, 2017 and already she’s as sweet as can be. She slept through the entire session, despite being passed around in 85 degree weather.

Her cousin is already obsessed with her, and who wouldn’t be? The shirts from Glitter, Gliggles and Grin say it all! (Keep scrolling to see the cuties dolled up in their coordinating tees!)

Though it’s fun to have a family of all girls, the celebrating extends a little beyond the fact they are all female. Jill and Tim waited and prayed a long time, 974 days to be exact, to have this sweet girl and they are so excited to be able to show her off to the world.

I couldn’t wait to share this session with you, not just because they’re all dolls, but because it relays a little bit of hope. If you’ve walked the path of infertility, or have struggled to get pregnant, know that you’re not alone. There is hope.