maternity Archives - Melodee Lynn Photography

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

Salt River Maternity Session

This Salt River Maternity session gives me all the feels and squeals. Not only was the light enchanting, but the subjects just happen to be my favorite people in the whole world, my sister and brother-in-law.

You guys, I don’t think I’ve ever had a session where the photos speak for themselves. I’m staring my computer screen feeling so giddy and wondering just what exactly I should say. And then my eyes glance down and meet my sister’s piercing blue eyes and I think, oh my gosh, I’m obsessed.

This is my sister.

The most selfless, kind hearted and beautiful person I know and she’s having a little girl! A little girl to inherit her laughter, her ginormous heart and her thoughtfulness. Oh Mary Grace, you didn’t just luck out with the best mom in the world, you have the best dad too! If you know Ralf, you know he has a heart of gold. He possess patience and gentleness that seems so rare today.

Sis, do you remember that one Sunday morning, you were sitting in the middle section about 6 rows from the back of the auditorium? Your head was down and tears were in your eyes because you were terrified and excited about where God was leading you. Terrified because you knew change was coming, excited because you knew change was coming. And we prayed together. It was then that God was preparing your heart for the incredible journey you would go on to meet Ralf.

And it wasn’t long after that morning that you met him.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was taking you for street tacos.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was down on one knee on those tennis courts.

And it wasn’t long after that until you were walking down the aisle.

And now it won’t be long (hopefully a week from today) when you’ll welcome your baby girl into the world.

You’ll be able to look back and see how the Lord has been so good. How he has directed your steps and led you to this time and this place.

Sis and Ralf,

I saw the joy that radiated from you on your wedding day. It was contagious. But it’s nothing compared to what I see reflected in these photos. Mary Grace is the luckiest little girl in the whole entire world to have you two as parents!

Click here to see my sister’s baby shower!

Dress: Pink Blush
Maternity Belt: Gold Coast Chic
Make-Up: Jessica Hamblin

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

May 21, 2017

Allie + Aaron | Sedona, Arizona

Dear Allie,

In only two short months, you’ll be holding a little bundle in your arms. You’ll experience for the first time, what it’s like when heaven meets earth. Though we’ll never understand the fullness of God’s love, that little bundle will open up your heart to a new side of God’s love that you have never before experienced. You’ll laugh, but because you’re you, you’ll cry at the goodness of God’s love laying there squiggling in your arms.

Life changes in a big way (though I didn’t believe people when they told me that), but it changes in the very best ways possible. In the days to come, you’ll be exhausted, wondering if ou’ll ever experience a full nights rest again. And you will, I promise.

You’ll probably ask for advice, people will give it, and then you’ll regret asking for advice because everyone’s opinions will drive you absolutely crazy. Bless their hearts.

Despite what you may believe at times, you are the absolute best mom for Tobias. God gave him to you. He has entrusted you with the care of His child, knowing full well you’ll raise him to be the man He desires him to be. You’ll probably wonder if you’re doing it right, and I wish I could tell you the answer, but I can’t. In fact, I’m 99% sure most of the time I’m doing it wrong.

The last 4 years, there’s been one word that has gotten me through the sleepless nights, all of the overwhelming questions of inquisitive toddlers and feelings of complete weariness. It’s a word, a name actually, that brings hope, peace and a strength like no other. It’s not a secret really and sometimes I don’t use it as frequently as I should. When you find yourself in a place where you can’t distinguish the joy from the pure exhaustion- whisper, shout, speak, pray, write…whatever you need to do, the name of Jesus. He is the only hope for us weary mommas.

I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories of the worst days. Of how hard it’s going to be but I promise you, the best days are yet to come. The good out weighs the bad. The joy outweighs the exhaustion. He’s called you to this time and this place, this is what you were made for.