Mesa 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

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!

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.

November 3, 2016November 1, 2016

Fajen | Bella Via Family Session

This fall is getting away from me so quickly! Each weekend seems to get crazier and crazier as the holidays approach! Despite all the craziness, I just couldn’t let this beautiful Bella Via Family session with the Fajen’s go un-published! The best part of this session, wasn’t just the fact that Fawn and Mike were celebrating their wedding anniversary, it was the fact that they brought a special family member along with them.

I must introduce you to Firework, who is commonly mistaken for Firecracker (and if you make that mistake, you will most certainly be corrected by Alexia-who is the actual Firecracker). Firework has gone to dentist appointments, doctor’s appointments, snuggles in tight at bed-time, makes the best movie-time companion and not surprisingly stole the show during family pictures. She came dressed in her finest black velvet skirt with a white bow perfectly placed on her right ear-this is a bear who knows fashion for sure.

If you happen to be looking for inspiration for what to wear to your family photos, look no further. Fawn chose maroon and navy with pops of cream that could not have gone more perfectly with the location she chose. Alexia’s outfit had the perfect amount of texture with the fur vest and tulle skirt that tied everything together and took it all to the next level. I sound like I’m a fashion blogger right now, don’t I? I loved how they looked as they were walking up to the location but when I saw down to edit the pictures, I thought, OH YES! It made editing a breeze! I ended up giving her almost double what I normally do because everything just came together so well. So if your session is coming up, keep this one pinned to the top of your board!