Kimber’s Senior Session | Boyce Thompson Arboretum

It wasn’t long ago when I was photographing this girl in downtown Gilbert for her high school senior session!

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No doubt Kimber is one driven individual (which is what I love about her!) Her high school graduation was just two short years ago and NEXT MONTH (oh good golly!) she’ll be walking to Pomp and Circumstance once again, this time proudly wearing maroon and gold.

But not just maroon and gold. Oh no, this girl is decked out in cords and a medal that signifies just how driven and stinken smart this girl is.

She’ll be handed a Bachelor’s in Psychology which means that a Master’s program is in her near future. I have no doubt she’ll have even more cords and medals added to her collection!

Kimber,

I remember when you were serving our littles at church. It was so evident, even then, that you have a love and a heart for the people around you. I’m so proud of you and all of your hard work! Just keep being you and I have no doubt you’ll take this world by storm!

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Donjae | Boyce Thompson Arboretum Senior Session

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Senior Session

“Describe what you felt in one word.”

He stares at me, eyes twinkling, trying to describe what he felt in just one word.

“Okay, okay. Maybe not one word. Two, no, three words. Describe what you felt in three words.”

That was easy for him to do.

“Dream. Come. True.”

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Since he was 10, Donjae dreamt of playing football for Stanford University. He played and fought hard and despite having an “off season” his sophomore year, he caught Stanford’s attention. After attending summer camps, pushing himself and with the support of his friends, family and coaches, Donjae received his verbal offer from Stanford at a weekend camp he attended right before school started his senior year.  What a way to start the school year!

What’s remarkable about Donjae, isn’t his ability to play football on a full ride at a Pac-12 school, it’s his attitude.  Does that sound cliche?  Because I’ve never been more sincere.  In the two hours we spent together at his senior session, which started at his high school and ended at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, it was made very apparent that Donjae is kind, genuine, patient, so very grateful and is one humble individual.  I know for certain, as a momma of boys myself, that he must have one proud mother!

Donjae,

I gotta be honest, I’m a little nervous about my boys growing up in the world that we live in.  But after spending just a small window of time with you and Brianna, I know that it’s possible to raise a modern day knight who fears the Lord.  You could easily take all the credit for your skills and abilities, but you don’t.  You publicly claim Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Thank you for not only being an example for today’s generation but for a generation that will quickly follow in your footsteps.

You are driven, you are genuine and you are one classy guy.  Good luck at Stanford next year!  We can’t wait to watch you play!  #GoCards

 

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Brianna | Boyce Thompson Arboretum Senior Session

Phoenix, Arizona Senior Session

Out in the middle of nowhere, nestled at the bottom of a little mountain, sits the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and it made the perfect backdrop for Brianna’s senior session.

Every year her family would get an annual pass and would spend their free time walking the trails, counting the butterflies and soaking up God’s beautiful creation. It wasn’t just beautiful location, it was sentimental.

Brie’s senior year is well underway and she describes it as “crazy” and “stressful” but even though there’s a lot going on and so much to decide, it doesn’t keep her from soaking up every minute of it. She is one driven young lady, heading to community college next year to pursue the nursing field, which I have no doubt she will dominate.

Brianna,

It was such a pleasure spending the morning with you, walking across football fields, down trails, and keeping the bugs away from Donjae. My favorite thing I learned about you was the story behind your elephant necklace. It left such an impression on me. Elephants are big, they are strong but they can be the gentlest animal when they need and want to be. I have no doubt that as you step out into the world that you will be each of those things and it won’t be just because you wear the reminder around your neck. It will be because it’s who God has made you to be. He made you strong, He made you gentle, He made you perfect.

I can’t wait to see Him establish the work of your hands.

xoxo,
Melodee

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Raegan’s Senior Session

Downtown Phoenix Senior Session

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Downtown Phoenix is beautiful, but insert a beautiful senior like Raegan and it’s out of this world! This young lady is stunning and I’m pretty she is incapable of taking a bad photo.

I met Raegan and her parents during one of my family sessions last fall. They had come to Downtown Gilbert to take Homecoming photos but due to a small glitch, they weren’t able to. I couldn’t help myself and I asked the family that I was with if I could take a few pictures of them! I jumped right in and took photos of her and her friends and delivered them to her parent’s later that night. And, oh, am I so glad that I did otherwise I wouldn’t have had to opportunity to get to know this young lady and her family! Raegan is an outstanding young woman with a desire to become a lawyer and she’s starting her journey next year at my very own Alma Mater!

Raegan, you are such a beautiful young lady. The world is such a better place because of you. As you head to college next year, your smile, your beauty, who you are inside and out, is worth more than the rarest of rubies. I feel so honored to know you!

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Roomie’s Senior Session

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I know what you’re thinking…is that a ukulele?

Yes. Yes it is and boy did we have fun with it! Roomie played and sang as I snapped away and I couldn’t help but hum the harmony along with her!

As you can see Roomie’s session was incredible. For two hours we walked back and forth on Tempe’s famous Mill Avenue in search of the perfect locations for her session. It was an absolute delight spending the evening with her and her mom. By the end of the night, it felt like I had just spent the evening with friends, which is how I want every session I have to feel like! We even took a break towards the end and stopped for a Baked Bear ice cream sandwich that did not disappoint.

Roomie has a beautiful confidence about her. She loves life and I’m pretty sure life loves her too! In the fall, she’ll be heading to college to study music education where I know she’s going to make a big impact, because she won’t have it any other way. From the time we had together, which was not enough, I know that she will make waves. Congratulations Roomie, I can’t wait to see where life takes you!

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