After being gone for 7 months Marcus is home...and what a sweet reunion it was! I loved listening to him talk with the girls and I loved watching the girls interact with him. I wanted to bottle up all of the emotion shared during that time and keep it forever. Sometimes it takes someone being gone to realize how much more you appreciate them. Of course, I don't believe that families should be separated for periods of time, but I do hold it as a gentle reminder that life is precious. Life is a gift. Life is meant to be shared with those you love everyday. We often fail at this because the craziness of life gets in the way.

Missing you all already...so glad that you are a family of 4 again (even if you have to be miles and miles away)...love you all.

Mindi loved this area from their session last fall...had to duplicate these shots with Marcus in them. ;)

This series makes my heart ache...in a good way! There was so much love and emotion being shared...

I'm pretty sure this is the point where Marcus asked Ava..."Can I take these pictures and hang them up in the plane?"

Another one I love...true joy, true happiness! Daddy is home!

It's obvious that Ellie and Ava missed their dad, but I'm pretty sure these two missed each other as well. ;)

Love the lighting and the subjects and the scenery in the next three...ok...I guess I should have said-I love the next 3. ;)

Loved this moment...Ellie said, "Do the wedding kiss! Do the wedding kiss!"

So, they did and the girls loved it...welcome home Marcus! We all appreciate what you do and are equally happy to have you home!

Gabe joined us for this quick session...he misses his girls. ;)

I know that these moments will be cherished by Parker's family for many years to come. When she is older they will look back at these and remember the sweetness that made their family complete. Congratulations to our dear friends...we love you guys...

Such beautiful features...

The hats in these next two images were made by Morgan at Twysted Yarn. You have to check them out...adorable!

He wasn't the only one smiling in this photo... ;)

Such a proud, big brother...

So precious...

Daddy's precious girl...

Beautiful Mommy...

A family of four...perfect!

Look at those little, chubby legs...I love them!

She is such a doll...

We are anxious for spring here in the midwest. We were hoping that dressing for it might bring on change...not there yet. ;)

And...finally. I know I teased you with a picture a while back...so sorry. ;) This has to be one of my favorite sessions...I am so glad they wanted snow to be a part of their session. I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to go since it was bitter, bitter outside, but Nate and Amber rolled with it. We all had hand warmers to keep the numbness from getting the best of us and the light was absolutely perfect.

As for Nate and Amber...we are so happy for them. We have known Nate for quite some time and knew that he would find the perfect girl at the perfect time. And I think he did just that. Congratulations you two...we couldn't be happier! Love to you both!

The light was kinda doing its own thing and I loved it!

You two are adorable!!!

This is one of my favorites...love it!

I promise they were sitting on something other than snow.

I could've shot in this light all day...

Wow...wow...wow...

Love the candidness of this one...

Another favorite...

I spent most of my week in Denver for the Living the Dream workshop. I debated attending this workshop for many reasons, but when it came down to it I knew I needed to go. Over the past year I have been somewhat convicted with the way our work schedules have been. Running your own business requires a lot of time and energy. I know there are ways to keep it from intertwining every area of your life...we just haven't mastered it. ;) For example, I tend to be one of those who thinks, "If I just get this done, then I can relax." Yet, my checklist never ends thus my wheels are always turning and I find myself unable to step away from my computer. I knew the content of the workshop along with some reflective time for me would be a positive bonus to the coming year...positives for the business and our family.

Well, I came home enlightened and knew that going was a good decision. The thoughts and ideas that will be implemented will enable things to run even more smoothly and as a result give us more time. In addition to that, I walked away with new friends that have already found a special place in my heart...they alone brought encouragement and inspiration that will remain close to my heart for a long time to come.

As for these pictures, every time I look at them it reminds me that our family relationships are of utmost importance. I realized that these people will not be in my life forever and that the time I "make" for them now will be memories that I will cherish long after they are gone. The same holds true for Jeremy's grandma and others who we cherish and love. The quote mentioned above: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives," sums up my thoughts in this post. While I can't imagine doing anything else other than photography, I have come to realize that I also don't want to have all of my memories of life found with me sitting in front of the computer. ;) I want to live life with those I love without any regret...realizing that it may not be every day, but it will be with a conscious effort that when the work day is done...it's done.

I have found that taking time for me and my family will enable benefits of being a better mom, wife, friend, daughter and photographer. I know we are all busy and my hope is that you will also find that time to be with the ones you love...and maybe do something just for yourself.

I can't wait to share more from Nate and Amber's session with you soon.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

A few months back as our season was starting to wind down I had a chance to think things through again. You see it is rather common for me to be asked questions on how to choose/use a camera, lighting, angles, basic editing (b/w, cropping, etc). While I truly believe there is an obvious need for professional photography and having your family documented is a must, I do realize that a photographer cannot follow your children around day in and day out. I always have moms tell me that they got a new camera, but have absolutely no idea how to use it...such a waste. I'm not trying to build a slew of new photographers, just moms who want to document their "every day" better. This is where my idea finally landed...

I have started a blog just for moms...a place for moms and their cameras. I will be sharing ideas, tips, answer questions, giving things away, etc. and hope to begin thinking along the lines of some small workshops here and there in the future. I realize how important it is to document my own children and I hope that as I help other moms, I can also encourage myself to document the "every day" better with Gabe and Claire. Life is too short to not use a camera. ;) There are many times where I will look back at photos of Gabe and Claire and have tears well up. I miss those first moments, those messy times...and while I do a great job of capturing them in fun locations and all cute I also want to remember the other times when life just happens. Our business keeps us busy and I am forever thankful, but I don't want to miss the moments in my own life that I will not be able to capture later. I hope that this blog will be something that we can all hold ourselves accountable to.

So, here it is: PhotoMommas

I would love for you to go and check it out...bookmark it, add the link to your own family/personal blog, share it with other moms you know... Feel free to submit questions you may have or things you would like to learn. Hopefully, together we will capture every day life with our litte ones better.

xoxoMel

In all reality, as I was looking back through our weddings I was in awe of so many amazing moments. It is quite honoring to be able to capture someone's day, but when you go back and relive it you realize how wonderful those moments truly were. I felt like I was a part of the day all over again...so many memories. Every couple we come in contact with makes us want to be better...people and photographers. Thank you all so much for choosing us and giving us the opportunity to walk into your lives...where you are. It's because of you that we love what we do. Hugs to all of you...love you guys...

These are in alphabetical order...easier for me to keep them organized that way. ;)

During the time that I was making this slideshow (weddings/engagements coming soon :), I was reminded of how wonderful it is to capture life for our clients. I get teary-eyed every time... You see, it is humbling to see the number of connections we have made with our clients. When you celebrate with people during those big life moments (weddings, newborns, seniors, times as a family, etc) you take a little piece of them with you. I can look back through so many of these moments below and tell you story after story...maybe because I like to talk, but even more so because they have found a special place in our hearts. It is such a blessing to be able to do what you love and, in return, share it with others.

As we begin this new year we are so anxious to see what it holds...new memories for new friends and new memories with old friends. We can't wait to share life with you...it's going to be an amazing 2010!!!

Enjoy a bit of what we experienced with our portrait season in 2009...along with a few pics of Gabe and Claire. ;)

As for their wedding day...it was simply beautiful...just what they had hoped for. Every detail fell into place just like it needed to. Amy was absolutely stunning and Jack adored her. As for the temperatures? Well, a January wedding in the midwest is more than likely going to be cold...or in this case arctic-like. So, we worked fast to still capture a winter feel without losing any limbs. ;) In all seriousness, we were honored to celebrate with these two and have enjoyed every minute of this journey. They are wonderful people who happen to make an amazing couple. I love seeing people in love...we have such an awesome job! ;)

We are so happy for you guys...love to you both.

Waiting patiently for his bride...love this one.

Amy checking out Jack... ;)

The stunning bride...

Braving the cold for a few minutes...glad we did. ;)

I love this picture of Amy...

I love this series...

The next two are my favorite...

The guys decided they wanted to climb into the tree... ;)

These next few pictures happened within about 2 minutes, I believe. ;) Love it...

Amy told them to bring their boots for a few quick shots outside...and they did just that.

Love it...

Jack...your expression kills me. I laugh every time I look at it.

Amy seeing her boys for the first time at the chapel.

The perfect escorts...

I had to share these... Like I said, it was more than chilly out. It was bitter, bitter, bitter. We supplied them with handwarmers or in Jack's case...ear warmers. ;)

Yes, silly, I know. We were cold and a bit...desperate. Go with it. :)

And, if you would like to see a few more...SLIDESHOW!!!

Jack and Amy's Wedding

The "Best of 2009" Slideshows

Things to come in 2010

...and so much more!!!

Or in the words of Claire--"Set, GOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Please keep reading...I promise this gets better. ;)

As you know, a while back we made mention of a giveaway to a family that has had a curve ball thrown at them. We asked you, our readers, to share life with us about a family who could use a special gift this holiday season. Every story I read brought me to reality once again...life is hard. This year I have heard story after story of people who have gone through some crazy times and could use a bit of a break. So, below are some stories to share...

Justin and Jenny (+3 little ones)

This sweet family experienced the loss of their home to a house fire the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

(This picture was taken from their family blog.)

As I read the entry and the story through their family blog, I cried for them. I can't imagine losing everything that I have gained through this life in a materialistic sense in just a few minutes. I learned from their blog that all they were able to salvage was a few things that fit in their car...that's it. However, I was amazed at their attitude towards it all. I got this from their blog: "I've also really come to terms with the idea that the most important things in life aren't things at all. I've always known that was true. But, I've never really taken the time to actually think about it. But, when we drove away from our house that Sunday night...knowing that everything we had left was in our car...I really began to understand exactly what that idea means. The most important things in life really aren't things at all." I admire her heart (because I'm not sure that I could feel that way after losing everything). Yet, as I was reading their blog I realized that they still need memories of the relationships they share together as a family. They need to once again regain something they lost...or so they thought. My guess is that they have realized even more that all they need are the relationships they share with each other, their friends, their family. Now is an appropriate time to capture them, so that 10 years from now they can see how far they have come...together...as a family. They will be receiving our giveaway and we are so happy to be able to share that with them.

But, I'm not done. We had two other families that were so very close to our top choices that we will be giving them a 30 minute session with a set of proofs.

2. A family whose little boy is suffering from microcephaly-a condition where the brain and head stop growing. They have accrued many medical expenses and will continue to do so. The sweet 2 year old boy has a long road ahead with a medical condition that is causing them to reach out and seek more help as to how to help him.

3. A family who has been blessed with two little ones, yet hoped for a third, lost their 3rd and 4th child (over a two year period) due to complications during the pregnancy. Because of this, their plans of having 3 children have pretty much come to an end and they are now on a long road to recovery.

These two families are so deserving as well. As you can see (and know), life is hard. Sometimes the plans we make, fail. The dreams we have, disappear. And, the "every day" we know is taken from us with nothing left to show for it. There are so many deserving families out there and I so wish we could give everyone the gift of life captured from behind a lens. Life may be hard, but family moments forever preserved remind us how good God truly is.

Merry Christmas and many blessings to you...

Much love-Melody and Jeremy

To our 3 winners, I will be in touch soon after the holidays. :)

Ben and Aly couldn't have asked for a better day the end of November. The weather was simply amazing and every detail was perfect. The day went without a hitch and the memories that were captured will be remembered for years to come. Thank you guys for choosing us...we can't wait for the next Pinnick wedding! ;) Hugs to all of you...

Such a wonderful group of girls. Doesn't it look like they could all be related...they all have such dark hair. Love it!

So, the boots were a bit difficult to get off... ;)

Aly...you are amazing!!!!

I can't even begin to choose favorites...I love all of them. ;)

Something was said...and this was the reaction.

Love this one...

Favorite guy shot...love it!

You two are something else...

Aly gave her dad a gift moments before walking down the aisle...

This wasn't quite what Aly was expecting... :)

Some "officially married" shots...love all of them!!!!

Favorite of the day...

Ben and Aly surprised everyone with some choreography...it was quite impressive. :)

They attracted quite the crowd...

I'm sure you are singing the song now...their expressions are perfect.

Yes, he was part of the wedding party. No, he wasn't afraid of the microphone... ;)

And the SLIDESHOW!!!!!