Archive for October, 2009

keri & ryan | engagements

October 21, 2009

It sounded cliche, even to him, but the first time he saw her smile it sent cupid’s arrow straight through his heart and at that moment Ryan knew that he would one day hold Keri in his arms and call her wife. They saw each other almost daily at their shared workplace but it wasn’t until they were paired as mentor leaders in a classroom miles away from the office that the sparks started to fly.

Keri & Ryan gave me such a vivid picture of love; they are a pair that would walk to the end of the earth if that’s what it took to be together.

Johnson-Stanzel_0291I think the giant lollipop might be my favorite prop yet.

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Johnson-Stanzel_0328Remember how these two are/were mentors when they fell in love? Well, their kiddos drew these pictures of them. I think they nailed Keri’s rosy cheeks and Ryan’s blue eyes.

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Johnson-Stanzel_0084Love these two shots; love them. It’s a circle of love.

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i’m yours,
melissa

safe-mode

October 20, 2009

I am one of the first to admit my propensity for allowing life to swallow me up in its busyness. It’s an awfulnogoodterriblebad habit that over the years has been a safety blanket that feels like silk and warms like a fire. Not only do I actually LIKE it but it’s my my internal computer’s version of safe-mode; it’s not overly functional and definitely minimal fun and minimal “me” but it will do the job and will do it without fail.

As I was driving home on Sunday from an emotion-filled engagement session I glance out the passenger side window and like a much needed kick-in-the-busy-pants, there it was… that crayon box sunset that never fails to grab my attention and make me exhale slowly. God had given me that sunset on a day where I was particularly susceptible to the gentle reminder that if I don’t slow down every once in a while life is going to speed on by and I am going to MISS it. (He’s a sneaky one, that Jesus…) Sometimes I think that life will always be there but the reality is that there are memories, moments and even days that I will never be able to recover. Memories that I missed for what? That elusive check box on the to-do list?

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to go cuddle with my husband and dog. Take THAT check box.

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(Yes, I took this from a moving car. Don’t judge me.)

i’m yours,
melissa

dusty & greg | lifestyle

October 19, 2009

I could have photographed Dusty & Greg all day. Seriously. I loved the way their eyes lit up when they laughed together, the way she reached out for his hand, the way he protectively guided her; not as if she was fragile but in a way that shows that Dusty and their yet-to-be-born daughter are the center of his very existence.

Dusty and Greg were more fun than I could have even hoped for (Who else has offered me candy corn mid-shoot? Future clients take note.) and to witness their interactions with Dusty all adorable and pregnant made my heart feel like it was going to burst with love.

To G&D, happy 6th anniversary next weekend! I can’t wait to see where life leads you. I heart you both very much.

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Love, love, LOVE

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Dusty has the most perfect baby bump in the whole world.

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They are the kindest, most generous people. I really adore them.

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i’m yours,
melissa

jessica & jon | engagements

October 14, 2009

They have the kind of relationship where one word can send them both into a fit of laughter. It’s the brand of laughter that invites you into it even if you don’t quite know why you are laughing; it’s incredibly contagious. They are contagious. The way she looks at him, the way he smiles at her…it all sounds cliche but that love makes my heart explode with happiness.

We met at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and even though it was a bit chilly (ahem) they rocked it out model style.

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“Hey, you guys up for walking through a dense field of weeds?” They rock.

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collage2If heaven is a forest full of trees, plllllllease God let there be a Nikon up there waiting for me.

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“That looks like a bridge built out of twigs.” “Really?? Sweet!” And….itwasnot.

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It’s official. I love them.

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So, as it turns out. Your chances of having run-ins with woodland creatures increases about 100% when you are with me. I’m a redheaded Snow White.

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i’m yours,
melissa

whitney & paul | wedding

October 13, 2009

Whitney smiled from the salon chair; her amazing dimples shadowed in her cheeks. It was her wedding day and even the early October snowfall hadn’t dampened her spirits. When she saw Paul for the first time that day, Whitney’s smile became even bigger; the dimples even deeper. As Paul pulled Whitney to his chest, she snuggled in for warmth and giggled. “We’re getting married today.” He looked down at her and said with the utmost assurance, “We’re getting married today.”

Ceremony Location: Historic Church of St. Peter
Reception Location: Commodore Hotel
Hair: Juut Salon, Grand Avenue
Dress: Borrowed (and gorgeous!)
Bridesmaid: J.Crew
Flowers: Market Flowers
Cake / Cupcakes: Lunds & Byerly’s

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Doesn’t she look like Audrey Hepburn in her fancy collarless coat? (I’ll admit, the resemblance took my breath away.)

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They chose to do a First Look, which I L-O-V-E. It was such a sweet moment and so, so perfect.

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Paul’s gift to Whitney were these gorgeous drop-pearl earrings that I adore. The guy has taste!

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i’m yours,
melissa

Sometimes life gives you a beautiful, charming family with a gorgeous little girl and you just have to accept and move past the fact ALL THAT BEAUTY will not be contained via digital image. But you try your best.

Meet the Glassbrenner Family. They could frown at the camera and still be beautiful.

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i’m yours,
melissa

overjoyed

October 4, 2009

My only sibling turned 20 last week. I never thought his advance in age would ever make me feel older – after all, we’ve been 6 years and 17 days apart ever since the day he was born but for some reason, this birthday hit me with a bit of nostalgia.

We didn’t always get along. I mean, we fought. A lot. So much so that my mom used to make us stop and hug each other but the minute she was out of earshot or eyeshot, we would continue fighting. It hasn’t been until the last few years that we really became more than just brother and sister. We became close friends by choice.

When my birthday rolled around this year, he sent me a little gift and inside was the best part of the present; the card:

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Oh yes, he is the best brother there ever was.

i’m yours,
melissa

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