Jones & Jade...photography

I couldn't leave Jones out of the blog, since he was such a big part of the photo session. I mean, he was the one fetching the stick...and hopping through the water like a kangaroo. And stalking the heron.
Here ya go Jonesy!

<3 Melanie

Jade & Jones(y)...photography

I met Summer at PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society) a couple of weeks ago when she assisted me in photographing the doggies and kitties for their website/facebook pictures. And let me tell you. That is one BIG job. When it comes to the dogs, someone has to go back to the kennels and get the dog out without all his kennelmates getting out. It's actually funny and chaotic, all mixed in one. After the session, Summer asked me about doing a session with her Dobermans--Jade and Jones. It was important to Summer, in particular, because Jade has cancer and it has spread throughout her body.
Summer, who serves our country, already had two-year-old Jones when she came across the urgent story of Jade on the internet. A friend on Facebook had cross-posted a cry out for help for a 10 year old female Doberman, who had been used for breeding purposes all of her life, and who was about to be euthanized at an Atlanta shelter the next day since she had cancer. It seems that her breeders had no further use for her. They just dropped her off at the shelter.
Summer--being the soft-hearted animal lover that she is--contacted the shelter. Two months later and Jade has adjusted to her new family. With total love.
Thanks Summer for being the good person you are. And thanks Jonesy, for being Jade's brother. And you Jade? May you continue to live out your doggie days in peace and happiness!
<3  Melanie

Nadine and Steven's e-session. Photography.

Nadine and Steven met three years ago in north Alabama, and so they choice their anniversary of meeting to come to the beach for their anniversary. They will exchange their vows in Destin in the fall.  They met through a mutual friend, and Steven was not impressed with the lack of puncuality of Nadine and her friend that first night!! This is a couple who love to laugh...and it was evident during the session. She works in government contracts and he is a genetic engineer. How cool is that?! Nadine says he doesn't look that smart! :) All kidding aside, she said he works to determine the makeup of diseases like cancer, Parkinson's, etc., and turn off the switch.
Congratulations to you two, and I was honored to participate in your love!

<3 Melanie

Tricia and Albert's wedding

Tricia and Albert's wedding

I had a great time with Tricia and Albert and their family and friends yesterday capturing their wedding. Tricia, I don't know if you realize it, but you were an absolutely beautiful bride! Albert looked handsome, waiting in the foyer as Tricia and her bridesmaids got ready in a back room. He was a bit nervous, he admitted to me when I asked. The mass was a special part of the ceremony, and the entire wedding included family in some parts.

Afterward, I saw what fun the bridal party was, when we traveled to several locations around the area and I got to see true colors emerge!

Thanks for choosing me for your wedding day photography coverage.  I am very honored. I know your marriage will last forever. Tricia's dad said it best, when describing how they compliment each other, comparing their relationship to how a car works. She is the accelerator.  He is the brake.  You can't have one without the other.

<3  Melanie

A Blended Wedding...photography

Two beautiful heritages will blend together today when Tricia and Albert tie the knot! She is of Indian descent, and his family is Mexican. They met a couple of years ago at Starbucks, when he got up the nerve to talk to her. A long time. And now, this afternoon at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, they will say their vows in front of family and friends. Thursday evening they had rehearsal and wore traditional Indian attire to honor Tricia's family roots. The children who will be in the wedding party were adorable and I can't wait to see how they act during the wedding! You never know with the kiddies. It was good to see Father Roy, whom I have know for almost 20 years when he first came to Resurrection Catholic in Miramar Beach.
Congratulations in advance Tricia and Albert. Thank you for the honor of capturing the moments of your special day!

<3 Melanie