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Posted in family,little angels

 

In the dappled light of the waning afternoon sun, the very artistic Kristen Weaver masterminded our family photo shoot.

We were actually in Orlando in May to visit family, but how can we go to Florida and not also schedule a shoot with the talented Kristen Weaver? I’ve admired Kristen’s work for years now ever since I participated in her photography fundraiser, Images for a Cure, back in 2009. Life has been extraordinarily magical since Roman was born, so to capture this feeling in time (and Roman at seven months!), I knew I wanted to create sort of a “dreamscape” in the forest. I styled the shoot with a sheer, hanging canopy and a ruffled blue blanket––and in some instances, nothing but the blanket!

Kristen eloquently captured this quiet moment between me and Little G. Just looking at these shots, I can almost hear the still of the forest, the trickle of the river, the lull of nature. It takes me back. I love how the composition in these photos makes Little G look like a sweet cherub, his feathered, blue wings draped just so.

Before long, the shoot went from ethereal to fun. With a capital F. A baby bowtie, some bright colored baubles for me, and of course, The Giant, completed our family session with Kristen Weaver.

If you’re in the Orlando area, don’t forget to check out Kristen Weaver Photography. I guarantee you won’t be sorry!

Thank you, Kristen, for always making us look so good!

xo, Melissa

 

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  • RachelJuly 16, 2012 - 4:26 pm

    Melissa, these are wonderful! You have such a photogenic family. I absolutely loooove that little hat – you have to tell me where you got it. See you on Aug 18th!

Posted in family,personal,weddings

Today is my three-year wedding anniversary to The Giant. Last year we renewed our vows in breathtaking Tuscany, and this year we barely remembered the day, being so swept up in our Little Giant and in apartment hunting. I think this is a good thing though, to be immersed in day-to-day life is just as delicious as far and away escapes.

The talented Bobby Aazami and Ray Pryor shot my wedding day. I believe it’s always a good exercise in skill and humility to take a step back and look through the lens of another, to refresh, to be inspired. (Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that these are of my own special day.) From the Financial District to classic city skyline shots from our rooftop, our ceremony at Lincoln Park Zoo to the reception at Flatwater restaurant, here are a few of my favorite shots that day . . . thanks for indulging with me!

And not to be outdone, how extraordinary is the cinematography by Mili and Sid Ghosh of Memories in Motion? I highly recommend this duo that produces breathtaking “conceptual love and film stories.” What’s that, you say? Why, just check out The Giant’s and mine here and here! It really is like watching some amazing indie film, and you’re the star!

I could never have guessed that a chance meeting at a fashion show would bring on the most momentous turning point in my life! Three years later, a new baby, and surely, lots of magic moments ahead––in front and behind the lens!

P.S. While I haven’t shared too many personal posts here in the past, one of my goals this year is to open up a bit more of my personality to you (it’s fabulous, trust me) through posts not necessarily related to my shoots. One day you might get tidbits of my life through the lens, and the next, expert tips on how to style a shoot. Get ready, folks!

 

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Posted in family

 

Meet Noah. He is curious, bubbly and full of life––as he should be! This sweet baby boy of one year was delivered prematurely at 25 weeks when his mom, Lauren, had an emergency C-section due to complications from HELLP syndrome. Doctors said Noah had a fifty percent chance of surviving, but just look at this thriving, little man who recently celebrated his first birthday!

Now at a sturdy 19lbs (a far cry from his birth weight of 1lb 6oz!), Noah is the picture of health and joy––you would never know that he was resuscitated several times while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for five months, has undergone countless blood transfusions, or that he is still on oxygen and has a feeding tube in his little tummy! I photographed mom and baby on a beautiful, sunny day at Skinner Park in Chicago. Motherhood suits Lauren––she’s glowing in an equally sunny yellow dress! You might remember the lovely Lauren from here, and this time, I had a chance to catch up with her on all things mommyhood:

Best thing about being a mother? I appreciate the little things so much more. We have come so far, that every little thing matters. When he smiles, lifts his head, laughs, coos. We never thought we were going to get to any of that. Developmentally and physically now he is just perfect and amazing to us!

Hardest thing? All the medical equipment and medicines he requires on a daily basis. But otherwise, Noah is such a good baby!

Best advice you ever received when Noah was born? Appreciate him and have patience.

 

Congrats, Lauren, on your little miracle baby!

xo, Melissa

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