you know what’s fun? traveling to a place with no expectations and being totally blown away by how wonderful it is.  embarrassingly, i thought grand rapids was like a mini version of detroit.  and well, detroit has seen happier days, right?  but no, grand rapids is f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c…particularly when you’re invited by the most fantastic photo lab on the planet, stay at this wonderful hotel (close to the art museum pictured!) nestled in one of the nicest mid-sized downtowns i’ve seen in ages, meet tons of great area photographers and wrap up the day with a gathering here and get to know dee, from red letter words. what a wonderful tuesday and wednesday :)

we choose our vendors carefully…and while I’ve been so happy with our lab, it means a lot to now *know* them.  to meet Tim & Dee and see the impact for good they have on the lives around them. i’m not typically one to be impressed so quickly (well, client cuteness at a photo session aside!)  – but when i see a business that operates to the ideals that i hold close, and a couple that moves so happily through this life as they do…I walk away feeling enriched and grateful for the time in their company.

glad of heart for the chance to have been blown away by Grand Rapids…thanks for letting me gush!  (hope to get back there one year for the art prize event GR hosts!) A big big thank you to everyone at Color Inc…you are wonderful beyond compare!

just a little encouragement to sit back and enjoy all that summer holds. warmly, -melanie-

summer afternoon – summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the english language.  [ henry james ]

here are the links to the items above!  diy play kitchen, disguise kit enjoy the weekend!  warmly, -melanie-

We’re thrilled to participate in the book signing for author, Sharon McGukin who will be demonstrating bridal bouquets and florals for your wedding day along with signing copies of her new book, Flowers of the Heart.  Have you been in the Best of Flowers recently? So many cute things!  If you’re a bride, or just love flowers…please stop by!  I’d love to see you!

Also in attendance:

Lundy’s Catering * Martine’s gourmet wedding cakes * Jacki Allen

Thursday, July 29th – 3-7pm – @ the Best of Flowers – 807 Chevy Chase Place

i love anniversary shoots…since the first anniversary gift is paper, i think they’re a perfect way to celebrate! this session fell on a really incredible day – rachel’s graduation celebration (she was on her way to see wicked later)!  i feel so honored that clients choose a session with me as a way to mark these really iconic times in their lives…and all the moments in between.  this sweet couple lives right around the corner from me so i’ve had to resist knocking on their door to say ‘hey, i just made great lasagna – want some?’.  so, without further ado, the crazy cute rachel & roy…yes, rachel has *the* sweetest bike around and she picked up the most darling bunch of huge peonies prior to the shoot!

To love is to find pleasure in the happiness of the person loved. [ Leibnitz ]

P.S. If you’re a photographer in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I’d love to meet you at the School of Photography later this month.  I welcome your questions in advance (just email me) and I’ll address them during our Q & A or work them into the presentation.