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Lifestyle, our passion...that is how we describe what we do.  It's the day to day, remember when, wish I could have been there type of moments.  It's real life captured forever...not only in a photograph, but in your hearts, your minds, your souls.  We truly are thankful for this role God has blessed us with.  We look forward to sharing these moments, along with our journey, in this crazy place called life.

Please use the tabs above to help navigate your way through the blog.  Current clients can find their images under the websites tab.  Over time, I will be sharing moments that inspire us to do what we do.  Feel free to grab some coffee and stay awhile...

February 15, 2012

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Lauren and Joel were married on a peninsula off the coast of Alabama.  It was a quaint, little spot that offered so much beauty through the water, white sand and homes that were spread throughout.  I would go back again in a heartbeat, for sure.  Joel and Lauren had a rather picturesque day as you will soon see.  The only hindrance was the cooler temperatures/wind that came in just before the ceremony...that we could've all done without, lol. ;)  Other than that, I would say their day was perfect.

There is so much beauty found between a couple in love.  I am always amazed at how God can bring two individuals together that will result in a life spent together.  Lauren and Joel have a unique story with how they met, but the one detail that leaves me in awe is this...Joel's parents are missionaries in Africa.  Lauren's family housed missionary families, while on furlow, when she was growing up.  Come to find out, Lauren's family has been praying for Joel's family for years...long before they ever knew of each other.  I know that story will be shared for generations to come-love it!

I have to say a big thank you to my best friend, Shelly, who joined me for this adventure.  We have many stories of this trip that will be long remembered.  She was a compliment to the documentation of their wedding day and I appreciate her willingness to join me.  Jeremy and I have shot for many years now, and I have only documented one other wedding solo from him.  So, to have had someone there that can understand my craziness and go with it (in addition to Jeremy) was a blessing.  Thanks friend!
   

They had a very sweet, first meeting on the balcony of the beach home.

This interesting piece washed to shore...made for some fun photos.

I, obviously, had a hard time narrowing down the photos of the two of them.  Lauren...you were stunning!!!  They had a very small wedding party and guest list which gave us some fun time with the two of them.

Like I mentioned before, it was windy...and, I mean brutally windy.  Immediately after the ceremony they ran into the tent (that was set up as a wind block)...captured just a few photos before heading out.

Lauren and Joel had a very small dinner reception following the ceremony.  Soon after dinner they headed off to New Orleans to leave for their honeymoon...such a beautiful day.

Thanks for choosing us to capture your day, Lauren and Joel.  It was such an honor...much love to you both!

Shelly says:

Wow...the pictures look beautiful! It was definitely an adventure, but well worth it! Joel and Lauren are such an incredible couple and despite the freezing wind their day was amazing! Thanks for the shout out, Mel! You know I'd shoot with you any day!

(02.15.12 @ 03:27 PM)
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November 15, 2011

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Amy and PJ's wedding was the perfect way to end our 2011 wedding season.  They had a beautiful day and managed to be on top of their game (aka. schedule) from beginning to end.  We had a small battle with the (crazy) wind, but looking at their pictures you would never know.  We even had the opportunity to join Amy and PJ on the balcony of the Conrad for a handful of amazing sunset/skyline photos. 

But, even more than all of that, were the people involved in their day...from their parents, to their wedding party, to their guests.  When you get to know your clients, you not only document their day, but you are also entangled in the incredible moments that take place.  The special gift that was given to Amy from PJ, the beauty that is Amy, the miracle of Amy's dad walking her down the aisle, to Amy and PJ's first glimpse when they finally got to see each other.  I could go on and on.  We see these kind of moments with every wedding we document...and, it is such an unbelievable honor.

Thank you for choosing us to capture your day.  You guys are awesome in so many ways.  Much love and hugs to you both...


The wind tried to dominate, but we won! ;)

I know the next few images will be cherished for years to come.

MARRIED!!!!

I love how perfect Amy and PJ are for one another.  You can see how much they adore each other just by looking through these photos...

We got to work with the Endless Summer Band so much this season...at least 4 weddings and two of them were back to back.  I'm pretty sure that's a record for us.  We love them to pieces!  We've had some good laughs during our meals this year...to say the least.  They are also incredible musicians and know how to get the party going...love these photos below.


Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Amy & PJ . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/139

October 31, 2011

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First of all, I'm in love with the two photos above.  Tracy and Jeremy are absolutely beautiful together!  Secondly, they had an amazing day--awesome wedding party...totaling numbers of 24(!!!), the incredible, historic venue of Union Station, and seeing the love and care that so many have for the two of them.  It was no surprise when Tracy's dad mentioned the loyalty she has for those around her...their wedding party alone is a testament to that.  It was an honor to celebrate with them...in so many ways.  Much love to you guys!   

Off to see her groom!


Tracy and Jeremy got married in the same church that both Tracy's mother and grandmother were married in.  Tracy also wore her mother's veil and incorporated her cake topper into their day (see below).  Love it!

Everyone wants a photo with the bride and groom! ;)


Tracy is an event planner and did an amazing job with the details of her day.  She had everything set up and ready to go the Thursday before...including the flowers.  They were in the church fridge waiting for them.  Impressive!


Elizabeth says:

BEAUTIFUL photos! Tracy was a gorgeous bride and these pictures are just perfect!! :) Love the ones by the wall and canal in BRip.

(10.31.11 @ 01:06 PM)
Kathleen says:

Tracy-you look GORGEOUS in every photo! (So do you, Jeremy!) What a fantastic day!

(10.31.11 @ 05:55 PM)
Betsy Kraft says:

These are awesome. What a beautiful bride.....and the groom ain't bad, either!

(11.01.11 @ 06:45 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Tracy & Jeremy . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/132

October 23, 2011

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Looking back over previous years, I am so thankful for the number of clients that are friends/family of our previous couples.  We have such a wonderful opportunity to not only capture one wedding, but several from the same family.  At times, it feels like a reunion...and this happened to be one of those times.  We shot Jeff and Heather's wedding in 2008, Mark and Becky's wedding in 2010 and, now, Paul and Kristin's wedding in 2011.  We are so thankful for the friendships that have come from capturing one of life's sweetest gifts...marriage.  It is an honor beyond words.  I love knowing that there are many more memories to come.

Well, Paul is Jeff's brother, so when he contacted us to shoot their wedding we were pretty excited.  The day was beautiful in every sense of the word and the memories will be ones to cherish for lifetimes to come.  Thank you for entrusting us with your day and for treating us more like your guests than your hired-hand. ;)  We love you guys to pieces...


Kristin...you were such a striking bride.  Love the photo below.  And, the detail photo above...a favorite for 2011.  Such a beautiful bouquet.

Paul sharing a few of his moves.  Love it! ;)

Jeremy's view...and then, my view.

I love how we have a photo similar to this from Jeff and Heather's wedding... :)

I have to mention that Kristin was willing to share her wedding day with her birthday.  So, they couldn't let her not celebrate both. ;)   Let's be honest, it's just a day...it's the life and marriage that truly matter.  xoxo!

Me, with my brides...love you girls! :)





Jeff Rosales says:

Love these pictures!!!!

(10.23.11 @ 09:31 PM)
Megan Stavnes says:

These are fantastic!!

(10.24.11 @ 09:05 PM)
Nancy Stavnes says:

Pictures are gorgeous!!! It was a wonderful day!!!

(10.24.11 @ 09:20 PM)
Amy says:

Beautiful!!!

(10.25.11 @ 07:26 AM)
Linda & Nilo Luna says:

Beautiful pictures - love them!

(10.25.11 @ 01:45 PM)
Kristin says:

Thank you, Mel and Jeremy!!!!! These pictures are amazing and we can't wait to see the rest! :)

(10.25.11 @ 08:05 PM)
Janet Stavnes (Mom) says:

Wow! beautiful job, Mel and Jeremy. No wonder they chose you two.

(10.25.11 @ 08:26 PM)
Angie & Rudy Carmona says:

Excellent and wonderful lovely pictures! Job very well done!

(10.27.11 @ 12:41 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Kristin & Paul . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/128

October 11, 2011

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Another beautiful wedding in the books. :)  We are so fortunate to be able to capture such amazing days...not only with what you see in these photos, (because Julie was absolutely beautiful :) but the emotion that is shared throughout the day.  At this point in the year, when I feel like I may implode with wrapping up wedding season and trying to document/edit fall sessions, I have to stop what I'm doing and remind myself how lucky we are to be able to capture love, in many forms.  I had a friend send me a message on facebook last week that put me in my place:
 
"...I love the way you capture life and love in your photos! Thanks for always sharing them with your "viewers."

While there are times where I feel like I'm breaking record after record with the number of sessions/weddings we shoot, I have to remind myself that we are capturing these moments for each individual couple, family, etc.  And, that is what matters...the only thing that matters.

RT and Julie had an amazing day.  There was a strong chance for rain and, thankfully, it held off until right before the ceremony started.  However, being under the safety of a tent and the reception being indoors...it was perfect timing. 

As for RT and Julie, they love each other and little Brydant (who makes several appearances ;) so very much.  Julie put a lot of time into each detail and RT supported her 100%.  They compliment each other in many ways and being able to capture their love was such an honor.

I love how the little ones were incorporated into their day...so cute!

A sweet moment between Julie and her dad...just minutes before walking down the aisle.


Jamie says:

BEAUTIFUL! :) Loved that we were there to share in this special day for Julie and RT! Also love the Chad Walls sighting at the very end! :)

(10.11.11 @ 12:34 PM)
Julie Senn says:

What beautiful memories you captured! We are so blessed to have found you for our special day. Thank you for capturing all our moments for us to remember forever. Love you!

(10.11.11 @ 09:35 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Julie & RT . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/126