10 years strong.

4th addition to the family on its way.

happy & glowing.

so in love.

and what’s even better, I get to call these wonderful peeps my friends.

I was completely flattered (and nervous as hell) when Heather asked me to document their Renewal of Vows Ceremony.  But then after my flushed cheeks regained their true normally pale color, a wave of nausea came over me. ugh. of course my head started spinning with thoughts of…what if I screw this up? what if they don’t like the pics? what if I trip and fall in front of the crowd of people watching the ceremony? etc. etc…. then I decided to not think about it anymore until absolutely necessary. This is exactly why I “retired” from doing weddings years ago…my nerves are freakishly sensitive. No, really. I am serious. I get ill. But, I really WANTED to do this for them. so I was super glad they asked me to.

The ceremony was so intimate, relaxed and casual…I loved being a part of it. It began at dusk, so light was minimal -but to me, perfect. I was determined not to use a flash. just my opinion, but a flash spoils the mood of the natural light (and not to mention, I stink at using a flash). I knew I would process most of the images black/white and I didn’t mind the grain at all….to me, it belongs there.

Their children cooperated beautifully throughout the ceremony. Heather & James are not “uptight” people and I guess that is probably why I am so drawn to them. I am one that needs to learn to RELAX. gah. so surrounding myself with easy going people is somewhat necessary! (at least that is what my husband tells me! LOL ) anyways, back to the topic at hand. their kids just hung out during the ceremony and were allowed to be “kids” which is right up my alley. Heather’s little girl stayed by her side for most of the ceremony, the youngest boy buzzed around daddy a bit, and their oldest stood off to the side and just took it all in. What a wonderful setting.

It was lovely. The couple was precious. the kids were happy. the cake was good.

…enjoy the show.

Melissa.

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography

We have been holding back….not on purpose though. I just happened to be going through some recent sessions from this summer! We had lots of fun!! Now we are ready for fall. woo hoo!!!

all these images make me happy.  they are fun and full of life in their own little ways! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

hugs from lafayette, louisiana

melissa!

lafayette, louisiana, photography, newborn, infant, baby, toddler, children, child, kids, family, photographer, portraits, outdoor, session, on location, studio, natural, fun, candid, simple, art, lifestyle, life, life art, maternity, bridal, engagement, seniors, fashion, modern, urban, fresh, contemporary, true to life, wall art, wall displays, collages, storyboards, canvas portraits, natural personality images, coffee table books, custom designed, image art box, christmas cards, melissa andries photography