Melena Lawson Photography

07/22/2024

A few previews from a sweet family session from last week!

This summer has been one of our busiest summers both professionally and personally that we have ever had!

After a little weekend getaway with family, we are back full swing this week. We will be editing, working behind the scenes prepping for our wedding this weekend, and doing many other things that help us get ready for the upcoming new season in our lives.

My availability for the rest of this year will be limited. If you want something in August/September, NOW is the time to reach out, as spots are already limited.

Thank you for keeping our calendars busy and our hearts full.

All the love,

~ The Lawsons

07/18/2024

I just love Daddy/Daughter first dances. One of my favorite parts of the day!

07/16/2024

A sweet preview from our family session last week! This family is so lovely! I asked the oldest son to tell me something that made him so happy, and he said, "Just being together with my family", and my heart melted right there into a puddle.

That is what it's all about, people! May we make time to just be together! It's so important!

07/15/2024

😍😍😍

Big things coming soon….

07/15/2024

I sent the most gorgeous sneaks over last night. This motherhood session made my heart so full!

Take it from me, you WILL regret not having photography to celebrate these precious little (but no so little) moments of your life.

If you have been on the fence, please contact me. It would be my honor to document your life.

07/14/2024

Some previews from the lovely wedding we shot yesterday! Rick & Dinara are such a lovely couple! It was our privilege to capture this important day in their lives. Best wishes to the happy couple!

WV ATV Resort

07/11/2024

I do not do this every year, but I'm excited to announce that I will be doing Fall Minis this year!

Stay tuned for more info! There will be a very limited amount of spots.

Those of you on my email list will get FIRST DIBS! Please DM your email to be added to the list.

Feels a little crazy to announce them this early, but the last time I did these they sold out in one hour.

Stay tuned! 🍁

07/10/2024

Sometimes you just gotta abandon your plans and stop at the random splashpad instead. You may not have towels, but I would rather not have towels than not have memories.

07/09/2024

10/19/24 is officially booked with another sweet couple! We are so excited to work with you, Abigail & Ethan!

Here are some beautiful details from our Michigan wedding last week!

did a gorgeous job!

07/08/2024

Silver Lake Sand Dunes with these two did not disappoint. We had so much fun with you two!

07/06/2024

Kendall & Blake were so amazing to work with! We are so grateful to have been a small part of their special day! We truly have the best couples! 🌼💛

06/27/2024

3 weddings, 3 engagement sessions, and one anniversary session coming our way for the rest of this summer starting tomorrow! So excited to hang with all of our sweet couples! 😍😍

MLP couples are THE best.

Lots of family sessions coming too, and one of them started as a MLP couple! 💍

This job is such a blessing!

06/26/2024

"There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained."

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than to watch my wedding couples start a family and be apart of documenting their love and growth.

I have a few growing family sessions coming up when I get back to WV and I can't wait!

06/24/2024

I can't share enough of this session!

I have SO many favorites! Such a special session that I will hold close to my heart forever!

Maternity photos are becoming a favorite 💛

06/21/2024

Such a pleasure meeting these two, seeing their beautiful property, and witnessing their love for one another!

3 weeks until their big day! Cannot wait!

06/17/2024

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ” – Psalm 139:13-18

Bri was such a joy to work with, and such a beauty! Just look at how stunning!

06/13/2024

Hey friends, please see our travel dates and info below for Michigan!

Lansing, Grand Rapids- 6/22/24- 6/30 (28, 29 booked)
Petoskey - 7/1, 7/3 (I am offering sessions discounted at Lake Michigan Beach)
Silver Lake Sand Dunes- 7/2 (I am offering a session HALF price at this location)

We are so excited to visit our second most beloved state! Can't wait to see you all there! 🏞️🌼🌄🦋

06/12/2024

I cannot stress this enough! 👏

Mamas, you may not feel 100% right now, you may feel like you don't look very pretty, and you may feel more tired than you've ever felt, but book 👏 the 👏 session! 👏

Sometimes when I am editing these newborn sessions, I am transported back in time to when mine were this little. Still wrinkly, soft, and chubby.
I am taken back to the moments when I would cuddle my sweet boy on the couch in between feeding sessions and just breathe him in, still completely in shock that he was all mine and that I was holding him in my arms. I am taken back to moments with my daughter where I rubbed her sweet little fingers and wondered if they'd play piano someday.

How deeply I regret not prioritizing professional photos during this time. Cell phone photos are awesome, and yall know I encourage you to use the crap out of that phone storage, but they are not the photos that I want or am able to print and enlarge on my wall.

If you scroll to the end you will see one of the only professional photos I had taken with my boy. It is with my own camera and my sister took it. She made me! I protested because I thought I looked terrible, but, she said, you're going to want this one day.

She was right. I am so honored to be able to provide this gift to families to truly cherish with all of their hearts. To look at on their wall everyday and be transported back to the couch cuddles. I wish I had my own photos to hang up and cherish of this stage.

Just book the session. You're going to want this one day.

06/11/2024

Time to make an official announcement 🎉

As of June 19th, I will officially be dropping my hours at my day job from full time to part time!

What a literal dream come true! I never thought it could be possible to make this transition, but thanks to photography and thanks to YOU, we have met our goal of having more time freedom!

Thank you for choosing us to capture your memories! You've heard me talk all about the hustle it's been to make this happen, but none of it would be possible if you didn't choose us.

We love you so much and look forward to capturing you and your loved ones for many years to come!

Now excuse me while I go cry tears of joy and hug my babies!

06/06/2024

"Every year, when you're a child, you become a different person."

That is why it is SO important to invest in photography and do so OFTEN.

They are only going to be this little once, and then it's gone. I don't know about you, but my heart can't take the idea of not reliving moments of my babies for the rest of my days.

DM to learn more about The Personality Session which is one of the most unique types of sessions I offer!

"You just really have a gift for letting kids be themselves and really documenting them as they are at this stage. His photos just feel real and true to him and I love that. I can't wait for him to open his album!" - Katelyn Workman

06/03/2024

"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without."

We have always enjoyed spending our time outside, but it wasn't until my sweet husband started working from home with me that we really started investing more time outdoors. It's such a blessing to have the flexibility and freedom to work outside, school outside, and play outside. Now that we have experienced this flexibility, we literally would not have it any other way. We know that it's not possible for everyone, so we don't take it for granted. But boy are we thankful for being able to enjoy God's beautiful creation together! Taking photos together as a team in nature has been the cherry on top. We always make a day or evening out of our sessions with you guys and it's such a joy. Usually depending on which beautiful location we choose, we go for hike a have a picnic. Man, what an incredible way to spend a work evening!

We are thankful to you for choosing us as your photographers!

06/01/2024

Setting up a day of $99 creek minis this month! Comes with 10 digitals. Please comment on this post if you want added to the group with all the info!

These will be in 10 min slots by appointment! Brush Creek Falls!

Share!!! 💛

05/31/2024

05/31/2024

It's been the biggest pleasure getting to know this family and capturing them as they grow! Baby Crue is so sweet, I can't stand it 😭

One of the biggest joys of my life is capturing these sweet moments for my clients! Being there for each little milestone is so magical and fulfilling. 💛

05/30/2024

Storytellers are something magical! Families are welcomed to slow down, be themselves, and enjoy each other's presence. We go somewhere beautiful in nature and children and parents alike are encouraged to explore. If skipping rocks, climbing trees, and snuggling in a field of grass with zero pressure to fake a smile feels like an experience you want, you have come to the right place.

If you have been on the fence about booking one, here is your sign! The beautiful heirloom prints on your wall that remind you of why you do what you do will just be the icing on the cake.

https://melenalawsonphotography.mypixieset.com/contact/

05/27/2024

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Never stop playing!

05/23/2024

Classic Leia face lol

05/23/2024

Happiness is preserved memories of your mom braiding your hair. 💛