Melissa Wuertele Photography Colorado Springs

08/12/2024

Hey yall!!! *awkward cough* sooooo I’m alive….lol

I’d be lying to you if I said I’ve been doing ok. To be honest? I’ve BARELY been holding it together. Especially with the holidays coming around, it’s been the biggest emotional storm full of dissociation, depression, anger, confusion, and everything in between.

I often find myself staring off blankly with this epiphany randomly of “omg James is gone.” It’s the strangest thing. I’ll catch myself watching my girls play and I immediately choke up knowing the life they have to navigate from here on out. Wondering if I’ll be enough to help bridge a gap and not fill the space as it’s a void I can’t possibly fill.

I hurt. God I hurt. And with all of this I come to you all and just ask for your grace, your love, and your patience. I wish I could explain where my brain needs to be in order to create the beauty that is my extremely unique editing style- but it’s impossible to. And sometimes, (let’s not lie most times) I find myself staring at the screen with a million thoughts and a broken heart, and I close my computer; and I start the vicious cycle of grief that has some how become this constant I’ll never get rid of.

With that, I owe so many of you a MASSIVE thank you for the beautiful souls who have waited months for their galleries, and an apology to those who should have gotten their images so much sooner and I just couldn’t do it. I want you all to know, that I am still here, I am still shooting, I will still always be the creative force I’ve always been, I’m just learning how to turn all of this pain and use it as a source of inspiration to keep making gorgeous memories for you, as it’s truly my only goal.

My life looks a whole lot different today than it did January 1st, but I don’t know anything else other than to be strong and fight. It’s what I was taught and it’s what I will instill in my girls. Don’t forget about me yall. I’m here, just a little less me than normal, but I’m getting there. 🧡

30/10/2024

I want to preface this video with the fact that NONE of you have shown anything but complete care and patience with me- this is just me as someone who loves you all so deeply’s accountability check to promise yall I’m trying, and fighting 🧡

17/10/2024

You guys have honestly given me so much more grace than I deserve- even in this horrific time- I am just shocked at how patient all of you have been.

In the thick of my grieving - I sat and edited over 30 sessions- I then completely forgot to send these galleries out…I am so so sorry.

I truly am in a weird spiral right now and I’m trying to find my footing and get back on the ground. For anyone who is waiting on getting their session back- could you please comment below and I will attach your link in comments?

I remember about a month out wondering how this would effect my business - I then remember thinking, why the hell do I care or worry? My husbands gone? Then- after starting back up shooting this last week- I remembered why I worried- because this is the most “Melissa” I’ve felt in almost two months.

And that’s all because of the you allowing me to create art and share my talent. So many of the go fund me donations were from you, my clients. I don’t know how to repay that- but please just know I am so, utterly, on my knees, hands to God thankful for all of your grace and generosity. I love you. 🧡🤟🏻

29/09/2024

Hey there beanies-

I have taken back over all of my social media accounts. I know several of you are waiting on editing- and I apologize for the zero communication as we’ve grieved but want you to know that most of them have been completed by myself solely and will be sent out this week.

I also know there are several retainers pending a refund for September sessions that were unable to be completed. I did not forget about you- please, please be patient with me as I make my way down the confirmations, payments, and list.

Thank you all so much for those who are still loyally rocking with me during the darkest period of my life. I love you eternally

22/09/2024

Hey Beanies- I’m back….kinda 🫠

I just wanted to let you all know that I have seen ALL of your love, support, donations, messages, texts, meals, gifts and everything in between. I am truly in awe at how much of an impact I have made on so many of you that so many could be this giving, loving, and supportive. Truly- I’m humbled.

I’d also like to let you all just know that I personally am editing galleries and getting them out to you all for those who are waiting. I am also planning on beginning to shoot again in October- so for those of you who had sessions canceled for this month- if you’d like just comment below a week day in October that works for you I will add it to the calendar. I am however going to have to limit myself a bit with how many sessions I take on seeing as how right now my flareups from my disease are the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced. (Given the circumstance; for obvious reasons.)

I love yall. Like truly- so much. I don’t really know how the f**k I’m going to get through this….but I have a feeling with a beanie army this strong- y’all will help me and my girls to figure it out. 🫶🏻❤️‍🩹

10/09/2024

This isn’t Melissa I’m her friend posting from her account on her behalf. Please be patient and give her grace during these trying times. All photoshoots are canceled for the foreseeable future and will not be rescheduled as of right now. Marisa will be editing outstanding pictures. If you have paid a deposit for a future session please contact Danielle Pudil by TEXT ONLY to 719-640-5117

09/09/2024

This is the family of Melissa and James Wuertele. We are deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden death of Melissa’s beloved husband and wonderful Father to their two girls, James. Due to this immeasurable loss, Melissa will not be returning any messages or phone calls relating to her business and all photography sessions scheduled will be pushed back for the foreseeable future.

This is a huge loss to our family, and the financial burden is the last thing we want Melissa to be faced with. Please if you are able, donate to the link below.

My loves…I can’t believe I am having to write this. We are creating this Go Fund Me… Brittany Bryant needs your support for Unexpected Death of James Wuertele

21/08/2024

$60 PAY WHAT YOU MAYS ARE BACK!!!

$60 commitment retainer *NON REFUNDABLE* for a session that’s good to use indefinitely. All images edited. $60 due today, and whatever you’d like at the time of session.

These are huuuggeeee and are an incredible deal for my families struggling like the rest of us. Ensure you are able to get beautiful photos this year for an insane deal and not pay my regular $550 rate!!

$60 due to Venmo to claim- -wuertele first come first serve! 🫶🏻

*some exclusions apply: no extended families, events, or wedding*

15/08/2024

Well hello there.....lol Being a creative, well- at least being the type of creative I am means pure and honest unfiltered CHAOS lol. My artistic brain that finds beauty in everything is hard to shut down - I want to just create and make magic but with being a business owner comes everything else. The invoices, the scheduling, the inquires, the editing, the messages, the sessions, and everything in between. Posting content on social media feels like it's become the absolute last thing on my list and I have to remember that part of being given this amazing gift from God means I should share it!! I'll try and be better about it beanies, but bare with your girl.

But here's a start! Whits engagement session was something out of a fairytale. She wanted all things Colorado and I wanted her session to be full of golden sun drenched light with a warm feeling that just instantly sparks joy to represent their union and future. She deserves the world and I could NOT be happier at how amazing these came out.

08/08/2024

Hey Beanies!!!

I know some were bummed they missed the fall mini sale- but if you remember last year I promised 3 client appreciation surprises aaannd this is one!!

A Fall MINI-MINI! this means $135 instead of the $250! 15-20 minute session- ALL images edited!

Only $60 due today to claim to my Venmo! -wuertele (FIRST come FIRST serve)

ONLY SIX available! Would like to do them 9/20 from 4-6 but you can also pick a different date to fit your schedule if needed!

Thank yall as always for being such incredible supporters of me and rocking with me in the thick of such a challenging few years with my diagnosis!!!

*comment below that you’ve claimed/paid* *previous retainers or amounts paid cannot be used for this sale*

20/07/2024

🍂🍁FALL SCHEDULE🍂🍁

I can’t believe my schedule is already booked out until December!! As promised earlier this year, I will only be offering a handful of “prime day” fall sessions. While my availability is very limited for fall, you all have first pick starting now and can still pick one of the following dates to lock in and start planning!!

Due to my limited ability; these sessions will require a $50 NON refundable retainer in order to hold the selected date. This will go towards the final amount owed and no exceptions/ previous deposits paid / or waiting for payment will be accepted as my fall schedule is always so full. These are all first come first serve so grab one quick! You can send your retainer to my Venmo -wuertele with a note of which date you are claiming, then please comment claimed under this post.

I can’t wait to see you all this fall season!! MUAH 🤟🏻🫶🏻

WEEKEND DATES:
9/14
9/15
9/22
10/13
10/19
10/20

WEEKDAY DATES:
9/9
9/24
9/26
10/18
10/24

20/07/2024

‼️ FLASH SALE ‼️ ONLY {3} available

$150 portrait sessions. 30 minutes | ALL images | location TBD | Good indefinitely |

$100 retainer due to Venmo -wuertele NOW to hold slot. Please comment claimed once paid!

11/07/2024

Just over here living in the greenest of greens and those gorgeous orange summer sunsets I love soooo much. Also doing it being the luckiest photog because my clients are the most gorgeous humans to walk this planet- I swear!!

30/06/2024

Your girls birthday was yesterday!!! I busy celebrating with my family so I apologize if I didn’t get back to messages!

Every year for my birthday I do something special for my clients and this year is no exception!!

Im only giving out SIX this year I think! Ready? I’m doing the fan favorite $90 ANYTHING sale! Excluding weddings and events- you can use this for a FULL session with ALL images edited for ANY session. This is good indefinitely and does not expire! $90 due now to claim BUT $50 retainer now and $40 at session is also ok! My Venmo is -wuertele

Love yall endlessly and hope I always show it 🧡🫶🏻

12/06/2024

Spending this year focusing on capturing what it FEELS like and a little less than what it looks like. Forever thankful to capture you and your most important moments!

02/06/2024

I’ve still got THREE $185 flash sales available for use of any full session but great for family or senior photos!! You receive the full session and all images edited.

$100 due now to claim to my Venmo! -wuertele

Good indefinitely and does not expire!

01/06/2024

✨ FLASH SALE ✨

THREE available!

Garden of the Gods summer/ fall photos!
$100 due NOW to claim- $85 due at session!

FULL one hour session with ALL images edited! Good indefinitely does not expire!

Comment paid to claim! Venmo is -wuertele. Act fast because these go quick!