The {J} Engagement - Sonoma Engagement Photographer

  It was the place of a group date three years ago and now it is the place of their engagement.  It was their two year dating anniversary and now it is also their anniversary of their engagement.

 The 'special event' was planned with careful details from the groom to be.  From the limo, to the private wine and appetizer tasting, to the private engagement looking over the property to the candlelight dinner in the Benziger caves. And the best part, in my opinion, was the hiring of a photographer (me!) to help capture the legendary details of the entire night.

 It was a perfectly planned evening to start their engagement in the right direction. 

  To state that I was nervous would be an understatement.  I arrived almost an hour early to scope the scene and get my game plan ready.  The couple was arriving via limo and then having a private tour and tasting, meanwhile I was hiding on the hillside waiting for them to arrive to the overlook point via their chauffeured golf cart. 

Once their golf cart arrived I jumped from my hiding space and waited for the right moment...and then I jumped into action to capture the special moment.  

  

After toasting to their engagement the three of us along with our seasoned Benziger guide, drove around the property taking in the views and, of course, the taking plenty of photos.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The evening ended with another surprise of a candlelight catered dinner in the wine caves as our tour of wine and photography continued.  

  

  

 I was so honored to be selected as the photographer for this important event, it was truly a special evening that I will never forget.  

D + W - Windsor Engagement Photographer

I have silently watched this couple for almost ten years, admiring their pure love and admiration for one another.  I have excitedly watched them share their lives together through college adventures and the 'real life' adventures that follow.  I have loudly expressed my joy for their engagement to family, friends, and mutual acquaintances.

This beautiful (and engaged!) girl is one of my sweet cousins.  Many of my childhood memories involve her and her family.  From dance shows with Katherine Wheeler Dancers to Halloween Trick or Treating in her neighborhood to Christmas morning traditions to drives in the Camaro.  For several years her and her family relocated to Hong Kong for her fathers work, during that time we missed the opportunity to both be students in high school together for two years.  I can only imagine the amount of fun that we would have had together.

During the time when she was learning about cultures that I will never be able to comprehend halfway across the world, I happened to meet her soon-to-be husband in high school.  He was voted as the junior representative on the ASB student council, I was voted as one half of the spirit leader team.  Between meetings, retreats and numerous activities a mutual friendship developed.  Many of my memories from my senior year in high school involve him...his big bear hugs that can make any sadness melt away, his smile that will make you smile right along with him, his immense respect for his family and his genuine friendship to many.

During my cousins preview day at the high school she was able to 'shadow' me during my classes.  

And, she remembers meeting her future husband.  :)

Their relationship started simply during college at ASU and has been flourishing ever since.  My favorite memory of the two of them was during my cousins graduation from nursing school two years ago.  Several of my aunts and uncles along with my mom and sister travelled to Arizona to celebrate the occasion.  After the emotional ceremony ended the even more emotional embrace between these two brought instant tears to my eyes.  It was an embrace that captured all the late nights studying and their dreams for the future.  It was magical.  

And, I just happened to capture it on video which make my heart do a little happy dance :)

My extended family is looking forward to celebrating this long time couple during their wedding festivities next year.  Although there are many details to determine, we all know that these two are going to have a wonderful lifetime together.  And, of course, I will be cheering them on from the sidelines.

D + W - Thank you for taking time out of your quick trip home for your engagement session.  You both know how much you mean to me.  I love how I have known you each separately.  I love how you are both better together.  Together you make sense.  You make love look easy - just as it should be.  Never stop making each other smile.  Never lose your simple beginnings or your dreams together. 

I am sincerely looking forward to our future family memories...xoxo

{D} and {D} Senior Portraits - Petaluma Senior Portrait Photographer

The joys of being a Senior in high school are always better when shared with your best friend.  And what better way to commemorate your friendship than with a dual senior photography session.

Although the day was completely full of rain and wind, we were still able to utilize the buildings on my in-laws property as a barrier from the weather.  The girls were super troopers putting up with the uncontrollable elements and you couldn't even tell how cold and miserable it was in the photos.  Love them :)

We took the opportunity to celebrate their friendship with a few friend images too, I wish that I had images like this with my high school friends.

{D} and {D} - Thank you for traveling in the rain with me to capture these images...I hope that the rest of your Senior year is full of fabulous memories to last you a lifetime.  xoxo

The {B} Family - Sebastopol Family Photographer

  

Last Sunday after reschedules due to weather and black eyes (ahhh, the life of having two toddlers who are boys), I was finally able to get this family in front of my camera again.  We ventured to Ragle Park in Sebastopol for a fun afternoon.  This location is quickly becoming one of my favorites, I love the versatile locations and there are lots of entertainment for the little ones.

Last time we met, this little man was just six months and learning to sit up.  Now he is walking around without fear and exploring the world around him.  I am always amazed at their accomplishments in such a short time period.  

What a cute family!!!

There is nothing like being mesmerized by leaves that your mom sprinkles in the air :)

At first this little man didn't remember me, but by the end of the session we were fast friends again.  I love meeting new friends, of all ages.

At the end of the session, we decided to have a little play time to show off what the {B} family does best...play together.

{B} family - thank you for trusting me to capture this next milestone in your families life.  I certainly appreciate it and I hope that you treasure these images.  I am sincerely looking forward to meeting again in the future.  xoxo

Facebook Fans

Did you know that Melissa Morelli Photography is now on facebook?  I know, I know, I might be the last photographer on the planet to actually set up a facebook fan page.  But, it is always better late than never right?

The Facebook Fans

If you 'like' my business page you will receive access to sneak peaks of sessions, additional images that are not featured on the blog and tidbits about the latest happenings including new packages and specials.  Plus, in the near future I am going to start adding photography tips and tricks for those interested in taking better pictures at home.

And, just because I cannot post a blog post without a photo...here is my little girl in her three month photo.  Her little serious look while concentrating on eating her ever favorite item - her hands.  And, yes, her eyes are this blue.  I didn't even edit them, just sharpened one that is a little out of focus.  

I still cannot believe that she is mine.