we choose our vendors carefully…and while I’ve been so happy with our lab, it means a lot to now *know* them.  to meet Tim & Dee and see the impact for good they have on the lives around them. i’m not typically one to be impressed so quickly (well, client cuteness at a photo session aside!)  – but when i see a business that operates to the ideals that i hold close, and a couple that moves so happily through this life as they do…I walk away feeling enriched and grateful for the time in their company.

glad of heart for the chance to have been blown away by Grand Rapids…thanks for letting me gush!  (hope to get back there one year for the art prize event GR hosts!) A big big thank you to everyone at Color Inc…you are wonderful beyond compare!

We’re thrilled to participate in the book signing for author, Sharon McGukin who will be demonstrating bridal bouquets and florals for your wedding day along with signing copies of her new book, Flowers of the Heart.  Have you been in the Best of Flowers recently? So many cute things!  If you’re a bride, or just love flowers…please stop by!  I’d love to see you!

Also in attendance:

Lundy’s Catering * Martine’s gourmet wedding cakes * Jacki Allen

Thursday, July 29th – 3-7pm – @ the Best of Flowers – 807 Chevy Chase Place

i happen to love a great bow tie…and these ties are such fun!  via the always great once wed

have you been enjoying a lovely summer?  last night, jason & i went with audrey to ‘the music man’ at the kentucky (i love their summer classic series), it was packed and so much fun…if you head to roman holiday next wednesday, be sure to pick up tickets *early* – they’ll be on sale beforehand :)

it’s mini session time….yay!  we’ll be at gratz park near bella bliss (and sweet bella bliss is offering you 20% off purchases that day and prior to that day for outfits that you’ll be wearing in photos…yay!)…just 6 openings so email becca for a spot as soon as you can!

bella bliss [limited edition] mini session
when: friday, july 30th
where: near bella bliss (in lovely gratz park)
details: a 15-20 minute mini session with your cute kiddo, $125

kindly pick your preferred time:

3:00

3:30

4:00

4:30

5:00

5:30

1-2 children (or you and a child!), for additional siblings/persons please add $25ea.

in 4 weeks, we’ll present 3-4 too-cute images in a special online ordering gallery.  our digital file set* (available for purchase) might be the perfect thing for getting updated photos on your tabletops. so between now and then, keep an eye out for darling frames, pop in a 5×7 and you’ll have a fun surprise for grandparents/godparents/dad’s office desk!

write soon, these go fast! can’t wait to see you! -m-

p.s. brittany & angela, thank you for making the call and inviting us to be a part of this!  we’ve heard so many sweet comments!

from sarah at classic bride:  “Megan and Jesse’s wedding made my heart skip a beat and took my breath away all at the same time! The darling couple wed on August 1, 2010, at the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina – one of my all-time favorite venues. Together, they incorporated vintage and classically Southern details to create a most beautiful event.

I don’t think you could squeeze another ounce of charm into this Southern venue if you tried – Can you get over how deliciously cute that little chapel is? I am loving every single detail.”

thank you, thank you, classic bride!

let’s chat!  i feel like so much is going on and i’m bursting to share.

i just got back from teaching at a workshop for 70 photographers – and while it’s a little hard to wrap up several enriching days in a few short words, suffice it to say, it was beautiful.  the pace of how the days unfolded was perfect (not too slow, not too fast).  at the airport on my way home, Kim, a workshop attendee and I chatted for a few minutes and then she said “I’ve followed your work for a few years.  A client came into our studio [several states away] and mentioned you and how hard it was to move and need to find someone new so immediately after she left, we googled you :)” Then what she said meant a lot, “People say all sorts of things but I knew from that experience that when you were speaking, you walked the walk.”

I’ve been surprised that by sharing what’s in your heart, you can see it even more clearly – it’s an unexpected little surprise that I’m grateful for.  It gave me a chance to study & dive deep on subjects that mean a lot and because of that, I feel as though my vision for my life is clearer.  you know that sparkle that comes after you wash windows and they are perfectly clear?  exactly how my heart is feeling.

may i share something that struck me on the plane ride home…

you know you have fully experienced love when you turn into love-that is the spiritual goal of life.

[ deepak chopra ]

reading that felt like the perfect capstone to the workshop.  here’s an image of the other workshop speakers who i’ve grown to feel an incredible amount of affection for..leaving them felt much like the last day of school when it lets out for the summer and you know you won’t see your friends as often.  i so hope that it’s not too very long before i spend time with these women again.

davina, millie, shannon, elizabeth, susan, tim & brandi – thank you for being cheerleaders for me :) this is sounding a little like an acknowledgment page but i can’t help but feel grateful for all you’ve done.

so looking forward to more of 2010…we’ve started a wee little garden with strawberries, asparagus, carrots & cherry tomatoes etc and i’m looking forward to the adventure!  gardening tips?  please share – it’s been many many years!!  warmly, -melanie-

incredibly lovely chalkboard above by xandra y. zamora

(who i’ve yet to meet in person but am absolutely convinced is the bees knees)

p.s. our april & may calendars are completely full – jot us a note soon if you’re thinking of a summery portrait shoot!

we’ve been enjoying the best (but also busiest!) winter!  we’re so excited about our duet [limited edition] mini session coming up march 13th @ keeneland!

it’s the perfect chance to throw on a great scarf & snuggle in with someone you love!

a few ideas on who this session is ideal for:
- as a gift for your adult parents (photo note: the darling mr & mrs dixon who braved the snow!!)
- get a babysitter and have an updated photo made just with your spouse (note: it’s sec tournament time so set the tivo and promise a whole interrupted day except for this one hour…and the session itself will just be 15-20 minutes)
- some ‘mom + little one’ shots (or whoever doesn’t typically get photographed because they’re always behind the camera (if it’s mom, i think it could be a sweet surprise fathers day gift for dad to unwrap)
- you with your dog :)
- two siblings
- any two people who love each other :)

details: a 15-20 minute session, $125
where: beautiful keeneland, lexington ky

times still available:  All Booked!

email us (info@melaniemauer.com) soon – we’ll be taking reservations through next friday, march 5th!

can’t wait to see you! warmly, -melanie-

50 best romantic getaways via cup of jo

lots of babies are headed our way…i think this baby naming site is one of the best.

love this chandelier that’s on sale right now :)

we are on the hunt for an amazing and darling person to be our office manager/client liason

here are the details:

- approx 10-15 hours per week
- must be sweet beyond compare
- pleasant & friendly
- quick learner
- incredible attention to detail & love for what you do
- organized
- on-time, super reliable
- outstanding communication skills
- cute handwriting
- available each weekday during the late morning/early afternoon for email & client communication (Mon-Fri)* and one full day per week
- familiarity with quickbooks is a plus, not essential
- available to start feb 19 (we are flexible on this for the perfect candidate)
- pay $10hr**

If you’re reading this and know that you’re the perfect person for us, please get in touch – info@melaniemauer.com with the subject line: office manager (along with a resume that may highlight special skills we haven’t listed like bookkeeping, sales, pr, design… and a little or a lot about yourself). No calls please.

And as much as I love those of you who are considering photography, my strong preference is for someone who is *not* a photographer (or hoping to be one) – we’re specifically looking for someone who is able work here long-term.

* This portion will be done via telecommute after training is complete.

** We believe that documenting our clients happy lives is SO important, and as a photographer, I want to extend that same gift – a session for you and your family will be done each and every year that you’re a part of MMP.

I’m so excited to see who writes! You’ll be a huge part of the wonderful way we spend our days and are key for keeping our life/work balanced so I’m looking forward to meeting you! -m-

resumes due feb 2nd

image via martha stewart

and 2010 has heralded in so many nice things already – a bit of travel, a too fun catalog shoot.  i have a pretty good idea that it will be the best year ever.  and we're working on projects galore.  thank you to all the incredible clients who are already setting up spring & summer shoots.

while i have that great big 'year at a glance' out, i'm jotting down fun trips & time with family because anticipation of something sweet just happens to be one of my favorite feelings aside from contentedness which is the spot i've loved being at.   if you happen to have a photo shoot idea that requires travel, chat with us soon.  happy 2010 to you!  warmly, -melanie-

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our facebook fan page

sweet emma – two days ago :)

i’m so looking forward to the workshop (and think it’s sort of funny that this is the same beautiful inn that the wedding crashers movie was filmed at) – i’ll be speaking about…

* balance/simplicity – having a business that enriches your life
* love & kindness – their place in the business world (answer: right up front!)
* beautiful business collateral/systems that foster connection

(if you’re a photographer headed there, please feel free to write me beforehand
with any questions and i’ll make sure they’re addressed during the class)

have the best week! -m-

p.s. tonight i’ll be at bella bliss’s open house…come stop by!

i adore the junior league’s holly day market…so fun, so many great gift items that make shopping a breeze*…
and i’m so happy that they’d like me to do mini sessions concurrently!  gladly, cute junior leaguers! and while i’m at it,
thank you for the good effect your work has on our community!

this year we’ll be at the civic center…a more contemporary setting (so dress your cute kiddos accordingly)…
we’ll have options in case of inclement weather (big yay!).

details: a 15-20 min session, $125
where: downtown lexington, lexington convention center

1-2 children (or you and a child), for additional siblings please add $25/child.  since these will be outside, please have children bundled in warm winter wear – maybe think darling patterned tights, boots, scarves, mittens and especially hats :)

in 4 weeks, we’ll present 3-4 too cute images.  since it’s so close to the holidays we won’t be able to make to get prints back to you but if digital files are part of your purchase we’ll send those to you ahead of time so you can make prints for gifts
(shop ahead for great frames!).

* tickets for the holly day market can be purchased here

p.s. the photo above is of sweet lauren in bardstown…truly one of my favorite images of the year.  oh that hair makes me smile!  can you imagine having that lovely face look up at you?  what a dreamy, happy life it is to be your photographer :)

a quick reminder that prints you’d like to have in time for holiday delivery should be ordered *this* week…
we need a bit of extra time to deal with the amount that comes in this time of year!

On to sweet Jennifer & Trey! Over the years I’ve noticed a ‘gap’ in photographs.
Too often it goes from wedding images to family shots with nothing in between.

Perhaps because in my particular case there were several years in between getting married to having Audrey, I think that can be far too long so I’ve been delighted with the anniversary shoots clients have arranged this year!

Totally smitten with these two and their ability to relish the great moments (I  particularly love their travel adventures)….
i feel so strongly that photography holds a key to helping us preserve our memory of happy times. And seriously, who wouldn’t love photographs of their parents like this? There’s an image of my grandfather sitting on a fence holding a darling beagle puppy that stands out as a favorite in our collection because of the sweet smile on his face. Thank you, Jennifer & Trey for being beyond wonderful! -m-

make-up: ana crane simpson

check out: a great blog series about having a ‘first look’ with your groom from a fun wedding planner
(saundra hadley in indiana)

this talk by james nachtwey really moved me…not only are his images incredible but they stir my heart in a deep way
and I think they are powerful enough to illicit change. Well worth 20 minutes to view.

the most delightful building swathed in liberty print

all the choreographed first dances at weddings this year have been so fun!
Here’s one via Cup of Jo (you’ll see three small boxes, click on the 2^nd):

love these mini chalkboards…I’m a message sort of girl: a smile on the fogged up window for Audrey, notes in a shoe or emails in the middle of the day to jason saying ‘I love you’…when I was little I had a box that I put messages back and forth in with my mom, perhaps that’s where the love stems…write a sweet note to someone you love soon.

gina, lance and their family were wonderful – we did this session for a couple reasons.  first, to create an image for an announcement and also to create images of their new blended family for their home. i love that now, as they share lives, the images on their wall will reflect this new beautiful family of theirs.  here’s a peek at their beautiful announcement.

it’s not nearly done but i’m already feeling like i’ve had one of the best years imaginable.  thank you, thank you, thank you…next week marks my 10th year in business.  it means more than i can express to have been present when you say ‘i do’, as you’ve welcomed babies into your home and to see them grow.  i appreciate that i’m involved with recording your visual history and i really do feel that it’s so much better to have consistency in that if at all possible.  moves happen but if circumstances allow, i think the loveliest option is to utilize one photographer so that the voice amongst the images in your home all ‘play’ well together – they have a similar feeling and voice to them.  yesterday, the most darling mother mentioned her young daughter and the fact that i would be there to photograph the wedding and my heart jumped – it’s never an assumption i make that i’ll get to share life beside you, just a deep deep hope.  you make life rich – merci.

we have cute cards in progress right now and it made me want to share a save the date project for a wedding coming up in a few weeks.  the sweet bride and i drove around the 1000+ acre property – before then i remember asking "are you sure you don't want to be in any of the photos? maybe just a few?" but it was such a fun assignment. my college training was in fine art photography which is part of why i love to also capture the things in a baby's nursery or the details on a wedding day.  thank you kristin for a wonderful commission!  i love how it turned out!  i'm so excited for your wedding!

in honor of friendship day (first sunday in august) we’re adding a few select spots for a special girlfriends [ limited edition ] session – jot us a note and on aug 8th, grab your besties because wonderful friendships makes life better :) and who doesn’t want a great photo of all their girlfriends in their home!

girlfriends [limited edition] session
when: saturday, august 8th
where: downtown lexington
details: a 15-20 minute session for up to 4 friends ($25 for additional friends), $125

kindly pick your preferred time:
4:30
5:00
5:30
6:00
6:30

in 4 weeks, we’ll present 3-4 gorgeous images in a special online gallery.
thank you for treasuring your friendships!  can’t wait to see you!  -m-

p.s. pictured is cute mmp office manager, laura (on right), and her sweet friend rachael.

life is to be fortified by many friendships [ sydney smith ]

hope everyone is off to a great start this week.

i think these boots are cute enough to make me hope for raindrops
-m-

here’s to a wonderful long weekend next to the ones you love!  warmly, -melanie-

see [ one day ] – the fenwicks

a huge thank you to the endlessly sweet fenwicks for their trust – i hope that by the end of this, you’ll fall in love with them like i did a few years ago when i walked beside them on the day they married. and perhaps you’ll also imagine a bit of what your [ one day ] would hold.

if you’re interested in something similar for your family, please let me know – we can do coverage in kentucky or perhaps at your vacation home late this summer/fall. our signature 1 hr sessions are almost completely full for summer so let us know soon if you’re up for a fun shoot at the state fair with games/bright colors behind you…maybe eating cotton candy? or we can find a peaceful park for a picnic! i hope my love for you and what we create is evident…it’s an incredibly happy life because of my association with you!

if you’re a client or prospective client and would like to receive our occasional notes, please sign up below…you have our promise that we won’t inundate you with mailings…just the occasional letter to say hi and let you know of news :) -m-

i’ve spent a blissful few days with 12 wonderful women photographers in beautiful & quirky marfa, tx.

it was a sundrenched adventure!

if you have an email in the inbox, you’ll be sure to hear from us tuesday when we’re all back in the office! -m-