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May 15 2013

Diary of a Bride | Say Yes to the Dress | Melissa Lynn Hunt Photography

I don’t know about other brides but picking my wedding dress feels like the greatest decision of the whole day.  I think the dress is the most dreamed about element of a wedding- at least I know it has been for me. It is supposed to make you feel like the most beautiful girl in the world!  What pressure!

About 6 months before our engagement I knew we were getting closer to taking that step and began to reach for Bride magazine instead of People in the nail salon.  I quickly got an idea of the style of dresses that I was and not drawn to. I did more and more research to focus my search.

When the time came to actually shop for the dress (for me, 2 weeks after getting engaged….I seriously could not wait!)  I had a very clear picture of what I wanted. My roommates from college and I were all in Charleston the same weekend, so we made appointments at 2 boutiques and had so much fun!  I went into the appointments very nervous because I felt so much pressure to find the perfect dress and, having watched Say Yes to the Dress, was not looking forward to differing opinions! Luckily, my friends are the sweetest and provided their input in the most helpful and constructive way.

The first two appointments were more about narrowing down what I was looking for than walking away with a dress. I tried on some beautiful gowns, and even fell in love with one of them, but I knew I wanted to have my mom there to help me choose the actual one.  I did get great advice from the owner of one of the stores- she told me not to try too many dresses on, because she has seen girls get overwhelmed, then frustrated and just end up settling on one to get it over with, ultimately making themselves unhappy.

Wayyyy back in the nail salon I had come across a lace dress, with a keyhole back by Allure that  I could not get out of my mind.

I saw that Allure was having a trunk show at New York Bride in Charlotte and knew I had to go. My mom, aunt, and cousin ended up being able to come and when I tried on one of Allure’s dresses that was extremely similar to the one pictured I did not love it as much as I thought I would. It was such a weird moment because I felt like I was holding out for this dress and it was just not the one. I tried on a couple more after it and finally I found the one I was completely in love with. I remembered what the woman in Charleston had told me and decided this was the end of my dress shopping. I could not be happier or more excited about my final decision and 4 months later still sneak peeks on my phone of it whenever I have a spare moment.

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May 13 2013

Seniorologie Tour California | Melissa Lynn Hunt Seniors

Our workshop was in La Jolla California, right near San Diego.  We stayed in the La Valencia Hotel also know as the Pink Lady! and PINK she was!! The hotel had a such a California vibe with a twist.  I felt that there were hints of Paris & Boca Raton Florida intertwined within.

Let’s just say that  this Altar’d State dress was a perfect fit with this location.  Our model was fantastic with more patience than anyone I know. At some moments she had about 8 photographers calling her name begging for her to look their way.  It was truly a paparazzi moment! We definitely had the passer-bys wondering “who” all that fuss was about.

Let me also mention that Kelsie rocked out her beautiful hair & makeup, which was inspired by Rachel McAdams in The Notebook.

Head over to www.seniors.melissalynnhunt.com to view my work and the rave reviews I’ve received from my Seniors!!

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May 12 2013

My Love for Him | Personal Post | Melissa Lynn Hunt Photography

My love for my son.

Gosh, I have so much love for him.

Everyday I look at his toes, I look at his little fingers and nose.  I even love his little shoulders.  I mean c’mon. Those shoulders are going to be little forever.

Lots of hugs and kisses.  Always.  I think I kiss this child every 5 seconds. I give lots of squeezes too. Those squeezes are usually followed by extreme tickling because NOTHING is better than his laughter.

When he wakes up in the morning he has the most perfect bed head. He either does one of two things in the morning; looks for his two favorite race cars or climbs into bed with me (on those days when I choose not to set that alarm clock).

He is pretty decisive.  He knows what he likes and dislikes. He loves raw veggies (awesome, I know.). He does not love the peeling on an apple or a banana. He loves to torment Toby. He does not love to brush his teeth.

He is very independent. Oh boy! He must do things on his own. No questions asked. He also likes to show that he can do what you can do. He can watch you do something one time then from that moment own he wants to do it.

He has impressive dance moves and some serious coordination. He is great a puzzles and pretending to read. I’m blown away by his memory.  That goes for most children by the way.  I am always astonished at how well they remember things at such a young age.  He remembers things that happened not just days ago, but weeks. He can even recall who and why sometimes.

He is the cutest when he prays. Well hold on, I actually do the praying, but then when I end with “amen” he repeats me. Except it sounds like “maaaameeee.”

I live for that bedtime moment.

I love the way he says popsicle, old macdonald, amazing, and pizza.

I got teary when he actually started saying “Toby” and no longer saying “Puppy.”

I also got teary when he started saying “Cereal” instead of saying “Sole.”

All this to say….

There is nothing more important in this world than him. There never will be.

I love him.  I love my job as a mother. I can’t imagine life without this blessing. I thank God every day for my little miracle.

Here’s a mix of some of my FAVORITE photos of him and I.

 

{taken by Hannah Capps}

{taken by my hubby}

{My absolute favorite family photo ever: taken by Sarah Harrell. I loved it so much it is a 24X30 canvas in my home!}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May 10 2013

Seniorologie Tour California | Melissa Lynn Hunt Seniors | Kendyl

During our workshop we had several models to photograph.  All of them were styled beautifully with Alart’d State clothing.  They were also pampered by none other than Kelsie Boles, hair & makeup extraordinaire!

One of my favorite models was Kendyl.  I loved her girl next door look and the way she connected really well with whoever was behind the camera!  I had a BLAST during this session.

Also notice the colors she is wearing!! She represents Melissa Lynn Hunt Seniors very well!!

Head over to www.seniors.melissalynnhunt.com to view my work and the rave reviews I’ve received from my Seniors!!

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May 09 2013

Seniorologie Tour California | Behind the Scenes | Melissa Lynn Hunt Photography

What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been for me.  If you follow me on instagram (@photogrlmelissa) (#melissalynnhuntseniors) then you probably are well aware that I traveled to California with Kelsie and had a crazy good time!!!

I ventured to the West Coast because I couldn’t resist attending Seniorologie’s Tour!  It is a workshop for Senior Portrait Photographers that is taught by 5 top notch Senior Portrait photographers.  We learn about rep programs, editing techniques, the hottest products on the market, and we have full on styled shoots with current high school seniors.  There is no workshop like it.

I’m no stranger to the Seniorologie Tour.  I was blessed to have won a seat a year ago when it was held in Atlanta.  I had no idea what I was getting into at the time. I just knew that I wanted to better my Senior Portrait business and this could possibly help.  Well, it did more than help.  It revolutionized the way I work with high school seniors.  I always want to provide the best to my clients.  Seniorologie not only helped me better my photography skills but it taught me how to create a memorable experience that my clients deserve! (http://www.seniors.melissalynnhunt.com)

I’d like to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to Lelsie Kerrigan.  She is the brains and talent behind Seniorologie.  Leslie pulls out all the stops on her Seniorologie Tours. She creates such a wonderful environment for photographers to learn and build connections.  Her passion to better the Senior Portrait business is contagious. I have definitely caught the bug!

Thank you to Courtney Delaura.  Your energy and enthusiasm are so refreshing.  I love how you treat everyone as your friend, even when you have only known us for two seconds.  Your down the earth personality is comforting.  You kept it real, gave us the truth, and I appreciate it. I truly feel like you care about the Senior Portrait business and want to see our businesses grow to new heights.

Thank you to Meg Borders. It was so nice to make a connection with a fellow photography mom who shares a similar belief.  It was comforting to know that it’s possible to put God and Family first and still have a successful business.  I appreciate everything you shared with us and can’t wait to incorporate some of your ideas and techniques into my business.

Thank you to Michelle Moore. I loved learning how lighting and posing can be so powerful in it’s simplest form. The ideas you shared with us were genius.  I think I took the most away from our time shooting together.  You have an amazing eye for lighting and posing.

Thank you to Sarah Lane. I love learning about how you work with high school seniors and how you create such elaborate model shoots.  You have inspired me to implement some awesome events & programs within my business.

So here is a random mosh pit of photos from behind the scenes.  If you want to see some of my instagram magic check out #melissalynnhuntseniors for some awesome photos!

 

 

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