Melissa michelle – photography – |Families|Children|Seniors|Weddings|

H Turns One | Central Illinois Children Photography

Becoming a parent and watching my own daughter grow so much in one year really opened my eyes to parenthood. Plus, it made me want to capture that first year for others. I have been photographing H since the day he was born (well, the day after to be specific). I went to the hospital and captured him and his parents in their brand new world of parenthood. Boy, was that amazing too.
Watching your children grow goes by quickly & I believe the first year is filled with the most changes, going from a small human being that can barely open his eyes to double the size and walking and talking and recognizing his favorite people. It is an honor to be able to be there and capture all of those amazing moments. H is so blessed and so loved! We had so much fun at his 1 year shoot, as we did at every other milestone. He is a little model! 🙂

Eric & Laini | Central Illinois Engagement Photography

December 31, 2016. What a big day for EVERYONE, but it was a HUGE day for Laini & Eric. It was the day they made it official that they would be spending their lives together. Laini is my best friend, so she included me in her ceremony! What an amazing experience! It was a day of waiting since they did not get married until 9pm. L&E wanted everyone to ring in the new year with them. And it was amazing!

Laini asked me to take her engagement pictures and I could not pass that up either! These were taken in the fall since it is Laini & Eric’s favorite time of year. So they adorned their sweaters, took some pictures with their cat child, Louise, and we headed outdoors! It was so magical to see real love right before my eyes! Thank you to Laini & Eric for letting me be a part of these moments.

Jenna & Jim | Central Illinois Engagement Photography

It was a cloudy, May day (my favorite kind of day) and I was set to meet Jenna & Jim at the Thorn Creek Woods Forrest Preserve. None of us has even been there, but from the entrance to the trails, I fell in love. It ended up being quite the hike through muddy trails and fallen trees.

I am so excited for their wedding in December. It’s going to be great!!

Hadley | Central Illinois Newborn Photography

Little Miss Hadley was 12 days old when I got to snuggle up with her for her newborn session. I was so excited to finally get to meet her after taking her mother’s maternity pictures (which you can see here). She is also part of our Milestone program! So I get to see her a few more times this year! Yay!!

Aubrianna & Rayden | Central Illinois Child Photography

I’ve known these little ones since their amazing mother brought them into this world. They are so full of life and love for each other. It’s always fun to just sit back and watch siblings interact together. I hope I get to capture more precious moments for this family.

Evans Family | Central Illinois Family Photography

Such a beautiful family! Even on this chilly fall day, this family was still smiles and full of fun! Little brother wasn’t too happy, but big brother got some smiles out of him. So happy to have the opportunity to work with them! 🙂

Izabella & Brooklyn | Central Illinois Child Photography

These two sisters were so very sweet; to each other, to their mother and even to me! And miss Izabella just turned SIX YEARS OLD earlier this month! 🙂

Lily [4 Months] | Central Illinois Child Photography

Holy Gucamole! | Central Illinois Child Photography

I recently bought my little girl, Harper, some adorable onesies and this one is my favorite. Baby girls have the CUTEST clothing!! I wish I could fit into all her adorable little outfits. 🙂

Reese Family | Central Illinois Family Photography

After finding me via the internet (and working for my dentist) Kristy contacted me to get some family pictures. They recently moved to the area and since there are no beaches anywhere near by, Kristy’s ideal location for family pictures, we visited The Lake of The Woods in Mahomet. Beautiful location and beautiful family.