May
24
2019I had so much fun doing Mariana’s Simple Classic Studio Maternity Portraits Simpsonville SC! But let me tell you, this woman kept me laughing! 
We had an absolute blast playing dress up with the studio wardrobe (click to see it for yourself). I provide options to my mama’s to wear both during pregnancy and after. It’s a simple service e so that you don’t have to purchase a dress just for one occasion that may never fit again. My clients love this feature. I even have shirts for dad, big brother, and dresses for girls too. 
Mariana had her eye on this dress the moment that she saw it! And she didn’t want to take it off. I bet you can see why! But this particular dress is not just super pretty, it’s also super comfy. I may have borrowed it from the studio wardrobe to wear to a ballet once 😉
These two have a fantastic sense of humor. They were laughing our whole session through. I think this is one of a few serious shots I got the whole session. 
Their baby girl is a long awaited miracle. In some of these images I can just feel the weight of that joy.
Apr
22
2019Meet Nivya who came to me for Studio Maternity Portraits Greenville SC. I love doing maternity mini sessions for a couple before their Greenville SC Newborn photos. It helps me get to know them a little as well as lets clients get to know my studio location and space before baby arrives. I love doing these so much that I waive the session fee for my newborn clients!
Nivya and Bejoy were an absolutely joy to photograph. They booked their newborn last minute and were totally on board to snag my last available session time before their little girl arrived. Even when it was just a few days away. 
What I loved most about this session is how much Nivya and Bejoy made each other laugh. Just looking at each other would cause explosions of giggles. It’s so clear that their family culture includes so much laughter. And, truly, laughter will make their baby grow stronger than they can imagine. Laughter is the gift that just keeps on giving.
Nivya brought a couple of gowns with her for this session (which I love!), but I also stock a full maternity wardrobe which you can view by clicking here. Wearing something simple and neutral highlights your anticipation, but many moms also bring some more modern and stylish pieces to their maternity session. 
I particularly loved how this gown hugs her growing baby girl! 
Nivya and Bejoy, I can’t wait to meet your sweet little girl in your newborn session! 
Are you looking to book your own Studio Maternity Portraits Greenville SC? I’d love to hear about the session of your dreams and help it come true! Your maternity session fee is waived when you book a newborn session. Drop me a note by clicking here. I look forward to hearing from you!
Apr
08
2019Meet Sebastian at his Classic Timeless Newborn Photography Session Greenville SC. I’ll share a select few images here in the post, but if you want to see all the beauty contained in this session, please watch this slideshow below.
Sebastian Birth Announcement from Melissa Aldrich on Vimeo.
Jihan, Ramy, Elie, Evan, and Jacob were so in love with surprise baby Sebastian.
One of my favorite moments from this session was when I photographed the siblings together. These boys were so reluctant to hand me back their baby because they were just that in love with him.
Jihan and Ramy almost didn’t bring the boys. It just seemed like too much to have three active children in a quiet newborn studio. (I get it! My three are very similar in age to her three!) But they followed my instructions to bring the boys either at the beginning or the end of the session and then to have them not present for the rest. The boys came at the end of the session and we had a blast! They felt like they were skipping school and I cracked very silly jokes that quickly endeared this ago to me.
This brother laughing images is how I will always remember the family. Tight bonds and cheerful, grateful spirits.
But, yes, this was a newborn session focused on sweet Sebastian.
This little guy was so curious at the beginning of the session. Sebastian wanted to watch what I was doing and he made the most incredible eye contact. Most newborns do not have the eye coordination to make good eye contact so this was just a beautiful experience.
But eventually Sebastian did sleep. And we created a beautiful range of poses that Jihan selected for her session.
Are you looking to book Classic Timeless Newborn Photography Session Greenville SC? I’d love to be considered. Drop me a line by clicking here to get more information.
Apr
01
2019I really loved doing Simple Studio Maternity Mini Photos Greenville, SC for Mingwen and John!
Mingwen was so excited the night before this shoot that she hardly slept at all. I was so honored to be chosen to record this important season of anticipation for her.
Mingwen borrowed these two gowns from my studio wardrobe and I love how they complimented the beautiful floral crown that she brought. These images are so clean and classic with an ethereal feel.
Waiting for baby is one of the hardest things to do, but Mingwen does so with a grace that just makes her glow.
I especially loved the interaction between John and Mingwen. It’s clear how adored this little one is already.
They just honor and adore one another in such amazing ways.
This was one of Mingwen’s special requests. I love the strong connection it evokes.
Mingwen and John, I can’t wait to meet your sweet baby and see how your relationship grows.
Looking to book your own maternity mini session in Greenville, SC? I’d love to be considered. Maternity sessions are a great way to get to know me and gain familiarity with my studio for a newborn session. Click here to inquire about your own session.
Mar
18
2019Dear Mama,
Don’t blink. Those long exhausting and yet treasured nights with your newborn will turn into fun days playing with a one year old who has more personality than you know what to do with.
One moment you’re snuggling your precious baby and the next you’re doing a Strawberry Lemonade Girl Cake Smash Greenville SC. It happens so fast and it’s so wonderful.
Soon those protective older brothers who screamed and hid a bit during baby sister’s newborn session will be cuddling their little sister and making her belly laugh like no one else can.
These faces, sweet mama, are worth the sleepless nights, the constant correction, the neediness, the endless repeat of “mama”, and the sibling rivalry, exchanging the peaceful hours reading for loud wrestling and excitement all the live long day…
It’s all worth it.
One day soon, you’ll wake up and your baby will have babies. You’ll get to relive the delight without all the constant-ness. But don’t lose sight of the right now joy.
The joy of being sandwiched on all sides by a love you can barely contain. Your little people are utterly amazing and that’s in no small part to you, mama.
The labor to bring them here is hard and the daily labor never ends. 
Oh, but it’s worth it. 
I promise you, it’s all worth it. 
So when you see that beautiful face crinkled in laughter: celebrate all the work that brought you this far.
I’m cheering you on, sweet mama. You’re doing amazing.
Love,
Melissa
P.S. If you’d like to book your own Strawberry Lemonade Girl Cake Smash Greenville SC or Greenville SC Newborn Photographer, then I would love to capture for you how you feel each day as a mama. Drop me a line here and tell me what you’d most like to remember.
