Sara & Matt's Wedding

Congratulations Sara & Matt! Meet Sara and Matt who were married at the historic Eureka Inn, in Eureka, CA. They were the first couple to be married at the Inn since it re-opened! Jan and I had an amazing time photographing Sara, Matt and their beautiful family. The flowers made by Floral Organica Designs were stunning (as always) and created the perfect red pop for Sara's vintage look. Below are a few of my favorite images from their wedding day and to view more images please click HERE to visit their online gallery at Pictage.com. To view their online slide show please click HERE.

For Japan With Love..

We've all been watching the news and have seen the unbelievable destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami that ripped through Japan almost a week ago. I have watched several news casts, video clips, and read the articles about the amount of devastation. There have been a few happy stories of families surviving the tsunami and finding each other, but mainly the news is grim and sometimes unbearable to hear. Shocking to believe an entire town of 9,500 are missing.... and now with the nuclear problems and all that cleanup, the Japanese community definatly has a long road ahead of them. Most people are having to take refuge in abandoned schools and buildings with no electricity/heat and limited water and food. I've been wanting to find a way to help Japan and now thanks to Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours I can.

They have created a fundraising page titled http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/ that is geared towards raising funds for shelters. They picked ShelterBox as the organization to donate to. ShelterBox provides emergency shelters and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters. Each large green Shelterbox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, stove, basics tool kit, children's activity pack and other vital items.

Please join us and donate whatever you can to this much needed organization, whatever you donate know that every little bit helps.

I will be participating in Friday March 18th's Bloggers Day of Silence, in memory of the victims of Japan. For more information please visit ForJapanWithLove

Thank you!

~Melissa

2nd Chance Prom Ellensburg, WA

Ellensburg Couple Organizes

“Second Chance” Prom

It all started over dinner. Jessica and Brian McKean were having dinner with their two young sons and somehow the conversation turned to dating. Jessica said to Brian, "I wish I had gone to my High School Prom and I wish I had gone with you." Brian and Jessica met long after high school.

Brian looked at his wife and said, “If it matters that much to you, organize a prom and we’ll go.” That is how the idea for Ellensburg’s Second Chance Prom was born.

Jessica explains, “I never went to my high school prom. We decided we should put on a Second Chance Prom for those who did not go to their prom, who went and didn't have a good time, or like Brian and me, met the love of their life long after high school was over.”

Jessica went on to say, “It's an opportunity to get dressed up and spend an evening with that special someone and be able to dance and have a great time without the bar scene.”

The prom will be Saturday April 2nd, from 8:00pm to midnight at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds. Attire is semi-formal to formal. A live band will provide dance music with a DJ offering music during band breaks. Melissa Michelle Reflections a Yakima county local photographer, will be there to provide her services for Prom photos!

“You must purchase a ticket before the prom – we will not be selling tickets at the door” explained Jessica. “We also have a website: eburgprom.com where you can order tickets and get other details.” Jessica McKean can be reached on her cell at 425-749-6601 if you have any questions.

“This prom will be a great event for every couple who wants to have a special night out. For the $25 per ticket price, live music, hors d'oeuvres, all-you-want non-alcoholic beverages, and four drink tickets for alcoholic beverages are included. There is a slightly less expensive ticket available if you do not want alcohol included. You must order your tickets before the prom as tickets will not be sold at the event, “explained Brian McKean. He added “you must be 21 or older to attend and we will be checking ID at the door.”

Prizes will be awarded for Prom King, Prom Queen, Best Retro Tux, Best Original Dress, and Longest Together Couple (must have meet in High School)!

“We don’t care if you are 21, 41, or 71 – everyone is welcome!” added Jessica. “Many of the local Ellensburg supporting businesses have arranged for deals for those who are attending the prom and wish to rent a tuxedo, buy flowers, or go out to dinner. There’s a list of deals and community sponsors on the prom website: eburgprom.com.”

“If renting a tuxedo is a budget breaker,” adds Brian “then a suit, slacks and blazer, or even your good jeans and a nice western shirt works for us if that’s okay with your date. This is more about the experience of having a special night together than what you wear.” “I agree”, adds Jessica. “The same goes for the women, too. If a formal is too much then wear something that works for you.”

“This prom is what I love about my wife. She’s just crazy enough to take on a challenge like this to make dreams come true.” Brian noted with a warm smile. “I’m looking forward to seeing my gorgeous wife in a formal. It will be a night to remember!"

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~I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the prom and photographing you with your sweethearts/friends! I heard about this fun event and instantly knew I wanted to join in the fun and offer my photography services to everyone there. For more information about the prom please visit eburgprom.com or visit their Facebook page 2nd chance Prom.

To receive a discount on your prom photos please click HERE and sign the guestbook for the event!~

Baby Weston

Meet baby Weston! This adorable little baby boy was such a pleasure to photograph! I had a wonderful time with him and his loving parents. He had the best little facial expressions, I'm pleased I was able to capture them for his parents! I met this happy family through Julie's co-workers who purchased her a gift certificate with me for a family portrait session for the new parents. Below are some of my favorite images from his photo shoot, enjoy!