I have so many blessings to be thankful for this year! My husband returned safely from his deployment, we welcomed our nephew into the family and we bought a new boat that we love. Those are a just a few of the blessings and of course I can’t forget signing a lease on studio space!
The blessing I’m most thankful for this year are the amazing clients I have gotten to work with! I have documented incredible weddings and been witness to so many beautiful moments. I am so thankful that this is my job, my job is to share on some of the happiest days of peoples lives! It is an honor that I’m grateful for.
I have loved getting to know my clients through engagement sessions before the big day. Check out some of my happy engaged couples below!
Even better is when I get to see those couples profess their love in front of family and friends and become husband and wife. I’m so happy to have 8 new Melissa Arlena brides! Check out my gorgeous newlyweds!
I’ve been so lucky to not only photograph my own clients but second shoot for Mike Topham too. His brides have been so welcoming to me and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them on their wedding days. Thank you for allowing me to come in and create beautiful images for you also!
I can’t end a post on thankfulness without thanking my number one supporter. The person who helps me make the hard decisions, listens to me ramble about ideas and encourages me every chance he gets. He supports me wholeheartedly and even when he is teasing me for writing this blog post while my in-laws prepare our Thanksgiving dinner I know he love me. I’m so thankful for my husband David. I love him with all of my heart and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I’m thankful to have him in my life supporting me and growing together.
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.
