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now introducing...
A Year in the Life
A thoughtfully curated experience for sentimental families, documenting the everyday moments of your family's story, through four seasonal sessions.
I didn’t know exactly when it hit me—maybe it was the way my son’s hands suddenly looked more like a boy’s than a child’s. Or the way my daughter’s giggle changed, just slightly, from babyish to something older. But one day, I realized how fast it was all slipping by.
It wasn’t just the big milestones I wanted to remember, but the in-between moments too—the everyday rhythm of family life that often goes unnoticed. I didn’t just want photos; I wanted a time capsule, a way to remember how this season of life felt. And I knew I couldn’t be the only one. That’s when it became clear: every family needs this. That’s how this experience was born—out of a deep desire to preserve what matters most.
Then it became clear: every family needs this.
One day, I realized how fast it was all slipping by.
So, what is year in the life?
A Year in the Life is a storytelling photography experience for sentimental families made up of four documentary-style sessions, one in each season, crafted around the kinds of days that mean something to your family.
Not posed. Not perfect. Just the beauty of what is. Maybe it’s picking blueberries in summer or reading in your sunroom in winter. Maybe it’s backyard adventures or a baking muffins in the fall.
Whatever feels like you—that’s what we’ll preserve.
By the end of the year, you’ll have a gentle, honest record of this chapter: your kids’ quirks, your rhythms, your love.
Not just what it looked like, but what it felt like.
And the hope?
That you’ll fall in love with the process. That this becomes your family’s quiet tradition... a way to mark the years with meaning and remember the magic in the middle of it all.
Because these are the days. And they’re worth remembering.
Say no more, I'm in!
Does this sound like you?
- "I know these are the good old days. I just want to savor them."
- “I want to remember the little things, not just the big moments.”
- “Every time I blink, they’ve grown again. I just want to remember who they are right now.”
- “I take photos on my phone, but I’m in so few of them. I know they will want to see me in the memories too."
- “Our days are messy, but they’re full of love—and I want to remember that.”
- “I don’t want a posed session—I want something real, something that feels like us.”
- “I know this season is slipping by, and I want to hold onto it while I still can.”
If any of these thoughts sound like your heart speaking...you're not alone.
That’s why I created Year in the Life- to help you remember what matters most, in a way that feels honest, effortless, and true to you.
- four storytelling-style sessions, one in each season (choose the setting, the vibe, the story-whatever feels like you)
- a heartfelt slideshow set to music of your year
- option to add a handcrafted heirloom album at the end of the year- so you can hold onto these fleeting days forever.
Starts at $99/month
INVESTMENT
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What is the process like?
Fill out a questionnaire & share your heart! Sign your contract & pay your first monthly investment fee!
I will photograph your family in four different seasons in a way that feels true to you!
Your family receives heartfelt images that tell the story of your year that you can hold onto forever.
"I hope you know what a gift this is and how gifted you are. Everyone needs this. You were born for this!"
- The Workmans
Testimonials from other sentimental families like you
"Working with Melena was hands down one of the best investments we've ever made for our family." -
The Ballards
Testimonials from other sentimental families like you
"This experience made us cry, laugh, and then cry some more, because we can literally look back at the milestones and see how much our daughter has blossomed in one year. We can't thank you enough."
The Quesenberrys
Testimonials from other sentimental families like you
"We've never had photos that have felt this much like us. Thank you so much. These are a gift!"
The Franklins
Testimonials from other sentimental families like you
"We've wanted photos of our family for so long and these go above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. You are so talented. Thank you so much!"
The Hysells
Testimonials from other sentimental families like you
This experience is for sentimental families who want to capture real, candid moments. No matter what your family looks like- whether you're a couple, a single individual, or a family with littles, this session is all about documenting the true, everyday moments of your life without the pressure. It's for anyone who wants to preserve genuine memories—joy, laughter, and everything in between—in a fun, relaxed setting where you can simply be yourselves.
Yes, I honestly couldn't think of a better gift! A "Year in the Life" package makes a thoughtful and unique gift. You can purchase it for parents, grandparents, or anyone special in your life. Just reach out to us, and we’ll ensure the recipient receives a beautifully designed gift voucher and details on how to book their sessions.
Absolutely! Life is full of beautiful, unexpected moments, and you’re always welcome to add extra sessions throughout the year. Whether it's a spontaneous adventure, a special milestone, or just a season of life you want to remember more deeply, I’m here for it. These add-ons could help create an even richer, more complete story of your year!
No need to worry! That’s real life, and that’s exactly what Year in the Life is all about. These sessions are designed to capture your family as you truly are, not a polished version. I gently follow your family’s rhythm, letting the little ones lead when needed. Some of the most heartfelt, memorable moments come from the beautiful chaos, it’s all part of your story.
Remember flipping through old family albums as a kid? Sitting beside your parents or grandparents, laughing together, and hearing stories that made the photos come alive. There’s something special about seeing your family’s history preserved in a way you can actually touch and revisit.
At the end of the year, you have the option to turn all of those memories into something you can hold - a beautiful, custom-designed family yearbook. Filled with your favorite images from each session, it’s a keepsake your kids will flip through for years to come.
Want to include it from the start?
Just add $30/month to your plan, and I’ll take care of the rest. We’ll design it together, and you’ll get a handcrafted album that tells the story of your year — in your hands, not just on a screen, in a way that's real and lasting.
preserve your family's legacy
Add your custom family yearbook
Ready to capture a year of memories that will tell the story of your family for years to come?
My promise to you
I promise to photograph your family in a way that feels true, to capture the moments that make you say, “That’s us. That’s our life.” The real stuff. The little things you do every day that are actually the big things.
I promise to document your people, your rhythms, your love, just as they are—so that one day, when your kids are grown, you’ll have more than memories. You’ll have proof. This is what their childhood looked like. This is how you loved them. This is home.
