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Lifestyle, our passion...that is how we describe what we do.  It's the day to day, remember when, wish I could have been there type of moments.  It's real life captured forever...not only in a photograph, but in your hearts, your minds, your souls.  We truly are thankful for this role God has blessed us with.  We look forward to sharing these moments, along with our journey, in this crazy place called life.

Please use the tabs above to help navigate your way through the blog.  Current clients can find their images under the websites tab.  Over time, I will be sharing moments that inspire us to do what we do.  Feel free to grab some coffee and stay awhile...

May 15, 2012

We are in full swing with wedding season, and every year we are honored to work with such wonderful couples.  We have been blessed time and time again.  I can't say that enough, seriously.  First up, is Morgan and Nick.  They are such an adorable couple and as sweet as can be.  We had such a wonderful time being a part of their day.

Morgan and Nick's day started out rather chilly, but by the time photos rolled around the temperatures were more than comfortable.  Their ceremony and reception took place on the beautiful grounds of the Hawthorns Country Club.  They took excellent care of all of us the entire day.  Morgan and Nick truly had an amazing day...thanks for choosing us to capture it all for you.  Hugs to you both!
 

Weddings are exhausting...for everyone involved. ;)

Such a sweet moment.
Nick_Morgan_Blog022.jpg

Seriously, Morgan...you were stunning!!!


Sure Tones Entertainment says:

You guys look awesome! Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your big day! Also, bug thanks to Carpenter Photo & Design for being such a great couple to work with. Events like this are so much more fun when the ENTIRE group of professionals work together to make sure it is stress free and enjoyable! Thanks again Morgan & Nick!

PS - If you get the urge and want to shoot us some photos of the ceremony musicians and/or the reception, I would be extremely grateful! Feel free to watermark!

Jared Wade

(05.15.12 @ 07:49 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Morgan & Nick . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/182
I apologize in advance for the number of photos in this post.  Taking photos of other photographers can be a bit intimidating, especially when the (normally) extremely, happy baby was not wanting anything to do with us capturing his 9 month milestone. ;)  We traveled around Noblesville thinking we might be able to distract little Jett from all of the trucks and cars driving by...no such luck.  He is 100% boy and was not interested in us, at all!!  Thankfully, we got some sweet photos in the meantime.  He may not have been his normal, cheesy self for some of these, but I love each and every expression.   

We finished up their session in a more relaxed environment...home.  The entertainment of trucks, cars and downtown Noblesville was over, so we had his complete attention. :)

I realize the next 3 photos are rather similar.  However, I have never seen a little guy crack up as much as he did.  Granted, his father is the king of random noises and expressions, so it was hard not to laugh. 
I'm guessing all of those big smiles and laughter were bottled up from earlier in the session...glad he was willing to share. ;) 

Oh, goodness...I had to share this series below.  These were all taken one after another.  I am amazed at how they can go from one expression to the next without even taking a moment to think.  Oh, the amount of laughing that took place...I was completely entertained.  A big thanks to Wade for helping me figure out how to do this animation thing. ;)

It's hard to believe that the celebration of Jett's first year is just around the corner.  You may recall his welcoming into the world HERE.  It was such a precious time that I was honored to capture.  Over the past year, our families have gotten to know each other, so very well.  We love having them close by, and value their friendship even more.  Glad this crazy world of photography brought our families together.  We love you guys to pieces!


Wade says:

Absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for these awesome photos!!

(05.08.12 @ 07:09 AM)
Stefanie says:

Oh my!!! I love these images so much and ADORE this little family :) You captured their silliness, happiness and joy just perfectly!!!

(05.08.12 @ 07:15 AM)
Shelly says:

These are all so awesome! Great job, Mel! What a great family too:)

(05.08.12 @ 07:22 AM)
Stephanie says:

Oh I just can't stop looking at these photos! I keep laughing and tearing up at these. Thank you so much Mel!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

(05.08.12 @ 09:00 PM)
Angela says:

These are GREAT! These 3 are already so expressionistic, but you captured them with even more expression! I love the little movie of flashing images at the end.Very unique!

(05.14.12 @ 03:23 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Carignan Family . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/181

April 30, 2012

I'm not sure where to begin this post, to be completely honest.  I knew Trish during my college years at IWU...she played basketball, I ran track.  We had mutual friends and knew of one another, but that was about it.  Fast forward a few ;) years, and our paths crossed once again.  This story is better in person, believe me, so I'll leave it at that. ;)  Fast forward another couple of years and I receive an email from Trish regarding their photos.  I was beyond honored to photograph the two of them.  They are perfect for one another in every way.  I truly wish we were able to be a part of their wedding day--such a beautiful couple--inside and out.

As for their engagement session, after months of rescheduling we finally made it happen.  And, I won't lie, I think we chose the best day thus far of 2012.  I have never seen such vibrant colors among the trees and grass-I even toned down the colors in a lot of these photos because they were so intense.  We truly had the most perfectly warm, spring day.  We shared in some good laughs and had the chance to get to know one another better.  Looking forward to when our paths cross again.  Hugs to you both!


Trish...you are going to be such a beautiful bride.  Brad...I love how you love her.  It's written all over these photos. 


Kristy says:

Truly beautiful pictures!! Trish & Brad you both look so great, & "in love"! :). Melody, you guys take such wonderful photos!

(04.30.12 @ 09:59 AM)
Nicole Paddock says:

You both look amazing! Congratulations. Can't wait til the wedding!

(04.30.12 @ 07:24 PM)
Lainie says:

Only one word..Awesome .........

(05.01.12 @ 12:43 PM)
Lainie says:

Only one word to describe the pictures and your love for each other...Breathtaking....

(05.01.12 @ 12:46 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Trish & Brad . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/180

April 26, 2012

I love this little family!  We had the pleasure of shooting Jed and Emily's wedding a number of years back.  It was such a treat hearing from them in regards to documenting their growing family.  Dylan was 100% boy and gave some of the cutest expressions!  So many sweet moments captured.

Jed and Emily...It was wonderful seeing you guys again.  Hoping that our paths cross again soon!  Hugs to the 3 of you!



Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Cornforth Family . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/179
The blog hiatus will be ending now as we are in full swing with our season.  I've been trying to work on some back-end organizational/marketing work (still in process-story of my life ;) which had kept me away from sharing some pretty amazing people with all of you.  But, here we are...first, with Meredith and Julian.

I was so excited to hear from Julian when he contacted us for their wedding.  Jeremy actually had Julian in class a number of years ago (aging us again ;), so it was quite the honor when they wanted us to document their day. 

As for their session...goodness, we had fun.  The evening was absolutely perfect...unseasonably warm temps and the blooming of spring was in full swing.  We took a lot of photos (we even witnessed a rather impressive round of swing dancing ;), laughed like crazy, and absolutely loved capturing the two of them.        

We can't wait to be a part of their day in just a few short months.  It's going to be amazing in every way!  So glad you chose us to be a part of it all.  Hugs to you both!

I couldn't not (excuse the double-negative ;) share a few of the photos below with you.  We met up with Meredith and Julian during our 'one day of winter' for their save the date photos.  I think the snow fell perfectly just for their photos.  Can't wait to celebrate the two of you!


jesszwo says:

Gorgeous!!!

(04.23.12 @ 08:12 AM)
Janet says:

OK, I expected nothing less than spectacular photos (you two never deliver anything less), but whose idea was the window with the date?!! Love it!! Kudos to you both from ol' West Lafayette.

(04.23.12 @ 09:28 AM)
Meredith says:

I think My FAVORITE part is how much Julian's personality comes through in them...SO glad you got that, since it is the best part about him :) @Janet, the window was my mom and I's idea (modified from a post we saw on Pinterest)

(04.23.12 @ 09:55 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Meredith & Julian . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/178