After many years of infertility, Shawna and Steve have decided to take the route towards adoption. There have been many emotions shared through this entire experience for all of us. Emotions that have challenged us in many ways...being thankful and humbled by the fact that we have not had to experience this kind of pain, yet hopeful that God will bless Steve and Shawna with a child that will become their own. My words cannot do this video justice, nor can it truly express the feelings that have been played into this video. However, our prayer is that this will take them one step closer to embracing a child of their very own.
On a personal note, I am thankful for the friendship that has developed between Shawna and I. There have been raw emotions that were laid on the table through this and I am thankful to know that we have laid a foundation for a beautiful friendship. I know that God will bless you both with a child to hold in your arms when his timing is perfect.
Mel ~ words cannot express how grateful Steve and I are to you and John & Jen for creating this heirloom for us. We {LOVE} it & are really looking forward to a sequel ;).....
(02.09.11 @ 03:01 PM)This is amazing....what a beautiful couple. I pray that they are blessed with a child. So touching! And, as always, I'm crying, Mel! These heirloom sessions are genius.
(02.09.11 @ 06:03 PM)What a touching video. My heart goes out to Shawna and Steve and all couples faced with infertility. You did a terrific job capturing it all, Mel!
(02.09.11 @ 07:00 PM)Beautiful work and collaboration, but an even more amazing couple. So thankful to know Shawna and to be praying for her and Steve during this journey.
(02.10.11 @ 07:22 AM)this is so beautiful! someone is going to fall in love with these two.
(02.22.11 @ 08:18 AM)Enjoy more sweet moments from some of my favorite people. I can't wait for them to look through these images again years from now. xoxo
We have had people ask how we came up with the name Heirloom Sessions. Yes, it may seem obvious, but there truly was meaning behind it. I come from a very musical family (hence my name ;). We listened to all kinds of artists growing up...one of them being Amy Grant. I knew the words to every song and wanted to be just like her when I grew up. There was one song in particular that continues to be a part of my family even today. I can't tell you the number of times we have sang this song, whether it be in the car, at home or at church...especially this time of year. These lyrics have founded the true meaning of heirloom to me. So, when this whole discussion began to develop for these sessions I couldn't help but think of 'heirloom.' Just read the words below (or listen to the link attached) and you will see where this inspiration derived.
HEIRLOOMS by Amy Grant
Up in the attic,
Down on my knees.
Lifetimes of boxes,
Timeless to me.
Letters and photographs,
Yellowed with years,
Some bringing laughter,
Some bringing tears.
Time never changes,
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me,
All that I come from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me.
Wisemen and shepherds,
Down on their knees,
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet.
Who was this wonder,
Baby yet king?
Living and dying;
He gave life to me.
Time never changes,
The memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me,
Telling all that I came from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious savior
Is more than an heirloom to me.
-Amy Grant: Click HERE to listen to Heirlooms
SO beautiful!! Oh my...just precious. What a treasure for them!
(12.13.10 @ 08:54 AM)mel - these are so beautiful. i can't imagine anyone capturing their family as perfectly. :) the ones of them just sitting on a blanket, playing with toys + reading are my very favorites.
(12.13.10 @ 04:35 PM)Molly
Once again, it was an honor to work with John of Northernlight Filmworks on, yet, another amazing heirloom session. The passion the 4 of us share with these sessions, and the chemistry that is required to make them happen, is something that can only be seen by watching the video.
As for the sweet family you have seen in this video, I don't even know where to begin. Shelly and I connected a number of years back at church when we were both going out on our own with photography. We instantly connected and have realized that photography has grown us into the bestest of friends. Being able to capture this time for them, seeing them as a family, has made this session even more beautiful! The tears in my eyes are only the visual of the love my heart feels for them. Love you guys!
Amazingly Wonderful!!! Love, love love!!!!
(12.09.10 @ 04:11 PM)Well, there you go, making me cry again! LOVE this & wish I had done it for BOTH kids! Just gorgeous & so special!
(12.09.10 @ 04:37 PM)Yeah! Awesome! Loved it! So sweet :)
(12.09.10 @ 04:43 PM)tears...so beautiful!!! what a wonderful treasure!
(12.09.10 @ 04:44 PM)This is SOOO sweet! Shelly, your family is beautiful, Melody these photos are incredible and John, your videography is amazing! :)
Well done guys!
(12.09.10 @ 07:22 PM)So sweet, Love it.
(12.10.10 @ 09:31 AM)Oh Mel...this is just too sweet. Love it!
(12.12.10 @ 07:03 PM)SO beautiful and such a treasure! I love it!!!
(12.13.10 @ 01:23 PM)Absolutely incredible! Incredible photography, videography and family! Sweet little Molly is so well loved.
(12.14.10 @ 11:36 AM)Here we are at the start committing to each other
By His word and from our hearts
We will be a family in a house that will be a home
And with faith we'll build it strong
We'll build a household of faith
That together we can make
And when the strong winds blow it won't fall down
As one in Him we'll grow and the whole world will know
We are a household of faith
Now to be a family we've got to love each other
At any cost unselfishly
And our home must be a place that fully abounds with grace
A reflection of His face
-Steve Green, Household of Faith
Thanks again to the Hopkins Family for giving John and I the opportunity to capture a glimpse of what it means to have a household of faith built on love.
What incredible pictures and memories! Thanks for sharing them!
(10.22.10 @ 11:21 AM)Amazing! What beautiful images!! Thanks so much for sharing.
(10.25.10 @ 10:12 AM)
Love these! Shawna, you are gorgeous!!! I agree...can't wait to see what God has in store for you two!
(02.16.11 @ 07:49 PM)