Family

Where It All Started in Sussex and New Berlin, Wisconsin

This family photography story starts all the way back in high school in Sussex, Wisconsin, where I went to school with Claudia. Years later, she reached out to me for a headshot session, and that ended up being the beginning of something I didn’t even realize would turn into such an amazing ongoing connection.

The first time I ever photographed Claudia was four years ago when we met up in New Berlin for a headshot mini session. We had so much fun laughing and just talking about the years that had passed since high school.

Because Claudia was my last photography session of the day, I suggested we go photograph her with the blooming crab apple trees. She agreed, and we both jumped in my car and went on an adventure to Whitnall Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While we were there, we also visited Boerner Botanical Gardens since the tulip garden was in full bloom, and man, am I glad we did. We ended up photographing some of my favorite headshots to date because of that spontaneous little adventure.

A Couple’s Session in Menomonee Falls

After that first session with Claudia, she asked if I would photograph her and her boyfriend Alex for a couples session in Menomonee Falls. Of course I said yes!

We met up at Menomonee Park and had such a fun time wandering around the quarry to capture timeless couples photos of them both. It was such a laid back and easy session, and you could feel the love between them the entire time.

Welcoming the Puppy Into the Family in West Bend, Wisconsin

As their story continued, Claudia and Alex welcomed their puppy Hank into their family. Hank was such a cutie pie, and although it was cold and snowy outside, we met up in West Bend, Wisconsin to photograph some sweet photos of them all together while he was still just a little pup. Because dogs are family too.

Pregnancy Announcement and Maternity Photography in Port Washington, Wisconsin

Not even a few short weeks later, Claudia told me that she and Alex were expecting a baby. We immediately scheduled an announcement session in Port Washington, Wisconsin on the beach.

It was still a little chilly outside since it was early spring, but we ended up with the most perfect day. Hank even made an appearance and stole the show with his wild puppy energy. We ended up capturing some of the cutest, most beautiful photos of them together.

A Newborn Session in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

After Claudia and Alex welcomed their baby girl into the world, I met them at their home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin for their newborn session.

Coffee and food in hand for the new parents, I sat on their couch with them and chatted for a bit before capturing the most relaxed, beautiful newborn photos. Their little girl was absolute perfection, and the whole session felt calm and easygoing.

Christmas Mini Session in West Bend, Wisconsin

A couple months later in November, this family of three (Hank had to stay home for this one) came to West Bend, Wisconsin for a Christmas mini session.

It was so adorable seeing their daughter in her little Christmas hat and watching the parents interact with her during the entire session. These are the simple, sweet moments that make milestone seasons so special.

Six Month Milestone Session in Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Once their little girl turned six months old, Claudia and Alex brought her to Cedarburg, Wisconsin for a milestone session.

Not only did we get sweet photos of her with a cupcake and balloons, but we also captured full family moments together. It was the perfect mix of playful and sentimental, showing just how much she had grown in such a short timespan.

Why These Sessions Matter

In the span of only three or four years, so much has changed for Claudia and her family. Watching this story unfold from high school friends to headshots, couples sessions, maternity, newborn, and milestone moments has been such an honor.

These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why I do what I do. It is never just about one photo session. It is about telling a story over time, one season at a time. Here’s what Alex and Claudia have to say:

“As a dad, I can honestly say working with Mel was a great experience for our whole family. She made us feel comfortable right away, and the session was actually fun—no pressure, just natural moments. She’s amazing with kids and somehow captures real smiles so easily. The whole thing felt more like a fun family outing than a photo shoot, and the pictures turned out better than we hoped. Highly recommend Mel!”

“Mel is AMAZING! She is very easy to communicate with and makes you feel at home durring sessions. Definitely has a great eye for capturing the best photos. I have used Mel 2 times now for photos and definitely will continue to in the future. 100% book with her!”

Ready to Start Your Own Photography Journey?

If you are looking for a Wisconsin family photographer to document your story over time, I would love to work with you. From couples sessions to maternity, newborn, and milestone photography, I specialize in capturing all the little moments that matter most for families.

I photograph families in West Bend, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Cedarburg, Port Washington, Milwaukee, and surrounding Wisconsin areas.

If you are ready to start your own photography journey, you can contact me here to begin planning your session.