Joe and Megan - 2007

This is my best friend from high school Megan, and her darling Joe. We both always said we should marry boys with the same name and we did! How fun is that! :) I had so much fun photographing this wedding primarily because I got to shoot it with my dad and because it was for such a close friend. Dad gave me a camera and said "go at it Melissa, you know what Megan likes." She was a radiant bride! I can't believe it's already been a year ago in May. Time FLIES! I really wanted to add them to the blog because it was SUCH an amazing day. Love you Meggie!

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Chris & Amy

Photographing friends is an amazing experience because I've had the opportunity to see where they've come from and what they've gone through to find each other. They've beaten the odds together and grown closer while doing it. I wish I could have shown every picture of their engagement session here because each one showed another more intricate part of their amazing relationship. They know how to play together and enjoy each other's company. Yet there is also a deep love and respect for the other person that shows that God knew what he was doing when he put these two together. Thank you SO much Chris and Amy for the pleasure of being a part of your engagement! You have both blessed me in so many ways. I can't wait to see where God will take you next...and to what part of the world you will go!!! :)

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Mark & Ashley

If I could describe this day in one word... it would have to be PERFECT! I feel so blessed to have been a small part of their day. They were such a joy! They cared so much about each other, but also for every person that attended their wedding. So much love. Everything about the day was sincere and heartfelt. It was beautiful!! I'm so happy that I was able to help with this wedding. It warms my heart to know that a couple like this is joined together as one - to help and counsel other couples into happily ever after. Enjoy your honeymoon Mark and Ashley!!!

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Brian and Steph

Now THIS was a fun couple! They had me laughing the whole session. Brian, way to bear through it! You were a brave man! It was an unusually hot Sunday afternoon when we took their pictures and they really were champs. AND, we had lots of fun. Steph was an absolute sweetheart and was up for anything! We had her leaping up walls and climbing through fields! I hope trap shooting went well after the session Brian! :)

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Mindy Rose Ovenden

THIS is my amazing best friend. Not only is she beautiful, but she is the most talented singer I have ever met in my life. I am SO proud of her. She was able to perform some of her original work at the Firehouse Underground in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I can't believe how much she has grown as a singer and a worship leader. Check her out!!! She is AMAZING! :) I'm so proud of you Mindy! LOVE YOU!!!!

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa
Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer. (unless you are Mindy) :)

Bret & Andrea

Not only were we almost blown away by the wind that day... but I was personally blown away by these two young people. They had such amazing insight on life with Christ as the center of their relationship that I know they will be happy. Having lived so far apart before getting married myself, I undersand the value of quality time spent together, and it was easy to see that they've spent tons of time getting to really know each other. It's going to be an amazing ride for you guys! Enjoy it as it comes! Marriage is AWESOME! :)

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Haleigh

Haleigh was so much fun to photograph. We cruised around town with her mom and sister. We really had a blast! I can't wait to see what she is going to do with her future. She was such a sweetheart, with an amazing outlook on life! Good luck this year Haleigh! Your senior year is going to fly by!

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa
Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Mr. and Mrs. Reuben and Sarina Kinnunen

Sarina and Reuben ended up having a beautiful day for their wedding! The day was forecasted to be rainy, so we were JUMPING for joy when we had almost no rain that day! Anyway, a little rain is supposed to be good luck! Right?! They were such a fun couple and both had amazing families! Reuben - one of 9, and Sarina - one of 6, will know exactly what it takes to make their new family work--because I am sure with all those siblings, they've seen just about everything. Congratulations on your new start together!

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.

Caroline and Natalie

These two girls have added SO much... and I mean SO much excitement to my life! As the first one married in my family, I had no idea what it meant to be an auntie. Kids say the craziest stuff!! Joe and I just babysat for them for four days last week. While we are still not ready to have kids, it was amazing spending so much time with them. Caroline is honestly the smartest 3 year old I've ever met. We keep telling Kate (my sister-in-law) that she needs to publish a book! However, with brains comes LOTS of spit and vinegar and tons of laughs. Natalie's favorite thing is my dog Jazzy or any other 'puppy' on the face of the planet. She is not afraid of a 120lb dog either. And if you ask her what a brown bear says, you'll be rolling on the floor laughing after she lets out her super low growl. They are awesome, and I love them to death! (pictures of my other niece Ella are coming SOON!!! She is a totally different kind of sweet as I'm sure you'll see!!) : o)

COPYRIGHTED 2008 Joy Studios Photography by Melissa

Do not reproduce these images without the consent of the photographer.