Culbert Family – Smyrna | Atlanta Family Photographer

When my neighbor Tiffany asked me about photographing her family for her daughters’ 2yr and 6 month milestone session, I was thrilled! We live a few doors down from the Culbert family, and our daughter Leighton was born 3 months after their daughter Emerson, which has equaled instant best friends since birth. We simply adore their family, and it has been the most wonderful thing to watch our girls form such a special, inseparable bond at such a young age. Now that baby sister Evelyn has joined them, I know we’re in for so many more girly, fun memories to come. Make sure to scroll to the end to see which Disney princess joined us for a few photos! 😉

Otis’ 1 Year Milestone Session – Piedmont Park | Atlanta Children’s Photographer

Otis and his family are lucky enough to live just a couple blocks from Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, so I met them at their house and we wandered over to the park for his one year session last month. They also brought along their precious nanny, who is one of Otis’ favorite people. It takes a village to raise a child, and I love that his parents wanted to include her in some of the photos for this big milestone birthday. He gave me smiles for days and could have practiced walking all over that park if we had let him. Happy 1st birthday, Otis!

Sara’s 1 Year Milestone Session – Marietta | Atlanta Children’s Photographer

Sara turns one this month, so I went to her family’s home to shoot her milestone session last weekend. Those tiny front teeth popping through are just the cutest, and she is such a happy little babe. It’s a good thing I brought my little white rocker to contain her for some solo shots, because she is on to go as soon as she’s on the floor. I’m sure she’ll be full-on walking in no time… and then there’s no turning back! 🙂 Happy 1st birthday, Miss Sara!

Dickinson Family Mini Session | Ardmore Park – Atlanta Family Photographer

I met up with this sweet daddy/daughter duo last weekend after having to reschedule twice (thanks to bad weather and my illness), and I’m so glad I finally got to meet them! Miss Gracelyn had just woken up from a nap in the car and was a little shy at first, but she brightened right up and was such a little sweetheart. She refused her furry white coat, even though it was freezing out, but you’d never have known it by her smile. During our session, Ryan told me that he sometimes wished he could just freeze time because she’s growing too fast. It’s clear what a great bond these two have, and I’m honored to have been asked to capture this time in their lives for them.

Thank you for an amazing 2016!

What an incredible year 2016 has been for Melissa Hayes Photography! This is the first full year I’ve had as a work-from-home mom, and it has truly been better than anything I could have hoped for. I’ve welcomed many new clients and have had the pleasure of working with numerous repeat clients — all while spending the majority of my time taking care of our little girl. I’m beyond thankful for your continued support of my business. It’s because of you, my dear clients, that I’m able to live my dream!

2017 will bring my 4th year of business, and I look forward to serving the Atlanta area in an even greater capacity. I’ll leave you with some highlights from 2016. Here’s to a fun-filled, healthy, and happy new year!