Melissa Dunstan

Our new site! www.melissadunstan.com

2012-04-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce our new website and blog! It's a new, improved client interface and we feel it's much easier to use and navigate. Let us know what you think!

Vineyard Wedding Featured on The Charity Wedding {Abby & Sam}

2012-01-06T11:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you Alicia from The Charity Wedding for featuring Abby and Sam's gorgeous wedding at Granite Creek Vineyards!

Winter Engagement Session Sneak Peek {Meghan & Drew}

2012-01-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Meghan and Drew were in Flagstaff from Wisconsin visiting for the holidays and decided to have their engagement session photographed on a beautiful wintery day!

Gorgeous Ring!

This couple needed no direction, they just enjoyed each others company and let us shoot away!

The stunning bride-to-be!

They even braved the cold with out jackets!

Meghan & Drew could not stop giggling, it was pretty cute!

So sweet! We can't wait to capture more of Meghan & Drew in June at their wedding! Congratulations! -Melissa & Kristen

Fabulous Florida Wedding Sneak Peek {Molly & Jon}

2011-12-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of traveling to Dade City , Florida in November for Molly and Jon's beautiful wedding. I just love how green and lush everything is, makes for a fantastic backdrop!

Molly wore this stunning gown!

Molly, the beautiful bride.

The happy bride and groom!

Congratulations to Molly and Jon! Stay tuned for the rest of their Florida wedding!

Charity Wedding Feature on Hingsight Bride! {Alicia & Kyle}

2011-12-16T11:06:00.002-07:00

Thank you Christie from Hindsight Bride for the fabulous feature on Alicia & Kyle's Charity Wedding!

Vendors:

Photography: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Event Design: KD Event Designs

Floral: Glamorous Occasions

Dress Designer: Victorian Cowgirl

Shoes: TOMS

Video: Taltos Productions

DJ: Downtown Browne
Cake: Sedona Sweet Arts

Fine Art Canvas {Alicia and Kyle}

2011-12-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when clients send me photos on how they display their wedding photos in their home and office. Alicia just sent me these photos of her new canvases and I just had to share them! You might remember Alicia and Kyle, they got married last October and are the couple behind The Charity Wedding concept. Kyle is now a chiropractor and owns a clinic, Camp Verde Family and Chiropractic Wellness Center. Alicia works alongside her husband, and also heads up the very popular wedding and philanthropy website, The Charity Wedding. In addition, this couple is out and about volunteering all over the state for various charities, and they also foster dogs for Golden Bone Rescue and the Beagle Arizona Rescue Club. I'm still figuring out when this girl sleeps :) This is her home office desk and I love how she put a collage above where she works.

I love the ones that she choose to get printed, they all work together very well!

This one hangs above their fireplace. I can't think of anything more romantic about this one going there :)

Thanks for sharing Alicia! Hope you and Kyle have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Audra & Dutch Snow Session {Portrait Photography}

2011-12-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Meet Audra and Dutch!

So cute! I had so much fun in the snow with these two!

Look at those eyes, what a beauty!

Handsome guy!

What a good boy Dutch is!

Happy Holidays!

NAU Graduation Portrait Session {Isabella}

2011-12-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we get to meet an Intern that really impresses us and Isabella is definitely one of those ladies. We got to know Isabella throughout 2011 while she was an Intern for KD Event Designs. We would see her work through the day of a wedding, always with a smile, while she managed the success of an event. Whether she was clearing a table, setting up an escort card display, running to find needle and thread for a bride, or checking with the couple to see if they needed any assistance at the reception, she did it professionally, enthusiastically and with an effortless positive attitude.

Isabella is reaching a milestone this week when she'll be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Given Isabella's talent and dedication, we can only imagine what successes she'll accomplish in the future.

Here's what Kim, of KD Event Designs, has to say about Isabella:
"Isabella is a very creative, sweet and organized individual. She excels at staying on task under pressure, which is a critical trait needed in the Event Planning and Design field. I'm very lucky to have her as an asset for my business. Her future holds many possibilities and I am excited that she has decided to stay with the KD Event Design team for 2012."

Congratulations Isabella! We look forward to working with you again and wish you the best for your exciting future!
Melissa & Kristen

Let it Snow! Holiday Snow Session with the Mead Family {Family Photographer}

2011-12-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

Meet Kirsten, Don, Kendall & their sweet puppies!

Kendall has a way to make her Dad bust out in laughter!

Kendall and her Oro, super cute!

Oh Maggie, you are such a beauty!

There are so many things I love about this photo, how Kirsten and Kendall are laughing, how Don is out of breath from playing with the dogs...a great moment!

Beautiful ladies!

It was cold, but so pretty at Thorpe Park, thanks for being such great sports!

Meet Cracker Jack! {Pet Photography}

2011-12-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Cracker Jack is a lucky rescue pup that has a very loving owner Carol and a fantastic home and yard to play in!

He loves to dig!

Sweet boy!

Fall Family Session {McMillian Family}

2011-12-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of photographing the McMillan Family for the past few years and have watch Angus grow from a tiny baby to this handsome little boy!

Look at his big smile, so cute!

Angus had some fun with the puddles!

Such a sweet family!

VIP Reception Catered by Thornager's on Kiltie Lane

2011-12-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen helped host "A Hometown Evening,
A Celebration of Edward B. Danson & the Museum of Northern Arizona" at the Orpheum Theater, downtown Flagstaff. This event was a fundraiser In Support of the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Edward B. Danson Chair of Anthropology Fund. Our good friends Karen from Thornager's Catering on Kiltie Lane and Kim from KD Event Designs created this lovely VIP reception for the fundraiser.

Kim Duncan Event Designs styled the VIP reception with fabulous wood bookshelves and furniture for the amazing food to be displayed.

Thornager's always has delicious, beautiful and creative cuisine!

The beautiful ladies behind Thornager's and KDED!

1st Birthday Cupcake Photo Session {Baby Olivia}

2011-11-29T11:28:00.001-07:00

We were so excited to have this beautiful little girl back in our studio and celebrating her 1st birthday! Olivia is such a doll, this shoot was so much fun!

At first, Olivia was a little uncertain but quickly understood that the cupcake was a delicious treat!

She is too cute!

Now she is celebrating.

Olivia is such a happy baby!

Happy Birthday Olivia!!

BARk Magazine {Pet Photography}

2011-11-23T16:15:00.001-07:00

Thank you to BARk Magazine for featuring our photo of Elite runner Fasil Bizuneh with his Basenji, Ras in the article, "Going the Distance, Elite runners make great dog trainers".

Arizona Bride Resource Guide

2011-11-23T15:47:00.002-07:00

We are happy to share that two of our weddings were used in the current Arizona Bride Resource Guide! The bouquet on the cover and inside was designed and created by Sutcliffe Floral.

Fall Engagement Sneak Peek { Amy & Rick}

2011-11-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Amy and Rick picked the most beautiful time in Oak Creek Canyon for their engagement session. The leaves were incredible that day!

Amy and Rick were so much fun to work with, we can't wait until their Flagstaff Ranch wedding in January.

How gorgeous is Amy's ring!?! Nice job Rick!

Amy has the most beautiful blue eyes, they are piercing!

This is one of our favorites from the day, so sweet!

Congratulations to Amy & Rick on their engagement! - Melissa & Kristen

Sedona Destination Wedding - Part 2 {Wendy & Jon}

2011-11-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we shared Wendy and Jon's beautiful ceremony at Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona, Arizona. Today we are continuing with photos of Wendy and John and their reception at Agave of Sedona.

We just love this location! The spectacular red rock views and the beautiful trails full of local vegetation.

Gorgeous!

Wendy had both her sister and Jon's sister as her bridesmaids.

The best man could not get enough of the umbrellas!

Sweet couple, we are so happy for you!

Jon with his brother and best friend.

Wendy's mother made this adorable "just married" banner, she is so crafty!

Their beautiful ceremony was followed by a reception at Agave of Sedona.

All of the wood details were made with love by the Father of the Bride and the amazing centerpieces by Amy from Bliss Floral.

First dance as husband and wife!

Toward the end of the evening Wendy and Jon surprised their guests with their favorite treat! Such a great idea and super delicious!

Wendy and Jon's wedding was beautiful from start to finish, just look at this amazing sunset!

Congratulations and thank you to Wendy and Jon! - Melissa & Kristen

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Sky Ranch Lodge

Reception Venue: Agave of Sedona

Catering: Rosalie's of Sedona

DJ: Sound's Good Entertainment

Hair &Make Up: Patricia Vega

Florals: Bliss Floral

Day-of-Coordination: Peak Events

Photography: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Sedona Destination Wedding - Part 1 {Wendy & Jon}

2011-11-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Kristen and I are so excited to share Wendy and Jon's wedding at Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona, Arizona. This was the first time we had photographed at this venue and as you will see the views are spectacular! Wendy and Jon, as well as their guests, live out of state so they picked a perfect spot to show off Sedona's beauty and say I do!

Wendy started her day with the fabulous Patricia Vega at Le Petit Spa De Sedona.

Wendy's mother made these beautiful succulent hair pins. They look so great in her dark hair!

Patricia did a gorgeous job on Wendy's hair and makeup!

How amazing is the detail on Wendy's gown?!

Wendy all ready to meet her groom for their first look.

She looked stunning!

Jon looking dapper.

This is Wendy's something old and something blue. She had pieces of family members wedding attire and other family heirlooms in the little pouch with the blue ribbon.

All the boutonnieres, bouquets, and floral arrangements were created by Amy Mills at Bliss Floral. Everything was absolutely beautiful!

Jon patiently waiting for Wendy!

I love seeing the grooms reactions at the first meeting, Jon certainly did not disappoint!

Wendy's bouquet, isn't it fantastic!?!

Wow! Look at this backdrop!

Here comes the bride!

Wendy's father made these beautiful wood signs and some other details at the reception.

Jon was a happy groom.

First Kiss!

The happy couple! Congratulations Wendy and Jon!

So awesome! We were able to get everyone who attended the wedding in this photo.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Part 2!

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Sky Ranch Lodge

Reception Venue: Agave of Sedona

Catering: Rosalie's of Sedona

DJ: Sound's Good Entertainment

Hair & Make Up: Patricia Vega

Florals: Bliss Floral

Day-of-Coordination: Peak Events

Photography: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Rustic Vineyard Wedding feature on Sparkle & Hay {Abby & Sam}

2011-11-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sparkle & Hay for the feature of Abby & Sam's wedding at Granite Creek Vineyard!

Hart Prairie Wedding {Caitlin & Ryan}

2011-11-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

This super sweet couple had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Hart Prairie with a dazzling reception at the High Country Conference Center. Kim Duncan from KD Event Designs transformed the ballroom at the Conference Center and brought the outdoors in with live trees lining the walls and incorporating moss into the centerpieces. This wedding was gorgeous!

Caitlin found a gown that was just perfect for her.

She looked stunning!

This beautiful bouquet was designed by Dana at Glamorous Occasions.

Ryan's first look at his lovely bride, so cute!

How cute are they?!?!

This ceremony site was amazing! Caitlin and Ryan found the perfect spot for their outdoor wedding that highlighted the beauty of Flagstaff.

First Kiss!

A storm moved in after the ceremony which created an amazing cloudy setting!

I think the groomsmen were practicing their boy band posses!

The happy couple!

Kim from KD Event Designs did a beautiful job with all the details and redesign of the space.

Such a sweet moment between Caitlin and her father.

The couples outdoor theme was even brought into their cake made by Beautiful Leaf Bakery.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Hailey!

Foxboro Ranch Wedding {Alex & Kenny}

2011-11-01T14:53:00.002-07:00

Alex and Kenny's wedding was outside of Flagstaff at the beautiful Foxboro Ranch. This special couple, with the help of Kim from KD Event Designs, created one of the most meaningful weddings Kristen & I have ever worked or attended. This was a relatively large wedding but all the personal touches made you feel like you were at an intimate wedding witnessing something extremely rare and special. From the wedding gift that Kenny made for Alex, to their creative wedding vows, and their long time friend singing as Alex walked down the isle, let me tell you this was a special day!

The Jewish Ceremony was so meaningful, I'm so honored to have been there for that.

Love this photo of Alex's mom during their Jewish Ceremony.

This dress was perfection.

I adore this series, Kenny made Alex a music box, with parts that he bought in Russia, that played her favorite song, "Close to You". Yep, I was crying.

Such a nice moment before Alex and her father walk down the isle.

I LOVE this bridge! So beautiful!

Alex's long time friend sang during the ceremony. It was so heartfelt :)

Kenny's vows was singing the song from the Wedding Singer "Grow Old With You". Not a dry eye in the crowd...

Love this little moment of the ceremony, Alex has a beautiful smile!

Foxboro Ranch is spectacular for a wedding, especially when you have the talented Kim Duncan of KD Event Designs making everything perfect!

So many meaningful details!

Happy couple!

This was such a gorgeous evening, just perfect!

Alex is stunning!

Kenny's guitar and Alex's amazing bouquet made by Dana at Glamorous Occasions.

One of my favorites of the day, the clouds are awesome!

The beautiful bride!

Congratulations once again to Alex and Kenny! xoxo- Melissa & Kristen

                                                                  Vendors:
   Venue & Reception: Foxboro Ranch Estates
   Event Planner & Designer: KD Event Designs
                                 Floral Design: Glamorous Occasions
                                  Cake Designer: Sedona Sweet Arts
                                    Entertainment: Dylan Paul Eibey
                                     DJ & Sound: Jam-N-Sounds AZ
             Dress Alterations: Madame 2 Sew
                                       Photography: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Rockport Wedding, Emerson Inn by the Sea {Preston & Leigh}

2011-10-19T13:10:00.008-07:00

This August, I headed to spectacular Rockport, MA to photograph my best friend's wedding. I've known Preston since 1989, when I was at the University of Georgia and he was a ceramic student at Shorter College. He was my then boyfriend's big brother in a fraternity that they created named "Alpha Lamba Epsilon" (which the abbreviation, by the way, obviously spells out "ale". This was a joke among the brothers as traditional fraternities were not allowed at their small, very conservative college. They thought they were being really funny by spelling out a code word for "beer") But, those college stories are for another day and time...

As soon as I met Preston, he was immediately my best friend. Preston was always there for me, always. He took me to the airport on my first ever time on an airplane (yes, I was 25, I know...I'm a late travel bloomer:), and met me when I got off the plane and took me for a cocktail to celebrate. He and I have watched every John Hughes made, probably 100 times each. I can't tell you how many times we've quoted this scene from Weird Science. He introduced me to art and tried to teach me how to appreciate it. (Although I think when we were at the Metropolitan Museum of Art I might have started to go to sleep when he was lecturing me on composition) He was always there when I needed someone to listen to me, someone to encourage me and someone to act silly with. We've been to at least six Jimmy Buffet concerts together, visited each other in all the different states we've lived in and always, always been each others cheerleader. From day one, even when I was just starting out, he encouraged me to follow my heart and become a photographer. He and I recently laughed at just how bad I was when I first started, but he said to me that he saw just how much I loved it and above all, he wanted me to be happy. And, I suppose, that's what best friends do, they support one another regardless of the odds.

One thing a lot of people don't know is that Preston made my engagement ring. One of the reasons that I love my husband so much, is that he's thoughtful and has always understood my close bond with Preston. Recognizing this, he called up a man he's only heard stories of, and asked him to design and make my engagement ring. I cannot tell you how much this gesture meant to me, it somehow just can't be put in words. He came to my wedding as my Brides-Man and stood as witness when I said my vows to Grant on a cold, snowy day. When I asked him to be in my wedding, and if he would feel strange as a bridesmaid, I mean bridesman, he replied, "I'd do anything for you, even wear a dress if you want." I knew that even though we were joking, I knew deep down he was serious. He would do anything for me.

Preston is a professor at Bridgewater State University now but also finds time to make some beautiful ceramic art pieces. Along the way, he also became a wonderful metal worker. He, of course, made Leigh's rings with a solitaire diamond surrounded by pink sapphires. Leigh, also being an artist, designed Preston's ring. I can't even begin to imagine how artistically gifted their kids will be!

So now that you know a little bit about my friend, fast forward to February 2011 when I got a call that I ultimately knew would come one day. In typical Preston form, he quoted a John Hughes movie, Sixteen Candles, and just said this when I picked up the phone...."Married??!!??". I immediately knew what had happened. Holy Cow, my best friend was getting married. And, so I responded just like Jake in Sixteen Candles, "Married??" And Preston said, again, "Married!!!!...Gez...!!" It's a dialogue only best friends can understand.

At this point, I had never met Leigh. I had only heard stories about her and watched how my best friend's eyes would light up when he told me about her. But, it was when they first met when I knew she was going to be The One. Preston called me up and announced he had stopped smoking cigarettes. What!?! I was so happy for him, as I had been hounding him for YEARS to stop. I asked "What changed your mind?" And this response is really what amazed me..."Leigh doesn't like kissing someone who smokes". Right then I knew I would like her.

To say I was nervous when I met Leigh would be an understatement. I. Was. Terrified. What if she didn't like me? What if I messed up the wedding photos? What if I threw up on her shoes? (OK, that probably wasn't going to happen, but I worry about lots of things...) But, from the moment that I met her I knew why Preston loved her so much. She greeted me with one of those big hugs that I appreciated. It was filled with immediate respect and love. And I loved her from that moment.

So, here's a few photos from their day. It was definitely hard to pick my favorites for the blog, but I hope you enjoy them.

Leigh has wonderful style. When I asked Preston what kind of dress she was going to get, all he told me was "She said it would be dramatic". Now, as a photographer, you never know what this could mean. But, when I walked into her parent's house, I was floored. I think their kitty loved it as much as I did judging on how he was staring at it. It's a beautiful Melissa Sweet bustier and skirt. And, it was made for Leigh. She was stunning in this dress.

Leigh choose a pallet of pink and black for their day and everything was gorgeous. The flowers, created by artists at The Sage Florists, were a combination of roses, calla lillies and hydrangeas and they were stunning!

I told you that Leigh and Preston were artists and they proved that when they took this design to their cake artist, The Cookie Countess.

Details at the reception were delightful. I loved the combination of letterpress escort cards and table markers by Parrot Design Studio. The star gazer lillies were as gorgeous as they smelled. Emerson by the Sea , a lovely historic gem, was once owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and is flocked with beautiful quotes about love and life. What a sweet touch for a wedding!

Now, if you knew Preston, you'd know that some of his favorite things in life are the beach, bourbon, the occasional cigar and delicious BBQ. In a sweet gesture to bring in some of Preston's Southern traditions, Leigh had this Groom's Cake made for him. I half expected to hear a Jimmy Buffet song coming from the cake, it was perfect!

Preston and Leigh choose the beautiful Emerson by the Sea as the setting for their wedding. It's lawn backs up to the Atlantic Ocean and I really can't think of a more magical place to start their life together.

Here are a couple of my favorites of Leigh, such a beautiful woman! Don't you agree that this dress was made for her?

In this sweet moment I was crying. I love this moment more than anything, and when it's your best friend, it that much more meaningful.

Sweet moment before the vows, don't they look so happy!

First kiss!

Love this one of them walking away, so happy!

I asked Preston for his best GQ look for this photo, he cracks me up!

I think this might be my favorite photo from the day.

I can't even remember who was nice enough to take this photo for me, but I love it, thank you!

I loved the fact that Preston and Leigh hired a band for their reception. Honey Train delighted everyone with great music all night!

This was the very last dance of the night. Sigh...

To Preston and Leigh,

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your photographer on your wedding day. I can't even begin to let you know just how much it meant to me to watch you start your life together. I hope you love the photos half as much as I adore you both. Love and hugs to both of you! ~ Melissa

Vendors:

Venue and Reception: Emerson by the Sea

Wedding Gown: Melissa Sweet

Floral Designs: Sage Floral Studio

Cake Designer: The Cookie Countess

Entertainment: Honey Train

Invitations and Paper Goods: Parrot Designs

Photography: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Heart Prairie Wedding Sneak Peek {Caitlin and Ryan}

2011-10-06T13:43:00.001-07:00

This was a perfect wedding day with clouds, warm weather, and a very in love couple!

Ryan is so sweet to Caitlin!

This is one of my favorites!

The location for the ceremony was spectacular, full of wildflowers and aspen trees!

Congratulations Caitlin and Ryan! Stay tuned for a post with the entire wedding!

Sedona Golf Resort Wedding Feature on Borrowed and Bleu! {Laura & Mike}

2011-10-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you Borrowed and Bleu for the feature of Laura and Mike's intimate destination wedding at Sedona Golf Resort!

Rustic Outdoor Engagement Session Featured on Sparkle and Hay {Jules and Thomas}

2011-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sparkle and Hay for the beautiful feature on Jules and Thomas's engagement session. This couple is so sweet and we can not wait for their amazing wedding May 2012 in New Orleans! Congratulations Jules and Thomas, enjoy your engagement!!