and the blooms are

already making

their appearance.

it’s time…

these *will* go fast…very fast.  so get on it and email me quick!

fine print: sessions are for babies and children who are sitting on their own; two children per mini (additional minis can be purchased back to back to accommodate larger sibling groups); $100 deposit; balance due at or before the session; non-refundable, but can be transferred as print credit to another session during 2012

So, so, so excited!

One of my favorite photographers, Deb Schwedhelm

has been given the opportunity to travel Tanzania,

to photograph a huge 11-day event in June.

She’s trying to raise $5000

before her journey

for the foundation for tomorrow (TFFT)

Check out that link…trust me.

when Deb posted about her giveaway,

I had to jump on board.

I had

to help.

and that’s where

you come in,

my friends.

GIVEAWAY | a $1,750.00 value
a one-hour photo session in the dallas-fort worth area
one 11 by 14 print
30 high-resolution digital files on DVD

HOW TO ENTER:
donate $20 HERE
for every $20 donation, you will receive one giveaway entry
you can enter as many times as you wish
submit your first and last name when donating
email me that you would like to be entered into the giveaway

PLEASE NOTE:
eligible for giveaway if you live in the dallas-fort worth area or are willing to drive / fly to the area
session must take place on a weekday, may 1st through july 15th, 2012
session location is limited to 30-miles of 76248 zip code
session is for immediate family members only [parents & children]
no cash value

spread the word.
let’s get Deb far beyond her goal.
make a difference.
do
something
extraordinary.

my clients

forever

that real

genuine

moments

aren’t forced.

they are fluid

little glimpses

found in every session,

when the subject

is allowed

to just

be.

MZP is rolling out a new take on the classic session. It’s simple, understated, real…the moments you want to remember about your child, about your family, about each other. In the coming weeks on the blog you’ll see real families, real children just as they are – imperfect but completely perfect to those who love them, exactly how God intended us to be – so totally, head over heels in love.

meet Campbell.

newly four.

big sister

little sister.

six sweet freckles,

piercing blue eyes.

sweet

as

sin.

and today,

she was allowed

to just

be.

If you’d like more details on this new offering, shoot me an email: mz@melissazihlman.com

details:

*50% off $100 gift certificates

*valid on 2012 sessions and can also be purchased as gifts (limit 5)

*gift certificates expire 12.1.12

*email mz@melissazihlman.com to purchase

*sale ends Monday at 11:59:59 PM CST

*fine print: gift certificates not redeemable for cash; current pricing and minimum orders apply

The details:

is in my blood,

I think.

the details,

invitations,

the whole nine,

I just love it.

the little guy

just turned one,

and what a fun time

we had!

I always do HUGE parties…but I’ve never shared one on the blog, until now.  I’ve been hounded asked nicely to please share…so here it is, T’s first birthday celebration!  I’ve been planning this party since late February.  And it all started with the color combo (orange/gray/white) and my favorite pattern (chevron)…and the ideas really started flowing from there, with the help of some inspiration from my latest addiction, Pinterest.  I can’t think of a better way to show off the party then some collages of the little man and all the details…we had a yummy table of goodies, the best cupcakes, water guns, sidewalk chalk , the trampoline, and bubbles (along with record breaking heat…) – things perfectly fit for our little birthday prince.

I did a lot of the details myself, including the gorgeous luxe 5×7 folded invitation.  Anything I hired out, I’ve listed the vendors for at the bottom of this post.  They are all amazing, really amazing, and helped make my ideas come to life!  Thanks to all who came, for helping make some incredible memories for our littlest man…it’s been an awesome year!

Vendors:

bottles – Specialty Bottle
mason jars – Specialty Bottle
polka dot candy cups – Shop Sweet Lulu
straws – The Sugar Diva
cakes- Legacy Cakes
cookies – Better Bit of Butter
cupcake topper – Two Sugar Babies
favor bags – Perideau Designs
shirts – Eight Baby Legs
banner – ElizabethGrace

Casting calls are a chance for me to get the ideas that are swirling in my head…out.  To be more creative, to try something new, to do something just for me.  If you, or your child, is selected they’ll receive a mini session with me at the time and place of my choice, receive styling help, and 3 digital files from the session.  It’s really a win win…if you are interested in one of the upcoming casting calls (there will be THREE total this spring), keep and eye on the blog and if you meet the criteria shoot me an email.

casting call TWO: a couple (married, engaged, dating…) in love. a couple who are really comfortable being in love and showing their affection.  a couple who don’t mind the whole world knowing… this couple will be available for a session showing off their love during the golden hour (approximately 6pm) on a WEEKday in April in the mid cities area.

Interested? email me a picture of you and your love to mz@melissazihlman.com

the fine print:

*date & time are selected by the photographer, if you are selected and not available, another person will be chosen

*a signed model release is needed

*digital files are chosen by the photographer

*additional images/files may be purchased, though there is NO requirement to do so

Connect with Melissa| email for a session | follow me on twitter | become a fan on facebook

(fine print: gift certificates not redeemable for cash; no limit on number you can purchase; current pricing and minimum orders apply; must be used for a session prior to 12/31/2011)

And what would a post be without a picture? Here’s a quick one from tonight’s session with a very special little girl…

Today, I am so excited to giveaway an awesome shirt of your choice from Sandbox Threads!  And don’t forget you can still register to win the Goodbyn lunch box until 8PM CST tonight!

Sandbox Threads is a company born from a father’s desire to do good things for his family and dress his kids in cool t’s without having to spend $30 on a shirt that they’ll outgrow in less than a season.  His shirts are retro, political, environmental, and super cool…

Check out my favorite shirt – totally perfect for Earth Day!

You have until Friday at 12PM CST to enter for a shirt of your choice! That’s right…you get to pick the shirt and the size! All you have to do is visit Sandbox Threads, pick your favorite shirt and list its name and the size you want in the comment box below!  The winner will receive the shirt they mentioned in their comment, and will be selected by a random number generator.

You can receive one additional entry if you FB or Twitter this promotion! Just be sure to come back and leave a separate comment when you’ve done it!

Good luck and Happy Earth Day! And don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the last giveaway of the week!! I’m saving something pretty awesome for the last day of this celebration!!