Just a just a few images for this beautiful girl’s mom . . . because i know she’s dying to see some. I promise I will post more at a later time. They are too perfect not to share!






Mother’s day will be here this weekend and if you haven’t already gotten that special gift for the mom in your life, I’ve got a great idea for you. I think it’s ideal for mom’s of younger age kids but life goes by so fast that I think you would have plenty of uses for it if your kiddos are a little older too.
It’s called, “One line a day.” At first glance it may look like just another journal, but if you are like me, finding time to sit and journal can be challenging. I’ve had this book for almost a year now and am pleased that I’ve stuck with it. The pages have dates on them and then a spot to write “a line” for that day for five years. That’s right, five years of memories in one book. It’s short and sweet. But so many times my kids will say the cutest things to me and I would always think, “I should write that down.” Well, now I do! It also helps me remember all the cute things my kids did that I want to tell my husband when he gets home. I leave this book out so I can quickly grab it. It’s another amazing way, in addition to photographs, to preserve those moments that you just don’t want to forget.
I purchased my book at Barnes & Noble a year ago but last week I noticed they were carrying a cute pink one at Ruche. You can also see an image they have of the inside of the book if you’re interested.

no comments




Black Birch held it’s 2012 spring thaw event in the cutest historic home in downtown St. Charles. I was lucky enough to not only have some of my images at the event but to photograph it as well. The guests that attended were great and it was an amazing line up of vendors. Black Birch was present with their eco friendly line of lotions, sprays etc. Ann Kathryn, of AnnKat designs, had amazing jewelry and launched some of the new pieces in her line and the chocolate from Little Dipper Chocolate, well let’s just say what I bought was GONE before I even got home! Thanks to everyone for a great evening and I can’t wait until next year. Here are a few images from the night . . .
no comments




. . . . if this doesn’t make you smile, what could?!! There’s a lot more for another time. But what a fun time I had on this session. Thank you Melissa for inviting me to photograph your boys on your gorgeous property!!

Find more information on scheduling a session with St. Louis Missouri’s children’s photographer, Melanie Acker photography.
no comments




Are you free on Saturday?? You won’t want to miss this great event and let me be the first to officially give you an invite!

There will be lots of fun eco-lux vendors there in addition to food and wine. All the vendors and products are local here to St. Louis so it’s also a great way to support local business and have a fun girl’s night out! Melanie Acker photography will be there – and I even have some giveaways. Who doesn’t love that?
There’s no need to RSVP. It’s on Saturday, Aprl 21 from 3-6pm and will take place at 540 Monroe Street, St. Charles, MO 63301
Follow this link to a sneak peak of what you can expect to find at the event and I can’t wait to meet you and see you there!
. . . . and because everyone likes to see images – here’s some “spring fun” to get you in the mood.











Melanie Acker photography captures childhood with emotion and originality. She serves the greater St. louis area. Find more of St. Louis kids photographer on her website.
no comments




An image from Caleb & Ann Kathryn’s wedding has been featured again. It seems no one can get enough of them – well, I understand why! This time a bridal portrait image of Ann Kathryn was featured on Love and Lobster, a site that focuses on coastal new england weddings. They have a piece on stylish, short hair styles for weddings. Go check it out! Here’s the link – Love and Lobster
no comments




I’m SO excited to announce the partnership of MELANIE ACKER photography with Meghan Reed of Cheeky Chic Studios! We’ve been working on this for awhile and I’m pleased that we will be rolling out this new service just in time for spring sessions! So, what are we up to? STYLING! The number one request I have after a client books a session is what do you recommend that I wear? And what will photograph well in front of the camera? This is one of the most important aspects of a session and there are “little details” that make a BIG difference with images.
I’ll give you an example. Your child may have a favorite pair of white tennis shoes that they love & wear ALL the time. Great. But if I photograph children in these white tennis shoes, guess what? In the images your eye will be drawn to the WHITE shoes and not them. And the goal is, of course, to compose images that the subject is the focal point. This is just the beginning of styling recommendations that are essential for achieving the best possible portraits for you.
So, meet Meghan!
Meghan Reed is a graduate from Missouri State University with a bachelors degree in Fashion merchandising. She has worked on multiple fashion shows, as well as produced a monthly fashion article series called, “Look Book” for Midwest magazine, STIM. Meghan has been in the business of marketing for over 5 years. She is working exclusively with clients of MELANIE ACKER photography to assist in the styling process to make sure you look your best!!

The following is a sesssion that was styled by Meghan, and photographed by me, to show excellent wardrobe choices for an engagement session. Meghan’s fashion sense is amazing and you will love what she can do for you!
















Contact Melanie Acker photography if you are looking for a St. Louis Children’s photographer, engagement, or portrait photographer.
no comments




So happy for Ann Kathryn & Caleb – their wedding has been featured TWICE this week! They are such a deserving couple and Melanie Acker photography was honored to be a part of it all. Head on over to Love and Lavendar AND Trendy Bride to see their features.
Here’s a little “behind the scenes” fun. This is the blanket that turned into a gorgeous backdrop! Here is one of the images
no comments




I loved this wedding for so many reasons. Mostly the fact that every detail was personal and had meaning. Well, that’s exactly how Caleb & Ann Kathryn wanted things. . . simple, vintage, artistic and intimate. And everything came together perfect! Including the weather that felt like April instead of January.
The ceremony and reception were held at the Foundry Art Centre in historic St. Charles. How perfect since Ann Kathryn is an artist, specifically a jewelry designer. When you see her work you will fall in love and want an AnnKat design for yourself, I promise. Check out her work on etsy! She designed all the wonderful details of their wedding, the invitations, her headpiece and the bridal party headpieces, original AnnKat designed bracelets, the grooms boutonnieres, the list goes on and on. Her touches made every facet of their day unique, and personal to them. And I can’t think of anything better and I’m so blessed that I got to be a part of it all!! In addition, the amazing Meghan, from Cheeky Chic Studios helped with the styling details. She just so happens to be Ann Kathryn’s sister-in-law. How fun is that?!! You remember that cool red backdrop behind Caleb & Ann Kathryn in the previous post, yep that was all Meghan. I had the great good fortune to be able to work with Meghan on previous projects and now I also feel lucky to call her friend. And speaking of friends, I have to give a huge THANKS to my friend and fellow professional photographer for being my second shooter for the wedding, Valerie, of Valerie Ott Photography. Being able to shoot together was a dream come true!!
I’ll start with the amazing invitation – an original design and watercolor by the bride herself . . .





Ann made all these dried flower arrangements - she’s SO talented.


you know they say that there’s an app for EVERYTHING . . . .

perfect for when you need a little help figuring out your tie on your wedding day!![]()



time to relax until the girls arrive . .


caleb & ann choose to see each other before the ceremony – it was perfect!

I love the movement and embrace in these next images where they see each other for the first time.



brace yourselves . . .ANN KATHRYN DESIGNED AND CRAFTED she & caleb’s wedding rings!! gorgeous.

there were special, personal ”touches” everywhere - this was one of Ann Kathryn’s art books from college and china that was her grandmothers



oh my, ann kathryn, you are SO stunning


caleb takes all the talk of his beard in stride . . . the maid of honor made these “lumberjack beards” for the bridal party – it was such a fun idea!







LOVE this tender moment after the service . . .

beautiful cupcakes by Kym’s Confections

Beautiful, heart-felt words for the couple - it was hard to keep a dry eye!

Congrats again Mr. & Mrs. Kehoe!! Many blessing to you both -
show 2 comments
[...] of Ms. Melanie Acker capturing all of Ann’s wedding! To see all the images head to – http://melanieackerphotography.com/blog/children/intimate-winter-wedding-at-historic-foundry-art-cen… , but here is a [...]
Absolutely LOVELY! Thanks so much for sharing this with me!




caleb & ann kathryn - here’s a quick preview for you. I hope you have an amazing time in Cancun!
For everyone else . . .you’ll want to come back and check the blog soon to see this AMAZING wedding. You won’t believe all the details!
I had to throw in one of the fun ”lumberjack” shots we took – TOO cute!

see more images from St. Louis photographer.
show 2 comments
[...] images will be added soon @ http://melanieackerphotography.com/blog/. I will also post soon with all the wedding [...]
AMAZING! You are my #1 favorite photographer in the world (don’t tell my wife)! You really made the wedding special for all!!! Your professionalism and talent truly show in everything you do. Thank you.




These are my FAV family images from 2011! For so many reasons . . . Valerie is my close friend, and just so happens to also be a super talented photographer. Our son’s are the same age and she’s just one of those people that when our paths crossed we had everything in common. It wasn’t until I moved from Michigan to St. Louis that our friendship rekindled in the strangest of places . . . Las Vegas! We were both heading into the Kate Spade store when we saw each other. It’s one of those moments in life that I’ll NEVER forget! We have never stopped talking since!
So at least once a year we set aside a time to get together. This year we wanted to include our families so that we could take family photographs for each other. It’s SO important and I’m usually the one taking the pictures and not the one being photographed. I’ll post my session that Valerie Ott Photography shot for me later. I cherish EVERY image. But for now, here is the Ott family! I adore them.










And now for a little peek of things to come in 2012 at MELANIE ACKER photography. I will be adding customized styling services to the services at Melanie Acker Photography. I’m SUPER excited. Without giving too much away yet, below is a tiny peek into the styled session. Check back after the new year to hear all the details and see MANY more images!!




no comments




I always say that “the camera doesn’t lie.” Maybe you’ve heard that before. But in the age of “digital” where there is a lot that can be done with editing , one thing you can never edit is the soul of someone. And that’s what I love to capture with my camera. The real emotion and spirit of my clients. And trust me, the camera doesn’t lie. True inner beauty is reflected through the eyes and very essence of someone and let me tell you that Emily was TRUE beauty. She is stunning and glows in these images because she has inner beauty that just enhanced her outer beauty and my camera could not get enough of her! Thank you for choosing me to do your Senior portraints, Emily and have a great rest of the year at Christian High!


check out these cute kicks! love her boots!







no comments




So, I haven’t blogged in a LONG time. This is such a busy time of year for everyone but that’s not my excuse. As many of you know (and probably many more don’t know) I had a scheduled parathyroid surgery during October. YES, the busiest time of year! But you just can’t always plan these things like you would like! I was recovering as expected and ready to get back to work when 10 days post surgery a blood clot developed in my neck and I found myself in the ICU. While it was scary we saw God’s work throughout the entire situation and his provision for our family. We were so thankful to all be together and healthy for Thanksgiving! So, now I’m back and I’ll be blogging again. I am so grateful for all my amazing clients who waited patiently for galleries and in some cases even re- scheduled session until the Spring. THANK you so much!
I’m going to start with my little girl’s session because she just had her birthday! It is hard for us to believe she is four. This was right before Fall started. The light was gorgeous that evening and just poured over her. Her personality shines bright just like the light that night. She is confident, humorous, creative and always entertaining us! We love her so much!!
Next week I’ll be posting portraits of a beautiful High School Senior from Christian High in O’Fallon, Missouri!









Find out more information on photo sessions with Melanie Acker Photography.
no comments




I LOVED these sisters! Partly because I have been photographing all boys it seems lately but mostly because they reminded me of my sis and I. We had that SUPER white hair at that age. Although these sisters were much sweeter to each other than we were. I don’t recall my older sister wanting to be next to me all the time! It wasn’t until we were older that we became best friends and I think if you are fortunate to have a sister you have the BEST treasure in the world.
Their mom told me ahead of time that as a family, their two favorite things are Cardinal baseball and camping. I knew I wanted to make a “girly” tent to bring to their outdoor photo session. All different versions of these tents have been floating around Pinterest. My husband made the frame for me and my favorite quilt fit perfectly. This image turned out just as I imaged in my head – that doesn’t always happen!



no comments




no comments