I Moved!!!

After 8 years of living in this little place on the interwebs, I have finally put on my big girl pants and upgraded this little blog to a legit website (with a blog, of course). YAY! Please come on over for a visit. Feel free to drop in any ole time, because I am still updating and adding stuff until it feels like the perfect home! You can find my website at www.meilidayton.com, and my blog with lots of new stuffs here https://www.meilidayton.com/blog.

Send me an email and let me know what you think!

Photo Album

One of my favorite things about doing photography is seeing the artwork I create printed in books and albums, and framed on my client's walls.  I love knowing that they have a constant reminder of how much they love their families every time they look at their photos throughout their house. I can't imagine in ten years from now, all of us sitting around our computers looking at our family photos. 

This really hit home for me when I finally had photos of my three year old's first week after being born printed in a photo book.  I watch as he pulls the book off the end table and takes it to his dad. As he climbs into his lap he asks if he will look at the book with him. It just warms my heart (cheesy, I know!!) as I watch his face as his dad tells him about every photo and how much we love him. It is a beautiful reminder to all of us the love that grew in our family when he was born, and a reminder of that special and crazy season of our lives.

All this to say that I am thrilled to be offering this photo album to my clients so they can have the same experience that I have every time I watch my little guy climb into my husband's lap and peel open the book.

I love the timeless design of this album, knowing that over the years it will live beyond the trends of our time and will be a legacy that will be passed on for generations. This album is handmade so you know it is built to stand the test of time.  I love the thick sturdy pages that are coated for protection and will withstand the many years of tiny hands as the stories in the book are told. I love the lay flat pages and square format so nothing detracts from the images that tell your family's story.  But my most favorite thing about this album is the classic linen cover and I am in love with all the colors it comes in. It just takes me back to the days I spent at the book store with my dad. Something about holding that linen cover book just says "this is special" and that is what I want my clients and my own family to feel every time they hold their album, "you are special."

Forrest Reunion

I am so excited to share this slideshow of a family reunion I was able to document this summer. Basically, I got to tag along with the awesome  Forrest family for their entire reunion. It was awesome. :) I was there at 8am for pancakes, went with them on all their adventures, and partied until the sun went down. When I get to spend this much time with a family I start to feel like I am just a part of the family. And they definitely made me feel that way. I love being there for all the best moments, that you don't normally get to have photographs of, like the kids wresting on the couch, cooking dinner together, and all the snuggles. Oh, how I love me some good snuggles.....

Father's Day Tribute

As a mom I see and experience a lot focus on moms and motherhood. We're pretty amazing, don't get me wrong. But sometimes I wonder if the impact dad's have on a child's life isn't talked about enough. As a daughter I know the impact my dad has had and still has on my life and my knowledge of who I am, where I belong, and where I can go. My dad passed away 4 years ago this month and it's hard to go a day without feeling his absence in my life. I miss his counsel and when things are hard I find myself talking to him and asking "what would dad tell me to do right now?" And almost always the answer is of love and compassion. The last piece of counsel I remember him giving me was when I was struggling to teach my teenage daughter to do what was right. I asked him what I should do and he said "You just be an example to her and love her." It was always that simple and at that time I was a little bugged that he didn't give me more "practical," more applicable advice. Now I see the wisdom in his words. And if I could talk to him one more time I would hold onto every word. He taught me love, compassion, and gentleness. And it was his influence in my life that has helped me overcome many obstacles and heartbreaks. 

This was going to be a tribute to all dad's but I guess it turned into a tribute to my dad. But I hope that it will inspire you to recognize the ways your father has affected your life.With I wanted to share some of my favorite photos of the amazing dad's I've been privileged to photograph.

Baby Sloane

Welcome the world and this big family love, baby Sloane. This family isn't so big but the love in this family is huge and it was huge in this room as they inspected every inch and every wrinkle of this fresh babe, almost as if trying to imprint this moment into their memories.

Baby Scarlett

I have had the opportunity to photograph this family many times and have been able to witness the  way they treasure and cherish their spirited seven year old as she grows. And now after many years of waiting and wanting they are honored to bring baby Scarlett into their family. This sweet girl is truly a the answer to many prayers and the knowledge of that was palpable as I was able to document this family welcoming their new baby into the world.