Now that I've been vaccinated... it's on!

It’s been a wild year+… exactly 393 days since deciding as a family to stay home due to the pandemic. Today, I received my second dose of the Moderna vaccine and couldn’t be more excited to get back to photography. My focus will be family and portrait photography in Denver, and I will ease back into traveling back to California. I mean, it’s been over a year since an airport has been in my life! :)

Here’s a look back at a family session at Red Rocks, showcasing the perfect personality of Colorado — sunny with snow on the ground. Stay tuned for my “welcome back” photography packages.

Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony + Mommy and Me Photo Session - Denver

Partners, take note. Something a lot of mothers want for a special occasion (either Mother’s Day, a birthday, or just plain Saturday), is a set of nice photos of the children with her IN the photo. This is really hard for a lot of parents who are behind the camera. Most of the photos we have with our rapidly growing children are filtered selfies (don’t get me wrong, those are super fun and have their place!). I had the pleasure of shooting this Mother’s Day set for a beautiful mama and her 1.5 year old baby girl, arranged in (almost) secret by her husband (you go, Christopher!).

Jerusalem & Christopher brought over goods for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and I paired the set with outdoor boho decor, hanging a macrame garland (designed by Woven Will) on sheer panels and layered textured rugs. I’d say it was a success! A studio session followed with an amazing wardrobe change, and I set up some speedlight gels to compliment Jerusalem’s gorgeous head wrap.

This outdoor set is available through the summer. To book, email: stephanie@marilee.co

East Bay San Francisco's Cutest Newborn Award Goes To... Baby Boy K!

Biased or not (because this mama is one of my BFFs and I have witnessed her love story unfold from Day 1), I am so excited to welcome baby boy K to this crazy world of ours. Blessed with beautiful hair and his parents gorgeous big eyes, my only wish is that we lived in closer proximity so I can see him grow in person. <3

Thanks to his mom and dad for trusting me with this huge milestone in their lives.

Denver's Union Station Family Photography With The Mellens!

One of my favorite times of year is the Fall when a ton of families get their annual holiday cards done. It’s a simple tradition that yields so many fun memories. The kids grow so quickly and love looking back at how tiny they once were. :) With our move to Denver from San Francisco this year, I hosted a very limited amount of sessions, but am SO glad I snuck in a few in my new hometown.

Union Station has quickly become one of my favorite places to shoot. There’s such incredible light both indoor and outdoor, amazing decor, and not to mention it’s easy to get to. And afterwards, you can grab all the beer, milkshakes, ice cream, and Irish coffees you want.

Thanks for meeting so early in the morning, Mellen fam! Love your energy. Here are some of my favorites.

Hello from Denver! The Downey Family At Home

After a short hiatus to move our life across the Rocky Mountains, I'm finally back at it, shooting family sessions in Denver! I'm learning that the weather can be crazy unpredictable compared to California, but am embracing the chance to use new lighting equipment indoors on a whim, where it's cozy while 20 degrees outside. :) We did exactly that during a snowy day with the Downey family. How cute are they!? And kitty got a family photo, too. Cute little tiger. 🐅