06/08/2026
My sweet girl is 17 today. 💕 We love her so dearly, and are beyond proud of the young lady she has become.
STORY TIME: Some of you have been here since my very humble beginnings… back when Melissa DeWitt Photography started with me simply taking photos of Gracie when she was a newbie.
Some of you might even remember Gracie tagging along to your sessions… either riding on my back in a carrier or playing close by while I photographed your families because my husband worked 2nds at the time. 🥹
The truth is, if it wasn’t for her, I’m not sure Melissa DeWitt Photography would even exist. My original plan was to graduate college, move to a bigger city, and work at a marketing firm. In 2007 I had my degree, I had my plan, and I was ready to start my career. And then… plot twist.
I married my high school sweetheart… and we had Gracie.
Choosing to stay home was one of the best decisions we ever made. Was it hard? Absolutely. Was it what I had planned? Not even close. But it taught me one of the greatest lessons: sometimes surrendering our plans makes room for something even more beautiful than we imagined. His plans are greater, ALWAYS.
I needed a creative outlet during those early years at home, and that little outlet slowly grew into this business. A business that has allowed me to photograph so many of your stories while still being present for mine.
So today I’m celebrating the girl who not only made me a mom… but unknowingly helped me discover a calling I never saw coming.
Happy 17th birthday, Gracie Monroe. 💕 I’m so thankful God chose me to be your mom.
Ps: she styled this entire shoot, I just chose the time, location, and showed up with my camera. 😅