The small moments that mark big growth.
Featured Galleries
Where thoughtful planning, artistic direction, and timeless imagery come together to document your baby’s growth, emerging personality, and meaningful first year milestones with intention and care.
A refined approach to baby milestones and first birthday cake smash sessions
Charlotte
mILESTONE
Photographer
The Milestone Experience
Melissa Mayrie Photography offers a refined milestone photography experience in Charlotte, North Carolina, capturing your baby’s growth, personality, and tiny details through a gentle, baby-led approach.
I know, I know... so cliché, right? But if you've gone through it once, you know exactly what that means. One minute you're fumbling through those newborn nights, trying to figure out feeding schedules and wake windows and then, in a blink of an eye, they're the big kid saying 'mama, I help too!' as you both tend to the new baby lying in the bassinet. And if you're new to motherhood, welcome. I'm so excited for you and your family to experience the best chapter in your lives.
The days are long, you will always be tired, but through it all, you are doing the most important job in the world - being their mom. I'm sure you will have thousands of cherished photos on your phone capturing all the day-to-day activities and sentimental milestones. Here's a nudge to go ahead and pay for that icloud upgrade, it's worth it.
And now it's your turn. A chance to get in front of the camera with your children. An opportunity to let me take away the stress of planning outfits and getting your hair and makeup ready amidst the chaos. A reward to see your family legacy displayed in your home as you carry a sleeping baby up the stairs each night or turn the album pages as you tell stories that begin with the words "Remember when..."
What they say is true -
babies don't keep.
A fleeting chapter defined by change, growth, and becoming.
the Milestone Experience
{Heidi H.}
"Her work is beyond beautiful and her communication and planning leading up to our session was impeccable. She was so kind and bubbly during our session, I love that she guided us into poses that were comfortable and then let us giggle and interact so the photos were authentically “us”. I’m forever thankful for these moments now frozen in time thanks to Melissa!"
Forever Thankful
{THE CRAIN FAMILY}
"From start to finish, she was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and so much fun to be around. She was especially kind and patient with our toddler, which made the whole session relaxed and enjoyable for our family. Her client closet for both moms and children had a fantastic selection and made the entire experience completely stress-free. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful, and we were so impressed with how quickly we received them."
SO MUCH FUN
{Angela}
"Melissa is the absolute best! She is sweet and patient, walking us through everything, making us laugh the entire time! And our pictures were amazing. She was truly able to capture everyone’s personalities, and they feel so natural. We’ve had so much fun every time we’ve had a session with Melissa. So thankful for her capturing these phases of lives so beautifully!
Sweet & Patient
{Emilyne}
"From start to finish, the experience was absolutely wonderful and the resulting photographs are simply stunning. Overall, I cannot recommend this photographer enough. Her talent and dedication to her craft truly shines through in every image. If you are looking for a photographer to capture the special moments between you and your little one, look no further than this wonderful artist!"
Look No Further
{Krystal}
"Melissa is amazing to work with! She has easily + quickly become our family photographer and I am so thankful I found her! My daughter just turned one and Melissa captured Santa photos, family photos and her one year old/cake smash photos for us and I am always blown away!"
Always Blown Away!
{Heidi W.}
"Melissa was fantastic. We had newborn and family photos taken in a beautiful natural light studio. Melissa is great to work with and her work is 12/10! She managed a fussy baby and a toddler who was … “toddlering” to say the least, haha - and our pictures came out amazing!! We can’t wait to work with her again for more family pictures! Can’t recommend enough - communication, professionalism, and her work"
fantastic
{The Despines Family}
"Melissa creates magic. She has captured the most special moments of my family’s life. I would never hesitate to recommend her to anyone who wants a true professional to create a customized photography experience. Melissa is fast to respond, patient and goes the extra yard to ensure you have the best experience. Not to mention she was beyond kind to our little ones during the entire shoot. They loved her! We can't wait for our next shoot with her."
A True PRofessional
Designed to be seen, not stored.
artwork
Heirloom Albums
Framed Prints & Gallery Walls
Portfolio Box
Portfolio Boxes - HEIRLOOM ALBUMS - Framed Prints - Gallery Walls
Rather than limiting galleries, I believe in delivering a complete story — one that offers variety, depth, and choice. Each collection includes a robust digital gallery so that you can experience the details and emotions that define this season in its entirety, without needing to narrow moments down or make difficult decisions.
For those who wish to bring their images into their home, custom artwork and albums are available as a seamless extension of the experience, thoughtfully designed to preserve your story for generations to come.
Wardrobe selections curated to photograph beautifully.
Client Closet
For Mom - For Baby - For Siblings
With over 250 thoughtfully selected pieces for women (XS–3XL) and children (newborn–5T), the client closet is designed to remove the guesswork from getting dressed. Each piece has been carefully chosen for its ability to photograph softly, flatter a range of body types, and complement the timeless, feminine aesthetic reflected throughout my work.
From flowing gowns to delicate children’s pieces, the wardrobe is an intentional extension of the experience — allowing you to arrive feeling confident, comfortable, and beautifully styled. A curated preview of select pieces is available for inspiration, with styling always thoughtfully guided based on the vision for your session.
GALLERY Delivery
Session day
Wardrobe & Session Planning
Your experience begins with a personalized consultation designed to feel clear, calm, and effortless. Once you submit an inquiry, I’ll walk you through the Melissa Mayrie Photography experience, help you select the collection that best fits your needs, and introduce available artwork options so you can begin envisioning how your images may live in your home.
Consultation & Booking
Every session is carefully planned with intention. Using your preferences, I curate wardrobe selections for mothers and children from the client closet, ensuring each piece photographs beautifully and complements the overall artistic vision. Locations are thoughtfully selected as well, allowing you to feel fully prepared without the stress of planning every detail yourself.
Sessions are designed to feel calm, unhurried, and connected. I’ll guide you through gentle posing and natural prompts, creating space for authentic interaction while ensuring everyone looks and feels their best. The result is a balanced collection of refined portraits and organic, joy-filled moments.
Following your session, each image is carefully hand-edited in my signature light and airy style. Your full digital gallery is delivered approximately two to three weeks after your session, giving you the opportunity to relive the experience and see how each moment comes together.
A full-service experience designed with intention and ease.
the Milestone Session Process
Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup services are available to clients who wish to begin their session feeling relaxed and polished. A curated list of trusted artists is provided as part of the planning process, allowing you to arrive ready to be styled and photographed with ease.
Artwork Selections
For clients who wish to bring their images into their home, artwork design is offered as a seamless extension of the experience. From heirloom albums to fine art prints and custom announcements, each piece is thoughtfully designed to reflect your space and preserve this season beautifully.
Available only as an add-on to a baby or family milestone session.
$200
investment
- A custom vanilla cake provided through a trusted local bakery partnership, with a curated choice of design styles
- Choice of the vintage high chair or cake stand set up
- Access to the children's client closet including party hats & crowns
- Choice of simple props such as a single balloons or party banner
- Includes additional session time and clean up
Your session Add-On Includes
Cake Smash Add-On
$300 due at booking.
The remainder is due prior to your session.
$850
investment Begins At
- A fully guided photography session
- Pre-session planning and creative direction
- Use of the natural light studio or choice of outdoor location
- Wardrobe styling for the whole family
- Access to the client closet for mothers and children
- Professional hair and makeup referrals
- A full digital gallery of thoughtfully edited images
- Professional artwork design services
Your session Includes
Milestone Session
$300 due at booking.
The remainder is due prior to your session.
$650
investment Begins At
- A fully guided photography session
- Pre-session planning and creative direction
- Use of the natural light studio or choice of outdoor location
- Wardrobe styling
- Access to the client closet for baby
- A full digital gallery of thoughtfully edited images
- Professional artwork design services
Your session Includes
Milestone Session
When time keeps moving, your photos will last forever.
Investment Details
(BAby Only or Mommy & Me)
(With Family)
Don't let those new milestones slip away. These bundled sessions will ensure you get all the important stages reserved on the calendar.
First Year Collection
Want to capture it all?
Learn more about the
A shared appreciation makes all the difference...
We might be a great fit if you...
Appreciate soft, light-filled imagery with a timeless feel
Welcome a thoughtfully guided experience where the details are handled for you
Value the importance of displaying your artwork in your home
Find beauty in quiet connection, gentle moments, and natural interaction
What time of day will we take our photos?
Do you offer family sessions beyond the infant stage?
What's the best timeframe for a maternity session?
How early should I book my newborn session?
This may seem very early, but it's the safest way to ensure you reserve your session on my calendar, and it also allows you to schedule a pregnancy announcement session! I accept a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I'm able to provide my clients with a seamless experience and flexible scheduling once baby arrives. With that said, babies arrive on their own schedule so sometimes I have last minute openings available. No matter what stage of pregnancy (or post-partum) you're at, it doesn't hurt to reach out and see if I can fit you in. I'd love to serve you!
In your first trimester
MOTHERHOOD faqs
What time of day will we take our photos?
Do you offer family sessions beyond the infant stage?
What's the best timeframe for a maternity session?
How early should I book my newborn session?
MOTHERHOOD faqs
Most mamas prefer scheduling their maternity session in the 28-34 week range, and I personally think 30-32 weeks is the sweet spot. This is when your bump is showing off and you're still feeling like getting glammed up for your session. Of course each person is different and circumstances like carrying multiples or being high risk for an early delivery may alter your timeframe. Just let me know during your inquiry and we'll be sure to schedule at the perfect time for you!
30-32 weeks is best!
What time of day will we take our photos?
Do you offer family sessions beyond the infant stage?
What's the best timeframe for a maternity session?
How early should I book my newborn session?
MOTHERHOOD faqs
Family sessions are scheduled year round either in studio or at one of my favorite outdoor locations. Whether your children are toddlers, elementary school-aged, or too-cool-for-photos teenagers, I'll be sure to make sure everyone has a fun experience - even when I ask them to hug their siblings! Families can book a portrait session that entails personalized planning, client wardrobe, artwork, and my other full-service benefits. I also offer petite sessions twice a year for families who just need a quick portrait update. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be notified.
of course!
What time of day will we take our photos?
Do you offer family sessions beyond the infant stage?
What's the best timeframe for a maternity session?
How early should I book my newborn session?
MOTHERHOOD faqs
Ha! But really, we all know there's no catastrophe quite like a toddler who's ready for their nap. Studio sessions and newborn sessions are scheduled between 10am-2pm to allow for the best natural light of the day and outdoor sessions are scheduled about 2 hours before sunset or 2 hours after sunrise to get that soft, pretty light. With that said, please let me know if your little ones would benefit from altering that schedule a bit. I'm happy to accommodate when possible if that means setting us up for a more successful time together.
anytime except nap time
certified in
newborn safety
features & certifications
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Member
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