To celebrate women, their diversity and empowerment, mellBella Photography created the She’s My Hero Project , a project to raise awareness and as a charity fundraiser for the Center for Women. On October 10th from 6-9pm at Boone Hall, mellBella Photography along with our fabulous sponsors will host the She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party. Dress is casual or business casual, but we welcome you to come just as you are. The colors for the event are purples, lavenders, silver, and white, so feel free to dress to match.
We will have Erin Kienzle of Lowcountry Live, as our wonderful emcee, to present each of the winners and their photos during the big reveal. The photos from the She’s My Hero Contest winners will be in the 2019 She’s My Hero Calendar. It’s going to be so much fun, as the winners of the haven’t even seen their photos!
Hungry? Enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and desserts from the delicious Asian and Latin cuisine of Dashi and mini sweet treats, wine, and sangria from Sweet Lulu’s Bakery, Cocktail Caravan, and Pedal Pub.
And who doesn’t love a silent auction? The auction items that have been donated will be on display and up for bidding to support the Come ready to have fun, purchase a calendar, bid and win at the Silent Auction, and/make a donation. The calendars will be $20 and a suggested donation at the door is $20. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but after all, it is a fundraiser. All proceeds from donations, the silent auction, and calendar sales go directly to the Center for Women.
Did you get your tickets yet? The event is FREE to attend, you just need to:
A huge thank you to our sponsors! We couldn’t have done this without your supprt. Be sure to check them and show your support for these local businesses– many are women-owned. Can’t wait to see you there!
Christmas mellBella Style 2018 Boudoir Marathon
/in Boudoir, Bridal Boudoir, Events, Featured Event /by Mell BellWe like to plan ahead and end the year strong! We love to give gifts, and what better way to surprise your loved one than with a gift that only you can give… boudoir photography. Bonus… you’ll love it too! Our last Boudoir Marathon of 2018 will be on Saturday, December 1st. Sexiest. Gift. Ever! Let our ALL female staff help you create the perfect Christmas gift, for your fiancé, your anniversary, to celebrate reaching your goals or birthday, or just because you WANT to! It may be cold outside, but it’s always hot inside our studio.
Get the Bombshell Package for $200 ($216 with tax) at this event.
Our Bombshell Package includes:
– An hour pampering by our expert hair and makeup artist from Sarah Pearson- Hair and Makeup Artistry
– An hour Private photoshoot in the mellBella Studio
– Private consultation & viewing session
– Champagne, little bites and sweet treats
Albums and products are available for purchase. Limited space available!
Ask about our specials for military, our Richard Bell Photography brides, and return Bellas.
Ready to Book? Contact us for available times and more info:
News Flash Friday- October 2018
/in Boudoir, Events, Feminine, News, Pinup /by Mell BellHalloween Costume Contest
What are you going to be for Halloween? Be sure to enter our online Halloween Costume Contest. You could win a FREE boudoir or pinup session with us or some other fantastic prizes. The rules are simple, and all ladies 21 years old and up are eligible to enter.
1. Post a photo of yourself in your costume on Facebook or Instagram now through October 31st
2. Tag mellBella in your post on Facebook- mellBella Boudoir & PinUp Photography or Instagram – mellBella
3. Add the hashtag #mellbellatrickortreat2018
4. There are 3 categories and prizes: Overall (wins the FREE session), Scariest, and Sexiest (have other awesome prizes)
We’ll announce the winner after Halloween! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Rockabillaque 2018
Are you ready? It’s almost time for the 6th annual Rockabillaque at Park Circle in North Charleston from 11am-6pm on November 10th. Bring your friends, and come check out the vintage car and bike shows, live music, or enter one of the contests: Pinup, Tattoo, Beard & Mustache, and more. mellBella is proudly sponsoring the Pinup Contest again, and this year, we’ll be judging it too! So grab your pearls, wear your best pinup look, and rock on down to Park Circle. We’ll also have a booth there to check out our pinup photography too.
Center for Women NEW Conference
C4WNEW is the Center for Women’s 2-day event on November 15 & 16th bringing inspiring fresh ideas, relevant and useful knowledge, and innovative thinking to curious and ambitious women in South Carolina. This event will ignite professional growth, personal transformation, and economic development. mellBella will be there as part of their ME TIME Marketplace with specials ONLY available for those attending. AND you can still purchase the She’s My Hero Calendar at this event.
Get your tickets at: Center for Women
mellBella Fun Fact
Looking to give back? Some of our favorite local non profits/charities to support are:
We’ll be posting some more about them and their Christmas Wish Lists coming soon!
Naughty and Nice Christmas Boudoir Minis 2018
/in Boudoir, Events, Featured Event /by Mell BellWe’ve never done a special like this one! Santa checked his list, and he checked it twice. You were as both Naughty and Nice! Get your Christmas shopping done EARLY with a gift your special someone would never expect. You could even surprise yourself!
It’s perfect for ladies who have never done a boudoir session and want to see what it’s all about. And, for all our Bellas who have done a session, it’s a great way to get some updated photos and a little extra surprise this Christmas. Plus, we will be offering a few albums and products that are ONLY available at the event. You’ll get to come to our studio, enjoy some sips and sweets, rock your 20 minute mini session, hang out for a little bit enjoying the view from our riverside studio, and FINALLY, see and order your photos that night. Here’s the special deal for this boudoir mini event:
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 27 & 28th
Our Naughty List Package is $300 ($324 with tax) and includes:
– 20 minute mini photo session with our expert boudoir photographers
– You Rocking Your Fav Outfit
– Chic Box with 5 of your favorite images (add more for ONLY $30 each)
– Private viewing and ordering session of your images THAT NIGHT
Select products will be available to purchase in time for Christmas. After your shoot, you’ll get to see and order your products before you leave. Orders must be placed that night. Half the session fee is required in order to secure your time slot! The remaining balance is due one week before your session So, what are you waiting for?
What is the Chic Box? It is a unique way to display your sexy photos but still keep it secret in a keepsake box. You get to choose the fabric to reflect your personality from subtle sexy to bright and bold. Each 5×7 image is professionally printed and mounted to a black styrene, so it’s not your average photo print.
Ready to book? Contact us for available times and more info:
She’s My Hero Event Highlights
/in Events, Feminine, Frontpage Article, Giving, She's My Hero /by Mell BellWhat a whirlwind! On Wednesday night at Boone Hall, we had our BIG reveal at the She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party to benefit the Center for Women. The weather threatened rain(and lots of it) earlier in the day, but we said RAIN or SHINE… it’s on! It turned out to be a warm evening with a cool breeze outside where guests enjoyed the marsh view on the Cotton Dock and the delicious paella, tacos, and noodle dishes from the Dashi Food Truck. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed the music and the magical lighting from Lowcountry Entertainment. Lovely flower arrangements in purple and white from Petaloso decorated the tables, and Justin Wham Weddings and Events helped coordinate, set up, provided the cozy seating area near the fireplace, and made sure the stage and the whole space was beautiful along with the rentals from Eventworks. And who doesn’t love something sweet? Sweet Lulu‘s Bakery, Cocktail Caravan & Pedal Pub brought the wine, sangria, and a mouth watering selection of mini desserts.
Here’s just a quick look at some of the highlights:
It was only fitting that our Emcee was Erin Keinzle of Lowcountry Live, as she helped announced the contest that started it all back in February. At the event after welcoming everyone, Erin introduced Lisa Dabney, Executive Director of the Center for Women, who talked more about what the Center does for women in business and their upcoming conference in November. Then, we (Wanda and Mell Bell) shared some personal stories and the WHY behind this whole event– to celebrate women, of course and tell their struggles and their stories. We also thanked several of the sponsors, such as Skirt Charleston whose mission is to celebrate and empower women with attitude.
And finally, it was the time we have been waiting for ALL YEAR LONG… revealing the hero photos to the women in the calendar and the whole world. Their reactions were heartfelt and priceless as they saw themselves as their heroes for the first time! The calendar sales opened, and the silent auction continued NOW with the canvas portraits of the Heroes as part of it.
100%… yes all of the proceeds of the silent auction and calendar went directly to the Center for Women. And at the end of the night, we raised almost $5,000, and it’s still climbing!
The fund raising continues as The She’s My Hero Calendars will be on sale for $20 each through the Center for Women. Get your calendar at their conference at Trident Technical College on Nov 15 and 16th or contact them for more info.
She’s My Hero- December
/in Feminine, Giving, Real Story, She's My Hero /by Mell BellAs we come to the end of the calendar introductions, we couldn’t imagine a nicer person than Jennifer to end the year with. Meet Jennifer. She will be December in the She’s My Hero Calendar. Jennifer succeeds at two demanding jobs. She is a hardworking RN AND an incredible wedding coordinator. She has been married to her sweet husband, Brian for 4 years. They absolutely love and spoil their awesome dogs! Jennifer’s hero is someone she’s know her whole life and is very close to her heart. Thank you again to Paperdolls Wedding Hair & Makeup for creating the final hair and makeup look in our calendar. It was perfect!
When Mell Bell and Wanda created the She’s My Hero Project back in January, we wanted to raise awareness and funds for the Center for Women, meet and team up with fellow businesses (especially women-owned ones), and tell the stories of local women to bring together, inspire, and celebrate women. We got to meet so many new people and work together to take our BIG idea from a dream to a reality through this year long project. The journey has been difficult but worth every minute. We hope you will join us at the celebration and reveal on Wednesday, October 10th from 6-9pm at Boone Hall.
She’s My Hero- November
/in Feminine, Giving, Real Story, She's My Hero /by Mell BellMeet Mell Bell. She is 39 year old Mom of a 7 year old daughter. Mell meet her husband in college at USC. She is the Co-Founder of mellBella and has been with Richard Bell Photography for 13 years and a professional photographer for 10 of them. Mell Bell is very passionate about Humans Rights and Equality. Just wait until you see who her hero is, think way back for this one! Thank you again to Sarah Pearson Artistry for going back to the 1800s for the hair and makeup styling.
The She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party to benefit the Center for Women is next week! We’ve been keeping the calendar TOP SECRET, and on Wednesday, October 10th the BIG reveal will happen at Boone Hall from 6-9pm. However, we did give exclusive information to Skirt Magazine. Be sure to check out their October issue in print or online for some sneak peeks.
She’s My Hero- October
/in Feminine, Giving, Real Story, She's My Hero /by Mell BellMeet Wanda who is representing October in the She’s My Hero Calendar. Wanda has been married for almost 30 years! She got married at 17 to her high school sweetheart, has 4 daughters, and 1 newborn grandbaby. She loves Alice in Wonderland, tea, good music, record collecting, and tattoos. She perseveres and always has a plan. You may recognize her from her work at mellBella Photography (that’s us) and our brother company, Richard Bell Photography. Thank you so very much to Sarah Pearson Hair & Makeup Artistry for her time and skill in getting the makeup just right for Wanda’s hero. Her hero is a modern day fictional character who uses her strength and intelligence to save her community.
The She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party is next week! As part of our Silent Auction, we will have 12 professional canvas portraits, representing each woman from calendar, up for bidding. We want you to be there and celebrate with us. Get your FREE tickets at:
And be sure to check out the October issue of Skirt Magazine! There will be some sneak peeks into the heroes.
She’s My Hero- September
/in Feminine, Giving, Real Story, She's My Hero /by Mell BellMeet Sherry. She is a 37 year old mother of 4 children including a set of twin daughters. She works as a full-time Bookkeeper/HR Rep AND a part-time college student! She loves her family and outdoor activities. And if you love corny jokes, she’s your kinda friend! She about to be married this November! Her hero has a truly incredible story of perseverance and strength. Thank you so very much to Sarah Pearson Hair & Makeup Artistry for creating this lovely look to honor her hero.
October 10th is just around the corner, and if you haven’t gotten your FREE tickets yet for the She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party, now’s the time. Get Your Tickets HERE
Our brother company, Richard Bell Photography, will be documenting the whole event through photography and videography. To add to the evening, they are bringing their Gifyyy Photo Booth–a super fun Photobooth that takes animated Gifs and texts it to you to share on social media. We love the Gifyyy so much! Here’s one the Wanda and I created at a wedding a few weeks ago.
Be sure the check out our Silent Auction Sneak Peak Album, and we’ll be posting more photos there next week. We only have 3 more introductions to complete our calendar, and we just approved the final proofs of the She’s My Hero 2019 Calendar at the printer’s today. Shout out to Daniel and the team at local printshop, Knight Printing and Graphics! They have provided such a great experience, and we look forward to picking up the final product before the BIG EVENT.
She’s My Hero Project Calendar Launch Party
/in Events, Featured Event, Feminine, Giving, Pinup, She's My Hero /by Mell BellTo celebrate women, their diversity and empowerment, mellBella Photography created the She’s My Hero Project , a project to raise awareness and as a charity fundraiser for the Center for Women. On October 10th from 6-9pm at Boone Hall, mellBella Photography along with our fabulous sponsors will host the She’s My Hero Calendar Launch Party. Dress is casual or business casual, but we welcome you to come just as you are. The colors for the event are purples, lavenders, silver, and white, so feel free to dress to match.
We will have Erin Kienzle of Lowcountry Live, as our wonderful emcee, to present each of the winners and their photos during the big reveal. The photos from the She’s My Hero Contest winners will be in the 2019 She’s My Hero Calendar. It’s going to be so much fun, as the winners of the haven’t even seen their photos!
Hungry? Enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and desserts from the delicious Asian and Latin cuisine of Dashi and mini sweet treats, wine, and sangria from Sweet Lulu’s Bakery, Cocktail Caravan, and Pedal Pub.
And who doesn’t love a silent auction? The auction items that have been donated will be on display and up for bidding to support the Come ready to have fun, purchase a calendar, bid and win at the Silent Auction, and/make a donation. The calendars will be $20 and a suggested donation at the door is $20. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but after all, it is a fundraiser. All proceeds from donations, the silent auction, and calendar sales go directly to the Center for Women.
Did you get your tickets yet? The event is FREE to attend, you just need to:
Get Your Tickets HERE!
A huge thank you to our sponsors! We couldn’t have done this without your supprt. Be sure to check them and show your support for these local businesses– many are women-owned. Can’t wait to see you there!
She’s My Hero- August
/in Feminine, Giving, Real Story, She's My Hero /by Mell BellMeet Amanda representing the August 2019 in the She’s My Hero Calendar. Amanda, her husband and their one year old are new to the Charleston area. They moved here from Cow Country, Pennsylvania. Amanda is a freelancer, work at home mom. She is studied dance and can still get up on her toes in her ballet slippers! At the big reveal Calendar Launch Party, you will immediately recognize her hero who was as fiery and fun as her birthday month of August! Thank you so much to Paperdolls Wedding Hair & Makeup for perfectly capturing this icon’s look.
We’re so thankful to Justin Wham Weddings & Events for sponsoring and coordinating the She’s My Hero Project Calendar Launch Party. Owner Justin Wham and his team are a HUGE part of making this event not only look great but go smoothly as well. Remember the event is ONLY 2 weeks away. Dress is casual or business casual, but we welcome you to come just as you are. The color for the event are purples, lavenders, silver, and white, so feel free to dress in those colors, if you like.
Did you get your tickets yet? While the event is FREE to attend, you just need to register at the link below. Come ready to have fun, purchase a calendar, bid and win at the Silent Auction, and/make a donation. The calendars will be $20 and a suggested donation at the door is $20. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but after all, it is a fundraiser. All proceeds go to support the Center for Women. Get your tickets NOW!