Behind the Lens
Originally from Chicago. Teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing turned self taught hybrid wedding photographer and small business owner.
I love to help run your wedding day with both personality and professionalism. Creating an environment where you are feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera is important to me. My approach is to walk you and your fiance through a variety of poses with a light hearted nature creating timeless images that you will cherish for a lifetime.
I love rich colors, natural skin tones, and the soft ethereal quality that film so graciously provides.
Wedding photography has introduced me to some of my most favorite people in my life and I am forever grateful.
ABOUT MELISSA
Josh, Lillian, and Micah
HER PEOPLE
A love story as old as time. He was my *sandwich artist* at a Subway in our dorm. We quickly became college sweethearts, decided we wanted to live somewhere warm after we graduated, and the rest is history. Our favorite date night is going to see a stand up comedian.
Our littles are 10 & 8. Lillian loves gymnastics, Micah loves soccer, and they both have a refined palette for snacks.
I am an enneagram 9, but I 7 so hard.. don't threaten me with a good time. I genuinely believe that life is to be cherished. The cup is almost always half full, and you should enjoy it!
Travel is one of my biggest passions and I love that photography takes me all over the world.
Dancing is one of my favorite things and a huge perk of being a wedding photographer- being able to capture people enjoying themselves is simply the best.
Other things to note: I love iced coffee as much as the next girl, lifting heavy weights at crossfit is one of the most fun accomplishments, big earrings are my favorite accessory, and Jesus is the center of our family.
SIMPLE JOYS
HER CLIENTS
MIP Couples are warm and kind souls who love beautiful details and a good time. They are fun, relaxed, pay attention to detail, love to laugh and are all around pretty lovely! They trust in my ability to capture their love story with genuine care and excellence.
DOES THIS RESONATE WITH YOU?
INQUIRE WITH MELISSA
I take bringing joy very seriously.
Your wedding photographers is a vital part of your experience
Your wedding day should be the most fun you'll ever have as you start this new chapter of your life and your time in front of the camera should feel natural, comfortable, and exciting! That's where I come in.
You need to not only trust their vision as an artist, but also enjoy their company! After all, next to your bridal party, you're kind of spending most of your day with them. Being fun is non-negotiable!
I know how tricky it can be to find the right wedding photographer
These images are going to tell the beginning of your love story.
My style consists of bright images, rich colors, and neutral skin tones.
I hear too many horror stories of couples who regret having a friend do it for free and coming up with no useable images. These won't just simply be your phone's background and quickly forgotten about. These portraits will be carefully framed and hung on your wall. They will be placed in an album to one day share with your children and grandchildren.
I work with both digital and film photography on my couple's wedding days. My greatest care is that you enjoy yourselves. I want you and your new husband to look amazing and I work hard to find beautiful light to help me do so. I can always guarantee plenty of cuddling, nose to nose, whispers and laughs!
I know how tricky it can be to find the right wedding photographer
My couples are precious to me and their security is top priority.
I may not be queen of the world but I can promise you a few things. My second photographers are always capable to take lead on the wedding day should an emergency arise, all photos are backed up the same night of the wedding, and once the online gallery is delivered, you have the freedom to print wherever you'd like. Although I ask you avoid places like Walmart or Walgreens. For some reason they just don't care about your skin tones as much as I do. I am always happy to offer suggestions to my couples!
