Experience

Kind words from my couples, the process of working together, and what MIP couples are all about

How Clients Feel

"...she felt like a friend. Throughout our year-plus engagement, we had a new cheerleader making that whole season of life even sweeter."

"Beyond her work, I want her to know how much her personality and passion meant to me. From the beginning I knew Melissa had a heart of gold by making us feel special. On the day of the wedding, I knew I was in good hands when I said "Melissa, I have no clue what to do first" and you became "the ringleader and called the shots" (Britney reference). You made me feel safe, heard, and beautiful!"

Melissa as your photographer

Josh & Cassidy

My Process

HOw IT WORKS

To begin, clients make their first point of contact by filling out the inquiry form or via their wedding planner. I will be happy to send you a couple full galleries to peek at while we coordinate a time to chat.

initial contact

01

We will find a time to connect via phone. I love to learn about your love story as well as what your hopes and dreams are for your wedding day.

CONSULTATION

02

The photography kind. After our conversation, I will have a better idea of what coverage is appropriate for your wedding day. Once the digital contract and online invoice are completed...BOOM. It is official!

PROPOSAL

03

I will work closely with you and your wedding planner to create a personalized timeline that reflects your needs and is based on the sunlight on your wedding day. We'll schedule your engagement session during this time. And before the wedding, I will send a questionnaire that will cover details such as family portrait list & special events to be aware of.

PLANNING

04

On your day, I will arrive with a big hug! My team and I will be there not only photographing the candid memories but also leading you through guided posing with each other, your bridal party, and your family. My primary goals are to bring joy to your wedding day and capture it in a way that you will look back at your images and remember how you felt during every moment.

WEdding Day

05

After about 5-6 weeks, you will receive your final hand edited gallery. You will have the option to order professional prints and products from your gallery as well as the ability to download all of the high-resolution (or web-size) images.

DELIVERY

06

Having your images on your computer and smartphone are one thing. Being able to touch them is an entirely different experience and I encourage my couples to print and display their wedding images one way or another. Many of my couples end with a custom designed heirloom album.

CHERISH

07

"Has an eye for beauty & details..."

There really aren’t words to describe how amazing and talented Melissa is at what she does! From our desert engagement shoot to our east cost wedding on the water, she captured everything so perfectly! It truly shows her talent for capturing the beauty anywhere you are! She traveled to the east cost to do our wedding in Newport, Rhode Island and made our experience amazing from start to finish. Melissa has a eye for beauty, details and a talent for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you want amazing photos that you just can’t stop looking at, then Melissa is your girl.

Dave & Anna

"I actually enjoyed being photographed"

Having Melissa as our photographer for our wedding was one of the best decisions we made. We had a phone call with her and immediately felt like friends and knew we wanted her to be our photographer. Not only is she super personable and kind, but she made us laugh and feel very comfortable. And as someone who has always hated taking pictures, and hated how they look in pictures, I can honestly say I actually enjoyed getting photographed by Melissa. And the photos...I mean jaw dropping, GORGEOUS!! Cannot rave about her enough, if you are looking for a photographer look no further, she is the absolute best!!!

Nick & Cindy

"...all the work and care that went into our wedding absolutely came through in our photos"

During our engagement session it was so clear we made the right choice. We were uncharacteristically comfortable in front of her camera, and that was completely reflected in the pictures. She was up for any suggestion we had, including chest bumping in football jerseys, and the pictures just felt so much like us while being stunningly gorgeous.

Then our day was here!! From the moment she walked in she was a ball of happy energy and that energy never wavered. She helped keep the day running smoothly, even with a large wedding party and multiple large families to wrangle....

Thank you Melissa for making the best day of our lives even better. We will be looking through our pictures on repeat until further notice.

Megan & Justin

I have over photographed well over 100 weddings. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to maintain an artistic eye and an exceptional level of care for each couple. I also strive for an enjoyable work life balance.

How Many Weddings DO You Photograph?

Over ten years. I have been photographing solely weddings for seven years and loving every minute of it.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I use both mediums, film & digital. Hence, I am called a hybrid photographer. They both have times where they "shine" throughout the wedding day.

Do You shoot film or digital?

Always on team first look. Personally, it is the one thing I would have changed about my own wedding day. I would love to be able to go back in time and have a moment alone with my husband on our wedding day and spend more time together. Professionally, it creates a lot more room in the timeline and gives you the chance to join your guests at cocktail hour.

FIRST LOOK OR NO FIRST LOOK?

Yes. I take guiding my couples through posing very seriously. You will have more fun than you think and feel great. The main goal is to capture the love story between you and your fiance. Once we get over the initial jitters, it becomes a great time!

WILL I FEEL COMFORTABLE?

Absolutely. I have traveled to the east coast, west coast, everywhere in between and Europe for the sake of love stories.

Do You TRAVEL?

One month before the wedding I will send a questionnaire that will cover a family portait list as well as anything that is unique to your wedding that I need to be aware of. Other than that, I don't need specific posing or Pinterest boards. I am there to document your day, plus, I vote we create the Pinterest inspo.

DO YOU ACCEPT SHOT LISTS?

Romantic & effortless, with a hint of candid

What Is YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

Always. My second photographer plays a very different, yet vital, role on your wedding day.

Do You HAVE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?

I do! You can add them to the base collection. Engagement sessions are a wonderful time for us to get to know each other before the wedding day. I learn how you two interact and you two learn how I direct. It's a win/win!

DO YOU offer Engagement Sessions?

I love to create custom collections. Pricing begins at $7500. You can find more information by inquiring.

What Is the investment?

Unless we have previously discussed it before your wedding day, I will be there as the lead photographer. I do have a team with associates, Ivy & Co. Photography. You can find more information on our website.