MY APPROACH

This is the single, most important page you will come across.

You have probably gathered that I can take pretty photos by now. But before you go any further, I want you to know, that taking pretty photos is a very small piece of the puzzle when it comes to finding a good photographer. I know sometimes it seems like that is the only thing that matters, but hear me out.

Mastering how to use a camera isn’t the hardest thing in the world. Having a natural eye helps, but anyone can find an incredible spot and know their lighting.

But what happens when it rains on your wedding day and the game plan changes on a whim? Or when your timeline runs so late that you only have 15 minutes to bang out formals? That’s when you’re gonna need someone who works well under pressure, can make a decision on the spot, and someone with the experience so that making these calls comes naturally.

Hey! - I’m that girl.

I’ve shot well over 100 weddings, so it’s safe to say I know my sh*t. I’ve been put into situations where I had to turn into a day of coordinator and I took the challenge and ran with it with a smile on my face. I have reviews from my bride and all of her bridesmaids from that day in Mexico as they all appreciated the fact that I took on a roll that I wasn’t hired to do.

What I am trying to say here is I really don’t consider myself a photographer that walks in and out on a wedding day completely unnoticed. Your best man that had one too many tequila shots will definitely hear it from me when I am taking groomsmen formals and your favourite uncle Bob will remember me after chatting my ear up about his old Canon Rebel. - These chats usually happen after I ask him not to jump in the way while you are walking down the aisle. It’s all in good fun and I love every minute of it.

I might be up your alley if…

• You don’t take life too seriously and are down for some laughs and a damn good time.

• You rather enjoy the experience of your wedding day and not worry about photography. (I got it, don’t worry)

• You care about your friends and families wedding experience just as much as your own, and need someone capture the little moments that you may have missed.

• You rather me capture authentic, REAL moments and not the posey, forced smiles type of photos. However, not leave you feeling like you don’t know what to do with your hands or what you should be doing next. I got you!

“Mel was not only our photographer but she unknowingly became our coordinator for our destination wedding”

I am not the type of photographer to do “my job”, get in and get out. I will be there to bring coffee the morning of because things are running late, or to sew your best friends dress together on a whim because it fell apart 4 minutes before the limo is arriving. (Yes, it happens) I’ve turned into a planner, driver, best friend, therapist, seamstress, DJ, florist.. you name it, I’ve probably done it. Point is, I’m here for you every step of the way. And when I say every step, I mean it.

Every single couple has a unique and special story, that is why there is no such thing as a cookie cutter wedding. I’ve gotten pretty good at documenting milestones for what they are without feeling the need to look like anything I’ve photographed before. Why would anyone want that? I want you to look back and truly remember how you felt when looking at your wedding photos. Whether its Grandma Jo on the dance floor or Aunt May balling her eyes out during speeches, I’m here for it all and I won’t miss a beat. These little In-between moments will be just as, if not more important to you down the road.. I can promise you that.

 Relaxed, natural and candid photos are what I specialize in and it’s no secret that is what my couples gravitate towards. I want to be a safe place for you to feel like you can be yourselves, even in front of a camera. My approach is extremely fun and relaxed right off the bat, you will notice this and it will make you feel at ease before we even get started.

I give tons of guidance throughout our journey together and I will never leave you feeling stiff or in a position where you just don’t feel yourself. We will leave the Vogue poses to Wedluxe Magazine and stick to “poses” where you are enjoying your time together! 

Let’s face it.. either you thrive under pressure or you crumble. Wedding days are full of unknowns and sometimes a spare of the moment decision can have a domino effect on so many moving parts of the day. Having a strong personality helps ease stress and ensure everything runs smoothly no matter what the hiccup. At the end of the day you are investing a lot of money in me.. So, when it comes to getting sh*t done, you don’t have to worry about me.

Q & A

Question

Answer

Don’t wait on it! I would suggest reaching out as soon as you have your wedding date. Typically, I am booked about a year or so in advance.

Do you happen to travel?

Absolutely!! I am a traveller at heart and I always have my passport handy. If you've come across my bio and researched me enough to find my travel page, you already knew the answer. Send me a message and tell me all the deets!! I can likely give you some general travel advice while we're at it. ;)

How many photos will I get from my wedding day?

A good rule of thumb is 40-70 photos per hour on your wedding day! It is important to know that I don’t hold back on photos, as in i’ll never look at a number and cap it. Every wedding day has a series of different events and therefore there will be no cap to the amount of photos I deliver as I want to ensure your whole story is told.

What if I have to reschedule/cancel my session?

If you have to cancel or reschedule your session the retainer for that date is non-refundable. Please understand that dates (especially during wedding season) are very strategically placed and well thought out. It is not that I want to charge you, it is likely because I have turned away another couple for that date and also scheduled family/life around the dates booked.

Do you give your RAW files?

I do not give out RAW files. Giving out raw files is like giving you a piece of artwork half finished. So much of my time goes into editing your photos and a photo not edited is just not a true representation of my work. Trust me when I tell you, you do not want the unfinished product. I make sure you include all of the big moments to the tiny ones too, and I don’t hold back on delivery. You just gotta trust me on this one.

What happens if you can’t make it to my wedding?

I will be honest, this has never happened and I hope never will. Something very major would have to take place like a death/family emergency for me not to be there for your day, however I know life happens. In the event where I can’t make it, I would send one of my associates in my place and ensure you absolutely love their work! I would then be the one to edit your photos so you would still get the style you hired me for!