Melista Bahler
Engagements Wedding Destination & Elopement
Melista Bahler

Whatever your story is - it deserves to be remembered.

TORONTO BASED WEDDING + ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

 
 
 
 

Hey!! I’m Mel and I’m your Toronto Wedding Photographer.

Thanks for stopping by!

If you’ve stumbled upon this little corner of the web you may be in the midst of planning a wedding. I know it can be stressful and I know how much work goes into ensuring you have the day you’ve always dreamt of. Whether it is a small intimate wedding or a big old party, my approach doesn’t change. I’m here to serve you and make this little part of the planning process a little easier.

If I had to describe my style of photography It would be candid photography with a bit of guidance. I live for the raw, unplanned and genuine moments that happen when no one is expecting them, but I will never leave you hanging or feeling like you aren’t sure what to do next.

My approach is unique and consistent throughout any wedding day because I know that’s how I would want it captured. When your grandmother gives you her blessing I will be a fly on the wall and the same goes for when you are seeing each other for the first time. On the other hand, on the morning of when reading morning letters or getting dressed, I will likely suggest it be by a window or well lit room.

When looking back at your photos, I want you to relive all of the messy, tear filled, ugly cry, belly ache moments that piece together the unique story of your day. That is what I am here for.

 

Galleries

 

Engagements

weddings

destination

 
 
 
 
 
 

My approach

I do things a little different..


If you are still here you probably have a little idea of how I do things around here. I am intentional and transparent with my approach to documenting weddings because I truly believe everyone has their own vision on how their day will and should look. I want to make sure I have the same values and views as you do.

Capturing the little details is very important to me. Reading a room is such an important skill a photographer can have. It may be one of the most important ones too. Wedding days are extremely fast paced, so paying attention to the little in between moments that you may not notice are what I always have an eye and ear for. Those ones are the moments you will see in your album and really feel like you are reliving your day as some of these you will be seeing for the first time.

I will ask some personal questions about you guys moving forward and it is because I genuinely would love to get to know you! Starting with a good foundation, like any relationship, makes for a good connection and great friendship down the road! I’d love to get to know each other more so I can help with this little journey of yours. My goal is to ensure you are so comfortable with me by the time we get to your wedding day that photography is the last thing that will cross your mind.

Think we are a good fit? There is a whole other page of goodness if you wanna know more about what to expect!

 

“For the fun and Lighthearted”

 

Do these resonate with you?

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

You want your day to be about your family & friends - and the moments you share together including the little moments you may have missed.

You rather me capture authentic, REAL moments with some guidance and not the posey, forced smiles type of photos.

Don’t take it from me

 
Testimonials
ALEX & ALEX
ALEX & ALEX

“She ALWAYS made my husband and I feel comfortable”

Melista is the BEST photographer. I have hired her for my engagement shoot, engagement party, and my outdoor wedding. I am a very picky person when it comes to photography and Melista always listened to my questions and concerns. She also ALWAYS made my husband and I feel comfortable taking couples photos. She is kind, professional and manages to send all the photos so promptly. Definitely hire Melista for any photography needs!!

SAM & MITCH
SAM & MITCH

“Mel worked with us on absolutely every change with such support, encouragement and love.”

There are absolutely not enough positive things to say about Melista. I am SO grateful that I stumbled into her beautiful work on instagram, because not only have I found my lifetime photographer for all of our major events, but also a wonderful friend. During this difficult time, many couples have had to pivot their wedding plans. My husband and I went from our initial big wedding date, to a rescheduled date, to an elopement package on our original date with a rescheduled reception to finally cancelling our big reception. Mel worked with us on absolutely every change with such support, encouragement and love. She was always willing to do whatever she could to make herself available and ensure our day was special. Our shoots are filled with laughter and natural moments - my husband and I always joke about how awkward we are in front of the camera, but honestly based on our pictures you'd never guess that. I look through our photos often with tears in my eyes as we relive our absolute best day. Now, we have our maternity shoot booked with her! I can't wait to continue sharing all of our big moments with Mel. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you - we love you! <3

BRIANA &amp; MITCH
BRIANA & MITCH

To every bride reading this - you do not need to look like a model posing in Wedluxe to have gorgeous photos (and nor should you aim to look like one). Your day will also not come without hiccups. If you want a human and honest documentation of what a wedding should look like you need to book Mel! She captured every single thing that added SO much character to our day - from my flower girl balling her eyes out down the aisle, to my sister twerking on the dance floor. She was so much fun to work with and super cool. Booking Mel was one of the best decisions we made planning our special day. I can’t wait for her to photograph my sisters wedding next summer!

Madison and Riley
Madison and Riley

My husband and I have had the pleasure of working with Melista not once but TWO times. First with our engagement photos in the snow with our fur children and the second for our destination wedding in Mexico. Melista has become part of our family, she has an amazing skill set that compliments her wonderful personality. She is up for any adventure and made sure that we felt comfortable and heard the entire time. Her photography work is phenomenal, her timing is productive, and her structure is effecient. She was not only our photographer but she unknowlingy became our coordinator for the wedding because ours unfortunately was disappointing, and damn did she become a boss! Thank you Melista for keeping our entire wedding party on point, for capturing all the incredible moments with our family/friends, becoming a part of the family and being undeniably you!!! We recommend you to the oomf degree!