I’ve been asked this a few times, so I thought it was time to write a blog post about it! I’ve hesitated to write this, one, because it’s so personal. And two, because there are multiple parts to this story that I wasn’t sure how to share. So this is part one.

I’ve always loved love. Call me a romantic, call me a Cancerian (for those familiar with the zodiac signs, haha), call me majorly empathetic.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time meditating (fun fact: I’m also a certified yoga instructor with my 200 hour alignment-based/therapeutic yoga training and have also been certified through 3 different yoga nidra programs, because, well, I’m hooked!). And during those meditations, I ask myself how I could contribute positively to the world, and the recurring answer is and always was: love.

When I feel myself hurting for those around the world that are experiencing deep pain, I try and think of love.

Love, in all its intricate forms, has the transformative ability to create joy, healing, and lasting connections. It’s a universal language that transcends all boundaries. It’s the universal thread that binds us all. Whether it’s romantic love or the love of a mother. It’s like the Beatles song says: “All You Need Is Love”. As cheesy as that sounds, I fully believe in that.

We live in a world that is so fast-paced, so I use my lens as a way of storytelling, narrating these amazing love stories that might’ve otherwise gone unnoticed, or, sadly, forgotten. As an elopement photographer, I’ve truly found my calling in capturing those intimate moments that speak volumes about the strength and beauty of love.

On a personal note, I grew up with my mother constantly taking photos of her 3 children. The phrase “Moooom? Another one, really?” was constantly used among me and my siblings growing up. She was an artist in her own right, although I don’t think she would have ever called herself one. She really was. She was obsessed with scrapbooking and as the result, we are blessed to have dozens of beautiful scrapbooks filled with childhood photos and preserved memories. I didn’t appreciate them as a kid, and now, they’re everything to me.

My mama passed away due to cancer in June of 2022, and it really put everything into perspective for me. The sentiment “life is so short” comes crashing down on you when someone close to you passes away. We hear it all the time, and yet I didn’t fully grasp its depth until then. But it’s true. All I have left of her is the memories we made and the photographs we took together. Those photos are priceless to me.

We have a safe in our garage, and it’s filled with photos. Because that’s what I worry about losing the most. Money is replaceable, but photos of loved ones are not. They are literally irreplaceable. A mark of our shared history. A testament to our lineage. They tell the story of where we came from and the people that shaped us.

So, in that safe, we’re not just saving memories; we’re holding onto the core of who we really are, and the connections that make up our family’s story.

And that’s exactly what we do when we create and frame your photos and hang them on the wall!

(And yes, photos are also all over my walls inside the home as well, not just in the garage safe, haha.)

We are telling your story.

We aren’t simply displaying pretty pictures; we are curating a living, evolving story that unfolds with every glance. Your framed photos become more than decorations; they become portals to cherished memories and shared experiences, proudly woven into the fabric of your personal history. And, it’s a way of encapsulating the ongoing tale of your unique journey, a story that continues to grow and evolve with each passing day.

They are photos that your children, grandchildren or other family members might have someday to hang onto, especially when they can’t be with you in person.

Similarly, as an elopement photographer, it’s not just about snapping photos for me; I want to preserve the timeless essence of love, one frame at a time. I want people to look at my photos and feel love. Feel the warmth of it. Feel the depth at which we are able to empathize with each other. And to remember that we are all connected.

And all this with the sincere hope that it ripples out and contributes to making the world a better, more compassionate place for our children to grow up in, and for our world to thrive.

So, that’s me. A little peak into why I do what I do. It’s not a surface level thing for me. It’s not a hobby. It’s not a whim. It’s not a quick way to make money (because let’s be honest, there’s nothing quick about this business, and being a professional photographer is actually horribly expensive.)

It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about. It’s something I feel good about creating, and I feel confident in offering to others because I know how important and valuable having photos like these really are. Everyone deserves professional photos of their love documented.

If you are interested in my services but can’t afford it, please ask me about payment plan options, and don’t be shy! Your story deserves to be told and treasured.

XOXO,

Melissa