Well first of all, I try not to take myself too seriously, so it's hard for me to think about what I want to say about myself! I grew up in Florida with a very large family. My entire family has art running through their veins. My grandfather was a professional photographer, Mom and Dad both have artistic talents, and all of my siblings have a knack for being creative one way or another. so here I am, married with children and wondering how in the world I'm going to channel my passion for creativity into something beautiful, productive, fulfilling, and find joy all at the same time? So, photography became the answer and a much needed outlet.
I love people, I love love, and I love adorable little baby fat rolls! I have to be creating beautiful things at all times. Though being a full time mother and homemaker takes up most of my time, I just can't keep myself from dreaming about being an amazing wedding photographer.
Over the past five years in the wedding industry, I feel like I have become a regular wedding junkie! By recognizing the latest styles and trends, I am prepared to capture everything that is unique and fabulous at your wedding and wrap it all up into an amazing timeless package. And that amazing package is the work of art you will walk away with when the day is all said and done. How well do you want to remember it?
Recently I have also reached one of my ongoing goals of being published in a national wedding magazine. They are but two small pictures, but I am so blessed none the less (baby steps!). You may recognize some images from Kyle and Christina's Wedding at Gorge Crest Farms in Town & Country Weddings, Fall 2010 issue. I have also been featured in a few wedding inspiration blogs such as Style Me Pretty, Snippet & Ink, Style Unveiled, and Marry You Me!
I was given the opportunity to photograph my friends newborn baby at two weeks old! She wanted to do it quick, because newborns seem to change every day! So, we did it the day before they left to visit family for Christmas, and when they got back, he looked so different. I am so glad we got it done…
Here are a couple of my favs…
Style me Pretty has just published their first magazine featuring their best of 2010, and I am so honored to have one of my weddings featured in it! I don’t feel that I am anywhere near worthy enough to be featured alongside Elizabeth Messina, or Jose Villa, or Jasmine Star (to name a few), but I must say that is does give me a little sense of validation in my work. (Which, as an artist, I am always looking for!) I’m sure you will all recognize this one! Kyle and Christina’s wedding has been a favorite of mine all year…I was literally on cloud nine when we left that day, and I knew it was going to be a hit! Check out SMP’s first ever magazine online at :
http://www.stylemepretty.com/magazine/
January 9, 2011 - 8:50 am - Congratulations. That's so exciting! I feel excited, because I know someone who's published there...so you should be totally excited...because it's your work! :)
January 5, 2011 - 4:57 pm - So beautiful Mel! You deserve this!!!
I don’t do families that often, but I look forward to playing with these guys a couple times a year! This is just a sneak peek, but it was just one of those times when I can’t wait to get home to look at a certain series of images, ’cause I know there is just something great to be seen. We went and did this photo-shoot my backyard as well as downtown Salem, Oregon where I just had to get this shot in the parking garage! I love the light in parking garages. I’ve decided that it is a must in any urban-type photo-shoot…
November 22, 2010 - 2:33 pm - Hi Julia! She made the hats, aren't they the cutest!
November 21, 2010 - 11:17 am - Melanie! Oh, my word so beautiful! I know those girls! I think that if these were the only two you got, the shoot was a success...but I am sure there is more. Did their Mom make those dresses and hats? Knowing her she did!
Okay, so in my wedding package a la carte options, I offer my couples the choice of hiring a second photographer to assist me on their wedding day, right? Well, I was just in the middle of editing this wedding when I came across this! Oh my goodness! THIS is why I love shooting with two photographers! While I was in the front getting the sure thing, my second shooter was HERE with all of her stealth and ninja skills in full force. Having a second photographer has so many benefits, that I encourage all of my couples to make it possible!
For this wedding, I had the wonderful Karen Scott with Avayah Photography come along. Thank you Karen!
Here’s another one…Karen got the shot of Brandon, and I got Christina walking down the isle with her Father.
Having two different angles just adds so much to the story…
One more for ya…
So I think my very favorite place to photograph a wedding is Gorge Crest Farms in the beautiful Columbia Gorge! You may remember Kyle and Christina’ wedding from last year (can you believe it’s been a year!), and how their wedding just totally rocked my socks off!! I was on cloud nine for weeks after that one. Well I am also proud to annouce that two of the images from that wedding were published in the Town & Country Weddings issue for fall 2010! In the way back, there is the picture of their “ceremony” sign/pointer thing, and one of Christina with the veil over her face on the very last page. I am so excited and feel so honored to be able to see Missy and my work in a national magazine. When I get a chance to scan the page onto my computer, I’ll post it. But, for now my printer is down and I can’t do anything! So sad.
Anywho, in the memory of their wedding day, and in honor of their anniversary, I made this slideshow!! Enjoy…
November 3, 2010 - 6:25 pm - There is no reason why yours and Missy's work could never be published in a local or national magazine -- you two sisters are INCREDIBLY TALENTED!!! Congratulations on the publication, Melanie! You totally deserve it and your work speaks for itself!
This was a wedding that I was able to attend because of my good friends, Jerome & Rebbecca with A Niko Productions. They are a husband and wife team who offer video, and photography in one! Joshua and Bonny requested more than one photographer, so I got to tag along!
Joshua and Bonny were super fun, and every pose seemed to flow effortlessly! I love it when a bride and groom are confident and comfortable in front of the camera. It makes for the most relaxed portraits, and it makes my job a breeze!
October 14, 2010 - 1:46 pm - Mel, these are just beautiful! Nice to see you back in action!! :)
by Melanie Jade
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