...that’s what your girl is all about! I’m here to celebrate with you and capture the moments that get you all up in your feels until you laugh, cry, and everything in between!
making photos a warm + joyful experience
welcome, darling
for the joyful spirits + beautifully in love
destination and wedding photographer
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more about mel
Hi there! It’s me, Melissa, but you can call me Mel! I’m a Missouri based wedding and elopement photographer that has an undying itch for all things travel and a never ending obsession for all things love! (Y’all, I’m such a sap! Prepare yourself, I will cry multiple times on your big day! It’s going to happen!)
I’m a bubbly girl (with a southern accent) that’s typically walking around with a smile on my face, earbuds popped in listening to a crime podcast, and coffee in my hand. I'm obsessed with sunsets, pinot noir, and all types of pizza (never met a slice I didn’t like!) … and passionate as heck about capturing beautiful, fun-filled memories! Connecting with my adorable clients, offering a one of a kind experience, and having a blast all while doing it is something I pride myself in as a photographer.
P.S. I truly couldn’t be more excited you’re here! Let’s be best friends already! Okay? K, thanks!
meet your girl, mel
the photographer
wedding
caitlyn + chase
elopement
melissa + luke
engagement
mabree + jesse
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Let’s capture something beautiful together, Darling! And along the way let’s create some crazy fun memories, celebrate this priceless moment in your life, and add to those oh so beautiful laugh lines of yours!
brb...grabbing the champagne!
(oh, and my camera!)
to capture your memories
I'd be honored
all the love
“Mel is the kindest soul you will ever meet and find in a photographer. She is hardworking, funny, and so easy to get along with. There is no denying how incredibly talented Mel is behind a camera, but she also has a way of making you feel comfortable and absolutely beautiful during a shoot … this was definitely true on my wedding day. The day my husband and I got engaged, there was no doubt in my mind I wanted Melissa to capture all of the memories from engagement pictures to the BIG day. She was so easy to work with from booking photo sessions, to responding to all of my questions, to making me feel at ease on my wedding day and capturing all of the perfect moments. Even though Mel lives three hours away from our home, we continue to book her for our family milestones. Not only are her photos the best and something we will cherish forever, but SHE is truly the best.”
- LOGAN + WILLIAM
"She has a personality that could light up a room."
“If you are looking for the most perfect photographer to capture your big day — Melissa is without a doubt your person! Mel added the perfect amounts of charm and professionalism to our wedding photographs. With her fun, easy going, and charismatic personality, my husband and I felt comfortable to be our complete selves, which allowed Melissa to capture our raw emotions. The emotions in the perfectly posed smiling at the camera moments — the butterflies in your stomach moments — the tears in your eye moments — the laugh so hard you have two chins moments — and all the moments in between. With Mel behind the camera, you are guaranteed pictures that will wholeheartedly and uniquely describe you and your story. Because of her, Nathan and I are able to relive not only the memories, but also the emotions of our wedding day through her incredible and beautiful work."
- SUMMER + NATHAN
"with her fun, easy going, and charismatic personality ..."
“If you’re on the hunt for a magic maker to capture your big day, look no further! Not only did the photos come out absolutely incredible, but the day ran so smoothly, and I credit much of that to our amazing photographer. I was able to be carefree and soak it all up with my loved ones … knowing she was snapping all of the candid, special moments along the way. I would love to relive this day over and over, and thanks to Melissa, I get the next best thing by looking at these photos!”
- LEXI + BRETT
"If you’re on the hunt for a magic maker to capture your big day, look no further!"
“Melissa is the best you will find. You will not find anyone around here that will make your day any sweeter. She made our day as relaxed as possible and had everything planned to a “T”. She is so efficient! My favorite thing about Melissa is how sweet she makes your candid moments. She doesn’t spend a lot of time overly posing you, putting your hands or turning your head in certain places. She’s all about getting pictures in the moment and talking you through it all. I spent my childhood growing up in front of a camera, as my dad was a photographer. I grew into dreading taking pictures at any occasion. Melissa is so fun and took all of those negative feelings away on our special day. It’s a treat to get to spend the day with her. Looking back, I could not have imagined picking anyone else for our most perfect day!”
- TESSA + ADAM
"Looking back, I could not have imagined picking anyone else for our most perfect day!”
“Melissa is the absolute BEST wedding photographer! Leading up to the big day, she was always quick to respond to any questions I had, and she always made me feel like a priority. She did a phenomenal job getting all of the photos/shots I requested, and she had no trouble getting my family and friends organized for group shots. (Which is a big task!) My husband and I felt extremely comfortable being in front of her camera, because she made it so easy. She was always full of ideas and poses, and she knew how to make us laugh (The laughing photos are my fave!). I cannot recommend Mel enough. She is such a fun, creative, outgoing person, and I am so thankful I chose her to capture our special day!!! I will cherish the photos forever!”
- KELSIE + JAMES
"Melissa was full of encouragement and uplifting words the whole day, and she really felt like a best friend."
“I first fell in love with Melissa when she was my high school cheerleading coach. She has always had major creativity, sharp attention to detail, and the most bubbly, caring soul you’ll ever meet! When Hunter and I got engaged, I immediately started talking with her about potential dates and what my vision was. Mel went above and beyond in the whole planning process! We were married within three weeks of being engaged, and she was there to talk details every step of the way. She captured the most PERFECT images of our special day. Our walls are {literally} full of her work! Melissa is the most beautiful and caring photographer. She was there to help zip my dress, and put the finishing touches on my hair. You will not be disappointed!”
- LARI JEAN + HUNTER
"Melissa is so passionate about what she does, and it shines through her breathtaking images."
“As a little girl I always grew up with images in my head of what my adult life would look like and all the life events to follow. Taking a picture is one thing, but “truly being captured” behind the lens is another. Melissa has captured every life event all the way from my senior year of high school to my wedding day, plus all the family pictures in between. If you want to feel beautiful and encouraged your whole session or wedding day, Mel is your girl. She’s always quick to respond to any questions you may have and never afraid to throw in her creative ideas and detailed input. My family and I will never use another photographer!”
- CAITLYN + CHASE
