The Experience
What it's like to work with Me(lissa)
Our time spent together on your wedding day will be fun and efficient, allowing us to get every shot without keeping you from enjoying the day with your guests.
I'll keep in contact with you to help with your timeline, answer your questions, and ensure we discuss any must-have shots. I work in a way that encourages you and your partner to interact with each other and be yourselves, instead of focusing on me and my camera.
new york city wedding photographer experience
When I think about which old family photographs affect me, I almost never think about the perfectly posed ones. It's always an in-between, split-second, one-blink-and-it's-gone instant in time. Sometimes the angle isn't perfect, or maybe you're not looking directly at the camera, but it still works. It brings you right back to that instant, and before you know it you feel like the world's first time traveller.
How do you want to feel?
Looking back on your wedding day
I mean this in two ways. One: the sanctity of a moment should never be sacrificed for the sake of a shot. In other words, I know when to step in to direct and when to take a step back to let things unfold naturally. Two: you can trust me to handle delicate family or friend situations, all while keeping the day as stress-free as possible.
I'll never force you to keep taking photos if you're not feeling it. I used to think that if I had time leftover in the wedding day timeline that meant I was doing something wrong, or missing something. Now I know it just means I'm efficient. We'll get all the shots, and you'll have as much downtime as possible.
I went into college knowing I'd pursue photography. I received a full scholarship and attended St. John's University in Queens, as well as the International Center of Photography (ICP) in Manhattan. My time spent in photo school allows me to see each moment as an opportunity to create art.
Discretion
Quality > Quantity
a BFA
There are thousands of photographers. Here's what makes me different.
I've been photographing weddings since 2018. It's technically the only job I've ever had, and it still doesn't even really feel like work.
One time I woke up sick and knew I had to try to make it through the day, since it was just me on the roster. When I noticed I was feeling worse throughout the day, I called my backup/2nd photographer and she covered for me from cocktail hour through the end of the reception. If I am sick several days beforehand and don't see myself getting better, OR if I am personally booked on your date, I'll tap in my associate/2nd photographer and have a meeting with everyone to make sure we're all on the same page and comfortable.
If for whatever reason you, the client, need to cancel, all payments made with the exception of the non-refundable $1000 retainer shall be returned. Cancellation must be communicated no less than 30 days before the original date. After which, no refunds will be made. If you decide to postpone, your $1000 retainer is valid for up to one year from your original wedding date. After which, an additional $1000 retainer must be made in order to ensure availability and hold your new date.
A super common question that's asked during the booking process is: "have you worked at xyz venue before?" If the answer is no, don't be discouraged. I can't speak for others, but for me, I personally visit each venue at least once before your wedding, even if I've been there before. It's important to know the way the light will behave on the day of, if there are any areas of the property we should explore for portraits, etc.
You'll have a link with 50-100 sneak peek photos within 24-48 hours of your wedding day. Sometimes I even airdrop a few favorites while you're on the dance floor. You can expect your full edited gallery within 2-4 weeks of your wedding. Every photo is edited individually -- after all the best ones are culled from the thousands I've taken.
