HEY THERE! MY NAME IS MELISSA AND I'M A WEDDING AND BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER for the wildly nostalgic!
When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of my time frolicking in the woods. It's where I felt safe, alive and free. Amongst the trees, all of my worries seemed to dissipate...
If I close my eyes, I can still smell the breeze that once blew in my hair, I can hear the sound of the waves from the lake covering my toes and I can feel exactly what I felt inside at that precise moment in time. I often want to relive those memories so that I can feel that same happiness again and I want the same for you.
I want you to feel how you felt in that perfect moment - peaceful, present and in love.
about
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HEY THERe, MY NAME IS MELISSA AND I'M A WEDDING AND BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER for the wildly NOSTALGIC!
I live in a tiny town (more of a rural community) just outside of Ottawa, Ontario with my husband and 2 boys. I never thought being a mom was in the cards for me but looking at my life right now, I absolutely adore my family and couldn't picture my life any other way.
I love a good book, bubble baths, old chipped paint, grilled cheese and cat naps. I'm a chocolate fanatic and I probably couldn't function without coffee in the morning. I laugh a lot and can be awkwardly goofy at times (ok...most of the time)!
I often believe that I was born in the wrong era, some call me 'an old soul', and I find beauty in just about anything. Whether it be a bare willow, a drooping daisy or a winter sunset - my camera is a way for me to express myself and to capture these forms and speak for them.
I find my soul in the wilderness, amongst the trees. It's where I belong and my dream is to, one day, live deep inside the woods - barefoot and free!
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I take on a limited amount of wedding commissions each year in order to serve you better.
Every couple and every wedding that I have the pleasure to photograph are different each in their own way. The packages that I have created are based on the most popular requests, but are also customizable in ordered to suit your needs. Out of town and destination weddings are also available.
Send me a note if you want to find out more about what I can do for you. I look forward to hearing all about your story and possibly capturing those special memories!
information
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faqs...
investment
WEDDINGS
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER, ALBUMS, ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
WEDDING DAY COVERAGE BEGINS AT:
$2599
SESSIONS
COUPLES, BOUDOIR, FAMILY, MATERNITY, SPECIAL EVENTS, PRODUCT SHOOTS ARE ALL AVAILABLE
ENGAGEMENT & LIFESTYLE SESSIONS BEGIN AT:
$399
WEDDINGS
$2500
WEDDING COVERAGE BEGINS AT:
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER, ALBUMS, ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
SESSIONS
$399
ENGAGEMENT & LIFESTYLE SESSIONS BEGIN AT:
COUPLES, BOUDOIR, FAMILY, MATERNITY, SPECIAL EVENTS, PRODUCT SHOOTS ARE ALL AVAILABLE
faqs
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING WEDDINGS? 10 years and over 300 weddings.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? Canon Mark IV and III, 35mm f/1.4L, 85mm f/1.2L, 70-200 f/2.8, 24mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 24mm tilt shift f/3.5, and 100mm f/2.8 macro IS (all Canon), 2 Canon 600 EX-RT Speed-light flashes and other various lighting equipment.
IN WHAT FORM DO I GET THE IMAGES? I use an online gallery protected by a password that you will use. An easy system that allows you to download your images directly to your desktop from one click of a button, favourite and send the images to family and friends, order prints or albums or share them on Facebook.
HOW LONG UNTIL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES? It takes approximately 2-3 weeks for portrait sessions and 6-8 weeks for wedding galleries from start to finish.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR WEDDING PACKAGES? All of my packages include a complimentary engagement session and all of your high res images in digital format for personal use. Additional packages include a second shooter, guest books, wedding albums, etc.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE? Approximately 350-500 for weddings and approximately 50-80 for portrait sessions.
DO YOU TRAVEL? Absolutely! I book a limited amount of destination weddings each year, so contact me to discuss your ideas and I’ll be glad to give you a more detailed price list for your specific needs.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS? Engagement sessions are my very favourite for numerous reasons. Most importantly, they let you get acquainted with me and being in front of the camera so come your big day - you feel much more relaxed. I also get a feel of how you interact with one another, which in turn makes me more comfortable with my clients too. Plus, you get awesome photos with a more easy going vibe in your regular attire that you get to show case. The fun we have is just a bonus!
WHO IS YOUR SECOND SHOOTER? I work with a couple selected photographers who all use professional equipment. My second shooter is more of an assistant to me on the day of who also provides a helpful second angle.
FINALLY, HOW DO I BOOK MY DATE WITH YOU? I require a 50% deposit and a signed contract to make things official. Contact me and let's make this happen!
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preferred vendors...
faqs
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE? Approximately 350-500 for weddings and approximately 50-80 for portrait sessions.
DO YOU TRAVEL? Absolutely! I book a limited amount of destination weddings each year, so contact me to discuss your ideas and I’ll be glad to give you a more detailed price list for your specific needs.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS? Engagement sessions are my very favourite for numerous reasons. Most importantly, they let you get acquainted with me and being in front of the camera so come your big day - you feel much more relaxed. I also get a feel of how you interact with one another, which in turn makes me more comfortable with my clients too. Plus, you get awesome photos with a more easy going vibe in your regular attire that you get to show case. The fun we have is just a bonus!
WHO IS YOUR SECOND SHOOTER? I work with a couple selected photographers who all use professional equipment. My second shooter is more of an assistant to me on the day of who also provides a helpful second angle.
FINALLY, HOW DO I BOOK MY DATE WITH YOU? I require a 50% deposit and a signed contract to make things official. Contact me and let's make this happen!
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preferred vendors
Wedding packages begin at
Lifestyle sessions (engagement, intimates, family, etc.) begin at
portraits
$2600
VENUES
WEDDING PLANNERS & DESIGNERS
BRIDAL SHOPS
Florals
Cakes & treats
Makeup artists
Stationary
other
Haleigh & Adam - Wedding
"We loved working with Melissa for our engagement and wedding photos! Her style of photography really fit us as a couple as well as the feel our our wedding. Melissa has an amazing way of making you feel super comfortable in front of the camera, and her personality is just a breath of fresh air. She kept us all laughing and smiling through the entire day, and we could not be happier with our photos. Thank you Melissa!"
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Tanya & Kyle - Wedding
"What can I say?! The moment that ring went on my finger I knew I had to have Melissa shoot our wedding. We couldn't have been more pleased with our choice. Melissa knows exactly how to capture every special moment in just the right way. She was amazing at directing us, so that we looked our best. Photos last a lifetime and mine are honestly amazing, I can't choose a favourite! In the future we will be hiring Melissa to capture all of our special family moments. Thank you so much for being such an amazing person to work with, you made a wedding day perfect!"
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Miss E - Intimate
"Incredible - the only way to describe my boudoir shoot with Melissa. Doing an intimate shoot was something I had contemplated doing for a few years, but never had the courage or confidence to go through with. From the moment I arrived, Melissa and her lovely makeup artist Dee Dee made me feel so comfortable – like I had known them for years. Any nerves or anxiety I had went right out the window. Melissa made me feel so comfortable and completely at ease during the shoot and the entire experience was a lot of fun! What I ended up getting out of this experience is absolutely priceless. First off, I LOVE all of the photos! I was completely in awe - I didn’t think I could look like that! I walked away with newly found self confidence and have never felt so beautiful.
It was truly such an empowering experience and I encourage every woman to do this!"
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Kymberly & JJ - Wedding & Intimate
"I've had the privilege to work with Melissa on my engagement, boudoir and wedding photos. Not only is she beyond talented when it comes to taking the most beautiful photos but she is a joy to work with. She is very personable and makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. I'm so happy with the experiences I've had with Melissa and am so grateful to have stunning photos from such a special time in my life!"
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Kristin & Doug - Wedding
“My husband and I were apprehensive about finding a photographer for our wedding up in Canada while living in NYC. From the moment we had our first phone conversation with Melissa we immediately knew that we were making the right choice. After a disastrous engagement photo shoot with a photographer in New York, Melissa was graciously able to squeeze us in on an impromptu visit home. For those, who like us, are not in front of a camera everyday Melissa put us at ease, kept us energized and gave us enough instruction while also letting us be natural. Melissa’s personality is only matched by the quality of her photographs. We are absolutely in love with our photos from our engagement session and wedding. She truly captured all of the special moments that we loved about our special day.”
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Miss M - Intimate
"What a fantastic experience! I had photographs done by Melissa and her team in November of 2016. Going into an intimate session, the booking process was easy. She provided all the information necessary, and made me feel comfortable. On the day of the shoot her team greeted me with warmth and confidence. They certainly went beyond my expectations! We chatted and had a great time preparing for the shoot! I would definetly recommend Melissa and her team to any of my friends and family! Melissa is a professional who makes you feel at ease and self-assured throughout the whole process. Most importantly, the pictures were extraordinary! The turn around time was quick and effortless! Thanks Melissa Johnston Photography, I can't wait until my next shoot!"
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