I have always been heavily influenced by nature and light. When I close my eyes and think back on a specific moment in time, the sights and smells of my surroundings often make up the bulk of the memory. The feel of the cool evening breeze in my hair, the smell of wet earth after a rainfall, the sound of the small waves lapping at the shore all play an important role in how I remember a treasured part of my life.
My job is to capture and tie in all of those elements on your wedding day all while ensuring that I stay true to who you are as individuals and as a couple. Capturing the essence of the day as well as documenting it as it unfolds - that’s precisely what I am there to do along with making sure you are also having the time of your lives!
Wedding Photography
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Feel like having your celebration somewhere different and perhaps in a far off land? I'm 100% down for it! I've been to many special (and some exotic) places to capture couples tying the knot. I'm always up for packing my bags and embarking on a special adventure!
destination weddings
Weddings and elopements hold a special place in my heart. I have photographed numerous unique weddings in the last 14 years and they just don't seem to get old! I can't wait to hear all about your special day - let's do this thing!
weddings & elopements
Engagement or couple sessions are my specialty (also my personal favourite to photograph) and a great way for you to get comfortable being in front of the lens. They're just like a hangout with an old friend somewhere neat and doing what you love - I promise we'll have a blast!
Engagements
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portfolio
Starting at $549
At first, you might be hesitant at the thought of getting even more photos done than those taken on your wedding day but engagement sessions aren't just about the images themselves. These shoots are a great way for us to be well acquainted and for you to feel more comfortable in front of my camera so come the wedding day - everything is a breeze! Couples and engagement sessions have been one of my favourite types of shoots because it's just like hanging out with a new friend! First, we will choose a location that suits you or is meaningful to you both in some way (I also have a long list of great spots too if need be). I am pretty much game to doing anything that makes you happy so if you want to jump off the dock or hike up a mountain - let's do it! I find people are more relaxed and happy in a familiar place and since my goal is to capture you as naturally as possible, why not tie in elements that make you 'you'!? Our time together will go by quickly but it'll be a blast and you'll get awesome photos that you can hang up on the wall - bonus!
Engagements
** Engagement and couple sessions are included in wedding packages and Willow & Wander couples are top priority as well as get first dibs of the schedule; however, sessions alone can also be booked by new clients.
**Elopements and micro weddings are also welcomed with open arms! Message me for more information about those.
Starting at $3000
Whether you are having a small, intimate wedding amongst the trees at the cottage or having a luxurious, tented ceremony by the family's 150 year old stone house - I'm all for it! When it comes to planning your wedding, I can't stress enough that you need to make it as 'YOU' as possible. Forget what your mother in law will think of the style of your dress or that your aunt Gertrude might not like the choice of food - in the end, people are happy to be there and everything will fall into place, I promise!
In the last 14 years, I have photographed over 400 weddings but regardless of that number, what's really special about that is how every single one of them has been unique. Spending my weekends surrounded with people in love and celebrating their union with their beaming and proud family and friends might actually be the best job out there. I am happy to lend a helping hand in the planning process so don't hesitate to shoot your ideas at me and I'll do my best to advise you the best I can! For now, why don't you get lost in other peoples celebrations and possibly start jotting down your ideas and any questions you might have for me. Then, send me a message if you like what you see and possibly want to be a Willow & Wander couple!
Weddings & Elopements
** Due to my busy schedule and having a family at home, I only accept one destination wedding commission a year but please don't let that deter you from contacting me for my availability and to tell me all about your ideas and dreams! I’d love to help make them a reality and capture you exchanging vows wherever your heart desires!
Let’s plan your getaway and start packing our bags!
Below is a list of some beautiful places to consider:
+ Iceland or Faroe Islands
+ Lapland, Finland
+ The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
+ In the desert of Joshua tree
+ Banff, Alberta, Canada
+ Horsehoe Bend & Antelope Canyon
+ Santorini, Greece
+ Yosemite National Park
+ Isle of Skye, Scotland
+ Tofino, BC
+ Sahara Desert, Morocco
+ Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Starting at $2000
Maybe flying away to a different destination for your big day is more your jam. Whether you're eloping or having a full wedding on a tropical island, the middle of a sandy desert or even at the top of some moss covered fjords, I would love to join you on your adventure!
I have been to many different places around the world to capture couples tying the knot and they have been some of the most breathtaking and unique celebrations that I’ve had the honour of witnessing.
Destination Weddings:
“When it came time to choose a photographer for our wedding, we were overwhelmed by the options. I met with Melissa, and she immediately put my concerns at ease. On our wedding day, she captured so many unforgettable moments. The photos are beautiful, look natural, and we will cherish them forever. Our families raved about how calm and personable she was on the big day. We can't imagine our wedding without her.”
the photos are beautiful, look natural, and we will cherish them forever.
"She is open to take any crazy shot you have in mind, and does her very best to make the experience so enjoyable — we especially loved her enthusiasm from behind the camera! It was like having our own personal paparazzi! Not only did we love her, but our guests did as well! She was punctual, outgoing, fun, even danced a few dances with us before the night ended. Our pictures are amazing memories of the most perfect day, captured by one amazing person!”
we especially loved her enthusiasm from behind the camera!
"Melissa played a major role in making our day so special. She brought such a calm, friendly presence. She was professional, kindhearted and down to earth. Every guest at the wedding had such sweet words to say about her. Then we got our photos back and WOW. Every single one has blown us away. We have no words! We can't believe we get to look at these photos for the rest of our lives. We're so lucky. Thank you Melissa from the bottom of our hearts! We can’t wait for our next photo shoot with you.”
Melissa played a major role in making our day so special. We have no words!
"We just got our photos and honestly I knew I absolutely loved your personality, passion and your work but seeing us as the products of that work I cannot explain in words that would do you justice! The photos are absolutely stunning. I cannot imagine the happiness we will get from our wedding photos! There is always some fear when picking someone as important as your photographer because if the photos are not what you imagine there is no redo, and I would book you a million times over!”
I cannot imagine the happiness we will get from our wedding photos!
08. Are you okay with ‘outside the box’ weddings?
07. How far in advance do you book?
06. Do you travel?
05. Can we make a custom package?
04. What do you need in order to book?
03. How will I receive my images?
02. What equipment do you use?
01. How long have you been a photographer?
frequently asked questions
17 years!!! It's been a wild ride but every year, I can't get enough of it.
01. How long have you been a photographer?
2 Canon R6, 35mm f/1.4L, 85mm f/1.2L, 70-200 f/2.8, 2 Canon 600 EX-RT Speed-light flashes and other various lighting equipment.
02. What equipment do you use?
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.
03. How will I receive my images?
A signed contract as well as a 50% deposit is required in order to officially book your date. Payment plans are also always considered. Just ask and we can help!
04. What do you need in order to book?
Certainly! Every wedding is different each in their own way. I’d be happy to discuss what type of coverage you are looking for in order to suit your needs!
05. Can we make a custom package?
I sure do! I book a limited number 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.
06. Do you travel?
I typically book 1.5 years out but it’s not uncommon that we book 2+ years out or even have a random open date coming up soon. It never hurts to just inquire!
07. How far in advance do you book?
100%. I love something a little different and I’m all about being unique and sticking to what you love and believe in! Let’s chat about what you have in mind so that we can ensure we cover everything and make the most out of your time and photos.
08. Are you okay with ‘outside the box’ weddings?
