Melissa McElrath
meet your new bff.
Hey, I’m Melissa! if we haven’t met yet, let me explain something to you. You may show up to your session as a stranger, but you’re leaving as a friend.
photographer, storyteller, and mom to two incredible little humans, Jade and Graham. They’re actually the reason this whole thing started. I picked up a camera after Jade was born, wanting to hold onto every tiny moment… and before I knew it, I was building a business that lets me do the same for so many others.
Button Fixer / Dress Fluffer / Photo Snapper | Here for the Memories *and* the Mishaps |
Memories, Magic & McDonald’s Coke.
your memories deserve more than just pretty pictures.
Sure, I’ll guide you through the glowy, frame-worthy shots; but my favorite photos? They’re the blurry laughs, the forehead kisses, the moments you didn’t even know I caught. The ones where your mascara is smudged from happy tears or the wind’s doing its own thing with your hair.
I believe the magic isn’t in perfect lighting or flawless posing. it’s in the feeling.
Sometimes the photo isn’t technically perfect, but the memory is. And that’s what matters to me. Your photos should bring you right back to that moment, what it felt like to laugh so hard your cheeks hurt, or the way your person looked at you when no one else was watching. That’s the stuff I live for.
Your Story’s *Biggest* Fan.
I love big celebrations just as much as intimate, quiet elopements. You’ll usually find me right in the middle of the dance floor or sneaking a slice of cake when no one’s looking. My heart beats for love stories in every form. the messy, the wild, and the perfectly imperfect. I want to create photos that feel like a warm hug, the kind you look back on and instantly feel all over again. Whether we’re running through a field, exploring a new city, or cozied up at home, I’ll be right there capturing the real stuff that makes your story yours.
Let’s make some magic and memories you’ll never forget.
Quick Confessions.
Dream photoshoot location:
the Almalfi coast. Greece is a close second!
favorite food?
Dessert (literally anything chocolate).
most used words?
Also, actually, literally, and it’s fineeeee
I didn’t realize how much I used these words until my little boy started saying “Alsoally.” It’s his most overused word, and I feel like it should be added to the dictionary because it makes complete sense.
What’s something I need to know before hiring you as my photographer?
- I’m really loud
- I have zero chill
- You are stuck with me for life
- I genuinely care about your photos
Favorite music artist?
i’m a huge swiftie.
your biggest ick:
ketchup.
what’s a unique fact about you?
My birthday is 9/11 and I had my little girl on my birthday. We were both due on 9/7 and both born on 09/11. BIRTHDAY TWINSIESsss 
Rank your coco-cola preferences:
- McDonald’s fountain coke
- any other Fountain coke
- Can
- Glass bottle
- Plastic bottle
- Yes I can abbbsolutely taste the difference
My Little Inspirations.
Every great photographer has a team, and mine calls me mom. My babies are my biggest fans and constant encouragers.
Meet my two favorite people. Jade and Graham. They’re the reason I picked up a camera in the first place, capturing every sweet moment as a new mom. They keep me laughing, remind me to slow down, and are my constant inspiration for capturing the love and joy in life’s big moments.
