DON’T BLINK…
YOU’LL WANT TO REMEMBER THIS.
If you’re looking for someone to fix your flyaways, hype you up mid-pose, and cry during your vows… hi, it’s me. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures (although, you’ll get plenty of those). I’m here to celebrate you, laugh with you, and capture all the big, wild, beautiful pieces of your story just the way it deserves to be told.
if you’re eloping at the beach, dancing barefoot at your backyard wedding, or wrangling toddlers for a family session, I’ll be there. camera in hand, snacks in bag. This is more than photography to me. it’s connection, magic, and moments you’ll want to relive a million times.
are we running off to the desert or jetting to your the maldives? I’m already packing my bags. If your love story is taking you somewhere amazing, I’ll be there camera-ready, with a mcdonald’s coke (yes at 7am, this is a judgement-free friendship ok?), and fully obsessed with capturing every second.
stories from the other side of the lens:
Melissa made our day SO incredibly special, EASY, and memorable. And by professional, I mean pro level. She captured so many unforgettable moments and made everyone laugh and smile. The timeline set up for our wedding didn’t go according to plan and she adjusted accordingly; no problem. No stress. And now I need her to be my best friend. LOL! But her work was so great, I asked her to come out to Colorado to take more shots for me for my own business. 10 stars. Hire her.
-ashley + lee
Melissa is AMAZING! Her attention to detail is unmatched, and the photos are the highest quality. She does a fantastic job of helping everyone feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, even in the midst of an exciting and crazy day.
Melissa captured every moment beautifully, from the small details and candid moments to the beautiful “golden hour” pictures in the evening. The photos are
gorgeous, and we’ll cherish them for a lifetime.
Melissa, thank you for making our day truly unforgettable!!
-Tristi + Evan
If you want your most special memories from your wedding captured beautifully, Melissa McElrath should be your photographer. Her photos bring that special day back to life every time I look at them. She was easy to communicate with, listened attentively to the bride and grooms wishes, and interjected her creativity into each picture. She blended right in with our guest and wedding party and was never a distraction. She caught every special moment perfectly! I highly recommend her for your wedding photographer and I look forward to working with her again in the future!
– Kelly McDill (very happy mother of the groom)
What began as snapping photos of my own babies turned into a full-blown love affair with storytelling. I’m a mom to two, a traveler, a pep-talker, a dress-fluffer, and the friend who’s always crying behind the camera (don’t worry, I’ve mastered the one-handed mascara dab).
This isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about making people feel seen, celebrated, and deeply loved in the moments that matter most.
I started this business because I couldn’t stand the thought of memories fading.
What began as snapping photos of my own babies turned into a full-blown love affair with storytelling. I’m a mom to two, a traveler, a pep-talker, a dress-fluffer, and the friend who’s always crying behind the camera (don’t worry, I’ve mastered the one-handed mascara dab).
This isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about making people feel seen, celebrated, and deeply loved in the moments that matter most.
It’s more than photos. it’s your story.
If you’re looking for someone who’ll show up with her whole heart, vibe with your people, and make you feel like a literal goddess in front of the camera…. you just found her.
Copyright © 2025 Melissa McElrath. All Rights Reserved. Design by Pix & Hue.
Fall Sessions are almost open!
Join the list and get first dibs on all bookings.
Because the best dates go fast, and you deserve the inside scoop.
Copyright 2025 Melissa McElrath Photography. Designed and Maintained by Barefoot Build.