THE INDEX

MORE OF MY STORY

I grew up in a home with bookcases packed full of family photo albums. On rainy days, my parents and I would sit down and go through all of our photos. I listened as my parents told stories from the past, and we grew closer with every tale. We laughed over shared experiences and embarrassing memories. We felt the strange combination of joy, love, and grief while remembering passed loved ones. I became a photographer so that I could give others the gift of a photographic legacy for themselves and their families.  

Melissa

photographer, dog lover, leather jacket enthusiast. 

go back

I approach a wedding day with the photo album in mind, meaning I aim to capture all aspects of the day so your photos tell an authentic and complete story of how the day unfolded. It's important to me that all details of the day are photographed, from the sentimental accessories that you chose to include as part of your outfit, to the intimate moments you share with your new life partner, to the expressions on your loved one's faces as you walk down the aisle. 

I utilize a combination of photojournalism and artistic direction to capture both candid emotional moments and artistically composed "wall-worthy" editorial portraits. I strive to pose my couples in a way that reflects their true nature as a couple and equally as individuals. I provide gentle posing guidance that is both easy to follow and an enjoyable experience. You will never be left wondering what to do with your hands because I will guide you at every step. I craft my artistic direction and posing style around my clients, so the images feel authentic to you. Your experience of taking your photos is just as important as the photos themselves! 

When I am photographing you on your wedding day, I am envisioning the day many years down the line when you and your sweetheart will sit down with your grandchildren, open up your wedding album, flip through the beautiful images from your big day, and pass down cherished stories from one generation to another. Your wedding photos are not just about getting dressed up and taking beautiful photos in epic locations (even though that's definitely half the fun!); it's about documenting the story of your lives. With your wedding photos, we are immortalizing your love story in a way that builds a lasting legacy for yourself and your family. 

I approach a wedding day with the photo album in mind, meaning I aim to capture all aspects of the day so your photos tell an authentic and complete story of how the day unfolded. It's important to me that all details of the day are photographed, from the sentimental accessories that you chose to include as part of your outfit, to the intimate moments you share with your new life partner, to the expressions on your loved one's faces as you walk down the aisle. 

I utilize a combination of photojournalism and artistic direction to capture both candid emotional moments and artistically composed "wall-worthy" editorial portraits. I strive to pose my couples in a way that reflects their true nature as a couple and equally as individuals. I provide gentle posing guidance that is both easy to follow and an enjoyable experience. You will never be left wondering what to do with your hands because I will guide you at every step. I craft my artistic direction and posing style around my clients, so the images feel authentic to you. Your experience of taking your photos is just as important as the photos themselves! 

- Brené Brown

"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do."

my motto:

I believe that every form love comes in is beautiful, true, authentic, and worthy. 

I believe that dogs belong everywhere: on the couch, at the dinner table, and at your wedding!

I believe that your experience on your wedding day is just as important as the photos themselves.

I believe in skinny jeans, a pair of studded black boots, and a killer shade of red lipstick . 

I am a believer in love knowing no bounds. I am committed to the promotion of diversity, inclusivity and celebrating our differences as they are what makes us beautiful. I pledge as a business to accept, respect and include clients, employees and fellow vendors of all races, colors, religions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, special needs, and disability. I pledge to be an active participant in the collective journey to overcome the fear of difference and replace it with the power of inclusion.

Follow along for dreamy wedding days, style inspiration, and cute pictures of my dog.
  #melissapalkabrides #melissapalkaweddings

@melissa.palka

on instagram