I'm so glad you're here to get to know me! First and foremost, I'm a wife and a mom. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, but we've known each other since we were in elementary school. Awww! Haha yeah that's usually the reaction I get. We have a beautiful daughter that was born in 2014. She is the light of my life and my reason for pursuing photography as a career in the first place. She and I are both huge bookworms! If you love to read, I know we will get along!
My first experience with photography was back in high school. I learned how to shoot in manual on a good old film camera, and I absolutely LOVED working in a darkroom. Although school took me down a different path, I wound up back at photography in the end. Having my own photography business was a dream of mine since I got my first DSLR in 2009. Becoming a mom was that push I needed.
The journey into motherhood is so incredibly special that I felt like it was where my time needed to be spent. I became passionate about helping pregnant women look and feel amazing during their maternity sessions! And freezing time during newborn sessions when they don't stay that little for very long!
It brings me so much joy to see you light up at how gorgeous you look at your maternity session. We don't give ourselves enough credit during pregnancy, and I'm here to show you how absolutely stunning you are.
Creating images of your time together at home with your newborn gives me so much honor, knowing that these pictures will be what you look back on with fondness when your kids are all grown up.
So let's do this! Let's document your motherhood together! I can't wait to talk to you!
Your Friendly photographer
Hey, I'm Melissa!
Here's a snapshot into my world.
A Little Behind The Scenes Of My Life
Having known my husband since we were kids, it was easy to fall for someone who became one of my best friends in high school. We never intended to get married so young, but life had other plans. I wouldn't change a thing though. The road we took brought us to where we are today with our beautiful, spunky little girl. Being a mom was something I wanted for so long. We actually had her name picked out before we even got married, not even knowing if we would ever even have a girl. They can both be a pain in my ass sometimes, but I love them both more than anything!
My Family
MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER, & ME IN GERMANY
I'm a huge bookworm. There was a point in time before I became a mom that my nose was almost always in a book. Things have changed quite a bit since then, but I still try to make sure that I read at least a little bit every day.
Favorite Series:
Harry Potter by JK Rowling, The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, and Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
Come chat books with me in my Facebook group for Bookish Babes!
enjoying a book together
Reading
I'm a second generation German-American. My mom is the first and only American citizen in her German family. I was born in Germany, and we lived there until I was 7 years old. My sister and I went back to visit with family every other summer until my sister was 18. I can't tell you how much I dreamed of living in Germany again growing up.
Well, the military granted my wish, and we got stationed in Germany for a short time. While we were there we got to travel to so many cool places! I wish we'd had more time to travel to even more countries, but I am so thankful for the time we did have. Scotland was my absolute favorite place we visited!
Europe
Midhope Castle Scotland (AKA Lallybroch)
My Favorite Things
"I have been doing mini photo shoots for several years with random photographers, but we have finally found a home with Melissa. I love her communication, assistance with picking outfits, colors, poses, etc. Everything came out beautifully and it wouldn't have been so if it weren't for her!"
Alexandria, Virginia Newborn Session
Karen
"I’m a mom of 2 and currently expecting my last baby. This pregnancy has been extremely hard on me, but I wanted to have good memories by doing a maternity session. I’m so glad I found Melissa, she is absolutely amazing and went above and beyond to make me feel beautiful and comfortable with the photo shoot. The final result was absolutely amazing, and we loved every single picture."
Burke, Virginia Maternity SEssion
Maidelyn
"Attention to detail, thoughtful, creative and caring are a few words that come to mind when I think about my newborn session with Melissa! She made everything so easy from start to finish! Her booking process is seamless, user friendly and SO informative. She covers all the bases when you’re her client and she treats you like a long time friend. You will NOT regret your session with Melissa!"
Manassas, VirginiA Newborn SEssion
Jill
"This is my third pregnancy and I never had formal maternity photos done before....and I really regretted it. Melissa was so kind and personable to work with! Pregnancy is a vulnerable time in a woman's life, and she allowed me to look and feel beautiful when I felt the complete opposite. I will forever cherish the photos she was able to capture of me that celebrated my pregnancy."
Fairfax, Virginia Maternity Session
Rachael
As a Northern VA motherhood photographer and fellow mom, I felt there was a need for a safe, supportive, and drama free space for moms and moms-to-be to come together and support one another through the crazy lives we live as moms. Come join us and chat all things motherhood, pregnancy, and more!
