Vendor Spotlight: Melissa Wilson Photography

How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?

A little of both actually! I’ve been photographing since I was 16 years old when it was really just a hobby for me. As I entered my early 20’s I discovered just how passionate I was for weddings and capturing people’s genuine love for one another, and I pursued my degree in Photography!

Describe your style in one sentence:

My style has a light and airy feel that embodies true emotion in unique storytelling!

What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?

The fact that every single story is different and delivers a brand new experience each time I shoot! Whether it’s a wedding, engagement, family, or birth, it’s such an honor seeing lives change and joy shared.

What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?

I’m possibly beginning to sound like a broken record, but it truly is the unique love stories that draw me into photographing weddings. It’s such a pivotal point in a couple’s life! Everything changes from then on and a new chapter begins on their journey. Plus, everyone is always happy!

Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?

One of the most singular locations that come to mind is a lovely little avocado grove down in Miami. The family that owns the venue has created a Tuscan paradise there, and I felt like I was in another world the whole wedding! The most amazing part was there were no challenges in shooting there… which honestly never happens. There always tends to be a lighting situation arise or some small thing that needs some finessing, but this venue, in particular, was just fabulous all around!

Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?

Just after the ceremony right before the couple is bombarded with congrats and hugs. They have those few moments alone where I stand back and capture a few photos of them just soaking it ALL in! Everything they’ve dreamed and planned for has come true!

As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?

Getting larger bridal party groupings to focus on the task at hand is sometimes a challenge. But honestly, a fun one! Haha! Usually, in those moments we all form a bond and end up smiling and laughing, which also makes for perfect photos!

What piece of advice would you give brides and grooms to ensure that they get wedding photos they love forever? (This can include tips about preparation, choosing a photographer, or anything else.)

Enjoy every single moment and stay present in all aspects of your day! Make sure you have confidence in all of your vendors to do their jobs so you don’t have a care in the world on your wedding day, except to marry your soulmate. Also, be sure to tell everyone to keep any little hiccups that may arrive day-of, to themselves and to just fix it! There is no need to stress you out with things that won’t matter in the long run, anyhow!

What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?

I personally love the little things, whether it’s the tiny moments in-between bigger moments or significant details that make every wedding unique.

How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?

Guides like this can help a bride stay organized, inspired, and focused!

If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?

Wishing I was a wedding photographer! I worked for so many years and longed for the day I could do this full-time. I’m so thankful I got my prayer answered perfectly! But, if I never ever had aspired to photograph weddings? I’d probably be working in an office somewhere with numbers!

At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?

During the wedding, everything goes so fast! That’s why I love photographing weddings so much, every moment is captured so that you can relive the joy of the day, forever!