Weddings and Couples photographer based in Knoxville, TN - Worldwide

On a mission to make being in front of the camera un-complicated, carefree, and FUN.

My name is Melissa, but I’ll answer to Mel (and secretly love it when people call me that!)

Hey there…

Photographer smiling and holding camera at The Heart University workshop.

I’m a wedding photographer based in Knoxville TN who is obsessed with documenting YOUR story.

Speaking of stories, I’m married to my best friend of 13 years and we have four of the most adorable children that make me question my sanity while giving me the greatest joy all at once. On most days, you can find me at home, in the kitchen cooking sourdough bread, having a dance party with my kiddos, mowing the lawn (my favorite chore!) editing photos, and trying to conquer Mount Laundry (where do all the socks go?!) 

I have a heart for community and am always up for a last minute evening to eat pizza down by the river with people that love well, play hard, and live for Jesus!

“She was relatable, incredibly funny, made us feel so comfortable, and really made it a point to get to know us during our session!”

“Other than our wedding photos, these were the only professional photos my husband and I would have. This was our first time working with Melissa and although we knew she’d be amazing, she exceeded every expectation! She was relatable, incredibly funny, made us feel so comfortable, and really made it a point to get to know us during our session! Mel truly captured the very essence of who Corey and I are and I always look at these photos and say “Wow, I can’t believe that’s US!” I can’t wait to have her capture future milestones in our little family. She reflects Jesus in her personality and through her work 🤍 She’s more than a photographer, she’s a friend!”

Couple hugging and smiling
Bride and Groom kissing at Joshua Tree National Park.

I know what it’s like to not want to feel awkward in front of a camera—especially on your wedding day. As a wedding photographer based in Knoxville TN, I’ve learned that the best photos happen when you’re actually having a good time… not when you’re trying to remember a bunch of stiff poses or fake-laughing through the discomfort.

So here’s how I work: I keep things simple. I’ll give you gentle direction when you need it (like what to do with your hands or where the best light is), but I’m not going to turn your day into a photoshoot. Most of the time, you’ll probably forget I’m even there. I’m just tagging along, documenting all the real stuff—like the way your fiance looks at you during your vows, the nervous laughter before the ceremony, or your grandma getting down on the dance floor. (MY FAVORITE THING EVERRRR)

I’m based in Knoxville TN, but I’ll follow your story wherever it goes. Whether you're planning a big celebration or something small and laid-back, I’ll be right there making sure you feel like yourself the whole way through.

You don’t have to be “good at photos.” You don’t need a Pinterest board of poses. You just need to show up, be in love, and trust me to take care of the rest.

Weddings

Want to know what it’s like to work with me on one of the most precious days of your LIFE??

Elopements

Ready to kick all of the boring wedding obligations to the curb and have the most exciting day of your life?!

Couples

Already feeling awkward and questioning what you should do with your hands when we start our session?

“My husband and I truly felt like we could just be ourselves during our time with her”

“Melissa was a dream to work with!! She instantly makes you feel like you’ve been friends with her for years the first time you meet her. My husband and I truly felt like we could just be ourselves during our time with her. She captured our love so beautifully through the camera! Melissa truly has a gift, not only photography wise but also in how she loves people well! She sure shines the light of Jesus. We are so thankful for the fun experience Melissa provided for us. We would LOVE to have pictures taken by her again!”

A few of the latest love stories I’ve documented...

Greeneville Tennessee Anniversary Session at Greenwood Oaks Farm and Venue – Alyssa and Russell 

What started out as a styled shoot, evolved into a beautiful way of capturing Alyssa and Russell’s 10 year anniversary. 10 YEARS…

Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee Engagement Session – Stephanie and Stephen

This couple is officially the most chill couple I’ve ever worked with. I feel like I can truly say that based on our experience shooting them in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee…

Greeneville Tennessee Engagement at Oak Meadows Farm – Mylie and Matthew

A sunrise session. When Mylie and Matthew said they wanted to do a sunrise session at their wedding venue, Oak Meadows Farm, I said HECK YES! 

Greeneville Tennessee Airport Engagement Session – Katie and Nate

“Could we take pictures with my dad’s airplane at the airport?” Umm, YES!!

Something like how our conversation went while planning Katie and Nate’s engagement photos…

Flagler Beach Anniversary Session – Kyle and Jesenia 

Give me allllll the beach sessions!! Especially with couples as carefree and fun as Kyle and Jesenia. These two were down for ANYTHING…

Greeneville Tennessee Anniversary at Oak Meadows – Jesse and Hope

Every time I set up a styled shoot, the couple always seems to have an anniversary right around the corner they're about to celebrate! Jesse and Hope were no different, they were on their way to celebrating 5 years of marriage!

Greeneville Tennessee Paint Creek Engagement Session – Abigail and Joseph 

Want to know what my favorite kind of shoot is?? When the couple has a specific spot they want to take their photos because it’s special to them. That’s exactly what we did with Abbi and Joe’s engagement photos…

Are you ready to preserve your future families legacy with amazing photos?

Also…if you’re looking to book a family shoot, then look no further friend!

I LOVE growing with you as clients, and sometimes that means we do an in home session with that brand new sweet bundle of joy! OR we design a session specifically for YOU to capture the season of life that you and your loved ones are currently in. Whatever it is, I AM HERE FOR IT.