melissa hankins
ELOPEMENTS, WEDDINGS, & COUPLES
photographer
KNOXVILLE TN // wESTERN nc
For couples who care about more than just the photos — you want to remember how it all felt.
I'm on a mission to make being in front of the camera un-complicated, carefree, and FUN.
it's possible, let me prove it to you
I know how it feels to worry about looking or feeling awkward in front of a camera—especially on a day as important as your wedding. As a wedding photographer based in Knoxville, TN, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photos don’t come from perfect poses or forced smiles. They happen when you feel relaxed, at ease, and fully yourself. Because when you’re truly relaxed, the most beautiful moments unfold naturally — the way your fingers intertwine, the soft glances that happen between both of you all day, the way you lean into each other without even realizing it. It’s those honest, unscripted moments I’m there to notice and preserve—so you can look back and remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.
What you can expect from me on your day
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.
but I’ll answer to Mel (and secretly love it when people call me that!)
I’m a wedding photographer based in Knoxville TN who is honestly so very excited to have the opportunity to document YOUR story.
Speaking of stories, I’m married to my best friend for 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!
H EY - I'M Melissa
“Her style is so natural and not posed.”
"Melissa was such an easy pick! She is fun, inviting, creative, and helps you feel so comfortable taking pictures. Her style is so natural and not posed. She communicates so well with her clients and even brought water and our favorite treats to the photo shoot. Sometimes being in front of a camera can feel awkward and uncomfortable, but Melissa truly makes you feel confident and wants to capture the in-between snaps and quiet moments. We had the best time laughing and now we have beautiful pictures to cherish forever!"
“She makes the entire experience so much fun, and you'll never find a better hype woman!”
Melissa is such an amazing photographer! She makes the entire experience so much fun, and you'll never find a better hype woman! Our photos turned out beautifully and were the exact style we were looking for! You will be so glad you booked her!
“She captured our personalities and our joy in the photos!”
“Melissa did a lovely couples session for us. She made us feel comfortable right away and made the session so much fun! We loved her sense of humor and how she showed us the posing. She captured our personalities and our joy in the photos! We look forward to having her do many more sessions with our family.”
The kind of work I do best...
Frequently Asked questions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY PACKAGES?
Here’s a quick look at what’s included with my packages. Each one offers different options and extras, so if you’d like all the details, just reach out and I’ll send you my full Pricing & Information Guide!
Average Wedding Investment - $3,500
ESSENTIALS
Custom Wedding Day Timeline Creation
With ALL my couples, I love to get on a Zoom call a month before the wedding and create a Custom Timeline for YOUR day. We go over all of the details to ensure that everything you've been planning for is completely understood and planned out perfectly to give you the most amazing, stress-free day!
ADD-ONS
Engagement Photoshoot (Optional)
I offer an Engagement Photoshoot discount exclusively to my wedding clients. I would love to spend time with both of you before the big day! And this is the perfect way to do that! We can hike to your favorite Mountain View, or keep it simple and frolic in the nearest field. Either way, you'll walk away with the most gorgeous photos capturing this season of Engagement for you guys.
Do you want photos that tell the real story of your family—chaos, connection, and all?
Whether it’s capturing your brand new baby during an in-home session, chasing your toddlers around the backyard, or documenting this sweet, messy, beautiful season you're in—I’m here for all of it. One of my favorite parts of this job? Growing with my clients. From engagements and weddings to newborn snuggles and family chaos, it’s an honor to keep showing up for your biggest (and everyday) moments.
