I don't have the typical, "I've always dreamed of being a photographer" story like most. It took me awhile to discover my passion for photography. Growing up I was a creative at heart, and loved drawing, painting, and writing stories. I fell in love with nature and the outdoors at a very young age and spent most of my days exploring the woods, capturing tadpoles, doing science experiments, visiting the local horse farm, and spending every waking hour outside. However, I somehow managed to leave my creative self behind as I grew up, went to college, got a degree in communications, moved to NYC and started work at a large corporation right in Times Square. I then spent the next 6 years in an industry, where I didn't fit in. I tried so hard to be happy and enjoy life, switching jobs multiple times, moving to different cities, but deep down I knew something wasn't right. I knew the corporate world wasn't for me, I just didn't know how to escape it. That was until six years ago when my husband bought me a digital camera, and just like that, I was reunited with my creative self, and my oh my did that reunion feel good! I finally felt like I was myself again, I finally figured out what was missing, and most importantly, I finally found my purpose. 

I took my camera everywhere with me capturing nature and all of God's beautiful creation! I have always been in awe of nature and am drawn to breathtaking sceneries. So having the ability to freeze a moment that took my breath away, and be able to view that image later that night, week, or month and be able to relive and feel the same emotions I felt when I was there in person is what initially drew me into photography. After discovering this appreciation for photography and how impactful it can be in preserving some of the most precious memories, I knew I wanted to use this gift to impact other people's lives, and so I began photographing people.

Fast forward a few years, and here I am, a full time wedding and family photographer living in the gorgeous countryside of Tennessee with my amazing husband, our two year old son and our two puppy children. I'm no longer stuck in the concrete jungle living my "corporate nightmare." I wake up to birds chirping, fresh air, and a smile on my face. Never in a million years would I have imagined that a generous gift from my husband would lead to a passion for photography and a career that allows me to do something I love every day. This life I'm living has far surpassed any "dream" I could have ever had, and I thank God every day for all the blessings he has graciously poured down into my life. Without Him, none of this would have ever been possible!

Meet Melissa

LOVER OF nature, animals, AND all things country