I had the pleasure of visiting Emma and Adam’s gorgeous wedding venue, River Farm, for their engagement session. Despite the particularly warm day, these two were absolute troopers, and you’d never know it from the photos! We started in the main building’s charming garden, moved to the grand facade of the building itself, and finally […]


Let’s face it, your wedding day is a whirlwind. Between emotions running high, a million last-minute details, and the sheer joy of celebrating with loved ones, it’s easy for things to go off track. But fear not! As a wedding photographer, I’m here to help you avoid some common pitfalls when it comes to capturing […]
As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed countless celebrations – all filled with laughter, love, and of course, epic dance moves. But sometimes, you want to add a little extra something to keep the energy buzzing and create unique memories for your guests. So, how do you go beyond the traditional open bar and photo booth? […]


The wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, happy tears, and picture-perfect moments. But the magic often begins a little earlier, at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Here, surrounded by loved ones, couples get a chance to practice their walk down the aisle and celebrate their upcoming nuptials. As a wedding photographer, capturing these pre-wedding […]
Hey there, lovelies! I write a lot of blog posts about helpful tips for your engagement and wedding photography needs but I rarely mention myself. That changes now. If you’re new here, hi! My name is Melissa Cook and I’m a wedding photographer in the Northern Virginia area. If you’re not new here, welcome back […]


As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen countless celebrations unfold, and one thing I hear frequently is, “We have no idea how to schedule our wedding day!” Fear not! While every wedding is unique, having a well-structured timeline is key to capturing those magical moments and ensuring a smooth, stress-free day. Here’s a sample timeline breakdown […]
As a wedding photographer, I get to witness the magic of your big day unfold from a unique perspective. But before the “I dos” and celebratory cake cutting, there’s the crucial RSVP stage. Whether you choose classic paper RSVP cards or a modern online option, your choice can impact the flow of your wedding planning […]


The age-old question: should you tip your wedding vendors? As a wedding photographer myself, I know this can be a confusing topic for couples. Let’s ditch the wedding etiquette rulebook and have an honest conversation. First things first: tipping for wedding vendors is not mandatory. Unlike servers at a restaurant, our fees typically reflect the […]
Let’s be honest, your wedding photos are going to be some of your most cherished keepsakes. They’ll transport you back to that magical day, capturing the joy, the tears, and all the in-between moments. So, choosing the right photographer is a big decision! I get it, you’re bombarded with details and planning. But before you […]


Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now it’s time to celebrate – with a photoshoot, of course! Your engagement session is more than just pretty pictures; it’s a chance to practice your on-camera presence, get comfortable with your photographer (ahem, me!), and capture some seriously swoon-worthy moments to share with the world (or at least your social media […]