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Meet Melissa

Melissa is a family and wedding photographer in Northern Virginia. When she's not glued to her camera, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her husband in Leesburg, VA.

Alright, future spouses, let’s talk jitters! You’ve planned every detail, found the perfect dress (or suit!), and now the big day is looming. But wait, there’s a tiny knot of nervousness in your stomach – the camera. Relax, this is totally normal! As your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all, and let me […]

Hey there lovebirds! Listen up, because engagement photos are about to go from “oh hey, nice outfits” to “wow, this is a story“. It’s all about what you wear, you see. Imagine this: you and your partner, all dressed up (or down, depending on your vibe!), looking amazing and totally in love. But it’s not […]

Let’s face it, your wedding day is a big deal. Months of planning, meticulous attention to detail, and a ton of emotions culminate in one unforgettable celebration. You’ve poured your heart (and maybe a significant chunk of your budget) into making this day everything you ever dreamed of. So, why take a chance on anything […]

In a world saturated with vibrant colors and Instagram filters, black and white wedding photography might seem like a relic of the past. But here’s the secret: black and white photos hold a timeless charm that transcends trends. As a wedding photographer, I often recommend incorporating black and white images into your wedding album, and […]

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 […]