Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and choosing your photographer is about so much more than just beautiful images, it’s about choosing a partner who can keep you calm, organized, and truly present on the big day.
At Melissa Cook Weddings, my core philosophy is simple: I want you to feel relaxed and stress-free from our very first conversation until the moment you receive your final gallery. My job is to be your wedding day BFF; the person who has it all handled, keeps things on track, and helps with anything you need, even if it’s just a reminder to drink some water.
If you’re wondering what it’s really like to work with me, here is a look at the six steps we’ll take together to capture your love story seamlessly.
Step 1: We Build the Foundation (The Personal Consultation)
Our journey begins with a relaxed chat where I learn all about your vision, your story, and what moments matter most. This isn’t just about photography; it’s about building confidence and establishing trust.
My Goal: Getting You to Cocktail Hour
One of the biggest sources of stress is the timeline. Many couples worry about missing their cocktail hour or feeling rushed. I jump in right away to help you with the logistics, even if you haven’t booked me yet. We work together to ensure you have plenty of time for all your must-have moments. Often, this means front-loading the photo sessions, like the First Look or wedding party photos, earlier in the day. This way, when the ceremony is over, you can relax, mingle, and actually enjoy the celebration you spent so long planning.
I also love to hear about your interests! This helps me connect with you personally and allows us to start building that genuine friendship that makes our future photo sessions so much fun.
Step 2: Making It Official (Booking is Seamless)
Once we know we’re a perfect fit, I make the booking process as smooth as possible. You’ll receive an easy online proposal to review your personalized collection, sign the contract, and pay your retainer all in one place. With the official part done, you can pop the champagne and celebrate checking your dream photographer off the list!
Step 3: Finding Your Comfort Zone (The Engagement Session)
Most people feel awkward or stiff in front of a professional camera and that’s perfectly normal! That’s why the complimentary engagement session is my favorite step. It’s truly our chance to build a real connection, so by the time your wedding day arrives, I feel less like a vendor and more like a trusted friend.
How We Beat the Awkwardness
I ensure the engagement session feels like a genuine peek into your lives, not a forced photoshoot. We start by having you do natural poses, something you’d do if a friend was snapping a picture, and then I give you small, easy tweaks. The more we joke and laugh, the more relaxed you become, and the better pictures we get.
This session changes everything for the wedding day because you already know how I work and how my prompts feel. When I see you on your wedding morning, we’re already friends, and you can simply be yourselves.
Step 4: Your Wedding Day BFF in Action (Full Coverage)
When your wedding day finally arrives, you can fully relax and trust that I have the photography covered, and more. I’ll be by your side, artfully documenting the day as it unfolds, while also making sure your experience is effortless.
Stepping In When It’s Not About Photos
Sometimes, being your BFF means stepping outside the photographer role. I often find myself doing things like:
- Buttoning the Bride’s Dress: Because manicures and complex gowns just don’t mix!
- Running Hydration & Fuel Checks: I check in with my couples frequently to make sure you’ve had water and actually taken time to eat something before the ceremony.
My biggest encouragement on the wedding day is to forget the photographer is there. I want you to be fully in the moment with each other, letting me capture the genuine love and authentic emotions that tell the true story of your celebration.
Step 5: The Instant Relived (The Sneak Peek)
I know how eager you’ll be to relive your day, so I promise a beautiful handful of edited “sneak peek” images within 48 hours, and usually even faster if I can help it!
My goal with the sneak peek is to give you an immediate glimpse into the pure joy I felt through the lens. It’s the perfect way to share a few highlights with family and friends while you’re still basking in that newlywed glow, reinforcing the promise that your memories are safe and stunning.
Step 6: Your Forever Story (Final Delivery)
The grand finale! Within 4 to 6 weeks, you will receive a link to your complete online gallery where every image has been meticulously hand-edited to ensure a consistent, timeless feel. You also receive a beautiful custom USB drive for safekeeping.
When you sit down to look through that full gallery for the very first time, I hope the images transport you back to the moment. I want you to remember how it felt to be there and see the passion I have for making your love story visible. This is your forever story, beautifully preserved and ready to be cherished for a lifetime.
Ready to experience a wedding journey that feels relaxed, personal, and absolutely joyful?
Contact Melissa Cook Weddings to Schedule Your Consultation
