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 and thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better.
A little background
I find it really difficult to talk about myself because I spend so much time telling other people’s stories. I’ll do my best to give you a glimpse into my life, though!
I grew up in Southern Maryland (shout out Calvert County!) and went to West Virginia University for my undergrad in Advertising. I went back to WVU (online) for my Master’s in Data Marketing Communications, which is just a fancy way of saying that I really like numbers. I moved to Virginia shortly after undergrad, living in the Virginia Beach area for a few years before I moved to NOVA.
During my time in both high school and college, I was in the marching band as a color guard member. Color guard was a huge part of my life and I loved spinning my flag on the field for every football game. I made connections that have lasted a lifetime through the band and really value the time I spent with both bands. I met my husband in marching band my freshman year of college. My sister and I were able to march together for so many years. I’ve made friends along the way that I value more than anything.
Photography history
I’ve been a photographer for about 4 years now officially, but I’ve had a camera in my hand since high school. I started on a film camera in 2012 and then switched to digital a few years later. I love capturing moments that could otherwise be lost to time. Those stolen kisses, the laughs as I tell you to stare into each other’s eyes, the tears during the speeches at your wedding.
I started in family photography and still get to see a lot of my amazing families from time to time. I usually host fall mini sessions for holiday card photos so I see a lot of repeat families each year!
How I spend my time now
I live in Leesburg with my husband Justin and our dog Joey. Our pup is a Border Collie/Aussie mix but is the laziest pup on the planet. He just turned 8 back in April! My husband and I spend our time reading every book that’s ever come out (he reads sci-fi, I read mystery), exploring Northern Virginia, and hanging out with family and friends down at Lake Anna.
Rapidfire facts
Just a few facts about my life right now:
- I just turned 30 on July 21st!
- I fought the great war and got Taylor Swift tickets for November of this year. My favorite era is between Speak Now and Reputation.
- My favorite band is AJR, and I’ll get to see them in concert this year!
- My favorite book at the moment is The Silent Patient — what an amazingly plot twist-filled book!
- I’m left handed.
- I don’t drink coffee except for Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
- Halloween is my favorite holiday and I’m currently convincing my husband that we need a 12 foot skeleton for the house.
- I truly love photography and meeting new people.
Thanks for reading
Thank you for reading to the end! I love getting to know my couples through the planning process so I wanted to share a little about me so it’s an even trade. If you read this and think that we should totally be best friends, reach out today. I’d love to get to know you!
