the client welcome guide
BONJOUR BONJOUR BONJOUR BONJOUR BONJOUR
The gratitude I feel at this stage is overwhelming. It is an honor to be your photographer, but it is also awe-inspiring to see two people choose each other now, and for the beautiful years that will follow. I am grateful just to know you, and to have this chance to witness and document your story.
A Note
from
Melani
Please bookmark this page for easy access. Here, you’ll find the details, ideas and guidance to ease the experience. Of course, when questions arise, the best way to communicate is through email. And once more, I must pause and wish you congratulations. This is such a beautiful season of your life and I look forward to working with you.
Without a Doubt,
This Is Your Guide
BOOKMARK THIS →
Client Portal
Find your contract, invoice and update your contact information with this client portal.
LOG IN →
QUICK LINKS + RESOURCES
Preferred Vendors
Need help securing the rest of your vendors? Find the preferred list here.
VIEW THE LIST →
Engagement Scheduling
I have created an engagement session guide as a starting point, click here to download.
EMAIL Me to schedulE →
Your Photographer
Photography constantly gifts me with perspective — it’s a medium through which I see and appreciate life in a different way. I only hope to help you do the same. To look back and fall in love again with your life, your loved ones, and of course, the partner you’ve chosen to live this life with. Preserving these rare moments and experiences, especially during a wedding, is a privilege. I am so grateful to have been trusted with your wedding.
Take a sigh of relief. You can lean on me for any advice or ideas desired. From whether or not you need a first look, to curating your engagement wardrobe, I offer the full picture to ensure a beautifully personal experience.
i am HERE FOR YOU
oct 30
You're booked!
oct 31
Explore portal
feb 3
Complete portrait requests.
march 3
Complete pre-wedding questionnaire
april 3
Schedule 30-day Zoom call
may 3
Rehearsal dinner
april 26
Week-of phone call
may 4
Wedding day
may 10
Receive sneak peek of photos
The Creative Vision
I use a timeless photography technique to capture your story with beautiful connections at the core of every photograph. My cues are human connection set within the unique aesthetics that you have so lovingly created for your wedding day. I do not work from shot lists, but I do request a portrait grouping list. When posing direction is needed, it will feel organic and eloquent. When the candid moments speak volumes on their own, I will quietly document the events as is without interfering. This helps ensure that emotions will be more accurately and delicately conveyed in the final images. If you’re looking for something specific, or a portrait with your childhood best friend who is traveling in from afar, please let me know so that I can add it to the list of must-haves.
Expect a grounding and graceful photography style, mixing romantic and stylized imagery with a photojournalistic depiction.
Communication Preference
The quality of the experience is deeply influenced by the organization. As such, I ask that you communicate with me primarily through email. This makes it simple for both you and I to find important details, and to prevent requests or questions from getting lost. During the actual wedding week, text messages and phone calls are welcome.
melanilust@gmail.com →
203-247-6983 →
Planners
Vanda High
→https://www.vandahighevents.com/
Amy Champagne
→http://www.amychampagne.com/
Laura Boulton
→https://lauraboultonevents.com/
Florists
KDJ Botanica
→https://www.kdjbotanica.com/
Bloomst Floral Design
→https://www.bloomstfloraldesign.com/
Belle Fleur
→https://www.bellefleurny.com/
Videographers
Geoff at The Light Mill
→http://www.thelightmill.com/
Matt at New England Creative
→https://www.newenglandcreative.net/
Catering
Tri-State - Marcey Brownstein
→https://www.marceybrownstein.com/
Tri-State - Peter Callahan
→https://www.petercallahan.com/
CT & Hudson Valley - On the Marc
→https://onthemarcevents.com/
Music
Starlight Music
→https://www.starlightmusic.com/
Chevy Chevis
→https://www.chevychevis.com/
The Sultans
→ https://thesultans.com/
Attire
CT - The Plumed Serpent
→https://plumedserpentbridal.com/
NYC - Mark Ingram
→https://www.markingramatelier.com/
Worldwide - Jenny Packham Bridal
→https://www.jennypackham.com/pages/wedding
Stationery
Westport Wedding Ware
→https://www.westportweddingware.com/
Katie Fischer
→https://www.katiefischerdesign.com/
Schulyer Polk
→https://www.polkpaper.com/
Hair + Makeup
NYC - Truly Happy Beauty
→http://www.trulyhappybeauty.com/
NY & Destination - Sharon Becker
→http://www.sb-beauty.com/
CT/New England - Erica & Renee
→https://ericareneebeauty.com/
Looking for the crème de la crème to complement your photography experience? From breathtaking floral arrangements to culinary delights, these are the vendors I have personally worked with and can recommend for your wedding. With their expertise and our shared dedication, your wedding will be unforgettably beautiful, and tailored fully to you.
Preferred
Vendors
The Look
One of the most personal and intimate moments of a wedding is the untraditional, yet much-loved first look. Weddings can often be filled up with social events and large gatherings. While those are an essential and encouraged part, the first look can be the one and only moment of the day with just the two of you. It’s a powerful and connective moment to pause and soak up the gravity of the day, without any outside influences. Just you, your first moment together as almost-newlyweds, and some photographs taken to commemorate it all.
On the other hand, some couples love the age-old concept of waiting, to let the anticipation reach its peak and then see each other from down the aisle for the first time. That, too, is emotional and powerful. The choice is yours and it should be, it’s a personal decision. In short — first looks result in more intimate, one-on-one time together, and more classic portraits to love. Without a first look, you’ll have the luxury of an unforgettable walk down the aisle.
First
STILL NOT SURE? SEND ME A NOTE →
While I want you to feel like the only couple, and the only love story, please note that I have my own story underway too. As such, I dedicate certain days and hours to my work. I ask that you respect these hours, as it ultimately feeds into the creative energy that I will tap into when your wedding is here. I will seek to do the same, lessening as many to-dos and keeping email threads streamlined and stress-free.
Respecting
Stories
OFFICE HOURS
WEEKENDS & Mondays
Tuesday through Thursday, 11 am to 5 pm eastern
Reserved for photographing & editing weddings like yours
Payment 01
50% reservation fee paid in full
Payment 02
50% due 30 days on or before wedding date
Checks preferred. All payments to "PairWed Co., LLC".
For payment questions reach out to my representative, Janelle, at PairWed Co.
WHEN WILL WE RECEIVE OUR FINAL IMAGES?
frequently asked questions →
11-16 weeks after the wedding date, you’ll receive a private link to a gallery of edited, high-resolution digital images, categorized chronologically and placed in folders by subject. There, you can share, download and relive your favorite moments. Each photograph will be individually edited, with adjustments such as color correction, cropping, straightening and more.
CLOSE
There’s a sneak peek, right?
Yes! Look for an emailed link within 7 days of the wedding with a handful of images.
CLOSE
Can we add an album or other heirloom print?
Of course. I offer fine art prints, heirloom albums, keepsake boxes and more. Just email me and I can share the specifics. You can customize your finish, frame style, add embossing and more.
CLOSE
WHEN WILL YOU ARRIVE AT THE VENUE?
I will follow the start time listed in your contract, unless we change this with a written amendment. However, I usually arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the official “photography start time” to set up and identify the best lighting and portrait locations at the venue.
CLOSE
something for you
This wardrobe guide will take out the guesswork when it comes to finding the right engagement outfits. From scenic oceanside portraits to laid back, luxuriously intimate moments in your own neighborhood, this guide will walk you through the best way to prepare an heirloom-worthy wardrobe.
The Wardrobe
Curation
Guide
download guide →
Here's to a New Chapter.
Thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life.
