The Engagement Experience
Welcome
I’m so excited you’re considering an engagement session—it’s one of the most fun and meaningful ways to celebrate this season you’re in. These sessions are relaxed, intentional, and rooted in capturing the connection that already exists between you.
My approach is modern, romantic, and editorial in feel, while always staying true to you. I’ll guide you gently throughout so nothing ever feels forced or overly posed. We’ll create space for the quiet moments, the in-between laughter, and the way you naturally show up for each other.
We’ll plan a shoot that feels like you- whether that’s walking through your neighborhood, heading to the beach, or getting dressed up and chasing golden light. I’ll guide you through it all so nothing feels stiff or forced. You just get to enjoy being together while I handle the rest.
Expect lots of laughter, direction to help you feel at ease, and plenty of natural moments in between.
APPROACH
What to Expect
From start to finish, this session is about telling your story in a way that feels personal and elevated. Whether we’re walking through your favorite city spots, escaping to the coast, or doing something totally unexpected, I’ll make sure you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
We’ll chat ahead of time about your location, outfits, and any inspiration you’re drawn to, so the session feels cohesive and curated—while still giving you room to just be yourselves
Let’s Build the Vision
I’m a big believer in the power of a good mood board. It helps me understand the energy, styling, and vibe you’re drawn to—whether that’s romantic and whimsical, bold and editorial, or effortlessly casual. The more I can see what you’re envisioning, the more I can shape the session around your style and story.
I love collaborating on this part of the process and encourage you to send anything that inspires you:
There’s no pressure for things to be perfectly curated. Even a few reference images go a long way in helping us create something beautiful and intentional together.
The style
What you wear isn’t just about looking good—it helps set the tone for the images we’ll create together. I always recommend pieces that feel refined, flattering, and timeless. Neutrals, earth tones, and soft textures like linen, silk, and structured cottons tend to photograph beautifully. Avoid anything too bold or distracting so the focus stays on your connection.
If you’re planning two outfits, I love a mix of romantic and modern. Think elevated daywear for one look, and something more editorial or dressed up for the other. Accessories like statement earrings, heels, or a beautifully tailored jacket can bring your outfit to life without feeling overdone.
Engagement Session experience
this collection includes
Around 90 minutes of shooting time
1–2 outfits
High-resolution, edited images delivered in a private online gallery
Unlimited downloads and full print rights
Optional film add-on available
The setting should complement your style, not compete with it. I gravitate toward locations that offer beautiful light, a sense of place, and a little room to breathe. Whether it’s a chic city corner or a windswept beach, the goal is always the same: to create something that feels like you.
Here are a few favorite backdrops:
Garden Settings
Romantic and full of texture—places like Longwood Gardens, Bartram’s, Tyler Gardens, and Winterthur offer natural beauty.
The Art Museum or Rodin Museum
Classic columns, soft marble textures, and sweeping views that feel timeless and editorial.
Old City
Warm tones, cobblestone streets, and some of the most beautiful architecture in Philly. The Merchants’ Exchange, Second Bank, and nearby streets are full of charm and character.
Location Ideas
Historic Mansion Vibes
Nemours Estate and Monmouth University offer elegant backdrops, manicured grounds, and a European feel without leaving the tri-state area.
Rittenhouse Square
Urban yet polished, with greenery, classic facades, and the feel of an upscale city escape.
The Beach at Golden Hour
Windswept, minimal, and romantic. Perfect for something barefoot and natural.
Neighborhoods + Personal Spots
Sometimes the most meaningful places are the ones tied to your story, I love incorporating locations that hold significance or just feel right for this chapter.
We can keep it simple or dream up something a little more unexpected. I’ll help guide you toward whatever feels most aligned with your vision.
á LA CARTE
Super 8mm Video Film
Film Photography
10x10 engagement album (20 pages)
400
300
600
*Pricing is subject to change
Ready to book? Here's how to lock in your date:
-Dates are first come, first served and only reserved with a signed contract + retainer.
-Once you choose a date I'll send a custom proposal with your contract.
-Review, sign, and pay your retainer online.
-You're officially booked—let the fun begin!
There’s something undeniably magical about the intentional, untouched, and nostalgic feel of film—it’s no wonder you’re drawn to it. I love being able to offer both 35mm and 120 film to bring that timeless look to your photos. I typically weave it into key moments throughout the day, capturing the energy, emotion, and little in-between glances in a way that feels beautifully effortless and real.
We also offer Super 8mm film as an optional add-on—whether for the wedding day, your engagement session, or both. It adds such a dreamy, vintage layer to your final film.
Your engagement gallery will include anywhere from 100 to 250 images, thoughtfully edited and ready for you to relive the moment. You’ll have full printing rights, and all photos will be available to download in both high-resolution and web-size formats—completely watermark-free.
Turnaround time for engagement photos is typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the season. I always aim to deliver your gallery as soon as possible while still giving each image the time and attention it deserves during the editing process.
PRESS & PRAISE
"Timeless, heartfelt, and effortlessly us"
Words can’t even begin to describe what a pleasure it was having Melissa and Chris as our wedding photographer / videographer. They made the entire experience so enjoyable and special from start to finish. Both Melissa and Chris have such a uniquely talented & creative eye and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. From the engagement shoot to our big day, they captured so many candid, special moments so beautifully. They were so thorough in bringing our inspiration to life. We absolutely loved the variety of film, photos, and videos. We can’t recommend them enough and we feel forever grateful for the opportunity of having them as part of our wedding experience. We will cherish the art they gifted us forever.
Nikki & Giancarlo
“There are lots of reasons I’d relive my wedding day—but one of the biggest is to work with Melissa and Chris again.”
Once I saw their work, there is no way I would have gotten married without them, and I was fully prepared to cater my wedding date to their availability. The whole wedding planning process is extremely intimidating and overwhelming, but they made it so seamless. There are lots of reasons I would want to relive my wedding day over and over, but one of the stand out reasons is to work with Melissa and Chris again. Friends, family and people not even invited to the wedding reached out after we posted our pictures and video to compliment on how beautifully everything was captured and specifically, that they "felt the love in every photo," which to this day has been one of my favorite compliments.
Allie & John
"Melissa made us feel calm, seen, and so taken care of."
Booking a wedding photographer wasn’t something I took lightly—I did tons of research and interviews, and after booking Melissa, I knew with 100% certainty I had made the right choice. From our engagement shoot to the wedding day, Melissa went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable every step of the way. My husband and I were so nervous (we were literally shaking!), but she gave clear direction, helped us relax, and turned it into something fun. She completely understood my vision and nailed it—every photo felt true to us. We got every photo I hoped for and more. Melissa is kind, down to earth, insanely talented, and truly the best decision I made for my wedding. I worried about almost everything during wedding planning—except Melissa. I’m just so thankful we were lucky enough to book her!
JESS & COLTON
"OUR WEDDING PHOTOS AND VIDEO ARE EVERYTHING WE ENVISIONED AND MORE"
Melissa and Chris are truly the best duo you can choose for your wedding photography and videography! From start to finish, they made the entire process so easy and stress-free. Their timeline kept everything on track, making our wedding day an absolute breeze. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they are also such kind and wonderful people. We are beyond happy with our photos and video—they are everything we envisioned and more! Having Melissa and Chris as part of our big day was one of the best decisions we made. We can’t recommend them enough!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review my engagement photography experience guide. It is an honor to be considered to play a role in telling your love story! I am so excited!
