Behind the Scenes / 2022

January 8, 2023 — Behind the Scenes

This is one of our favorite blogs of the year...looking back at all the BTS footage! We love laughing at ourselves and making our clients laugh as well. We truly love our job, (most days, haha), and feel so blessed that we have been in business NINE years now, (this summer will be ten!) That's all thanks to our wonderful clients - THANK YOU for another great year <3 <3 <3

Enjoy scrolling through our silliness...

Two friends enjoying iced coffee drinks outside a wooden barn building.

Two friends taking a cheerful selfie together in a car.

Hands holding an orange maple leaf with artistic design at an indoor setting.

this little girl drew a picture of us with our cameras at a wedding and told us that she thinks we like each other because we follow each other around with our cameras all day, LOL

Holly is the lead for newborns - here are some photos of her doing what she loves...

A creative milestone photography setup with a sleeping newborn surrounded by a heart made of syringes.

Photographer taking overhead shot of newborn on round cushion in studio setting.

Close up of sleeping baby with gray headband and pacifier on gray blanket.

A newborn baby sleeps peacefully while being cradled in someone's arms in a living room setting.

I, Bri, am lead for our weddings - here are some photos of me doing what I love :)

Wedding photographer captures couple against rustic brick building exterior.

Rustic barn wedding reception venue with wooden beams and string lights creating romantic ambiance.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white pergola and rows of chairs on stone pathway.

Behind the scenes of wedding dress fitting and final adjustments before ceremony.

If you didn't know already, my hubby, Chris, is our videographer! We often fight over the same spot to get the good shot ;)

Even though we love our job, that doesn't mean that it's always easy.

Event photographer in black attire checking camera settings under a white tent with flowers.

sometimes we have rough days

Person in green winter jacket and sunglasses sitting on stone wall outdoors.

sometimes we need to sit back and kick our shoes off, (and show off our really cool camera socks)

Person in patterned dress sitting with plate of food in wheelchair at home.

sometimes you have to sit on a wheelchair in a closet to eat your dinner

Photographer reviewing camera settings in wood-paneled room.

sometimes you literally fall asleep standing up

Close-up of floral patterned leggings and black shoes against grass.

sometimes you get dirty

A wedding dress being fitted near a bright window in a dark room.

sometimes there are tornados you have to take shelter from

A selfie showing a person holding a travel coffee mug outdoors.

sometimes you have to wake up reaalllllyyy early

A caregiver holds a newborn in a living room with wood flooring and French doors.

sometimes you get pooped on

Sometimes we get to see or work with friends, which always brightens our day!

Three people share a laugh in front of a vintage mint green food truck at an outdoor event.

People gather in a rustic brick venue under an elegant crystal chandelier.

Three people sit together on a church pew during what appears to be a special event.

Two individuals pose together at a reception table with floral decorations and cake.

Sometimes we get to witness exciting things - like mermaid sitings!!!!

Photographers capturing moments at a scenic waterfall and rock formation.

We try to do whatever it takes to get the shot....

People exploring an old wooden historic house with stacked lumber in the foreground.

like standing on a pile of uneven boards

Autumn forest scene with people taking photos near a wooden fence.

sometimes trees/bushes get in our way...

Historic building with red flower boxes and blue door featuring people on the front steps.

Person photographing autumn foliage near a pond on a sunny day.

sometimes we have to take necessary measures

Apparently my favorite shooting angle this year was from the ground...

Photographer lying on ground with camera equipment during golden hour in field.

Photographer lying on red street capturing model in yellow dress between colorful buildings.

Photographer lying down to capture couple silhouetted against dramatic sunset sky.

Not only do I like to lay down on the ground, I also like to make our clients lay on the ground!

Photographer lying on curved path taking photo in green park setting.

A photo shoot taking place in a dried cornfield with fallen stalks and autumn scenery.

Aerial view of people laying in a harvested field creating artistic photography.

Sometimes we end up on the ground without even trying it...

Photographer crouches in dark wooden stairwell while taking photos in black outfit.

This isn't a typical photo of someone falling down the stairs, I remember falling UP the stairs. How does someone even do that?

Romantic autumn wedding portrait with flowing veil and fallen leaves in wooded setting.

This is one of my favorite photo progressions...notice Holly's hand on the right from fluffing the veil...

Person lying in fallen autumn leaves during outdoor photo session.

and she's down!!! She completely fell backwards. But we got the shot and it was so worth it, LOL

Professional photographer taking pictures of subject lying in autumn leaves.

And there is sweet Jeremi, one of the venue coordinators, rushing to her side to see if she's ok. I just stood there taking photos of it all as it went down. I know Holly would do (and has done) the same to me ;)

I'm obviously pretty short and like to stand on a stool to get certain shots

People taking photos in a tall grass field during golden hour.

Small black folding step stool sitting alone on green grass.

I often set my stool down somewhere and then decide not to use it at all. I then forget about said stool and Holly ends up picking it up and babysitting it for me.

Behind-the-scenes engagement photo shoot in a field at sunset.

Oh look, I'm lying down again...beside my stool...I'm literally doing the exact opposite of the purpose of the stool.

Person standing on a large boulder in a grassy park with trees in the background.

Sometimes I forget my stool and have to find higher ground, such as giant boulders.

A wedding scene with a white dress and bouquet against brick buildings on a college campus.

Photographer using professional camera equipment in a wooden interior setting.

I'm so short, both Chris and Holly are just able to shoot right over my head.

We are full service here at Mellonberry...

Wedding party members adjusting dress details on brick paver walkway.

We'll make sure you don't fall when wearing high heels

Person cleaning a floor-length mirror mounted on light blue wall near doorway.

we'll clean your mirrors and windows

Person in blue sweater photographing something in tall grass field.

we'll hold your keys for you

Wedding photo session by brick archway structure under evergreen trees.

we'll hold your flowers for you

Candid moment of joy captured with white bouquet against rural landscape.

we'll make sure there's nothing on your face

Spring scene with cherry blossoms blooming by water as people gather on rocky shore.

we'll give pregnant ladies a hand

Playful outdoor group photo on concrete with red porta-potty in background.

we'll block the sun and provide shade

A small dog stands on hind legs next to someone wearing black tights and flats on carpet.

we'll make sure all of the tiny dogs don't pee on your wedding details

Overhead view of someone bottle feeding an infant on a white wooden floor.

we'll feed your babies

Person wearing face mask bottle feeding baby while sitting on beige couch.

We'll help you get dressed

We'll carry your dress

Bridal party walking along a garden path towards a charming cottage-style building.

Person in grey suit with boutonniere stands near stone and metal railing.

We'll make sure your dress doesn't blow away

Wedding photographer in black attire setting up a shot next to a red wall.

Wedding dress being adjusted against white barn door backdrop with helper in blue dress.

Bride in elegant white gown poses with bouquet by rustic barn door and yellow flowers.

Yellow chrysanthemums in dark planter with person peeking playfully behind.

Holly is an exceptional dress fluffer!

Wedding celebration moment captured in indoor venue with elegant decor.

This is a photo of me being a failure at fluffing the dress...I just sort of plopped it there. This is why I need Holly.

Holly is also a professional veil thrower. Check out that form!!

A romantic wedding photo in front of rustic barn doors with yellow mum flowers in planters.

An intimate wedding moment against wooden barn doors decorated with potted yellow flowers.

whoops, a little less throw next time, Holly

A romantic outdoor wedding scene with a flowing veil catching the breeze in a garden setting.

Holly backing into something during the veil throw...at least she didn't fall down this time LOL

A silhouetted wedding photo at dusk with a dramatic veil floating in the evening light.

I know Holly is tall...but she looks like a giant in this photo

All joking aside, I appreciate Holly SO much on wedding days, I don't know what I'd do without her.

People walking through an autumn park with camera equipment and fallen leaves.

Two people inspect and photograph the base of a weathered white brick wall outdoors.

spotting the rings

Person in red dress holding up yellow sign advertising fall vendor and craft event.

moving signs, (but always putting them back of course)

Person wearing all black stands in front of white curtain backdrop.

Holly and I always shoot together. Only on rare occasions do I have to find another second shooter. Shout out to Flavia Chiquita of FC Photography who helped me out on NYE!

We also appreciate helpful vendors, such as Jenn & her team from Stoneybrooke! We are so grateful that they pin on the boutonnières and drive us and the couple around on the golf cart!

Two people engaged in conversation in a dimly lit room with modern decor.

Golf cart driving along dirt path between grassy fields with white buildings and autumn trees.

Golf cart driving up hill path during autumn with trees and white buildings visible.

Wedding party poses under white pergola with burgundy bridesmaids dresses and navy suits.

sometimes you need TWO people to help with the dress if the train is long and has multiple layers!

Here's Jeremi trying to sneak into all of our photos...

Wedding photographer captures couple posing between large trees in sunlit field.

Wedding group poses in front of stone fireplace with bride holding orange and white bouquet.

Wedding party stands in front of white barn with large sliding doors.

We love any venue that has a golf cart!

White wedding dress billows in breeze as couple rides in golf cart at dusk.

Creative self portrait of a photographer reflected in a car side mirror holding a professional camera.

Here's Holly giving "the talk" to the bridal party... :) the talk is basically letting the bridal party understand that the sooner they cooperate, the sooner they get to go to cocktail hour and the more photos the bride and groom will get!

Wedding party lined up on autumn grass with golden trees in background at sunset.

Wedding party poses on stone wall with bridesmaids in burgundy dresses and groomsmen in navy suits.

Wedding party in navy and burgundy attire lined up against white building exterior.

Here I am talking through the First look with our brides and grooms. I have really grown to love first looks!

A bride in a flowing white gown stands with her wedding party on a porch decorated with purple mums.

Two figures stand apart on opposite sides of a rustic wooden doorway during a first look moment.

A wedding dress displayed in an elegant room with large windows and gold chairs.

A small wedding party gathers on the lawn in front of a historic red brick building.

Sometimes Holly and I get in each other's shots...

We often use each other to check the lighting.

WARNING: these next set of images are super flattering...

I call these next set of images "I Don't Know"...I literally can't remember what is happening in these images and why we have the reactions that we do hahahaha

A person in a green puffy jacket inspects a houseplant in an indoor setting with art on the wall.

Why is Holly squeezing this plant? I don't know.

A moody interior scene with a table lamp and silhouettes visible through an arched doorway.

Is Holly dancing? I don't know.

A dark reception scene with someone dancing in a black outfit with string lights in the background.

More dancing???

Abstract close-up of crystalline patterns illuminated in warm light.

Sometimes I upload Holly's photos onto my computer and I think to myself, why? This photo is a perfect example...why did she think that I wanted a photo of all the leftover sparklers lit up in a trashcan?

Caption this...

Event venue with exposed brick walls and string lights while someone speaks to a seated audience.

I am having a cringe attack right now, is it showing?

Two people celebrating outdoors near blooming rhododendrons and an ornate gate.

Whatever!

Someone standing in church aisle with camera equipment surrounded by wooden pews.

Is this what you want? Because this is stupid.

Event photographer holding camera equipment in casual attire at indoor venue.

*screaming inside* NOOOOOOOOOO

Reception tent setup with dining tables while someone poses with camera equipment.

Oh, I'm sorry did I just walk in front of your camera?

Wedding party posing playfully in front of white barn doors.

What, you gotta problem with my dress fluffing skills??

A person in a white dress stands in a grassy outdoor setting while another person extends their hand.

Ew, why are you showing me that?

A person wearing a purple sleeveless top and sunglasses stands outdoors in natural lighting.

The name's "Berry"...."Mellon berry"...at your service.

People setting up catering tables inside a rustic wooden venue with white tablecloths.

Hey Mr. Cart Man, what are you wheeling over there? Got any cokes?

A speaker addresses guests during an outdoor ceremony with greenery in the background.

Preach it, brother

Wedding party poses under a white pergola on stone pavers with countryside views.

Ughhhhh Im getting to old for this

A photographer in a purple sleeveless top working outdoors on a sunny day.

It's sunny and I don't like it

This is Holly and her winter coat...

Person in quilted jacket and jeans poses against autumn foliage backdrop.

Person wearing hooded winter coat standing in front of autumn field.

Indoor event space with portable generator and chandelier visible in white tent structure.

Holly wearing her winter coat inside during a wedding in April. She likes to bring her winter coat along to weddings all year long "just in case it's cold!"

Interior of white tent venue with chandelier and portable generator setup.

She never left the heater's side.

This is Holly and my clipboard...

Someone stands in a black outfit against a rural landscape holding paperwork.

A person poses playfully on a stone fireplace hearth while holding documents.

A person in a purple dress stands gracefully in a church sanctuary with stained glass windows.

Someone dances joyfully in a church sanctuary with colorful stained glass windows above.

This is Holly chasing around cats...

We love cake. Wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cake smash cakes...ALL kinds of cake!

A beautifully decorated three-tier wedding cake with floral accents on a golden cake stand.

A wedding reception setup with string lights and an elegant white tiered cake under a tent.

Sometimes parents need to help during cake smash sessions if their child ends up not liking the cake as much as they thought they would, haha!

A Mickey Mouse themed first birthday setup with red, yellow and black balloons and decorations.

A toddler plays with colorful balloons during a birthday party celebration.

A birthday celebration setup with burlap bunting and festive decorations for a one-year-old.

Holly has been enjoying her new cricut this year...she has been busy making cake smash and Christmas mini banners <3 <3 <3

Mickey Mouse themed birthday banner spelling 'ONE' with red, black, and yellow decorations.

Holiday display with person sitting on decorated chest between evergreen trees.

Winter hot cocoa stand with burlap banner and holiday decorations against evergreen trees.

We also love kids! I feel like half our job is trying to get kids in, (or out of), the photos and trying to get them smile :)

During our newborn and other studio sessions, we practice safety first. We want our clients to know that their babies are in safe hands. And lucky me, I'm all hands on baby while Holly photographs them.