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 ;)

Photographers capturing a couple posing on grass during an outdoor photoshoot.
Wedding photographers capturing candid moments during a reception on patterned carpet.
Two photographers with professional cameras working together at an indoor photo session.
Wedding guests seated in white chairs during an outdoor ceremony on a lawn.
Two people lying on hardwood floor in a rustic stone-walled venue.
A couple dancing on a wooden floor in a rustic barn venue during a wedding celebration.
Photographers arranging and capturing floral details at an outdoor venue.
Musicians performing at a rustic brick venue with string lights and decorative harp.
Two people conversing by a decorative harp in a brick-walled venue with string lights.
Photography team setting up shots in front of dark wooden doors at an indoor venue.
Wedding ceremony at a white outdoor pavilion with photographers capturing the moment.

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

Final dress adjustments being made to a bride's white wedding gown in a preparation room.
Wedding party members helping adjust formal attire in front of a stone fireplace.
Emotional moment captured during wedding preparations as family members share a tearful embrace.
A wedding dress being adjusted as bridesmaids in red and black assist with final preparations.
A bride in a beautiful mermaid style wedding dress getting final touches in an elegant room.

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 party poses for group photo in front of stone and white building.
Wedding dress flowing in wind while couple poses against rustic building.
Couple stands under wooden pavilion for wedding ceremony.
Long white wedding dress train trailing on stone patio with person adjusting.
Wedding dress hanging on stone wall under romantic string lights.
Stunning lace wedding dress with long train against white barn doors.
Wedding party stands in golden sunlight beneath autumn trees during an outdoor photoshoot.
White wedding dress hangs elegantly from a hanger against vibrant fall foliage.
Couple poses in front of rustic red barn for wedding photo.
Wedding party gathers under rustic stone archway during outdoor ceremony.
Couple poses in front of white barn-style wedding venue with floral landscaping.
Wedding photography session in front of rustic barn doors with train arrangement.
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!!

Dramatic veil flows in autumn breeze during outdoor wedding portrait session.
Wedding couple shares moment under white pergola during sunset ceremony.
Long flowing veil creates romantic scene during outdoor wedding photoshoot.
Wedding party creates artistic shot against historic stone wall at sunset.
A flowing white lace wedding dress and veil captured outdoors on a lawn with elegant architecture in the background.
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...

Wedding couple's first dance in rustic barn venue with string lights overhead.
Holiday hot cocoa stand decorated with garland and festive banner at Christmas tree farm.
Wedding party poses for formal photo in front of white and stone building.
DJ setup with wooden barrel stands in a rustic barn venue interior.
Wedding photo session in front of a white building with rustic wooden doors.
Wedding party explores rocky outdoor terrain in a wooded setting.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a garden setting with stone walls and greenery.
Ceremony taking place in a bright church interior with wooden pews and colorful floor design.
Outdoor fall wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs surrounded by autumn foliage.
Wedding couple poses next to a mint green food truck at an outdoor reception.

We often use each other to check the lighting.

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

Person in winter coat standing in front of stone farmhouse on green lawn.
Person in quilted jacket expressing excitement outdoors with autumn scenery in background.
Photographer with camera gear standing by stone fireplace in indoor setting.
Silhouette of photographer with camera against sunlit window.
Event photographer stands under string lights in outdoor tent venue setting.
Creative framed shot through gap showing person in formal attire standing near architectural column.
Creative framed view through wooden fence of person in hoodie walking on autumn path.
Person in winter coat blowing glitter or sparkles in front of evergreen trees at sunset.
Person in dark coat standing in front of white building with orange mums blooming in foreground.
Large rustic wedding venue with exposed brick walls and wooden beams filled with guests.
Wedding photographer in floral dress poses with camera equipment on grassy lawn.
Person expressing joy and excitement during indoor celebration with crowd in background.
Person wearing hooded coat smiles while looking up against autumn foliage background.
Person posing playfully inside rustic wooden barn with white draping and wooden beams.
Event photographer in black dress capturing moments at an indoor reception.
Person in burgundy dress poses against patterned curtain backdrop in indoor setting.
Person in burgundy dress waves while posing against plain wall background.
Person in burgundy dress standing before chandelier in elegant venue with seated guests.
Wedding reception venue with guests seated at tables and wooden beam ceiling.
Professional photographer in a blue dress poses with camera against a white wall.

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 reflection in a mirror shows someone wearing a deep red cardigan in a hallway.
A playful moment captured through decorative railings in an indoor setting.
A joyful dance celebration captured in black and white at a wedding reception.
A dramatic nighttime portrait on a rustic balcony lit by string lights.
People gathering outside a white barn-style venue with string lights visible inside.
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...

A playful moment captured with a cat and people against a red barn exterior.
A fluffy cat poses near a group of people by a red barn wall.
Large stone and red barn wall with small windows and green tree branches overhead.
Person walking by a rustic stone and red barn with evergreen branches visible overhead.
Person taking photos of a historic red barn at sunset with a cat nearby.
Orange tabby cat sitting in a white-framed window looking out.

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 :)

A quiet moment shared while reviewing photos on a camera in a wood-paneled room.
Family enjoying outdoor adventure by a creek in the woods during winter.
Wedding party poses for fun group photo outdoors in formal attire.
Wedding party poses together under blooming cherry blossom trees on a spring day.
Two photographers working in snowy conditions during a winter photo shoot.
Young child wearing white dress and floral crown getting adjusted by caretaker.
Wedding party poses on outdoor steps decorated with white lanterns at venue entrance.
Wedding party gathered for formal group photo in front of rustic red barn.
Candid moment of wedding party on decorated steps with lanterns.
Photographer directs wedding party for group photo in front of historic building.
Creative wedding photo being staged with frame prop on lawn.
Spring wedding photo session under blooming cherry trees in garden setting.
A baby in red sits on a wooden bench next to a large white decorative 'ONE' sign.
A festive first birthday setup with Mickey Mouse decor, balloons, and scattered crumbs on the floor.
Two people playing with a wooden train track and colorful toy cars on a light floor.
An overhead view of a wooden toy train track layout with a relaxed parent lying beside it.
A cake smash photo session setup with blue and silver balloons against a white backdrop.
An emotional moment during a cake smash photo session with blue and silver balloon decorations.
A cake smash photo session with blue balloons and a crying baby in denim overalls.
A birthday celebration setup with colorful balloons and tissue paper decorations against a white backdrop.

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.

Professional photographer team positioning an infant during a newborn photo shoot in a studio setting.
An overhead view of a newborn being photographed on a round cushion.
A toddler sits on a wooden stool wearing jeans while playing with a black cap.
A joyful toddler laughs while sitting on wooden surface during a photo session.
A newborn photography session taking place on rustic wooden flooring.
A tender moment captured during a newborn photography session against a white backdrop.
Multiple hands gently supporting a sleeping newborn against a black background.
A newborn photography session with caregivers on rustic wooden flooring.
A sleeping newborn positioned on a light pink curved pillow during a photo session.
A newborn in a white onesie being gently held up during a photo shoot.
A sleeping newborn in a bucket prop with a plush toy and pacifier.
Baby rests on white fluffy blanket while being photographed from above.
Sleeping infant wrapped in deep teal fabric on wooden chair.
Family photo session with children and photographer in a rustic wooden room.
Overhead view of photographer setting up newborn photo session with teal props.
Infant wearing gray beanie lying on white furry rug during photo session.
Two infants lying together on white backdrop during professional photography session.
Baby wearing mint green knit hat during closeup portrait session.
A newborn infant lying on a blue textured surface while hands gently touch their face during a photo session.
Newborn baby positioned on seafoam green tulle fabric during a professional photo session.
A crying baby lying next to a knitted teddy bear toy during a photo session.

Newborn yawns are the CUTEST!

A fussy newborn making an unhappy expression while lying next to a knitted teddy bear.

Hey, don't call me cute.

Baby in white outfit yawning while lying on a light colored pillow during a photo session.

What do you think you're doing?!

Overhead view of infant lying on blue background with green plush toy and cell phone.

The newborn session essentials...pacifier, wipes, baby shusher, and phone

Photography team collaborating during a professional photo shoot in studio setting.

When you have 5 kids under 5, you call in for extra help! Shout out to Heather for giving us another hand with newborn twins.

Family gathered together on floor during intimate photo session in studio setting.
Overhead view of newborn photo session on white wooden floor with photographers working.

We'll end our BTS blog with some goofy photos of us from our Mirror Photo Booth.

Group photo session setup with a large black reflector and gold sequin backdrop.
Two people posing playfully in front of floral wall with neon sign.
Two photographers making fun poses in front of silver backdrop.
Three friends pose together in front of a wall covered in white flowers.
Three people posing enthusiastically in front of white floral wall backdrop.
Two friends embrace and laugh together in front of white curtains at an event.
Two friends share a joyful moment in front of white curtains with twinkling lights.
Four women in dark attire pose together at event with floral backdrop.
Group photo of four people posing in front of floral wall with neon signage.
Two people posing playfully in front of floral wall with neon signage.

And that's a wrap for 2022! We are looking forward to all of the weddings and babies born in 2023!! :)