Behind the Scenes / 2023

March 20, 2024 — Behind the Scenes

Hi there!


We are Bri (specializing in weddings) & Holly (specializing in newborns) and WE LOVE OUR JOB! ***most days, anyways... :) Enjoy scrolling through some of our BTS silliness...

Three friends pose playfully with a face cutout against a stone wall with illuminated signage.

One of the reasons Bri likes being behind the camera is because she is really awkward when it comes to getting her photo taken.

Friends making silly expressions while holding a face cutout against a rustic stone wall background.

Holly, on the other hand, is a ham!

Group poses enthusiastically with a cardboard face cutout against illuminated stone wall backdrop.

Nice try, Bri.

Photographer in patterned dress crouches with camera in grassy field.

Oh heeeyy...it's the hunchback of Mellonberry!

Photographer with long lens camera crouches in green field while subject stands in distance.
Photographer captures romantic couple moment on gravel path near trees.
Multiple photographers lay on ground to capture shots of covered bridge in autumn setting.
Two people share a laugh in garden setting with pink flowers and archway.

Here's Holly trying to steal the show from the actual Bride....

Two things Bri cannot go without during wedding days; Holly & her clipboard!

Person smiles while holding clipboard with black and white photos outdoors.
Wooden cross and floral arch frame altar area in simple church interior.
Person holding a clear umbrella and camera on a cloudy day in a park setting.
Group relaxing by colorful kayaks and canoes on grassy shore during golden hour.

Holly showing off her hands

Photographer wearing an olive green dress gestures with outstretched arms in a venue decorated with string lights.
Person in a burgundy dress raises both hands while standing on grass with a camera strap.
Intimate moment between newlyweds kissing against a red wall with white crossbeams.
Person in yellow tank top raises hands playfully at dusk with glowing lights in background.
Two people in a bright living room, one wearing a white lace wedding dress and another in a blue dress striking a playful pose.

Holly showing off her Spanx!

I had Holly read over the blog, and she commented about how pasty white her legs looked in the spanx photo, so I gave her a nice leg tan in this next one LOL

Two figures sharing a joyful moment in an elegant living room with one in a wedding dress beside a grey sofa.

A person in black attire holds flowers while standing against a white wall.

Nobody puts Holly in a corner!!

We love having each other to do lighting checks...aaaaand this is usually what they look like...

An event space filled with white chairs and guests during an indoor gathering.
Event photographer working in rustic wooden venue with ambient lighting.
Person standing in rustic wooden barn interior with string lights and event setup.
Someone wearing a navy polka dot blouse smiles warmly against a white paneled wall.
Professional photographer in all black outfit against white wall with camera gear.
Photographer in black attire laughing while holding camera equipment.
Photographer standing in elegant venue with crystal chandelier and rows of chairs.
Side view of photographer in black outfit against white wall.
Silhouette against bright light with falling snow creating dramatic backlit effect.
Backlit profile in dark setting with snow or rain falling around bright light source.
A figure stands in an elegant ballroom setting with crystal chandeliers and wall sconces beneath white fabric draping.
A silhouette poses outdoors against autumn foliage wearing a navy dress.
A fashion show participant walks down a runway in formal attire while an audience watches.
A twirling figure in a flowing blue dress poses against a white wall.
Woman reaching up to touch pink magnolia blossoms in spring garden setting.
A casual summer scene near an ornate garden fountain.
A playful expression captured outdoors near a decorative stone fountain.
People walking on wooded trail during outdoor photo session.
An attendee stands in a conference hall wearing a tan blazer among a seated audience.
A joyful pose in front of illuminated stone archways and decorative urns.

Here's me doing a lighting check for Holly, posing with my pretend baby.

Woman in olive green cardigan and floral dress stands against white background.
A person in blue stands on rocks by a pond at sunset with their reflection visible in the still water.

We also are there to give each other helpful advice...one of our most frequently asked questions is "is this cool, or stupid?"

A figure seated outdoors with blooming pink flowers in the foreground.
Someone in a navy dress poses against a chain-link fence in a wooded area.

this one was definitely not cool.

And these are just creepy. It's like the Blair Witch Project...the Mellonberry Witch Project.

A lantern casts an eerie glow in the darkness creating dramatic shadows.
A luminous paper lantern glows against a dark background creating mysterious ambiance.
A nighttime portrait illuminated by soft lantern light creating a warm glow.
A dramatic low-angle shot of a glowing lantern in darkness.
An artistic portrait lit dramatically from below by warm candlelight.

And here are some of our ideas that were total FAILS!

Glitter falls while someone blows across an open book in an artistic outdoor photo.
Sparkles scatter as someone blows across pages of an open book at sunset.
Athletic person with glowing skin enjoying golden hour sunlight outdoors on a summer evening.
Elegant bride in lace wedding gown standing in window frame while dress is adjusted.
Elegant white wedding dress hanging outside a gray building with diamond-paned windows.
Wedding party on wooden bridge helping adjust the bride's long train dress while a dog watches.
Romantic moment captured against red barn backdrop with flowing white veil in the breeze.
Family portrait with large fluffy white dog at sunset among pine trees.

We really do love capturing candid moments...embarrassing reception dancing photos are our fav!!!

A group of guests mingling and socializing at an indoor event with white draped decorations.

I'm happy to show you the embarrassing photo I just took of you - just ask ;)

Party guests looking upward at decorative lights in a rustic venue with wooden beams.

HAHA, Holly's face says it all - you can tell she got a good one!

I absolutely love the people I work with...mostly Holly and Chris :)

Two people sitting on stone wall in outdoor garden setting.
Couple seated against rustic stone wall in garden setting.
Two people posing casually by stone wall outdoors.
Two people sitting on stone wall with garden flowers and trees in background.

Chris is Mellonberry's videographer (and my hubby!)

Wedding dress hanging outside white barn building while photographer captures detail shots.
Couple standing together on wooden bridge in garden setting.

we're really great at getting our photo taken

A wedding dress figure framed by golden autumn leaves in a serene outdoor setting.
Portrait against white wall with dark clothing in natural light.

why so serious??

Reflection of person making funny face in mirror.

that's better.

And what would we do without our vendor friends?? It's such a good feeling to know and love the fellow vendors you are working with on a wedding day because we're all on the same team!

People lighting sparklers outside a building at night.

Someone is NOT amused by the almost sparkler bomb.

Two party guests sharing a joyful moment at an indoor celebration.

This is the moment I thought LeeAnn said "Grandma's got boobs!!" when in fact she said "Grandma's got MOVES!!" hahahaha

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a crowded dance floor in a rustic barn venue.

LeeAnn's got moves!! ;)

Wedding party members sharing emotional embrace in rustic wooden venue.

Jeremi creepin....

We really love our clients too <3 <3 <3 and Brides...on your wedding day, we got you!!!

A wedding party walks down a path with the bride in white holding a clear umbrella while accompanied by attendants.

We will hold your dress up in the rain!

A server holds a wooden tray of appetizers at an outdoor event during sunset.

We will hold hors d'oeuvres for you during sunset photos

A group of groomsmen pose playfully outdoors in formal attire with white shirts and suspenders.

We will make sure the guys don't drop you!!

Wedding party members laugh and celebrate together in a scenic outdoor autumn setting.

We will take silly photos of your groom for you.

A person in a wedding dress gets help with final preparations in a dressing room.

We will help you put your jewelry on when no-one else can because they all have fake nails...

Wedding dress adjustments being made as final preparations take place indoors.
Newlyweds sit by a glowing fire pit at night during their wedding celebration.

We will keep you warm with blankets!!

Event photographer in black attire writes on a surface while working indoors.

We will clean your heels off

A wedding dress fitting takes place in a garden surrounded by blooming pink roses.

We will help you get your shoes on :)

Musicians perform outdoors on a sunny day with houses visible in the background.

We will help you decide if you want to play a song during the first look or not...

Wedding party descends outdoor stone steps on a hillside near a white house on a sunny day.

We will carry your dress...to the ends of the earth...

Wedding scene reflected in still pond water with wooden fence and countryside in background.
Wedding celebration outdoors near a rustic wooden barn on a winter day.
Person in yellow tank top trims flower stems over a container.

We will trim your bouquet for you

Two people on wooden deck having conversation during overcast day.

We will help you empty your pockets

Wedding photo session near brick wall with stone steps and pathways.

We will make sure you are all set for your first look :)

Covered porch scene with wooden beams and railing overlooking outdoor area.
Group walking together on sunny path with white pillars and green landscaping.
Peaceful pond setting with wooden deck and fence surrounded by green trees.

Holly will show you how to properly cut the cake on your wedding day, because let's be honest...nobody really knows how to do that.

Newlywed couple cuts into their elegant white tiered wedding cake during reception.
Wedding guests help serve slices of a white tiered cake at an indoor reception.
Guests and wedding couple enjoying the multi-tiered naked cake at a rustic brick venue.
Wedding guests sharing a lighthearted moment while serving cake at the reception.

We really like cake...

Photographer with animated expression works at reception with stone wall backdrop.
Wedding photographer wearing olive cardigan makes expressive face while working.
Two people wearing pink cowboy hats pose playfully at a photo booth with sparkly backdrop.
Photographer adjusting cake display against wall with string lights in dark setting.

Holly is an expert veil fluffer!! I mean, just look at that form!!

Wedding couple poses against red barn door while veil flows dramatically in breeze.
Wedding couple shares a moment under arched colonnade while veil flows dramatically in the breeze.
Elegant wedding portrait on wooden bridge over pond with veil flowing in reflection.
Wedding photo against stone wall with flowing veil caught in autumn wind.
Wedding couple embraces on grass while veil billows dramatically in summer breeze.
Autumn wedding scene with long flowing train against rustic stone backdrop.
Dramatic indoor wedding portrait with flowing veil between elegant wall sconces.
Elegant wedding photo outside brick building with flowing veil in architectural setting.
Wedding portrait against bamboo backdrop with flowing veil creating dramatic silhouette.

Sometimes the veil flies off...but we always catch it!! hahaha

Romantic nighttime wedding scene under illuminated wooden gazebo with flowing fabric.
Intimate wedding moment captured under string-lit gazebo at night with flowing veil.
A dancer leaps gracefully across a green lawn with a lake in the background.
A person in a navy dress performs an energetic dance move on a grassy field near a lake.
Someone in a blue dress dances joyfully outdoors on grass with a lake behind them.
A romantic silhouette of a couple embracing at sunset in a park setting.

we'll even fluff your hair for you! ;)

Holly is ALSO an expert dress fluffer...

A bridal party in pink dresses helps adjust the lace train of a wedding dress.
A formal wedding portrait being captured as someone adjusts the bride's dress.
A detailed view of an ornate lace wedding dress train being arranged in a stone archway.
A wedding photo being staged against a rustic barn wall with someone adjusting the dress.
A wedding dress twirls dramatically against a backdrop of hanging plants.
A wedding dress billows in the breeze as someone adjusts it in an outdoor garden setting.

she especially loves dress fluffing on really windy days!! ;)

A wedding photographer captures a flowing lace veil against a rustic red barn backdrop as a couple poses.

and sometimes Holly gets a little carried away...

A photographer crouches to capture a wedding moment against a red barn wall.

A wedding dress fitting session shows the final adjustments being made in a bridal suite.

Me *attempting* to fluff the dress...usually I get frustrated and just tell Holly to PLEASE HELP ME.

A photographer arranges a wedding dress train on a wooden bridge during an autumn photoshoot.
A photographer adjusts a wedding dress train in front of a white venue entrance.

Another thing that Holly is better at than I am...is being taller.

A photographer captures a wedding ceremony under a gazebo in a sunny garden setting.

I literally bring a stool with me to all of our sessions.

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating in a rustic venue with string lights overhead.

The dance floor is especially hard to get photos of when you're shorter than everyone else and can't see what's going on!

Behind-the-scenes of wedding preparation showing styling and photography in a bridal suite.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating at a reception in a dimly lit rustic venue.

I'm so short, people can take photos right over my head

Wedding photographers capturing reception moments with professional cameras in an indoor venue.

Look at all of these guys trying to steal my job...

Rustic wooden loft interior with ornate metal railings and exposed beams illuminated by chandelier lighting.

Here's Holly trying to get a taller vantage point for once.

Sometimes we get in each others way...and sometimes it's intentional.

Lively dance party scene with guests celebrating in festive dresses on the dance floor.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs arranged on grass under shady trees.
Wedding reception scene with guests gathered in formal attire around bride in white gown.
Large dog cutouts decorated with flowers and Christmas tree in background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs along brick pathway leading to floral arch.

See me waaaay out there on the right side?

Wedding ceremony from photographer's perspective showing guests seated along brick path to arch.

I needed to get closer...

Sun-dappled outdoor wedding ceremony with guests in white chairs facing floral arch.

"I'm sorry Holly did I get in your way?"

Indoor wedding ceremony in rustic venue with wooden beams and rows of white chairs.

I'm just going to stand right here in the middle of the aisle., if you don't mind.

Wedding ceremony under white pergola with guests watching ceremony in outdoor setting.

We really like to hog the middle of the aisle...

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating at a rustic indoor reception venue with wooden beams and warm lighting.

We also like to appear in the same spot that you are trying to get a photo...

Wedding party gathering inside a vintage trolley car during transportation.

I feel like this is the worse place for us to be standing...I don't remember what was happening in this photo, but WHAT IS UP WITH OUR FACES?!

Sometimes you'll find us in interesting positions to "get the shot"

Wedding photo session on a path at dusk with dress adjustments being made.
Wedding photographer lying on grass to capture the perfect shot with professional camera.

or maybe I just wanted to lay on the ground because I was tired.

Even if we look ridiculous, you can trust us when it comes to posing our clients!

Wedding party members standing on a covered porch of a white building.
Large wedding party in gray and blue attire posed in front of white barn wall.
Large group wedding photo in decorated reception hall with white draped ceiling and chandeliers.

"Posing large groups is my favorite!" - said no one. ever.

People fishing on rocky shoreline at sunset with calm lake waters and wooded background.

Two things we love, (even though they are usually really hard to work with), are puppies and children <3 <3 <3

Wedding couple posing with their dogs while photographer captures the moment against white backdrop.
Wedding party photo being taken in front of rustic brick wall with traditional Scottish attire.
Wedding party in emerald green and navy attire posed under wooden beamed pavilion.
A couple share an intimate moment outdoors while children in dresses play nearby on a grassy lawn.
A yellow floral top and large white 'ONE' letters set against white wooden planks for a first birthday photoshoot.
Tender moment between parent and child sitting together with white 'ONE' letters on wooden floor.
Wedding party posing in front of a rustic venue with bridesmaids in green and groomsmen in navy.
Fun wedding party photo with a guest jumping in front while bridesmaids and groomsmen pose.
Photographer capturing a young child in a floral dress while others look on in purple gowns.
A child in a light blue dress stands on a gravel path with hands on hips.
A sweet moment captured with a small child seated in a rattan chair against a white wooden backdrop.
Photographers with professional cameras gather around to take pictures at an event.
Photographer with camera taking pictures outdoors at a formal event near manicured bushes.
Behind the scenes of a photo shoot with photographer and subjects on white wooden deck.

Holly and her animals friends along the way...

A person crouches on a paved path surrounded by grass and trees on a sunny day.
Dog sniffing ground while being photographed outdoors near concrete path.
A curious goat peeks through a wooden fence on a cloudy day.
A friendly goat reaches through wooden fence slats while being petted in a farm setting.
A white and brown goat nuzzles against a wooden fence on a farm.
Photography studio setup with lighting equipment and reflectors in an indoor space.

How many people does it take to get a toddler to smile at the camera? In this case, 3. Plus a light up wand, the baby shark song on YouTube, and the promise of snacks.

Child looking out window at playground equipment on sunny day with beige curtains framing the view.

and some kids just have more interest in watching the lawn mower....

Two people working together to reach high shelf with colorful balloons decorating the wall.

BALLOONS; the one thing kids always love!

First birthday setup with red wagon, fire chief theme, and colorful balloons against brick wall.

trying to get the balloons just right...

Here are some more behind the scenes of our studio sessions, which are held in Holly's home!

Photography setup with white umbrella light and blue balloons for baby photoshoot.

Holly creates backdrops for cake smashes that are OUT OF THIS WORLD! (see what I did there??)

Behind-the-scenes photo of newborn photography session with professional camera setup.

And the newborn sessions are one of a kind, I love seeing what she comes up with next! :)

Newborn wearing panda bear hat lying peacefully on gray blanket.

One panda....

Newborn photo session with stuffed panda bears arranged on fluffy white rug.

Many pandas!!

Sometimes studio session are...MESSY!

A sleeping newborn wrapped in mauve fabric rests in wooden prop bowl on hardwood floor.

there's spit up...

A photography session setup with baby in white wrap surrounded by yellow flowers on wooden surface.
A sleeping newborn baby on a pink backdrop with a glitter stain.

There's poop...

Close-up detail shot of a glitter stain on light pink fabric.

so. much. poop.

A sleeping baby with a pacifier wrapped in brown fabric against a pink background.
A person wearing a tie-dye navy t-shirt and black leggings stands with hands on hips in a room with arched windows.

There's cake...everywhere!

A child using a toy vacuum cleaner with Sesame Street themed party decorations in the background.

But we have dear Theo to help us clean up the mess ;)

We always practice safety first for newborn sessions...while Holly photographs, I keep my hands on baby

Sleeping newborn rests on a collection of colorful books while hands gently support.
Sleeping newborn in green wrap surrounded by toy tractors arranged in heart shape.
Newborn wearing floral crown sleeps peacefully in grey bucket on white wooden floor.
Person in black and gold varsity jacket holding sleeping newborn with hand supporting head.
Medical professionals in protective masks examine small child on wooden floor.
Sleeping newborn with pacifier between books while hands adjust positioning.
Sleeping baby rests in bucket while hands gently cradle face on wooden floor.
A tiny wooden prop bed with white lace trim holds a sleeping baby during a photography session.

No, this baby was not actually sleeping and swinging in midair. We just make it look that way. Holly is basically a magician.

A lot of people don't realize that for newborn sessions, we actually want the baby to be sleeping...the whole time! :)

Baby laying on textured blanket while hand adjusts positioning against white wooden background.
Sleeping newborn with delicate headband on cream blanket with hands and phone visible.

When they are awake they make some pretty funny, (but adorable), faces...

A newborn wearing a delicate headband cries during a professional photo shoot on grey fabric.
A swaddled newborn wearing a lace headband lies on soft grey fabric during a photo session.
A baby in floral print outfit rests on white fur with fresh peonies during a photo shoot.
A small baby wearing floral print and headband poses with white peonies on plush fabric.

Some babies DO NOT like when you take their pacifier out!

A newborn wrapped in white with flower crown and pacifier rests on textured cream fabric.
A crying newborn wrapped in white wearing a delicate flower crown lies on plush cream fabric.

Being a photographer, there are a lot of unique opportunities...

Interior of vintage train car with plush burgundy seating and green stained glass windows.

Such as getting to take our kids on the Strasburg Railroad to scope it out for a wedding ceremony...

Wedding party riding in limousine with floral bouquets visible in dramatic lighting.

Riding in limos...there wasn't enough room for Holly...

Wedding photo with black horse in autumn field featuring long white lace gown.

Getting to hangout with horses!

Nature trail winding past rocky cliff face in lush green forest setting.

Hiking to waterfalls...

Two people having an animated conversation on a dance floor with floral arrangements visible in the foreground.

Getting to dance with friends at weddings...

A bride being lifted by guests during a lively wedding dance celebration.

Witnessing culturally different wedding festivities, such as the Hora...

Someone with outstretched arms stands in a rustic room with wooden beams and confetti on the floor.

Having confetti bombs explode on you...

We like to have fun :)

Messy room with sunlit window and curtains showing preparation space.
Person wearing colorful stacked sunglasses outdoors in summer.
Playful moment on a rope swing in a lush green park setting.

I mean, our job is never boring...

A silhouetted figure stands on a balcony in a barn-style venue with a chandelier visible.
A wall clock mounted beneath an arched ceiling in an event space.

okay, sometimes our job is boring...

A person in a black dress stands in front of a garden bed filled with purple and yellow flowers.

and sometimes it's hard.

Couples dancing in a rustic venue decorated with string lights hanging from wooden beams.

Holly is NOT amused...LOL

A coffee station setup with large dispensers and supplies being prepared by staff.

but we can load up on coffee to get us through.

Two photographers pose energetically in front of a green hedge wall with neon 'The Opets' sign.
Two people in black outfits pose with pink cowboy hats and photo props against a sparkly backdrop.

All joking aside, we really do love our job, and are SO grateful to all of our clients, family, and friends who have supported us through the years. You all are amazing - WE LOVE YOU and couldn't have done it without you <3 <3 <3 We are excited to meet all the new couples and precious babies (yet to be born) this year!!


XOXO,

Bri & Holly

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