Wedding Photojournalism &
Love Stories
Before photographing people professionally, Melissa Mermin was an in-house photographer for a design firm but longed for dynamic subjects over still lifes. In 1996 she was hired to shoot her first wedding and since has had a passion for story telling through a camera.
She received her BFA in painting from Massachusetts College of Art, soon after studied photojournalism at New England School of Photography and freelanced for local news outlets. There were very few female wedding photographers in the mid '90s, much less gonzo-photojournalism style wedding photographers-- but creating stories with camera is secretly what she wanted to be doing all along. She draws her inspiration from renown photographers Gary Winogrand, Vivian Maier and Lauren Greenfield.
Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest but travels all over the country for most of her events. Working with an assistant and second shooter, they typically show up to the destination a day early to do a location scout. "I often shoot the entire weekend as many destination weddings have special events happening for several days, from rehearsal soirees to day-after brunches. It tells a complete story of the celebration.”
Her images are featured in books Wedding Photography Unveiled: Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers (2009); You Can Wear it Again (Chronicle Books, 2005.) The M.I.L.K. series, Love: A Celebration of Humanity (2001, HarperCollins); Friendship, Love and Laughter (Hatchette Books 2009); Dear Mom (Chronicle Books 2010.)
Her wedding stories have been published in Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot . She's been interviewed for Inside Weddings, Ask the Expert: How to Hire a Wedding Photographer and Photo District News A Couple of Friends Shooting Couples.
Tying the knot, planning an elopement or hosting a colorful fête?
Writing a story on documentary style wedding photography?
Love Stories
Love Stories are 5-7 minute highlights of the wedding or event featuring images, custom music, video and sound capturing the emotions and unforgettable moments of the day.
J & K: An Autumn Wedding, Viansa Winery, Sonoma
More Love Stories
Note: many of these videos are over 10 years old and technology has changed a lot since then. I am in the process of re-editing the Love Story shows from scratch to conform to high-quality full-screen standards.
C & E, Viansa Winery, Sonoma California
A & B,: A Jewish Wedding at the Harvest Inn, Napa
J & H, Beaulieu Garden, Napa Valley, California
Private event: Castello di Amorosa Winery, Calistoga, Napa Valley
Melissa Mermin, wedding photographer promo video, 2007
Press and Awards
Back in the summer of 2001 when 'wedding' and 'photojournalism' was a strange thing to hear in the same sentence and no one brought a digital camera to a wedding, I was interviewed by Susan Wornick of WCVB-TV Channel 5 Boston's "Bridal Survival Guide" segment. I wish I could find the full interview of Susan interviewing me--- she was an investigative reporter on another show so she scolded me as I turned red on live TV when asked about my wedding rates (which started at $6k at the time-- go young me!) Side note, I can't get over dorky and awkward I looked (worst hair day ever and I even bought a business suit just for the interview as I thought it would help me look authoritative and experienced.)
I still love many of the images they feature on the segment. The grainy video still below is of my cousin Sarah Mermin on her wedding day which took place off the coast of Maine 22 years ago.
Melissa Mermin featured on "The Bridal Survival Guide" 8/2001 on WCVB-TV Boston and NECN
Photo District News
Double Vision: A Couple of Friends Shooting Couples (2006)
PDN Photo Competition
Top Knots Contest, Third Place:Cotton Candy Bridesmaids, 2005
Praise and Gratitude
Hi Melissa, First of all, the picture are beautiful. We couldn’t be any happier as they make us smile and cry all over again every time we look at them. Thank you. You really did a wonderful job!
Best, J & H
~ married in Beaulieu Garden Winery, Napa Valley
Dear Melissa,
On March 18, 2001, you photographed our wedding outside of Boston. I just wanted to tell you that almost 20 years, two kids, and three homes later, we are still in love with your work. To this day, we get compliments on your photos which continue to be prominently displayed in our home...we are so thankful for the amazing job you did.
~ Eileen & Matt
She puts her whole body and soul into every event she does. I am very proud to know her personally and recommend her to all my brides.
-Raffi Kebabjian,
Director Professional Music Productions
Tying the knot, planning an elopement or hosting a colorful fête?
Writing a story on documentary style wedding photography?