VENDOR SHOWCASE: Melissa Harding Photography
This week on the blog we talk to the lovely Melissa of Melissa Harding Photography!
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hey there, my name is Melissa! I’m originally from Nova Scotia, but moved here this past June. I absolutely love living on the Island with my husband Jake and my sweet little (okay maybe not so little) golden retriever Ellie. Any time not spent taking photos is most likely spent watching Netflix (currently binging the Office for the fourth time, I am not ashamed) making random things I see on Pinterest and traveling and/or dreaming of traveling!
How long have you been photographing weddings?
My first wedding was in 2013, which seems like so long ago now! I would have never thought when I photographed my sister-in-law’s wedding in Jamaica that I would be making a career out of it a few years later. At the time, I thought she was completely nuts for hiring me. Thank goodness for people who believe in you when you don’t even believe in yourself!
What inspired you to begin photographing weddings?
When I first starting dabbling in wedding photography, I didn’t feel like I had the proper gear, knowledge or skill to do the job properly, so I put it on hold for a while. After my own wedding in 2015, I realized that documenting weddings was something that I didn’t want to give up. I invested in all things camera related and have been shooting weddings ever since!
What is your favourite part of the wedding day?
Oo, that’s a tough question. I LOVE the moment as the couple walks back down the aisle after they’re married. You can just feel all the joy and love, I almost always have to hold back tears.
What is the most unique wedding you've ever photographed?
Funny you ask! I think it was actually the wedding in Jamaica! Although I love all the weddings I get to document, this was certainly one that stands out to me. The whole experience was certainly unique and unlike anything I've ever photographed before!
Describe your photography style:
Genuine, romantic, and fun. I don’t try to create moments, but instead capture the day as it would happen authentically. I try my best to let people just be themselves! I stay away from stiff awkward poses, and instead focus on documenting the connection between the couple.
Are you available to travel for weddings?
YES! 1000 times yes. I love travelling and I love that this career allows me to do it even more frequently!
Aside from weddings, what is your next favourite type of shoot?
Definitely couple sessions! I don’t know what it is, but I just really enjoy documenting love. It’s my thing and I think it always will be.
Testimonials:
"Melissa Harding is simply talented. She has a passion for photography which is evident in her work and while working with her. We have been blessed to have our engagement photos and wedding captured by Melissa. We couldn't be more happy with our photos and our experience. We will recommend her to everyone we know." - Jacqueline
"Melissa did our photos for our engagement session and wedding. I cannot say enough great things about Melissa! Her skills as a photographer are exceptional, but it's her fun loving personality that really makes her shine! She had an incredible ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease when being in front of the camera." - Heather
"Melissa is not only an incredible photographer with a beautiful style, but is so down to earth and makes your photography experience calming, non-stressful, and a whole lot of fun! Melissa is very candid with her photos, you never feel posed, but feel natural and comfortable. She captures those precious moments you long to have in years to come, the fun and silly ones you laugh over, and the perfectly beautiful ones you display on your wall's for company and guests to admire. My husband and I had our engagement and wedding photos done by Melissa, and tell people all the time how much we LOVED our photographer and how pleased we were by her friendliness and beautiful photography. It meant so much to us to know that our photographer was not just concerned with the 'perfect photo', but capturing the personality and love of those she was photographing." - Lindsay
Thank you SO much Melissa for taking the time to chat with us! I first met Melissa just days after her move to the island when she came to our PEI Wedding Professionals mixer, and have been closely following her work since. I'm so excited for many seasons together to come!
Until next time,
xox KLF