When it comes to capturing a wedding day, the magic lies in the little moments—the quiet glances, the joyful laughter, the once-in-a-lifetime details you’ll want to relive for years to come. That’s exactly what Vermont wedding photographer Melissa Lynn Images does best. With a talent for blending artistry and authenticity, Melissa creates timeless, emotion-filled images that tell each couple’s unique love story. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Melissa and share more about her approach to wedding photography in Vermont.
How did you get into the wedding industry?
Growing up my dad was a hobby photographer and he would create photo challenges between the two of us. Some of them even required waking up around sunrise to drive up the road and photograph the fog-covered valley and mountains around us. He gave up on these photo challenges when I was about 12 and he realized I was always winning his “competition”.
As a high school graduation gift, my dad gave me a camera because I “wanted to be a photographer”. I asked a co-worker if I could come to her wedding to take some photos for her. She said she would have to ask her photographer (Named Hal Johnson) for permission. Hal Johnson was someone who was really well known in our small town and had owned a local photography studio for 30+ years. I went to the wedding and stood on the sidelines taking photos. As the reception started Hal came over to me and said “So I hear you want to be a photographer”. “Yes, I do”. He then said “You should buy my studio” And I laughed at him. I thought he was joking. The person I was with nudged me and said “he’s not joking”. I told Hal I had just graduated high school and hadn’t gone to college yet. Hal’s response was “that’s ok! I have been watching you and you have a great eye, and are good with people. I can teach you the rest.” He also explained that his wife had cancer and they didn’t want to liquidate everything they had worked for. So I bought his studio, and he worked beside me every day for a year, teaching me everything possible. A few years later when I moved to Vermont I decided I didn’t want to do studio work anymore and I focused all my energy into wedding photography.
How would you describe your style?
True to life, colorful, fun, and natural with a focus on candids but still incorporating the must have portraits
What inspires your work?
I love being able to stop time and tell people’s stories. But also, capturing people at their best and making even the most “awkward” people feel comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera.
Any special tips for couples? (when it comes to photography or wedding tips in general)
I can’t stress enough how important it is to have amazing vendors, who you truly connect with, and share your vision for your day. Also, while you are wedding planning everyone will tell you how they think you should do things. If you stay focused on the two of you, and what you want for your day, everything will be perfect in the end.
If you had to choose another career, what would it be?
I would love to own a boutique little plant store/greenhouse/cafe, that sometimes doubles an occasional small event venue.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I have owned my business, and have been photographing weddings professionally since I was 19!
Thanks, Melissa, for sitting down with me! You can learn more about Melissa and see her beautiful images, by visiting her Vendor Profile in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.