Hi, I'm Melissa!
I am a country girl at heart and weddings are my biggest passion! I'm someone who can't sit still, I love to be busy and I wear many hats that keep it that way! When I am not busy planning a wedding or out with my camera, you can find me editing for other photographers, gardening (for myself and others) organizing 4-H club meetings or spending my time with my love and our 2 fur babies. I love animals, horseback riding, yoga, wine, gardening and camping! We are currently living in a great little town that I love, but my heart is still in the country and I long for the day that we can make that happen!
I have a huge soft spot for a good love story and I am so thrilled to be able to incorporate this joy into my life through my career.
I started offering photography in 2007 as a hobbyist alongside my full-time job in the school photography industry. It remained part time until 2022 when my full time job came to an end when they sold the business. It was an easy decision for me to finally take this chance to dedicate my time to my true passion of weddings. I started photographing more weddings and became a certified wedding planner, then in March 2023 I launched what is now Melissa V. Photography and Event Planning.
Photography
I focus on capturing the interactions, emotions, laughs and real life moments! I love capturing all the feelings, the mood, the calm and crazy moments and all the details too. Moments that are un-posed and that you won't even realize I captured until you get your photos back! Of course, the majority will be "posed" photos, but captured in a way to express emotions and tell stories. This is the style you can expect from me in anything I am photographing!
Wedding Planning
I specialize in creating uniquely personal weddings. Weddings that truly reflect your personality, some are larger some are small, some are intimate but all of them are romantic and beautiful. These weddings are personal, sentimental and exactly what you wanted. To my clients, getting married and the feelings and mood your wedding creates is more important than ‘the party.’ Let me help you create the wedding of your dreams!
Professional Photo Printing
With over 10 years of experience in the professional printing industry, I'm proud to carry that passion forward through Melissa V. Before taking my business full-time, I developed an expertise in printing which I now offer not only to my photography clients, but also to other photographers looking for a trusted printing partner!
Melissa Vandongen | Belmont Ontario | 519-702-2045 | photographyandplanning@gmail.com