Meet the Photographer: Chrystin Melanie Photography

"Chrystin was just amazing! She answered every single question I had (which was a lot), responded to a million of my emails, and is so very talented with her work! I've been working with her for about a year and a half now for my wedding and I'm so beyond happy I found her–I'm sad it's over! However, I plan to have her take pictures for me any time I need them done. Her style is impeccable. She captures such beautiful moments. I researched hundreds of wedding photographers before I found her and in my opinion, she is the very best. I broke my ankle the day of my wedding and she quickly accommodated me, changing our original plan, and made it so you couldn't even really tell I was in a wheelchair. She did amazing under the sudden and unusual circumstances.”

-Stephanie, Bride 

When looking for a photographer, you want a professional with great style, service and a reputation to match. Chrystin Melanie Photography is one of the photographers whose talent is enough to win over any bride—but whose professionalism speaks for itself. 

Read on to hear from Chrystin herself! 
 

Tell us a little more about your business.

"Chrystin Melanie Photography is a wedding photography service also specializing in maternity and family photography. I am Grand Rapids, Michigan based but travel all over Michigan and the world capturing memories of love. I absolutely love photographing couples on their wedding day, having had the opportunity to photograph weddings across Michigan, from East Coast to West Coast and even across the pond in England. Moments are precious, and wedding days go by fast, so it’s important to me that I capture every one of those special moments for couples. My style is a mix of artistic and documentary. I like to tell a story through images. My goal is to help couples feel comfortable and allow them to enjoy their day and provide them with quality images that will last a lifetime."

What sets you apart from others? Why should a bride choose you?

"I know what it’s like to be a bride searching for a wedding photographer. When the planning is done and the big day is over, all a couple has left are memories and photos. I want to make sure I give my clients the best photos of their day while at the same time allowing them to enjoy every moment of it. I sit down with couples before their wedding day to go over their timeline, making sure we allow time for everything they are planning. A great timeline is key for couples to enjoy their day and not have any added stress. I like to do engagement photos with couples before their day. I offer hair, makeup and styling for their photos. This makes it really special and a one-of-a-kind experience. Engagement photos really help couples feel at ease in front of the camera. It gives us time to get to know each other and adds trust for their wedding day. Everything I do for my couple stems back to providing them the best photos and experience for their wedding day."
 

What is important to you as a photographer?

"Providing a valuable experience is so important to me as a photographer. That is why I am a part of Professional Photographers of America, and Wedding and Portrait International, where I continue to learn and grow and evolve in this industry. I am also a Featured Pro for Artsy Couture, The J Salon in Grand Rapids, and GR Kids."

What inspires you as a photographer?

"Love inspires me. Every time I photograph a wedding, I remember my own. I think about my husband and the love we have and how magical our own day was. I want that feeling for every single one of my couples that I have the honor of photographing."

What do you love most about photographing a couples' big day?

"What I love the most about photographing a couples’ big day is their portrait time. I try to give my couples space to chat after they’ve gotten married. I hang back and let them chat alone, and capture a couple photos of that moment. Wedding days are so hectic sometimes couples don’t often get a moment alone until the wedding is over. So taking 5-10 minutes to give them that space in the middle of their day, I think is really important in making their day even more special."
 

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