Blacksburg, Virginia Photographer
your story From marriage to motherhood
Documenting
Time is precious, and often it feels like it slips away faster than we can hold on to it. You fear that you won’t have a way to remember the small, beautiful details your story. That's where I come in. I’m here to capture those moments just as they are, real, raw, and full of heart. As a Blacksburg, Virginia photographer specializing in weddings, families, and motherhood, I want you to look back and feel the love all over again. Let’s tell your story, one genuine moment at a time.
Telling your story in a way that feels like home
When you work with me, you get:
Authentic & Unscripted Moments – Capturing real emotions and connections, so your images feel natural and full of life.
Effortless & Enjoyable Experience – A relaxed, stress-free process with guidance every step of the way.
Artful, Meaningful, & Heirloom-Quality – Thoughtfully composed images with warmth and depth, available as premium prints and albums designed to last.
Personalized Attention & Lasting Legacy – Every session is tailored to reflect what matters most to YOU, preserving the most beloved details of your story for generations.
When I'm not behind the lens capturing your stories, you can find me on my back porch homeschooling my cutie kiddos, hanging out with my nerdy, handsome husband (and second shooter), or hiking with my family in the wild and wonderful Appalachian Mountains.
As a Blacksburg, Virginia Photographer with over 12 years of experience, I specialize in storytelling photography that captures the essence of your life’s most meaningful moments. As a wife and mom, I understand the fleeting nature of these precious seasons, and I’m dedicated to helping couples and families preserve their stories with heart and authenticity.
I know that choosing a photographer is a big decision. You want someone who will truly see you, capture your story with honesty, and create images that feel as real as the moments themselves. But it can be hard to find someone who understands how to do that in a way that feels effortless and meaningful.
That’s why I’ve built my approach around trust, connection, and storytelling. From the first conversation to the final gallery, my goal is simple—to give you a stress-free, heartfelt experience and images that feel like home, so you can relive these moments for a lifetime.
Honest, Heartfelt, and Stress-Free Photography
I’ll carefully curate and deliver images that capture the heart of your moments, allowing you to relive them for years to come.
Your story Told
03.
On the day of your session, I’ll create a comfortable space where you can simply be yourselves while I gently guide when needed.
Your experience
02.
We’ll start with a conversation where I’ll get to know you, understand your vision, and begin planning a session that feels true to you.
let's chat
01.
"You're very good at this! I went in expecting alot of posed shots. But you made it so much fun. Matt and I had so much fun - it felt just like we were hanging out. I sometimes forgot you were taking photos. Some of the golden hour shots look like they're from fairytales!"
“Matt & I had so much fun - It felt like we were hanging out”
We seriously loved our experience. We have been wanting heartfelt family photos for so long and these are even better than we could have even hoped. Melena and Brandon are SO talented! We honestly couldn't have picked a better photographer. We are so happy!
“We honestly couldn't have picked a better photographer!”
I was so impressed with Melena's attention to detail and the thought she put into the whole experience! She brought cute books for us to read together, because that's something we truly enjoy! She was patient with our kids and worked hard to capture their true personalities. Thank you Melena!
“I was so impressed with Melena's attention to detail and the thought she put into the whole experience!”
"You always live up the suspense. We cannot WAIT to see the rest! You guys are so talented! We are absolutely in love!"
Ashlynn & Joe
"To say she goes above and beyond for her customers is an understatement!
We are so thankful for her."
Dalton & Destiny
"We couldn't have asked for a better photographer!"
The Ballards
