ALASKA

There's nothing like staring down the 'barrel of a CANON' ....lens that is. I leave for Alaska today and I rented this Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS lens from the crew at Borrow Lenses out in California. They have been great so far!! I've rented a couple of lenses from them and they are always in great shape and great rental prices too...if you ever need anything check them out, tell them I sent ya! Hoping to catch some big brown Kodiak bears (from far away) and be nature girl for the week. This lens is seriously MASSIVE!!! I just got it this morning and the first words out of my mouth were :" HOLY Sh*t" :)

How about the 'CAMO' coverings :) well, I suppose in order to be one with nature, is to blend with nature ;) I'll hopefully have some amazing pics to post after my return...so just as an FYI, I will be out of town until Wednesday July 30th, and without EMAIL and most likely phone off and on.

I also will be shooting a wedding on Kodiak on Saturday, but for the first time in 4+ years, I'm going as a guest (with camera in tow, of course)..so stay tuned for some of those images too!!!






Take care, see you soon!! Melissa

Maya and Jim | the wedding

Stunning!!!!!! Maya and Jim are so cool it isn't even funny!! Their taste in music, fine art, wine, and month-long honeymoon choices are so beautiful!! Not to mention their amazing family and friends that surround their life!!! It was so fun to hang out with Maya and Jim for their rehearsal dinner and wedding over the 4th of July holiday!!! They are traveling Europe for a month right now, but here's a sneak peak into their beautiful day!!!!

Maya had a beautiful Vera Wang Gown

this photo was taken by our special guest photographer Julie Afflerbaugh an AMAZING local photographer who joined our team for the day!! Julie rocks!!





I just love the peaceful moment on Maya's fathers face, as if he was really taking it all in!

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so fun!! a bit traditional with a slight fashion edge to it.

and their first dance, to Loving Cup by the Stones shot with a hint of back-lighting from my pocket wizards ;)


and these two rockin' shots again from Julie!!


Thanks Maya and Jim for letting us step into your lives for such an important day!! It was a real honor and we are so grateful!!



"Oh what a beautiful buzz, what a beautiful buzz"

the red barn| Engagement!

I love it when a client has a particular idea in mind and together we can create something so unique and one-of-a-kind!! Kristen and Preston called me asking if I happen to know of a 'red barn and a meadow in the mountains' where we could do their engagement photos. I was racking my brain as I could not think of one that was accessible! I called fellow photographers, asked friends and then it dawned on me!! DUH!!!!!!!! I live down the street from the most beautiful barn EVER!!! and it's RED!! The only problem is that it was private property and the family is very careful as to who they let onto their property. They have been approached for commercials, ads, and all sorts of prods to use their barn as a backdrop. They typically decline offers to use the barn, to keep it private and a sacred place for their family.

It just happened to be our lucky day, when a friend and I were talking about my search for a barn and he said..." hey, let me call my buddy down the street" and the rest is history! I guess sometimes it really IS who you know!! and also I like to think that we are gentle with the land and respect the earth and the neighbors that surround us. I think that the universe works in delightful ways and I feel so fortunate to not only be blessed to know two incredable people like Kristen and Preston but also grateful that when you put your desires out there to the world, the world will usually work on your behalf to help manifest the reality.


Thanks Kristen and Preston for the suggestion, thank you for believing in me and trusting me, and thank you to the owners of the Red Barn, who trusted our vision and allowed us a few moments into their paradise. and with out further ado....the red barn!

Happy Freedom Day!!

Happy 4th of July. Hey all!! here's a shot from tonight up in Boulder.

Maya and Jim are celebrating their families tonight and I was lucky enough to be at their rehershal dinner. I'll post more images of their beautiful wedding tomorrow!

Enjoy the holiday!

Destination Durango!

Melissa Rich Photography just had a beautiful event in Durango, Colorado!! and was more beautiful than I ever imagined!! here are just a couple of images from the weekend. I have a ton of other amazing events and little ones to post, but for now here is a sneak peak at Shea and Lucas's wedding!...how sweet is that light!!!


Happy 4th of July!!