Melissa & Josh || West Mountain Inn

I get to photograph so many incredible couples, but it’s extra special to get to photograph a fellow wedding photographer! Melissa is a friend of mine who I met probably ten years ago at a wedding photography workshop in Newport, RI. Since then, we have photographed several weddings together over the years, serving as one another’s second shooters. I was so honored she and Josh chose me to photograph their special day. All of the vendors they chose were small businesses and part of their community, all of whom they have special connections with.

Melissa and Josh met online through their love of hiking, when Josh responded to one of Melissa’s posts about her hiking in the Adirondacks. Fast forward a bit . . . Josh proposed to Melissa at the top of Mount Elmore in Vermont, which was the first mountain they ever hiked together. In their spare time, the couple can be found hiking, paddle boarding, spending lots of time with their dogs, and visiting with friends and family.

Throughout their wedding day, Melissa and Josh’s love was clearly evident as friends and family gathered to celebrate this sweet couple. When I asked them what their favorite parts of the day were, they both mentioned special moments including their emotional first look, reading their vows, and the toasts from friends and family. Melissa also said that a really special moment for her was her “father daughter dance”. When discussing the dance with her family, Melissa’s “Uncle” Greg said: “I never had daughters! I would love to dance with you!” and then her “Uncle” Gary was like: “wait I want to dance with you too!” So then her Dad, Greg, and Gary all came up with the plan to “interrupt” each other while they were dancing with her, each enjoying their chance to share a dance with the bride.

Upon reflection, Melissa also said that her biggest takeaway was that “everyone that was at the wedding was so incredibly happy and supportive. There was just so much joy. We will be forever grateful at how our wedding seemed to bring people from both sides together, and how much love and support we felt that day”.

Congratulations Melissa and Josh!

A huge thank you to all the wonderful vendors that made this day possible:

Venue: West Mountain Inn

Dress: Samantha Sleeper

Grooms Suit: Indochino

Flowers: A Clover and One Bee

Invitation: Vine in the Wild

Hair: Vermont Bridal Beauty

Makeup: Leah Franchesca

Music: Premier Entertainment and Events

Melissa’s Engagement Ring: Annika Rundberg

Melissa’s Wedding Ring: Knot & Splice