Frequently Asked Questions
Questions couples ask most often, all in one place. For collections and availability, please inquire through the contact form.
I only take a limited number of weddings each season, because I want to be fully there for each couple, so please reach out as early as you can, especially for peak Saturdays. I would hate to miss your day because my calendar was already full.
In general, a collection includes your wedding day coverage and a hand edited digital gallery of high resolution images, the ones I have carefully chosen and edited to feel like your day, not just a set of poses. For the details of each collection, including delivery, please take a look at the Investment page, and I am happy to walk you through it when you inquire.
Rain does not stop your story, and honestly, it can make for some of my favourite, most honest moments. I will adapt to the weather and the light, use covered or indoor moments when they fit your day, and keep photographing the celebration as it unfolds, so you can just enjoy it.
Start by sending me a message through the contact links, with your date and a little about your wedding. I will confirm if I am available, talk through collections and delivery with you, and we can book your date together. To officially save your date, I ask for a signed contract and a retainer. The remaining balance is due two weeks before your wedding day, and I do offer flexible payment plans to make it easier.
I know the wait is the hardest part! You will get a Sneak Peek gallery within 48 hours of your wedding, just a handful to share and relive right away. Your full, high resolution story will follow in a private online gallery within 6 to 8 weeks, hand edited and ready to download and print.
Yes, I love exploring new places for a wedding story. I am based in Ottawa, and I am always happy to travel for yours. Travel within 50km of Ottawa is included. For weddings further away, just reach out and I will give you a simple, transparent travel quote, no surprises.
Yes, you can add a second photographer to any collection. I especially love having a second shooter when you are both getting ready in different places, because then both of your morning stories are captured at the same time. It also means different angles during the ceremony and more candid moments with your guests.
I focus on telling the full story of your day, from the big moments to the tiny details you might have missed. You can generally expect 50 to 100 professionally edited, high resolution images per hour of coverage. For me it is always quality over quantity, every photo should feel like a meaningful piece of your day.
My style is refined, editorial, and natural light, with a focus on candid, real moments that still feel timeless. I will give you gentle direction for portraits, so you feel relaxed and natural, and then I will step back and quietly observe, so the real, unposed magic can happen.
For the main collections, it will be me, Mélanie. I am the person you will spend most of your wedding day with, after your partner, and I do not take that lightly. I want to be your calm in the middle of the whirlwind, your dress fluffer, your hype woman, and the person who helps you actually enjoy every second. Associate collections are photographed by an associate of MelanieCPhoto and edited by me. The Investment page shows which is which.
If something unexpected happens, I will arrange backup coverage and let you know as soon as possible, so your day is still covered, and your gallery will still be edited by me. You should never have to worry about that on your wedding day.
Yes, and I get it, most couples tell me they feel awkward at first. An engagement session is included in the Legacy collections and available as a $500 add on otherwise, and it is a lovely way to get comfortable with me before the big day. Engagement photos can also be added to a wedding album or print order. On the day itself, I will give you gentle direction and then mostly stay in the background for candid moments. You do not need to know how to pose, you just need to show up as yourselves, and I will take care of the rest.
Yes, albums and prints can be added. Please inquire for the album and print options, as these are tailored to your gallery and are not listed as a fixed collection price on the Investment page. I love seeing your photos as something tangible you can hold, not just files on a screen.
Yes, I photograph events other than weddings. Weddings are my focus, along with engagement sessions and rehearsal dinner coverage, which are listed as add ons. If you are planning another event, please inquire with your date and details, and I will let you know if it is a good fit.
Still have a question? Please inquire through the contact form with your date and wedding details. I would love to hear about your day and see if we are a good fit.