Start Your Journey
Focusing on the real connection between you and your partner, capturing moments that are genuine and full of emotion.
Real Love.
Real Moments.
Real Storytelling.
Start Your Journey
Your wedding isn't a photoshoot. Melissa Ortendahl Weddings focuses on documenting the people, moments, and connections that make the day yours, stepping in with direction when you need it and stepping back when you don't.
CAPTURING THE moments YOU WANT TO remember.
wedding photography in the greater New England area including Sturbridge, Worcester, Boston & worldwide.
A relaxed, guided session built around your relationship’s real energy, whether playful, romantic, or a little of both.
COUPLES
Intimate wedding photography for celebrations with <20 people, focused on connection, calm and the moments that matter most.
ELOPEMENTS
Documentary-style coverage that feels natural, heartfelt, and true to your day, so you can be fully present.
WEDDINGS
The OFFERINGS
TAKE A PEEK
The big moments are important, but they're only part of the story. I'm just as interested in the nervous glances, ridiculous laughs, happy tears, and all the little things happening around you that you might not even notice.
Take a look through some of my recent weddings and see how I document the day as it actually happens.
PORTFOLIO
Mary & JR
Melissa is the creative genius, hilarious friend, and ultimate professional that you want capturing your life's most important moments. She was an absolute rockstar at our proposal, engagement photos, and wedding day, capturing photos that perfectly articulate the story of our lives.
Her style of work is impressive because you never feel like you are being overly posed or asked to do anything that is unnatural. She has an uncanny ability to read people and know what they will respond best to in order to get stunning, authentic photos. Not only is she a talented photographer, she is also the detail-oriented, logistical mastermind you want by your side during a wedding.
She worked seamlessly with us and our wedding planner to create a day of timeline that flowed beautifully and resulted in zero stress for us on our wedding day. Every time I saw Melissa and our planner chatting, I knew they had it covered.
Melissa went above and beyond to make it so - our wedding was in Cleveland, Ohio and she and her second photographer flew in a day early to make sure they were settled in and to scope out the photo locations.
Overall, I cannot say enough positive things about Melissa as a person and photographer. She is genuine, talented, hard working, and will make you feel like you have been friends for decades because she puts in the effort to get to know you at that level. She is the perfect photographer for any and all events and special occasions!
"Melissa is the creative genius, hilarious friend and ultimate professional that you want capturing your life's most important moments."
IAN & THERESA
Hiring Melissa was one of the best investments that we could have made for our wedding! She was kind and professional from beginning to end.
From the engagement shoot to the wedding day, we knew that we were in good hands.
We cannot thank Melissa enough for all her hard work and would highly recommend Melissa for anyone looking to book their wedding photographer!
"Melissa's vision is nothing short of pure magic. Also, did we mention that Melissa is hilarious and makes you feel like the best versions of yourselves?"
ALICIA & BRIAN
Not only is Melissa an incredibly talented photographer, but she goes above and beyond to allow you to fully immerse yourself in the day. When the weather threw us a curveball, she helped me make decisions on the fly and even whipped out a seating chart I’d never seen before, all while we laughed through it all.
We are over the moon with our gallery and are so grateful we had Melissa to capture our special day.
"BOOK HER!"
CARISSA & BRANDON
We cannot thank her enough for capturing our day. She really took the time to listen to what we were looking for and helped to tailor our package and day based on what we said! We were initially very camera shy, but Melissa helped us feel at ease and really made the whole process so much more fun! As we scroll through the hundreds of pictures that she sent us we can't stop smiling. She truly did an amazing job! We cannot wait to work with her again! 1000% would recommend :)
"My husband and I LOVED working with Melissa!
Learn More
I started photographing weddings in 2016 and have captured more than 140 since. I love a good plan, but I'm very good at pivoting when that plan inevitably goes sideways. I genuinely like people, which is probably helpful considering my career choice.
Building a relationship with my couples is a huge part of how I work. From our first call to your engagement session and all the conversations in between, I'm getting to know who you are, who your people are, and what matters most to you.
Because the better I know you, the better I'm able to recognize the moments and relationships that matter when the wedding day actually arrives.
I'M MELISSA, your chaos whisperer, MOMENT COLLECTOR, people first, Boston based WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I'M MELISSA, your chaos whisperer, MOMENT COLLECTOR, people first, Massachusetts based WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
behind the lens
The Timeless Elegance of Black and White Wedding Photography
Take a look at the weddings, elopements, and couples sessions I’ve had the joy of documenting in Massachusetts and across the country. Each story is a reminder of why I love capturing love in all its beautifully real forms.
EXPLORE the BLOG
captured love stories
How To Make Your Engagement Session a Date Night
Summer Wedding Newport Rhode Island | Regatta Place
Start Your Journey
Specializing in photography that feels personal and true to your connection.
READY TO CAPTURE your LOVE STORY?
lets connect
