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Welcome to the Melissa McClure Photography Blog!

I appreciate you taking the time to look around my blog! And please don't hesitate to leave me some comment love!

I am a full time wedding photographer based in San Diego, CA. I also photograph several destination weddings a year. This blog has a mix of business and personal updates, I hope you enjoy reading about my life!

Melissa McClure | Create Your Badge


Clients, Vendors, Guests - Please feel free to right click on any of the images to use for your personal facebook, myspace, etc.  I just ask that you give proper credit and leave the logo on the image! Thanks!

Austin and Heather – Del Mar Powerhouse Wedding – Photos by Mandi

Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 12:17am Posted in wedding

Photos by Mandi Contreras

Heather and Austin were married on an overcast day in Del Mar this past July.  Mandi and Allison were there to capture their special day!

The blushing bride!

Photo below by Mandi’s trusty assistant, Allison

I love the lines in this photo!

Do these two look familiar? I just posted their engagement session recently!  I’ll be shooting their wedding in November!  Robin is Heather’s sister and she caught the bouquet! Perfect! (Photo by Allison)

Congrats on your marriage – looks like it was a fun party!!

xo, M

Mandi Contreras is an associate photographer for Melissa McClure Photography. To contact her directly, email mandi@melissamcclure.com

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by Melissa McClure

3 comments

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September 2, 2010 - 7:18 am Michele Terry - The ring shot is amazing :) Awesome work Mandi!!

September 2, 2010 - 8:19 am Patrish - Beautiful work.

September 2, 2010 - 9:43 am Danielle - LOVE the Powerhouse. One of my favorite venues! Great pics - the last one is my fav! :)

Mike and Molly – Town and Country Resort – Mission Valley Wedding Photographer

Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 9:58am Posted in wedding

I could sit here and gush over Mike and Molly, but I would be typing forever.  I simply adore these two.  Molly has the sweetest, purest heart of anyone I know and she isn’t afraid to share her emotions.  The entire day she was hugging me and making me feel important when the day was supposed to be all about her and Mike!  But that is just Molly.  So much love to share and Mike is one lucky guy!  Of course Molly is pretty lucky too, Mike is quiet and sincere, but put some dance music on and that man is an animal on the dance floor!

Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a fantastic wedding…but it gets better.  Not only did M&M decide to see each other before the ceremony, they gave me 3 hours to shoot!  You heard that right…plus there was no bridal party at all…how spoiled am I by my amazing clients???

These bright and cheery colors were so beautiful together!

Beki hung out with Mike in his room.


This garter was worn by Molly’s mother AND grandmother – how cool!

My view during the First Look!

My fav <3

The entire event was held at the Town and Country resort in Mission Valley – which was so much bigger than imagined!  This place had some great shooting areas!

Now this was a killer candy bar!

DJ Dale Gottschalk did an awesome job of packing the dance floor!

Photo below by Beki

M&M, what more can I say?  Thank you for being 100% trusting of me and the girls.  You are the epitome of perfect clients and I hope we can get together in the future!

xo, M

Enjoy your slideshow!

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by Melissa McClure

6 comments

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August 29, 2010 - 9:34 am Tami - So bright! So fun! And I can *feel* the love in these! And you can't help but smile with the dancing pictures. Love them all!!

August 29, 2010 - 9:51 am Holly Lackey - Melissa! You never cease to amaze me! Sooooo talented! I love you! ((((HUGS))))

August 29, 2010 - 7:57 pm Cristina Cabrera - As always Awesome!!! and I love the shoes!!!!

August 30, 2010 - 1:16 pm Lindsay - Dang girl! You got some amazing shots from this wedding. You always have such creative shots (ie the necklace pic)

September 1, 2010 - 9:47 am Danielle - Those photos are so fresh and beautiful! And you always get the best detail shots! Love them all!

September 1, 2010 - 4:30 pm Melissa Ginczycki - I love the shot of them lifting up their pants/dress so you can see their shoes .. how cute! The ring shot is really pretty too!! I can't wait for my own wedding!!! LOL =)

Casey and Alex – Bali Hai Wedding Photography – Photos by Mandi

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 8:04am Posted in wedding

Photos by Mandi Contreras

I am so jealous that Mandi and Michele got to shoot at the newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island!   The updates they did there look amazing!

Casey and Alex were married over the July 4th weekend.  I just adore birdcage veils…there are so many ways to wear them.  Alex had such a vintage feel to her entire look – love it!

Reverend Powers was there to get these two hitched!

The stunning florals were provided by Nancy Stevens

They had some awesome light after the ceremony!

I adore this shot Michele captured below of the gorgeous bride

Detail photo below by Michele

Loving the elephant theme!

Mandi was in Heaven when she found out there would be Shirley the Cake Lady cake!

DJ Vynce Pham kept the party rockin’!

Congrats you two!  I’m sorry we never got the chance to meet in person, but your wedding looked beautiful in photos!

xo, M

Mandi Contreras is an associate photographer for Melissa McClure Photography.  To contact her directly, email mandi@melissamcclure.com

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by Melissa McClure

3 comments

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August 25, 2010 - 9:52 am Michele Terry - love the ring shot mandi!!

August 26, 2010 - 11:36 am jackie g. photog - awesome job mandi! beautiful!

September 1, 2010 - 9:41 am Danielle - Great pictures! I love the necklace down the back look! Beautiful!

40 Years Ago…

Monday, August 23, 2010 at 11:13am Posted in anniversary, personal, wedding

My parents stood barefoot in my Grandparents backyard and committed to spend the rest of their life exploring the world together.  They had no idea where they would be in even one years time but they knew they wanted to be there together.  My mom and dad mean the world to me and I want them to know how much I appreciate them and am so fortunate to be their daughter.

And explore the world they did (and still are doing!)  They split their time between Portland, OR and San Miguel De Allende, Mexico.   They have lived in and traveled most of the world.  My mom keeps a blog and right now is transcribing her journal from the 1970′s (including many drawings and slides) as they traveled across Africa, India and Asia (just to name a few places).  If you are curious, you can see her blog here.

In a strange case of irony (you know, since their only child is a wedding photographer), my parents do not have more than a few candid photos from their wedding day 40 years ago.  But here is one that I grew up looking at.  I love the joy in my moms face and my dad’s nerdy glasses!

August 23, 1970 – Torrance, CA

January 2010 – Guanajuato, Mexico

Fun Fact: My dad still wears the same gold wedding band from their wedding day – purchased at KMart for under $20!

And just because I think these are fun to share, my grandparents on their wedding days!  Check out that bouquet and that headpiece!

Left: Paternal Grandparents, Charlotte and Del McClure.  Right: Maternal Grandparents, Barbara and Jim Harlan

I love you guys!

xoxo, M

by Melissa McClure

9 comments

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August 23, 2010 - 12:29 pm maria - Awwww!!! So so sweet! Thanks for sharing your pics!

August 23, 2010 - 12:42 pm Tami - This just MELTED my heart!!

August 23, 2010 - 1:10 pm Cristina - Thank you for sharing!! Congratulations to your parents and many happy more to come... I love San Miguel Allende, it is beautiful there :)

August 23, 2010 - 3:16 pm sheri - so sweet, glad you shared!

August 23, 2010 - 4:25 pm X to the tina - So happy for them! Loved the pictures. This blog post makes me smile.

August 23, 2010 - 10:14 pm Lynn Solomita - This is the nicest thing you could have done for your folks. The wine basket was great but this is special; they will never forget this. You are a keeper. Love, Lynn & Phil

August 24, 2010 - 12:34 am Sally/Exquisite Blooms - so cute! I love that bouquet, it's HUGE!

August 24, 2010 - 10:45 pm Gloria - Congratulations to your parents!

August 28, 2010 - 4:41 pm Danielle - WOW! Love seeing your parents' weddng pic!

Robin and Zach – Balboa Park and Torrey Pines Engagement Photographer

Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 11:40am Posted in engagement

I met Robin prior to her engagement to Zach.  She is the best friend of a very good friend of mine, Katie.   I was thrilled when she got engaged and contacted me to be the photographer!  They are getting married this Winter and I cannot wait for the wedding!

I adored both of Robin’s dresses during this shoot!  I <3 Anthropologie!

One on of their very first dates, Zach and Robin went hiking at Torrey Pines Reserve.  While they were there, they saw a couple taking their engagement photos.  Robin secretly thought to herself…if Zach and I ever get married (she had a feeling back then!) I want to take our engagement photos here.  Such a cute story!

My Fav! <3

Yes, it was quite chilly!

After the shoot, Zach grabbed his Android phone and started taking photos of Robin – it was so cute and totally impromptu!

It was so fun hanging with you two!  See you in November!

xo, M

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by Melissa McClure

10 comments

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August 22, 2010 - 12:08 pm Tami - Ohmygosh! How cute are these two?! My fav is the close up of Robin with the profile of Zach... just so beautiful! They ALL are though!!

August 22, 2010 - 12:22 pm Patrish - What Tami said. So beautiful!

August 22, 2010 - 2:14 pm Melissa McClure - test

August 22, 2010 - 8:08 pm s h e r r y - Gorgeous photos!!! I love the light! <3

August 23, 2010 - 7:59 am Helena - Awe, love them all! :)

August 23, 2010 - 10:17 am jackie g. photog - so cute!! love that he took his own pix of her too!

August 23, 2010 - 4:17 pm Katie - Love them! I remember seeing Zach posting his own pics on FB throughout the day and I thought that was so funny. I'm like "don't you have a pro following you around today?" lol

August 26, 2010 - 5:17 pm Cat Logan - great set! I love them all, especially the first black and white one in the water.

August 28, 2010 - 4:04 pm Danielle - <3

September 2, 2010 - 12:17 am Austin and Heather – Del Mar Powerhouse Wedding – Photos by Mandi » Melissa McClure Blog - [...] these two look familiar? I just posted their engagement session recently!  I’ll be shooting their wedding in November!  Robin is Heather’s sister and [...]

Juan and Rachael – Pt Loma Wedding Photography

Friday, August 20, 2010 at 3:32pm Posted in wedding

Rachel and Juan were married on a perfect July weekend in Pt Loma and amazingly it wasn’t too hot!

Rachel was the picture of calm when Beki and I arrived on base to the hotel room.  Jackie Ellis was doing the finishing touches on her hair and makeup and the bridesmaids were busy getting ready.

I feel like I should mention Rachael and her DIY talent right now!  She had her heart set on hydrangeas for her bouquet (her theme was actually the flower!) but they don’t tend to hold up in Summer heat very well.  So she got creative and found clay flowers!  I will admit I was leary at first, but they looked great!  She had her bouquet and her bridemaid’s made by someone else, but she hand made the clay flower in her hair as well as the boutonnieres and ceremony flowers!  She put so much work in to making the details of this wedding that I’m encouraging her to start an Etsy web page!!

Juan and Rachael had a first look before the ceremony and then we headed to Pt Loma Light House/Cabrillo Monument to finish off more photos!

Photo below by Beki

Photo below by Beki

I love how Juan looks at her!

Yes, Rachael made that runner too!

Brenda Swann and her crew were there to make sure the day ran smoothly and to take care of all the details Rachael put so much work in to!

Photo below by Beki

One of my favorite ring shots!  And if you have been in the Bridal Insider studio lately, you may have seen this in a much LARGER size!

This guy likes to party.

Photo below by Beki

Juan and Rachel, you two have been such wonderful clients!  I don’t think I’ve ever had a more gracious groom than Juan!

xoxo, M

Enjoy the Slideshow!

PS Check out this AWESOME gift Rachael made me!   Oh and of course she hand made this as well! I love them!

by Melissa McClure

8 comments

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August 21, 2010 - 11:00 am Lindsay - Melissa! These are fantabulous! I love the shot with the runner down the aisle! Beautiful work! :)

August 21, 2010 - 11:15 am Tami - I'm LOVING this wedding! You know I'm a sucker for a DIY bride- especially when you can't tell things are DIYed! So fabulous!! And that ring shot? AMAZING!!

August 21, 2010 - 11:17 am Allison - Gorgeous photos, gorgeous bride, and the cake and flowers are amazing! Love the ring shot, too. :-)

August 21, 2010 - 11:28 am Haley Kruse - Great pictures just lovely...love those glasses too!!

August 21, 2010 - 3:40 pm Lindsay - I swear you get better and better with every wedding you shoot!

August 21, 2010 - 4:33 pm Patrish - Beautiful job with a gorgeous bride and stunning location. I love her veil and the single flower and particularly how her veil billows in your shot on the cliff top. Thank you for sharing these with us.

August 24, 2010 - 11:51 am Sally/Exquisite Blooms - I think I went to high school with the groom! I love all the pics and the clay hydrangea looks really cool.

August 28, 2010 - 3:58 pm Danielle - LOVE the stair shot!

Andrew and Deborah – San Marcos Wedding Photography

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 9:13pm Posted in wedding

Photos by Mandi Contreras

Back in June, Mandi photographed a gorgeous backyard wedding in San Marcos.  That sounds quaint, but the home of the grooms parents was absolutely gorgeous!  They live on a horse ranch and they obviously take a lot of pride in having a stunning home.

Deborah is from Ireland and many of the guests came overseas for the wedding, including the adorable red head flower girl!

I totally love this shot below that Mandi’s assistant, Dylan captured!

Front row seats!

Another sneaky capture by Dylan below!

Andrew and his dad restore old cars…how fun that they got to shoot with them!

The Heroes kept the party going until past midnight!

Congrats you two, what a lovely wedding!

xo, M

Mandi Contreras is an associate photographer for Melissa McClure Photography.  To contact her directly, email mandi@melissamcclure.com

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by Melissa McClure

4 comments

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August 19, 2010 - 10:29 am Helena - I love all of the photos. Great job, Mandi! xoxo

August 20, 2010 - 9:33 am jackie g. photog - so cute! love the shot of the horses in the stable!

August 20, 2010 - 2:11 pm Michele Terry - Great job Mandi! LOOOOVE the tree photo!

August 28, 2010 - 10:42 am Danielle - WOW! Great pictures! I can't stop checking out the engagement ring - how unique and cool! Great shot to put it with the little car! (Or do they have giant fingers? Hahaha)

Kevyn and Anne – Fallbrook Wedding Photographer

Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00am Posted in wedding

I was excited when Anne contacted me to shoot her wedding!  We were friends in High School, but lost touch after.  We reconnected on Facebook, but this was the first time we had seen each other since 1998!  And it was wonderful meeting the groom Kevyn, who had just moved to California from England a few days prior!

They had a wonderful and loving celebration at a friends private residence in the hills of Fallbrook.

I like sparklies.

Kevyn and Anne opted for a first look on the day of! I love his expression!

Check out those killer flowers!  Created by the talented Hannah at Modern Bouquet!

A great shot of the groom by my assistant, Harmony!

It was a pleasure working with Officiant Patricia Coleman!

The grooms mother made the cakes!

Photo by Harmony (below)

We found a gorgeous patch of golden sunlight – I was in Heaven of course!

It was such a pleasure spending the day with you two, your love is so prominent in your relationship!  Cheers!

xo, M

Enjoy the Slideshow!

by Melissa McClure

5 comments

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August 13, 2010 - 11:19 am dave richards - what a beautiful location, great shots Melissa!

August 13, 2010 - 11:33 am jackie g. photog - beautiful shots, as usual!!

August 13, 2010 - 10:11 pm s h e r r y - These are super cute! :)

August 14, 2010 - 7:19 pm Shawna - beautiful shots!!!

August 28, 2010 - 8:50 am Danielle - OMG, those cakes are incredible! Great photos Mel, they are so lucky to have hired you!

Naughty and Nice Boudoir Marathon – Take 2!

Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 5:07pm Posted in Uncategorized

Sunday August 29th, 2010

Contact us for pricing and details!


by Melissa McClure

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Harlan Family – Escondido Family Photographer

Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 8:27am Posted in Portraits, children

I’m a bit bias but isn’t this the cutest family ever?!  Well minus the guy with the goatee ;-)   Just kidding!  That’s my older cousin Jeff and his ladies!  Jeff’s lovely wife Coraly is a huge fan of my blog and I know she will be so excited to see this <3

The Harlan’s were in town for a wedding and asked me to take some family photos of them at Kit Carson Park.  Besides being attacked by killer gnats, the weather was perfect!

Meet the baby, Ayda!  She was a little cranky for the session but I still managed to grab a few shots of her ;-)

Maisen and Layne are the best of friends!  I never had a sister so I cannot begin to understand their bond, but I have to admit I am a bit jealous with how close they are!

Love this one!  <3

Grandma Rhonda (well she is Aunt Rhonda to me!) had to get in on some photo action of course!

We headed over to the playground for some fun action shots!

Love you guys!  Wish we lived closer so I could see you more often!

xoxo, M

by Melissa McClure

4 comments

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August 12, 2010 - 10:39 am Tami - I started going back to try to count the numbers of my favorites- but ALL of them are my favorites! You really out did yourself on this shoot! Those poka-dots sisters?! Brought tears to my eyes because they are so precious!!

August 12, 2010 - 12:10 pm Coraly - Wow!!! All I can say is wow!!! I am in love! Thank you so much for capturing us just how we are!!! We are so blessed by you!!!

August 12, 2010 - 1:50 pm Cristina Cabrera - Very nice!!! like everything you shoot!! I need to plan a photo shoot with my kids... maybe next year!

August 26, 2010 - 7:40 am Danielle - Awww... I love the polka dots!