When I met Laura + Adam over a craft beer, I knew we had a good connection! I mean both Laura and I are crazy cat ladies, so of course we bonded over that. I was really looking forward to their Maderas wedding in March. The day was warm, but perfect. Love was all around in the families, friends and even the vendors! 
Wedding Location: Maderas
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Wedding Planner: Molly Stark, Tres Chic Affairs
Florist: Jerri Disney
Officiant: Rev Tuttle, Vows from the Heart Ministries
Cake: Sweet Lydia’s
Hair: Lulu and Bass
Makeup: Lindsay Ann Makeup
DJ/Lighting: Injoy Entertainment
Guitar: Miles Moynier
Bride’s Dress: Here Comes the Bride
Hi! I’m Melissa!
Traveling has been a passion of mine since I got my first passport at 6 months old (no joke!) I sat on my moms lap and made gaga sounds at the photographer. I started traveling alone at age 6 to visit my Aunt in Missouri every Summer. I haven't stopped since. Where I go, my camera follows. I love experiencing new places and capturing each one in my own way.As Seen On…
June 2015 Archive
MMP Gives Back Contest Winners – Rachael + Rudy
Normal. A word which means confirming to a standard; typical; commonplace. When you think of the traditional family, you picture a loving mom and dad, a brother and sister, and maybe even grandma and grandpa. If one had to define a normal family, that’s probably what comes to mind…though I can’t think of anyone who can say with a degree of certainty that they had a “normal” childhood. This certainly holds true for Rachael. She grew up in an extremely broken home, where her mother physically and verbally abused her as soon as she started crawling. Her mother and father fought day in and day out, and after a series of lies told by her mother, at the age of 7, Rachael‘s father, Rudy, would be forced to walk out of Rachael‘s life forever.
All the while, Rachael‘s mother continued to abuse her, until finally, she had enough, and set out to be the victor–not the victim.
Fast forward to today, Rachael, now 21, is still dealing with the repercussions of her mother’s actions, the most recent being identity theft. She had severe depression, and finally decided to reach out to her father. Now, 14 years later, Rachael has been reunited with Rudy. Every Thursday is “Dad/Daughter Day.” They have enjoyed getting to know each other, and noticing how very similar they are in looks and personality, despite their separation.
Rachael was browsing Facebook, and noticed Melissa’s post about wanting to give back to her community and supporters by providing a free mini shoot. Having worked with Melissa in the past, and with Father’s Day just around the corner, she thought it would be a wonderful gift to have some portraits captured of the two of them. (And Rudy just so happened to say what a good idea it would be to go to a studio and have pictures taken).
(from Rachael) Despite everything one goes through, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. It may be hard to see, but it’s there if you set your heart on finding it. Thank you, Melissa, for being part of that light. Your beautiful photos truly capture the love between a father and daughter. Thank you again for sharing your gifts, time, and talent with us in preserving a memory that will forever be fond in my dad’s heart, and mine.
Ali is the cousin of a friend and awesome local coordinator and I was so excited when she contacted me about engagement photos! They were looking for something with trees and nature and we decided on Los Penasquitos Canyon. It was a gorgeous morning with some cloud cover that set the mood for their romantic portraits! 
I was so excited when Bethel referred this awesome couple to me. It had been years since I shot a wedding at Grand Tradition plus a Tuesday wedding on Earth Day?! Yes please! Add in Rose’s beautiful tattoos and you have a swoon-worthy wedding. Even their little one Kaden was a dancing machine (Kaden is now a big brother!). So many great details including an emotional first look and rad surprise choreographed first dance! 
Wedding Location: Grand Tradition, Fallbrook, CA
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Florist: Simply Adina Floral
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
I’m thrilled to announce I am offering 1 on 1 mentor sessions for wedding and portrait photography! Shoot me an email if interested! melissa@melissamcclure.com
© 2014 Melissa McClure Photography. Southern California / San Diego Wedding Photography. Site by Love-Inspired.
Specializing in destination engagement and destination wedding photos - Chicago, Portland, DC, San Miguel De Allende, Maui, Italy and Paris.
Specializing in destination engagement and destination wedding photos - Chicago, Portland, DC, San Miguel De Allende, Maui, Italy and Paris.