Travel Archive

When I see Maui in my inbox, my heart flutters.  I love it there. I feel at home there. I’m so fortunate to be there. I was especially excited when Bry told me she and Brian were getting married – I have known Bry for many years – since high school!  Thanks to Facebook we reconnected.  It was a gorgeous day on the island, and even when it started to sprinkle as Bry walked down the aisle – nothing could wipe that beautiful smile off her face! I think she would have married Brian amid a tornado!  She has the most infectious smile and laugh that I’ve seen!  The night ended with an intimate dinner at Merriman’s.

Getting Ready hotel: The Royal Lahaina
Ceremony & Reception: Merriman’s Kapalua
Florals/Planner: Bliss Wedding Design
Photographer: Melissa McClure
Hair/Makeup: Jessica Waite Associates

Part two of our amazing trip to Thailand brings us to Chiang Mai, in the north. We took an overnight train from Bangkok (which was a story for another day!) Chiang Mai was a big city surrounded by gorgeous countryside. We got to have some awesome animal adventures here, including cuddling with tigers and bathing elephants.  The photos that Jason and I are in were taken by the employees, mostly as part of the package we purchased to be there.  The rest were taken by me!

Tiger Kingdom was awesome! Cuddling with tigers is something I never thought I would experience! 

One of the most beautiful temples we visited, Doi Suthep, in the hills of Chiang Mai. We were there the same time as the King & Queen which was a ruckus as you can imagine.  Didn’t get to meet them though 😉

Chiang Mai from above

Patara Elephant Farm – adopted an elephant (or two for Jason) for a day!  Such a neat experience!

In December, I had an amazing opportunity to photograph a wedding in Thailand.  It was my first trip to Asia and it certainly will not be my last!  Jason was able to join me for most of the trip and we visit 3 main areas.  I’ll be doing 3 blog posts on the trip – not including the gorgeous wedding of Donna + Matt!  Those to come at a later time (and some fun news about the photos to share in the future as well).

I spent a week in south Thailand in Krabi.  We stayed in Ao Nang and Railay Bay.  I was really sad when we left Krabi, between the daily massages, the gorgeous views and friends I made, I was ready to move there!

On the left: handmade soap at the night market. On the right: Me enjoying some young coconut water

Photos below are from the day boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands – yes the water is really that color!

When a non-photographer gets ahold of your back-button focus camera!  Me & Michele…thought it was still a neat photo!

Taken at Monkey Beach, near our hotel in Ao Nang – they aren’t shy!

Over in Railey Bay (which is only accesible by long tail boat) – family photos of the bride + grooms immediate family!I’m photographing the wedding of these two (above right) in October – you’ll be seeing more of them soon enough!^^^^^

So that was a quick run down of my first week in Thailand (not including the wedding)!  We did so much more than I have room to share but hope you enjoyed the highlights!

I thought I would follow up Troy + Heather’s gorgeous Honua Kai wedding with their trash the dress session! We met up the day after the wedding and I took them to some of my favorite spots on the island! They were totally up for jumping in the water too – love it!

I’ll be in Thailand through mid-December for Donna + Matthew’s wedding !  I appreciate your patience in responding to emails as I will have limited email access.  All phone calls will be answered when I return.  For immediate assistance, contact my associate mandi@melissamcclure.com

 And because every blog post is better with a photo, here is a teaser from a session Mandi shot of me and Jason last weekend!  Have a great few weeks!

xo, Melissa