Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator and Photographer in London
Hi, I'm Melissa!
I have a huge soft spot for meaningful moments, I am so thrilled to be a photographer in London who's able to call creating and capturing these moments my career.
I am a country girl at heart and weddings are my biggest passion! I'm someone who can't sit still, I love to be busy and I wear so many hats that keep it that way! When I am not busy planning a wedding or out with my camera, you'll find me editing for other photographers, gardening for myself and others, helping other local businesses behind the scenes, or spending my time with my love. We love a good coffee date, camping weekends and local adventure getaways. My other main interests include animals, horseback riding, yoga, wine & gardening! We are currently living in a great little town that I love, but my heart is still in the country - where it belongs, and I long for the day that we can make that happen.
Dedicated. Loyal. Trustworthy. Compassionate. Genuine.
These are foundational to how I show up for my clients and my work. At the heart of everything I do, is a deep commitment to the people I serve. Whether I am capturing your memories, helping you plan your wedding or coordinating the event, I am deeply invested, I show up with honesty, care and intention. I want you to feel supported and truly seen. This isn't a 'job' for me, it's something I feel deeply connected to, and being invited into someone's life for their most important days & memories is not something I will ever take lightly.
How I Got Here
Growing up I was always taking pictures! I started officially offering family and wedding photography way back in 2007. What started out as a long term hobby, received the opportunity to become my life's work when my 13 year career in the school photography industry came to an end. It was an easy decision for me to finally take this chance to dedicate my time to my true passion of weddings. I became a certified wedding planner and proudly launched Melissa V. Photography and Event Planning in March 2023.
What I offer
Photography
I focus on capturing the interactions, emotions, laughs and real life moments! I love capturing all the feelings, the mood, the calm and crazy moments and all the details too. Moments that are un-posed and that you won't even realize I captured until you get your photos back! Of course, the majority will be "posed" photos, but captured in a way to express emotions and tell stories. This is the style you can expect from me in anything I am photographing!
Wedding Planning
I specialize in creating uniquely personal weddings. Weddings that truly reflect your personality, some are larger some are small, some are intimate but all of them are romantic and beautiful. These weddings are personal, sentimental and exactly what you wanted. To my clients, getting married and the feelings and mood your wedding creates is more important than ‘the party.’ Let me help you create the wedding of your dreams!
Professional Photo Printing
With over 10 years of experience in the professional printing industry, I'm proud to carry that passion forward through Melissa V. Before taking my business full-time, I developed an expertise in printing which I now offer not only to my photography clients, but also to other photographers looking for a trusted printing partner!
Yes, I travel to you!
As a photographer in London, I feel incredibly grateful to serve couples in my local community, but I also have a heart for travel and new places. I’m available and excited to work throughout Ontario and anywhere across Canada, Whether your day is set in a quiet countryside, in the mountains, or in a place that feels like home to you, I would be honored to be part of it. I bring the same thoughtful, calm approach wherever your story takes me.
Melissa Vandongen | Belmont Ontario | 519-702-2045 | photographyandplanning@gmail.com