We're thrilled that you're considering the EMP team to capture your precious moments. Let's get to know each other!
At Eliana Melmed Photography, we believe that every couple deserves a top-notch photography experience on their wedding day. That's why we've carefully curated an associate team of talented photographers who share our passion for capturing life's most precious moments. Our associate team allows us to serve more clients while maintaining the high standards of quality, creativity, and care that define the EMP brand.
When you book an associate photographer, you can trust that you'll receive the same exceptional service and stunning images that you see throughout our portfolio. Eliana Melmed personally handles all the behind-the-scenes details, from initial consultation to final gallery delivery, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Our associates, including Esther and Justin, have been hand-selected and trained in the EMP signature style, so you can expect a cohesive look and feel across all your photos. With our associate team, you get the best of both worlds: the personal attention and expertise of a boutique studio, and the flexibility and coverage of a larger photography company. We can't wait to welcome you into the EMP family and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Photography has been my passion ever since I took my first photography class in high school. I borrowed my mom's camera and used it so much that I wore the buttons off of it! When I finally got my own in my hands, I felt unstoppable! I now have over 15 years of experience capturing love stories, and I really love what I do! I've captured more than 150 weddings and have been flown internationally to help couples celebrate their love. My work has been published in Chicago Style Weddings, Brides, and Inspired Living.
Being a photographer is about more than just taking pictures. It's about being able to capture that special moment when you bring out the best in your couples! I love to facilitate and capture those special moments that show genuine love and happiness. It brings me so much joy to make people feel cared for and tended to while they're in front of my camera, and to share in their happiness when they receive their final galleries!
Esther photographed our wedding seven years ago and she’s been a part of our family ever since - from engagement, wedding, maternity, & family sessions. She’s super responsive, a true professional, and puts her heart & soul into her gift of photography. can’t imagine anyone else documenting our family and I’m so glad I found Esther!
Esther shot our wedding in 2020. She is truly the best person to be around. She was so easy and fun to work with! She made the entire bridal party feel comfortable, captured them perfectly and always had her next picture idea ready to go. Our pictures turned our stunning because of how hard she works and her vision on our day. We've worked with her ever since on every special occasion!
Esther photographed our wedding and was an absolute delight to work with. On the day of our wedding, I was super anxious. I was so nervous about being in front of the camera, but Esther felt like an old friend, made me laugh, gave us tips for getting our photos just right, and helped ease my nerves. We will forever cherish the photos Esther took for us, and are so grateful to have had her as our photographer!
When she's not behind the camera, Esther enjoys exploring her creative passions and spending quality time with her loved ones. Music is a big part of her life - in 2020, she taught herself how to play the ukulele, adding to her repertoire of piano and guitar skills. Esther is also an avid nature enthusiast and loves to spend her free time discovering new hiking trails, going on long drives to take in the scenic views, and embarking on impromptu adventures with her family. Her curious mind often leads her down fascinating Wikipedia rabbit holes, where she can spend hours learning about a wide range of topics. As a proud mom of three energetic little ones, Esther's greatest joy is watching them grow and learn each day. And when she needs a moment to unwind, you can find her listening to her favorite band, The Shins, on repeat!
Send an email over to hello@elianamelmedphoto.com with any questions about working with Eliana or the EMP associate team. We can arrange a time to talk on the phone or meet up in person to go over what the process looks like!
Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, we're here to capture the moments that matter most - the tears of joy, the belly laughs, and the little glances that speak volumes about your love. Let's create something beautiful together, and preserve these memories for generations to come.
We would be absolutely honored to help capture your special day!
After collectively photographing HUNDREDS couples, we've learned the importance of taking time to learn who you are so that we can authentically document your most important moments! That's why we always start with a conversation. We want to hear everything—how you met, funny first date stories, and how you got engaged.
Absolutely! All Eliana Melmed Photography associates are thoroughly trained in the EMP philosophy and style. You can be sure that the styles of photographs delivered from the Associate Experience will match the rest of the EMP portfolio!
Absolutely! Esther, Justin, and the rest of my associates are highly qualified and will give you a top-notch experience. Plus, I (Eliana) will personally handle all logistics, coordination, and editing!
All photos will be lightly edited for color and clarity and will match the general aesthetic of my portfolio. I never photoshop or alter the shape of bodies. My job is to help you feel utterly stunning in front of the camera so you can remember your day with the authenticity & excitement it deserves!
When it comes to editing and retouching your wedding photos, my philosophy is all about enhancing the natural beauty and emotion of your day, while staying true to the authentic moments we captured together. Every image I deliver will be carefully edited for color and clarity, to ensure that the final product matches the signature style and aesthetic you see throughout my portfolio. I believe in creating images that are timeless, vibrant, and full of life - the kind of photos that instantly transport you back to the joy and excitement of your wedding day. However, I also firmly believe in celebrating the unique beauty of every couple I work with, just as they are. That's why I never use Photoshop or other retouching tools to alter the shape or appearance of bodies. I don't believe in chasing unrealistic, airbrushed perfection - I believe in capturing the real, raw, and wonderfully imperfect moments that make your love story so special. Instead of relying on heavy-handed editing tricks, I prefer to focus on helping you feel utterly comfortable and confident in front of the camera. My goal is to create an environment where you can let your guard down, be yourselves, and allow your genuine emotions to shine through. Whether it's through gentle guidance on posing or simply cracking a few jokes to get you laughing, I'm here to make sure you look and feel your absolute best on your big day.
Absolutely! We know that sometimes, you (or your grandma) might need your pictures back sooner than anticipated. Expedited delivery timelines begin at $200. We'd love to work with you to make sure you get your photos exactly when you need them!
Yes! You can add on a custom photo album or printed save-the-dates to any wedding package.
