"...she is Talent Incarnate"

     "Oh how do I count the ways?! Mel can do no wrong in my eyes.  While still awaiting my wedding pictures, I have NO RESERVATIONS about recommending her over and over and over again (and in fact, already spread her gospel amongst my newly engaged friends).  Why?  Because she is talent incarnate.  And a lot of fun.  But her talent and fun are only icing on a massive, moist cake of professionalism.  Her work is absolutely incredible--our engagement pictures were fun, unique, and vibrant with life and love.  She was flexible, yet inspired throughout, and took our ideas and made it her own.  I LOVED our engagement pictures and the three wedding shots I've seen--especially because I was a bit camera-shy with some self-doubt.  She made it all go away with a few camera flashes, and has the uncanny ability of seeing (and capturing) the beauty in anyone, regardless of how long she's known you.  She's willing to try new ideas and methods, yet experienced enough to know what looks best.  She is reliable, timely and responsive.  She guides without being overbearing--hell, she even talked me down during my one bridezilla moments when the family was pulling me here and there during family photo time in a cathedral veil under the Texan sun (think Hatfields and McCoys, except both factions come from my side of the family).  She is truly a gem--while everyone else makes you feel like you're just another bride-cog in the wedding-machine, Mel actually made me feel beautiful on the most important day to feel beautiful.  And for that memory and keepsake?  I'm forever grateful...

Did you know she's a Pulitzer nominee?  Shoulda won it as far as I'm concerned..."

---Thao and Jon