Hey, lovebirds! 👋 I'm Melanie – the camera-wielding, confetti-chasing, shoe-saving, moment-catching magician behind Melanie Chitty Photography. If you're here, you’re probably somewhere between just got engaged and how many cupcakes is too many for a wedding? (Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as too many cupcakes.)
Let me tell you a bit about my world — a world where creativity, laughter, a touch of chaos, and A LOT of love collide to create unforgettable wedding photos.
The Vibe: Relaxed, Real, and Ridiculously Fun
I’m not into stiff poses, awkward silences, or shouting “SAY CHEESE!” at your Nan. That’s not me. And I doubt it’s you either.
My photography style is all about authentic moments with a splash of creative flair. I chase golden light, stolen kisses, joyful tears, wild dancing, and kids sliding on their knees across the dance floor like it’s their wedding too.
Based in Bristol, but often caught adventuring across the South West and beyond, I specialise in telling your love story through photos that feel like you — a bit quirky, a bit romantic, a lot joyful, and 100% real.
What Does “Creative” Even Mean?
Good question. “Creative wedding photography” can sound a bit vague, right? For me, it means thinking outside the box (and sometimes standing on one). I look for unexpected angles, playful moments, and those in-between glances that say more than a thousand posed photos ever could.
It means I’ll climb a hill to catch the sunset behind you. Or I’ll use mirrors, puddles, fairy lights, and maybe even a disco ball to turn an ordinary moment into a mini piece of art. Yes, we’ll get the classic “Gran and Grandad with the bouquet” shot — but we’ll also get you laughing your heads off, feet in the air, hair flying, veil caught on a tree branch and still looking fabulous.
Because real life is messy. And beautiful. And hilarious. And I’m here to capture all of that.
The Melanie Chitty Experience – What’s It Like?
Imagine having a photographer who feels more like a friend who just happens to be holding a camera. That’s the vibe.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what it’s like to work with me:
1. We Chat
We start with a laid-back chat — either over coffee (I know the best cafes in Bristol!) or on Zoom if you’re further afield. We talk about your love story, your plans, your dog (please bring dogs to weddings), and your hopes for your wedding day.
I want to know if you’re planning a tipi wedding in the countryside, a cool industrial Bristol venue, or a spontaneous elopement in a secret spot. I’m into all of it.
2. Optional Engagement Shoot (aka Let’s Mess Around and Call It “Work”)
This is where we get comfy. No pressure. Just the three of us (yes, dogs count as people) in a lovely location, maybe a bit of dancing in a field or wandering colourful Bristol streets. It helps you feel relaxed in front of the camera — and it gives us a chance to vibe.
3. Your Big Day
I’ll be there early, camera ready, adrenaline pumping, probably with emergency safety pins and tissues (yes, I’m that photographer). I’m part documentarian, part cheerleader, part ninja. I blend in when I need to, but I’m not afraid to get in there when the dance floor kicks off.
You’ll forget I’m even there — until you get your photos and go, “HOW did she get that shot?!”
4. Editing – AKA Sprinkling My Magic
After the confetti’s settled, I go into full creative mode. I hand-edit every image with care, giving you a gallery that feels true to the mood and colours of your day — but with a touch of Melanie sparkle. I’m talking rich tones, real skin, and a vibe that feels like your favourite memory and a movie scene all at once.
Let’s Talk Bristol (Because It’s the Best)
Bristol is an absolute playground for creative wedding photography. From the urban cool of Paintworks, the rustic charm of Kings Weston House, to epic graffiti backdrops in Stokes Croft — this city has personality. And I LOVE a wedding with personality.
Got a secret garden wedding in Clifton? Or a DIY festival bash in your aunt’s field just outside the city? I’m in.
Want portraits under the Suspension Bridge or with balloons on a boat in the harbour? LET’S DO IT.
A Few Favourite Creative Touches I Love to Capture
Here’s where I get a bit nerdy — in the best way.
🎈 Motion Blur Magic – Wanna feel the energy of your party forever? Some creative slow-shutter blur on the dance floor captures the joy in a way that’s almost cinematic.
🌿 Nature as a Frame – That dreamy shot of you two framed by ivy, or under a tree with dappled sunlight? Swoon.
💡 Light Play – I love a moody shadow, glowing lanterns, fairy lights, or that glorious golden hour glow. Light is my playground.
💃 Unposed Moments – Your best mate doing the worm? Aunt Sheila rapping at the mic? Flower girl throwing petals at the groom? I LIVE for this stuff.
Real Talk: What You Won’t Get
🚫 Boring cookie-cutter photos.
🚫 Poses that make you feel like mannequins.
🚫 Filters that make you look like someone else.
🚫 A photographer who bosses you around all day.
You’ll get fun, freedom, and photos you’ll love more every time you look at them.
Love Notes From My Couples 💌
Don’t just take my word for it — here’s what some of my amazing couples have said:
'Melanie absolutely nailed our brief, she captured these memories perfectly - all the shots are just amazing! We've had many many hours of enjoyment looking back through these. THANK YOU!'
'Unbelievable. We hired Mel (and Harley) based of recommendations of friends and it was one of the best decisions we made for our summer wedding. The stunning photos and amazing video are absolutely incredible and captured the joy and life of the day so beautifully. And we love the photos of us (which is quite rare for us!) Mel was also such a joy to work with from start to finish, interested in our vibe and what we wanted, and made it happen. On the day she was so chilled and easygoing - we never felt pressured or rushed. Cannot recommend enough!! Thank you Mel ❤️ we will cherish our photos and videos of our perfect day forever!'
… Should We Be Friends?
If you’re planning a wedding that’s fun, laid-back, full of personality and a little bit bonkers — we’ll probably get on like a house on fire (which I will absolutely photograph if it happens*).
*Please don’t set anything on fire.
Whether you’re tying the knot in Bristol or beyond, I’d love to hear your story and dream up something beautiful together.
Let’s make wedding photo magic.
🎉✨
Get in Touch:
📍 www.melanie-chitty.com
📧 mchittyphotography@gmail.com
📷 Instagram: @melaniechittyphotography