While studying for a degree in fine art at the Shorter College School of the Arts, she worked as head photographer for The Monroe County Reporter, gaining invaluable knowledge in photojournalism. It was there working under her mentor that she learned to capture the moments of life that are gone in the blink of an eye. After graduating, she moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in professional photography. Melissa felt a natural pull towards the growing trend of photojournalism in wedding photography as it allowed her to blend her skills and artfully document the moments as they unfolded, without becoming a part of the action.

"From a young age, I was always very visual and artistic. I remember the first time I ever developed a photograph in my college darkroom. I knew in that moment that photography was what I was born to do. It isn't just my job. It's my blood. My oxygen. I can't separate myself from it."