Kate & Taylor: A Stroll Around The Greenbrier….

Kate and Taylor are a lovely couple – I am convinced that it is impossible to take a bad photograph of either of them, and they are as warm, genuine, and friendly as they are physically attractive  We had what was possibly the best weather luck ever – an hour of nice skies tucked between...


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An Afternoon With Desiree & Bill

I enjoyed such a GREAT time with Desiree and Bill, prowling around Ritter Park and checking out downtown Huntington.  These two are one of the cutest (and nicest!) couples ever and I am so excited for their upcoming wedding!!!  xoxoxo  Melissa


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2012 Babies & Children Spring Portrait Specials!

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The long awaited Spring Offerings have arrived!!!!  Please note that these specials will be honored May 10 – June 24.  The amount of sessions booked will be limited for quality control – all sessions booked on a first come, first serve basis.  Multiple family members and pets are absolutely welcome and encouraged!    Please note...


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Baby Arlo: A Classic Black & White Study

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This wonderful baby boy and his trusty canine pal, Mo, made for one of the most fun afternoons that I have enjoyed in a long while  – not to forget mom, who was wonderfully helpful during the shoot!!   Congrats to these happy parents on their new little addition!!!! xoxoxo Melissa


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The AMAZING Eva Session!!!!!!!!

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Another childrens’ session that lands in my top 3 of ALL time – I love the vintage appeal of this shoot, perfectly blended with nature!  Eva’s mom is an INCREDIBLE stylist – she is responsible for Eva’s most awesome outfit (the hat and little boots just leave me speechless!!) as well as the tree stump...


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Riley & Sydney at the Historic McConnell House

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This childrens’ shoot goes down in the books as one of my top 3 favorite in my ENTIRE professional career!!  I adore the setting, the girls are beautiful and always so well behaved, and their mom is an angel who is super hands on, helpful, and darn near close to being a pro stylist when...


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Nick & Erika’s Downtown Huntington E-Session!

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I am so, so excited to photograph Nick and Erika’s wedding in August!  They are the cutest couple and beyond nice!!!  Erika is one of those naturally stunning girls who doesn’t even have to try and she is as pretty inside as she is outside!  We got together on a warm, pretty day and used...


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Two of my Favorite Wintertime Girls!

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Photographed on the grounds of the historic Craik-Patton House in Charleston, WV, this vintage inspired Christmas session was divine!!!  I love the girls’ outfits – the entire look and feel of the shoot makes me feel like we stepped back to the 1930′s, American Girl style! 


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Emily & Severin: Vintage Romance in the West Virginia Summer……

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I don’t even know where to properly begin in telling the story of the wedding of Emily Moore and Severin Knudsen.  To describe their documentary as amazing is not nearly enough – its amazing, rootsy, artisan, soulful, and the most unique of the unique.  Celebrated at The Sunny Pointe Guest House in Jane Lew, WV on...


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Ashley & Dave: Wedding Bells Ring in Morgantown, WV!!!!!!!!

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Dave Dickey and Ashley Pizatella became husband and wife on June 25, 2011 in Fairmont, WV.  Their weekend festivities kicked off at the delicious Oliverio’s on Friday evening, with family and dear friends sharing laughter and stories over the best food in Morgantown!  The next day began with Ashley’s preparations – I cannot emphasize enough...


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Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bruner!!

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Miss Lauren Busconi became the bride of Captain Matthew Bruner on July 2, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, WV.  Their ceremony was followed by one of the finest sabre exits ever – I LOVE the opportunity to document a grand sabre exit – there is nothing else like it in the world!!   Lauren was...


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The Lovely & Dashing Mr. and Mrs. Enrique Lara!!!!

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On August 6, 2011, Hailey Nicole Bellomy became the bride of her middle school sweetheart, Engineman Third Class Enrique Debora Lara the Second.  I have known Hailey’s family for what seems like forever – we all first met when I photographed her older sister, Taylor’s, senior pictures.  Next came the middle sister, Kelsey.  And then...


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Its Autumn Wonderland Portrait Time!!!!

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The magical and brilliant fall season is nearly upon us and I’m happy to unveil some special offerings and a multitude of discounts to my portrait clients!  October is likely the most stunning time of year to snag some location shots of your extended family, new baby, kids, pets – anyone that you are longing...


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The Stella & Dot Bridal Collection, Compliments of Ashley Hall!!!

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Hello Perella followers!  I would love to take a moment to pass along some gorgeous jewelry – if you are a bride-to-be or just a lady looking for some fabulous sparkles, check out the Stella & Dot Bridal Collection.  My client, Ashley Hall, reps Stella & Dot – Ashley is a warm, wonderful, friendly person,...


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Emily & Kevin: High School Sweethearts tie the knot in Charleston, WV!

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Emily and Kevin are amazing people – their wedding could have lasted a decade and I would have been completely happy and content photographing them!  This happy couple met as ninth graders at Charleston Catholic High School and have been madly in love ever since!  Returning to their hometown of Charleston for their wedding festivities,...


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And Baby Makes 3!!! Introducing Cooper…..

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This wonderful little guy is the newborn son of two of my very favorite former wedding clients.  At such a young age, he already has a wonderful little personality and tons of lively energy – his mom and I got to spend lots of quality time together, just waiting on him to take a quick...


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Ashley & Sean: Vintage Nuptials in Nature…

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Congratulations to Miss Ashley Hall and Dr. Sean Lawson!  This gorgeous and happy couple tied the knot on October 8 at Smokey’s on the Gorge in Fayetteville, WV.  This setting was ideal for Ashley’s vision of a nature oriented vintage wedding – and the fall colors do not get any better than they were on...


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Mariah & Phil: Huntington’s most FUN Fall Wedding EVER!!!!

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The pictures truly say it all – gorgeous fall colors, lots of laughter and smiles, a stunning yet simple setting, and….  the Incredible Hulk!!!!!  Not every wedding can say that the Hulk shows up for a little ring modeling!!  Mariah and Phil were united in marriage on October 15 on the backside of Huntington’s Ritter...


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Jackson & Elliot: Exploring Verde Farm!!!

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I had a great time exploring Huntington’s Verde Farm with two of my favorite photo subjects, Jackson and Elliot, and their wonderful and devoted mom!  Verde Farm is an absolute treasure – the grounds are totally gorgeous and we enjoyed meeting kunekune pigs, guineas, chickens, peacocks, and bunnies, just to name a few!   The resulting...


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The Beautiful Baby Madison!! xoxoxo

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I had the absolute pleasure of working with this beautiful little lady on one of fall’s last pretty days.  Madison’s mom and dad are awesome and were very instrumental in helping me capture these images.  I knew when I photographed their wedding that they would make fantastic parents – they just beam with love for...


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The Amazingly Gorgeous Perella Kids: Anna & Leo’s Fall Fun 2011!


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Congratulations to Lisa & Joe!!!!!!

Lisa Hull and Joe Haun tied the knot in Huntington on November 12, 2011 in Huntington, WV.  I love that they opted for a classic church ceremony, but added spunky touches to showcase their style, such as the wearing of Converse Chucks (check out the Mr. & Mrs. Haun sneaks, they are awesome!!)  Lisa’s choice...


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Billy & Michelle: Wintery Nuptials at Timberline!

Michelle Curry and Billy Martin are absolutely awesome people who got hitched the day before Thanksgiving at Timberline Resort.  I LOVE Michelle’s happy-go-lucky attitude and the ease with which she planned their intimate wedding – so many times, people allow stress and “the little stuff” to cast a Pigpen-esque cloud over happy times (yes, I...


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Lindsay & Anthony: An Autumn Celebration at Heritage Farm

Congratulations to Lindsay Barrows and Anthony Ruggieri!!  This very fun and photogenic couple tied the knot on November 11, 2011 at Huntington’s Heritage Farm & Museum.  I love, love, love Lindsay’s attention to detail – I am a “details photographer” and was in my glory photographing her various cool elements – tiny jars, vintage thank...


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Congrats & Love to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson!!!

Berry Hills Country Club in Charleston, WV was the setting for the nuptials of Heather Casto and Jonathan Jefferson on October 28, 2011.  This was an extra special wedding for me – I was the photographer for Heather’s sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Matthew Graham, at Canaan Valley – those of you who regularly follow...


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The Adorable Mr. Milo!

Milo is one handsome little man – and the roots of his good looks are obvious when you take a look at his beautiful parents!!!  (And those grandmas are awesome, too!  Congrats to Ken and Michelle on this wonderful little guy!! Much love! Melissa


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David & Claire: Elegant Winter Romance

On December 3, 2011, I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day documenting the nuptials of Mr. David Shirkey and Miss Claire Sellards.  Dave and Claire are the golden package – they are gorgeous, fun loving, classy, and all around nice people!  We started our day with preparations at the lovely Greenbrier Resort in...


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Debbie & Luke’s Magical Snowshoe Resort Weekend!!

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On February 3 I had the pleasure of journeying to Snowshoe Mountain Resort for the kickoff of Debbie and Luke’s wedding weekend.  Hailing from Norfolk, VA, the couple wanted a destination wedding that was fun and relaxed in a beautiful winter setting.  I had corresponded with Debbie via email for a year prior to the...


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The Lovely Little Miss Elizabeth!

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Fall flashback to one of the most beautiful little girls ever!!!!  Photographing this family was DELIGHTFUL – mom and dad were so helpful and hands on during the shoot and this young lady is just an exceptionally great kid!!! 


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The Wonderful & Whimsical Brothers, Ben & Guy

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Forests, gnomes, owls, and whimsical tree stumps!!!  The brothers Guy and Ben have hit my blog!!!  I am delighted to have been the newborn photographer for Guy and his new little brother Ben.  When Guy came into the world, I had a vision of a shoot that was non-cookie cutter and a real think piece. ...


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