Photographs that look how your memories feel.

There is no question your day will be beautiful, and you'll look stunning. There will be tears of joy, and special moments that pass by in an instant. This is why it's so important those moments aren't missed. I will capture them in a way that will allow you to relive them for a lifetime.

The emotions you can't hold back, the people you love, and the special little in-between moments are the memories you'll want to hold onto forever.

And they're what I'll preserve.

"She knows how to get the perfect angle with the best lighting. I still get teary eyed when I look at our wedding pictures! She is able to capture love and emotion in such a beautiful way." 

- lauren

Your Story, In Stunning Light

an artful composition

Prior to my 15 + years capturing weddings, I earned my Masters of Art History at NYU where I studied the elements that work together to create dynamic and important works of art. As a visual component to my theses, I had to capture 17th Century Dutch paintings and ancient Roman sculpture groupings of Mars & Venus on film.

After securing these works of art previously hidden in museum basements, I cultivated a way to pose and light them perfectly to bring out their most striking features. It was then that I learned to properly illuminate subjects in dark conditions.

In my post-graduate studies at the International Center for Photography and Parson's School of Design, I learned to produce unique images through a lens of compositional integrity, emotive lighting, and honesty.

With coursework focused in editorial photography and refined museum-quality printmaking, I developed my discerning eye for human expression.

After my studies, I became a researcher and authenticator for Sotheby's Art Auction House. It was there I learned the selective taste of luxury clients & how to work in the fast-paced art world, where a micro-museum would move in and out three times per year.

Today, I bring all of that experience to your day to make sure your story is beautifully captured. While the work you see in my portfolio looks as though I used natural light, almost all of my photographs are captured using subtle, supplemental lighting. This allows me to capture your story no matter where we are - in the best possible light. 

"Each shot is a piece of artwork in and of itself. She's also a pleasure to deal with; her cheerful demeanor and easy going attitude, makes time spent with her a nice reprise from an increasingly hectic world."

-  AARON, FATHER OF THE BRIDE

Your Beauty Naturally Shines Through

enjoy the experience

Since 2007, I've documented over 300 weddings. In that time, I've found the secret to capturing photos you love: You have to love the experience. Which is why I have developed an eye for anticipating gesture & expression to capture your day with grace and sensitivity. By genuinely connecting with you in advance to cover your most important details - like timing, family dynamics, and what you care about most. Then, ensure we have the best plan in place to provide you with a seamless day.

With directed prompts, I evoke naturally "unposed" portraits, and keep everything moving effortlessly. I believe you deserve to make memories- not miss them. So, with an eye for detail, I capture moments that often go unseen by others. I want you to see how your mom teared up while watching you walk down the aisle, how proudly your dad hugged your future spouse just before the ceremony, and how grandma laughed and danced all night long. So using a candid approach, I blend into the celebration and give you space to be in the moment.

"She takes her job seriously and her passion really comes through in her work. It was really easy to trust her with capturing our memories."

- RACHELLE & PIYUSH​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Meet Melani Lust

UNWAVERING PASSION. SOPHISTICATED STYLE. REFRESHINGLY FUn.

Wedding photography is my practice of unconditional love, gratitude and joy. I’m a fine art photographer with a playful spirit based in Manhattan, NYC, Westport, CT, and Greenwich, CT, documenting love stories with my whole heart and a sensitive eye for the right moments and delicate interactions.
I love getting to know you and figure it's fun if you learn a little about me too.

Enough about me, let's talk about you!

Quick Facts

FUN FACT

My Daughter Says Every Wedding is My Favorite

SPECIAL MOMENT

Photo Exhibition in Cuba was Recognized by President Obama

where i call home

From San Diego, CA & based in Westport, CT

FAVORITE COCKTAIL

 Cosmo, Belevedere, Extra Lime

Travel is Everything

Studied & Visited Every Gothic Cathedral in France

obsessed with

Tennis - Playing & Watching

Surprise Fact

Was in a Tap Dance Company in NYC

GREATEST ADVENTURE

Camping in Tanzania to photograph lions

Important to My Heart

My Work with Grace Farms Foundation

"Without a doubt, the best decision I made when planning my wedding was using Melani. Not only will you get the most beautiful, emotional photographs imaginable, you will feel important, special, & cared for." 

- Teresa & Lee​​​​​​​

Ready to fall in love with your photos?

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