This is an
zone.
assumption-free
Melissa Rabbitt Photography
I’m a Boston-based wedding photographer and I like you already!
Hi, I’m Shay.
This wedding should be everything you want. It should be full of the things that really matter to you. It should include the traditions that feel good (and ditch the rest).
So what do you envision? Is it a restaurant takeover with 12 delicious courses and all your best friends? An intimate elopement under a starry sky at midnight? An epic all-night dance party? Count me in, cuties!
In the past 8 years, I’ve seen a lot of weddings, but I'VE Never seen yours.
photos?
As for the
I’ll make that part really easy. We’ll get to know each other, then your vibe will be my guide. When needed, I’ll gently direct you in ways that feel natural. The rest of the time, I’ll be floating around, blending in, and grinning like an idiot because I’m so damn excited for you!
Whatever your age, race, gender, orientation, body size, ability, or identity, I support your love story.
Before we work together,
here’s what I believe:
01
Love is love
I’m a queer photographer.
(Call me any pronouns you’d like.)
All kinds of love are welcome here.
02
Black lives matter
Understanding my privilege has been a steep curve, but I’m learning (and unlearning) all the time.
03
All bodies are good bodies
You don’t need to change yours to have an amazing wedding (or life). By the way, check out these inclusive shops for wedding dresses and custom suits.
04
We are all works in progress
I’m committed to listening more and speaking less where my voice isn’t needed. I’m focused on integrating what I learn into my business and life.
Jana & Bryan
Mass Audubon Habitat, Belmont, MA
She will capture the people, places, and most impressively, the feeling of your event. I was very impressed by how many images she was able to capture without me realizing she was present. Hiring Shay as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we made!”
“Shay is a kind soul that puts you at ease, allowing her to capture thE
photographs
MOST
of you.
flattering
authentic and
unflappable
By the time we get to your wedding day, we know each other really well. I know the name of your best friend and your dog. Your timeline is planned down to the minute. The checklists are checked. The back-ups are charged. My emergency kit is fully stocked with scissors and band-aids and stain remover wipes and snacks. (Can you tell I’m a mom?)
People tell me I have a grounding presence. (Maybe it’s my SoCal roots?) If things go sideways, I just roll with it.
With everything prepared just so, my focus is only on you. And your focus is only on having an epically good time. Exactly as it should be.
How do I keep my chill?
I plan so I can relax.
Melissa Rabbitt Photography
Bass Rocks Golf Club, Gloucester, Ma
Amy & Pat
Not only is Shay's photography gorgeous, she is absolutely wonderful to work with. Communication is consistently clear and easy and she has thoughtful touches that show she cares. She really listened and got to know us as a couple. She knew all the right questions to ask and offered suggestions when I was feeling uncertain or stressed. She made our experience smooth and FUN! We are so grateful to Shay for beautifully capturing the best day of our lives.”
“‘Thank you' feels inadequate!
These are AMAZING!
We couldn't be happier.
These are AMAZING!
I believe everyone is doing their best and kindness is always the right choice.
My
I grew up in Southern California, just a few miles from Disneyland. I moved to Boston for college and never looked back. I married a boy I met in my college a cappella group. We bought a house in Medford and added a third little human to our family band. Our marriage wasn't meant to last forever, but we loved each other for many years and learned so much from our time together.
When I’m not taking pictures, I’m probably playing ukelele, reading queer romance novels, or planning my next big trip. I love trying new restaurants and hearing which ones you're trying.
Melissa Rabbitt Photography
Story
Life can be
unpredictable
I used to work in a hospital, watching life crash into folks.
Hard.
I saw people through the most challenging times of their lives. But I also saw their people through it.
I watched the partners who drove them to appointments. The children who helped with their physical therapy exercises. The friends who took notes and picked up medications. I saw a million examples of how, when life takes us by surprise, we show up for the people we love. My weekdays were brutally beautiful. My weekends were something totally different.
On weekends, I took pictures of people in love. I watched them say, "No matter what happens, I'll keep showing up for you." All around me, there were beautiful love stories unfolding.
Being human can be messy, but it's easier if we do it together. And choosing love makes the world better every single time. I get to witness that every weekend. And I never forget how lucky that makes me.
