Melissa Pardi Photography - Birmingham Wedding Photography

2010-07-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

New blog! Check it out at http://melissapardi.wordpress.com/

If you are following, be sure to update the new web address! New and exciting posts are to come!

Back to the Blog!

2010-06-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

After pouring water on my computer, of course I had to get a new laptop. That would be my lame excuse for not blogging for the past few months...

The good news is that I decided to switch to mac! I'm still trying to get used to it, so for now my blog posts will have tiny images. Sorry!

I have some new goodies to share, so here is a sneak of a few posts to come!

Susan’s Bridal

2010-05-06T12:23:00.001-05:00

Susan just looks so breathtaking! Words cannot describe…

Stick around for the wedding post!

Sonia and Derek….plus lil Maddie!

2010-05-05T18:13:00.001-05:00

Sonia and Derek are some new and wonderful friends of mine. We decided to spend the day doing some fun family portraits and we were lucky enough to miss the rain. We had a blast watching their little girl play, giggle, and spit all over the place!

Thanks again guys for suggesting that I try Chipotle Mexican Grill…It was so AWESOME!

Here is a sneak of some of my favorite photos.

Katie and Ricardo are Married!

2010-04-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

These guys have been through it all! It has been so much fun getting to know these two even better over the last year. Despite the rain, the wedding was absolutely beautiful. Here are some of my favorite moments.

I want to thank you guys so much for letting me be part of your wedding day. Congrats to the both of you and God bless!

Bruster’s Photo Contest

2010-04-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Most of my close friends and family know how much I love ice cream. If I could ever be addicted to anything, it would be chocolate ice cream. So when I found out that Bruster’s was having a photo contest, I was all over it!

My mom’s dog named Prissy (the sweetest little teacup chihuahua you will ever meet!) ended up being my model. Putting ice cream in front of a dog is pretty funny to say the least. Anyway here she is!

What happens when you give a dog ice cream?

Go to http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/26342/voteable_entries/4144787 to vote for my entry! Voting is May 1st-15th.

Family Reunion

2010-04-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to see my cousins after so many years! Their son, Josh and his girlfriend are both graduating from high school and they wanted some fun photos. So we all ventured out to have a massive family-senior-portrait-whatever else you might want to call it---session. We had some laughs for sure (Steve is always good about that). Thanks you guys for such a fun time. Congrats to the graduates of 2010!

MT and Steve…how cute are they!?

Backing up a little…

2010-04-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

These engagement photos of Laura and Gavin are just so cute, that I have to blog them!

Back and Ready to Blog Again!

2010-04-27T19:23:00.001-05:00

I know I haven’t blogged in a while, but I’m about to make up for it. I’ve been out and about like a busy little bee taking thousands of photographs. Soon to come, a few weddings and some lifestyle sessions in-between.

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with a very sweet couple. Laura and Gavin are both students finishing up at the University of Alabama. Its funny that we met less than a week before the wedding and were able to get along so well (being Bama fans always help…just kidding!) This family was so much fun that it was out of control! I’m so appreciative that I was able to work with these two. Thanks Laura and Gavin!

Day out with Katie and Alex

2010-03-27T13:32:00.001-05:00

Katie and I did a session together a few weeks ago. She decided to get her brother in on some photos for his birthday. His headshots turned out great! Put these two together….it can be pretty funny!

A Nice and Sunny Day Out!

2010-03-17T18:08:00.001-05:00

Katie is awesome! We had the chance to hang out at Botanical Gardens last weekend to take some fun photos. Isn’t she beautiful!?

Dessie and David

2010-03-16T17:01:00.001-05:00

My lovely clients Dessie and David spent the day with me last weekend. We will definitely have some laughs for the wedding day…

The search for my car keys and David Fred Flinstoning us around definitely kept the day interesting!

Aside from all the laughs, these guys were rocking this session! Check out some of the awesome photos.

Thanks guys! I’m looking forward to your wedding day!

Album Time!

2010-03-15T09:55:00.001-05:00

Finally! My Leather Craftsmen sample album came in! I have been shopping around, planning, and deciding for almost a year what I wanted for my first few sample albums. So here it is!

This particular album would normally be used as an engagement/guest book. Guests will sign their names and write a little note to the bride and groom on their wedding day.

Take a look!

And now for the inside!

Oh, how I’ve missed Photography!

2010-03-10T23:12:00.001-06:00

It has been a minute…

I’m back and ready to take on 2010! I had my first two sessions of the year this past weekend and I’ll be posting new goodies for everyone soon! Here is a lil sneak of what is to come.

The Waltman Family

2010-01-13T14:44:00.001-06:00

I loved this family session! All I can really say is that the little girl is so cute, and pretty soon they will have another little addition to the family! Take a look at some of these shots.

Special thanks to the Waltmans!

Awesome Rocker Chick!

2010-01-11T23:27:00.001-06:00

Keep an eye out Birmingham! The talent is exploding from this city!

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet a very talented singer. She played one of her first big shows at Zydeco in Birmingham and totally rocked out! I was amazed at how much energy and fun she brought to the stage.

This photo session would not have been possible without a good photographer friend of mine, Major Adam Colbert. He has been pulling out some awesome photo jobs lately and asked me to help him out with this one. Check his work out at www.adamcolbert.com.

Here is a peek at some of the shots.

This is the Cutest Mother-Daughter Combo Ever!

2009-12-19T00:29:00.001-06:00

These are some great friends of my cousin who decided to have a fun day out with me at Sloss Furnaces. The girls decided to throw on the cowboy hats and boots with the fur for an awesome session. I loved hanging out with them! Here are my favorites.

You two are so beautiful! Thanks Ladies!

Holly and Kevin

2009-12-19T00:13:00.001-06:00

My friend Holly and I ran into each other a few months ago for the first time in about four years. She introduced me to a wonderful man named Kevin who had recently asked her to be his wife. I was so excited when they decided to let me do their engagement photos!

Holly and Kevin are such a great couple! We had fun exploring different areas of Birmingham. It was nice to hang around such warm hearted people who love God.

Take a peek at some of the fun we had.

Thanks so much Holly and Kevin! I hope to work with you again soon!

Katie and Ricardo are Engaged!

2009-12-09T15:26:00.001-06:00

Katie, Ricardo, and I had an awesome day out doing their engagement photos a few weeks ago. I’ve known this couple for years and it is exciting to see them get ready to tie the knot. We went all over town taking photos and had a great time. Here is a peek…

Katie and Ricardo will be getting married in April of 2010.

Thanks to the couple, and I can’t wait for the big day!

Fitzgerald Siblings

2009-11-15T11:30:00.001-06:00

Patrice is a close friend of mine who wanted me to photograph her with her brother Richie. This brother and sister combo was a fun photo session. The day consisted of piggy back rides, laying in the grass, and shoving each other around (almost in the water!) Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Thanks guys! You were awesome!

Katie and Wes…So Adorable

2009-11-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending time with and getting to know Katie and Wes who are soon to be husband and wife in 2010. For their engagement session we decided to photograph in Florence, AL; the city where Wes asked Katie to be his wife. Florence is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in a very long time. Not only did I enjoy my scenic autumn drive, but I had a blast spending the day with this sweet couple. Here are some of the shots. Enjoy!

Special Thanks to you two! I can’t wait for your big day!

Lauren and Blaine! Engaged!

2009-11-12T21:51:00.000-06:00

This young and exciting couple spent an afternoon with me walking around downtown Birmingham. After old buildings, railroad tracks, and muddy fields, we came up with some awesome images! Here is a taste of our fun time!

Thanks so much Lauren and Blaine! I had so much fun getting to know you guys!

The artist in me is coming back!

2009-11-12T12:04:00.001-06:00

A few months ago I literally woke up one morning and thought to myself “I really want to start drawing again.” I grabbed the first sketchbook I could find and decided to start a drawing based off of one of the bridal pictures I had taken of my cousin, Belinda. I worked on it for a few days and this is what I came up with!

Susan and Martin-Way too much fun!

2009-11-11T18:41:00.001-06:00

Doing this Engagement session with Susan and Martin was a blast! I don’t know if I have ever laughed this hard in my life! Here are some of my favorites.

Thanks so much Susan and Martin! You were wonderful and I can’t wait until your wedding!

2009-11-11T14:37:00.000-06:00

November is here and

Its a great time for photography!

I've been a busy little bee and business is kicking off! Take a peek at some of the sessions and weddings from the past few weeks. Full blog posts of each to come!

2009-10-21T14:10:00.000-05:00

New Headshots!

By Amelia Strauss Photography

So I finally got some new pics for myself! My wonderful friend Amelia Strauss took these awesome shots for me. Who would have thought a rickety old wooden pallet and a manhole cover could make for a good photo? That is why she is a champ!

Thanks Amelia!

2009-10-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

How Cute is this Family?!

Last Sunday I spent some time hanging out with the Fletcher Family. They are so cute and we all had a blast. Their little man was having a great time posing for me. This shoot was a great kick off for the fall.

Thanks so much to the Fletcher family for a great time!

2009-09-28T00:21:00.000-05:00

Another Awesome Wedding!

Here is another wedding I helped Amelia Strauss out with a few months ago. She and I had yet another crazy, fun time shooting together. I also had the pleasure of working with one of Amelia's frineds, Emily Kicklighter. We had a blast! Here are some of the images.

2009-09-27T22:40:00.000-05:00

Belinda

My beautiful cousin recently got married on August 8th! Congrats cuz! Her wedding was a blast and was so beautiful. She and I decided that we would do a bridal shoot together a few weeks ago. Here are some of the shots...

2009-08-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

Kristen and Nomi

Kristen and I met through a mutual friend earlier this year and instantly became great friends. She and her future hubs were tons of fun to work with. They are my first official couple as a business owner! Kristen is so sweet and is a great bride for me to get a jump start with. October 18th is the big day for these two so come back to check out their wedding day photos.

A few weeks ago we went out for Kristen and Nomi's engagement shoot. We spent hours wandering around the city and acting silly. Despite fear of heights and rolling around in grass, we ended up with some awesome shots. Here are our favorites!

2009-08-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

Southern Summer Night

July 31st 2009

Vulcan Park

Hands on Birmingham had an awesome event last Friday Night called Southern Summer Night! They held a silent auction to raise funds for the organization.

2009-07-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

Sarah and Nick

Sarah is a photography friend of mine and a UAB graduate (Whoo hooo Blazers!) who actually walked with me at graduation. She has been engaged for a while and will be getting married this October. We had been discussing her letting me do a shoot for a while and we finally got together Sunday.

Sarah and Nick are such a sweet couple! They did a wonderful job. We went out to Moss Rock in Hoover and after doing some hiking through boulder fields on a very humid day, we got some awesome shots that were so worth it!

Check out some of my favorites...

Thanks so much. I wish the best for you two!

New Cameras and Blue Eyes!

2009-06-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

So I finally got a new camera! I am now the new and proud owner of the Nikon d700. I have been having a lot of fun with it lately so be ready for more to come!

My best friend has the cutest little boy ever! A few weeks ago we decided to go to Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park. If you have never gone...you should. They played the movie Madagascar 2 and we ate pizza on a blanket. I loved it! Anyway here are some of the adorable photos of him out at the park.

Thanks Mal for the help!

2009-06-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

The Real World

Well here I am now all graduated and ready to take on the world! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to attend school and to have learned so much about not only art and photography, but also about life. It has been such a blessing. I want to thank my family and all my friends for putting up with my annoying projects and always having my camera in their faces. I also want to thank Amelia and Kelly for all they have done to help me during my internship. I am greatly looking forward to starting my new photography business. Thanks everyone for all the support!

UAB 09!

Here are some of the pics mom took from the big day. She did such a good job working my camera!

Thanks again mom for the awesome pics!

2009-05-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

This bride is so gorgeous!

Heather Flannery from Gigglesnaps Photography let me go with her to this awesome wedding. We definitely had fun with this one!

Here are a few of the images of the bride. It was shot at the Sonnet House which is a really cool place for weddings.

2009-04-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Behind the Camera

This is the good stuff... behind the scenes. Amelia, Kelly, and I had a ton of fun at this wedding together.

You two are so much fun! I'm so glad I got to do this wedding with you guys!

2009-04-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

This was such a sweet couple!

Their wedding was at OLS in Homewood and the reception was at The Club. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful!

Here are some of those shots...

Waiting to see his woman...

Thanks Amelia and Kelly! I had fun!

2009-04-19T23:09:00.001-05:00

I know it has been FOREVER...so here is some good stuff I have been working on...

A few weeks ago I did a fun workshop shoot with some wondeful photographers: Camille Beasley, Amelia Strauss, and Kelly Merrill. I was also able to meet Kristen Stewart and Emily Kicklighter who are both also very talented.

Our first couple was

Here was our second couple,

Jasmine and Aras.....

We had a ton of fun that day and I go to learn a lot!

2009-02-10T20:19:00.000-06:00

Fun Model Shoot!

This week I had an assignment for school due. We had to shoot the color red and the color green.

I finally decided that I wanted to use cool backdrops, and a colorful model. My friend Mila let me use her as my school project and she ended up doing a great job!

Here are the shots that we ended up with...

I think the tree on the red brick wall ended up being my favorite. Isn't she beautiful?

Thanks again Mila for helping me out!

2009-02-06T16:50:00.000-06:00

I finally decided that for my first post I would start with something small and simple. To catch everyone up, I recently started an internship with Amelia Strauss (Photography). If you have not seen her work, check her blog and website out. She is a wonderful photographer (I'm learning from the best!). Amelia is helping me finish up with my last semester of school at UAB and will be helping me get on my feet in the photography world. So far we are having so much fun. Today we decided to play around a little and she took some awesome photos of me. Here is one...

It was a learning experience even having my own photo taken...

Over the past several years I have started to develop my portfolio. I have a website for my photos (http://www.melissapardi.com/) so check it out and let me know what you think.

I thought I'd also go ahead and share some of the images that I have taken over the years:

This is from a study abroad trip to Italy where I really decided that I wanted to pursue photography. All the shots done in Italy were in either black and white or film.

These were taken with color slide film and I eventually played around with these images on polaroid film.
Now I'm doing digital and I am learning more than ever. These are some samples of the work I did last semester:

Finally I'm stepping into the world of wedding and fashion photography. Here are some photos of my cousin:

I'm hoping in the next semester my photography will really grow. Keep checking my blog out to see what I continue to learn about!