Melissa Hankins Photography

Melissa Hankins Photography I'm a Couples and Wedding Photographer on a mission to make being in front of the camera uncomplicated, carefree, and FUN! (Trust me, it's possible!)

Bret + Hannah’s elopement was one of those days that just felt deeply intentional.They got ready in beautiful Airbnbs su...
09/14/2026

Bret + Hannah’s elopement was one of those days that just felt deeply intentional.

They got ready in beautiful Airbnbs surrounded by family, then we all headed to Spence’s Cabin for the most beautiful wooded ceremony with the creek running right beside us. Afterward, we went back to the Airbnbs for an incredible dinner prepared by their private chef, Camille, which included possibly the best steak I’ve ever eaten AND a bear casually showing up beside the porch. 😂

But my favorite part was how intentionally Bret + Hannah made everyone feel included. Their family, all the kiddos, and even their vendors.

Getting to sit around the table with their people reminded me again that this is so much more than a job. I get to connect with incredible people, step into something sacred, and document a piece of their family’s story.

The wonder of that is never lost on me. 🤍

Camp T&T 🥹And just like any good camp, it made you feel all sorts of things. It was fun. It was colorful. The food was i...
09/10/2026

Camp T&T 🥹

And just like any good camp, it made you feel all sorts of things.

It was fun. It was colorful. The food was incredible. It was full of amazing people. And every part of the day was designed with so much intention, creating a space where everyone could relax, celebrate, and just enjoy being together.

But what stood out to me most wasn’t just what Taylor and Tyrone created. It was who showed up for them.

Friends who were local. Friends who got on a plane to be there. Friends who have known them through completely different seasons of life. Everywhere you looked, there were people who were fully present, fully invested, and genuinely there FOR Taylor and Tyrone.

And I think a wedding day like this says so much about a couple.

When you’re surrounded by this much love, joy, loyalty, and friendship, it’s a testament to the kind of people you have been to everyone else. 💛

And that is so true of Taylor and Tyrone.

They are two of the most welcoming, kind-hearted, honest, dependable, genuinely lovely people, and Camp T&T felt like an overflow of exactly who they are. 💜

Colorful. Thoughtful. Welcoming. Full of really good people and really good food. A place where you could simply show up and feel like you belonged.

Taylor and Tyrone, it was such a joy, and truly an honor, to document this day for you. Love you both!! 💚

Vendor Team:
Coordinator: Nicole French
Photographer: Melissa Hankins • Tennessee Wedding Photographer
Second Photographer: Nunn Photography
Videographer: ELLIE WALTERS | TN + MONTANA TRAVEL VIDEOGRAPHER
Venue: Tennessee Wedding Venue
Florals: The Flower Girl TN & Jonathan Hance
Hair: Abbi 🌹
Hair Color: Cheanna Matherly|| EAST TN HAIRSTYLIST
Make Up: Kasey Peterson
Wedding Dress: Blue Willow Bridal | Vintage Inspired Bridal Boutique
Suit: Wedding | Prom | Homecoming
Live Music: The Breadfruit Reggae Show
Caterer: OLE'S GUACAMOLES
Wedding Coordinator: Nicole French
Bartending: OLE'S GUACAMOLES + Jennifer Sanchez
Cake/Dessert: : Sara McMurray + Sara
COOKIE CAKE BY POPLAR WOOD SWEETS (Laura Thomas) poplarwoodsweets
Engagement Ring: Ashcroft & Oak® Jewelers
Camp shirts: ZZ Topps Inc

“Any chance you’re available next weekend to document our elopement?”One week before their wedding day, Jessie reached o...
09/08/2026

“Any chance you’re available next weekend to document our elopement?”

One week before their wedding day, Jessie reached out to me with that question.

Their original photographer hadn’t worked out, and suddenly they were in a bind and needed someone to document their elopement in Vail, Colorado.

I already had a wedding AND an elopement that same weekend, but somehow, the very last day was open.

So I told her, “If we can find a flight that gets me there that morning, I’ll be there.”

And we did.

They booked the flight, and before I knew it, I was on a plane headed to Vail to photograph the beginning of Jessie and Jonathan’s life together.

And honestly? It felt like such an adventure.

Jessie and I had worked together before when I photographed branding photos for her, so there was already a relationship there. We knew we enjoyed working together. There was already trust.

And I think that’s what made this experience mean so much to me.

It’s never lost on me that people trust me with some of the most precious memories of their lives.

Wedding days are beautiful, but they can also carry so many emotions, moving pieces, and unexpected changes. I want my couples to know that when they hire me, I’m going to go the distance to help them feel comfortable, cared for, and at peace.

Sometimes, apparently, that means hopping on a last-minute flight to Colorado. 🤍

Jessie and Jonathan, it was such an honor to be the one who got to document this day for you.

I’d get on that plane all over again. 🥹

Today is the day!!! Taylor and Tyrone are getting MARRIED!!! 🤍There’s something extra special about being trusted to doc...
09/05/2026

Today is the day!!! Taylor and Tyrone are getting MARRIED!!! 🤍

There’s something extra special about being trusted to document a wedding for another incredible creative, especially when that creative is also your friend. I don’t take that kind of trust lightly, and it’s such an honor to be the one behind the camera for these two today.

I already know this day is going to be so THEM. Their closest friends and family, live music, amazing food, so much joy, and one of the sweetest couples I know right in the middle of it all.

Taylor and Tyrone, I’m so grateful I get to witness this day, celebrate alongside you, and document all of it.

Taylor… LET’S GET YOU MARRIED, BUDDY!!!! 🙌🏻🤍

09/05/2026

The more the merrier IMO 😅

When I got to the venue on Kelsey and Diamond’s wedding day, everything was just… calm.Kelsey wasn’t even dressed yet. S...
09/02/2026

When I got to the venue on Kelsey and Diamond’s wedding day, everything was just… calm.

Kelsey wasn’t even dressed yet. She was waiting to get her hair done, watching Curious George with her nieces. Diamond was walking around taking care of a few last-minute things. And the vibes were honestly so chill I hardly knew what to do with myself. 😂

And somehow, that same energy carried through the entire day. But that didn’t surprise me one bit.

The little bit of time I’ve gotten to spend around Kelsey and Diamond, this is exactly who they’ve been. Laid back, kind, creative, and completely themselves.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching them dance together at their reception. There was nothing forced or performative about it. It was just pure joy.

And I think that’s what I’ll remember most about their day. It felt like them. 🥹

Vendor Team:
Photographer: Melissa Hankins • Tennessee Wedding Photographer
Venue: The Venue Chattanooga | TN Wedding Venue
DJ: Monternez EmceeMonte Rezell
Caterer: Tasteful Gatherings

It’s today!! 🥹 Diamond and Kelsey are finally getting married and I get to be there to celebrate one of the sweetest, co...
08/28/2026

It’s today!! 🥹 Diamond and Kelsey are finally getting married and I get to be there to celebrate one of the sweetest, coolest couples I know.

I’m so excited to document this day for you guys, and I can’t wait to hug you soon!!! 🫶🏻

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Jonesborough, TN

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