ABOUT SAVA STUDIO

Sava is a small studio of photographers who bonded over our similar educational background, love of art, & general affinity for timeless wedding photos.

We've taken everything we learned in art school and used it to influence our wedding photography.

"Melissa and Michael felt more like collaborators that were working with us through the event, while other vendors felt like factors to be navigated."

"Melissa was so calm and reassuring throughout the day, anticipating everything we needed before we even knew we needed it."

-ABBY & ANDY

-GRACE & RYAN

This image was taken right before Sophia and Conor's first look. Sophia was heading back to the bridal suite for a final touch-up. When we observed her walking down the hallway, we thought, "if she turns around, this would be a great image." 

My (Melissa) second photographer (Nicole) got her camera ready, and I took it upon myself to shout "Hey Soph, quick question!"

This prompted Sophia to pause and turn toward us, with a perfectly inquisitive expression. She laughed shortly after she realized we had no questions after all, which resulted in this image.

Our

Style

Our style is like that of a photojournalist and documentarian. And while we do encourage our couples to let the events of the day unfold naturally, we also aren't afraid to step in and provide some guidance. This way each moment, candid or not, looks its best.

hover over THE  image for how we shot it

This image was taken during cocktail hour at Halle and Kevin's Blue Hill at Stone Barns wedding. We never like to force guests to take photos, especially during cocktail hour when folks might be mingling and having a good time. However, if we see anyone vying to get in front of the camera, we let them take the reins -- kind of.

I (Melissa) approached the guest on the right and asked him about his camcorder. He was more than happy to show it off, and even grabbed his friend who *also* had a camcorder.

The two of them hammed it up, 90's wedding videographer style, and did their best "say some words for the newlyweds!" bit. It led to this image.

Our

Story

Sava is comprised of photographers and videographers with a passion for telling stories in an emotional, creative, and photojournalistic style. We spent our college years majoring in photography, and we attended the International Center of Photography in Manhattan, where we completed the documentary photography program. Everyone there told us not to get into wedding photography. Oh well.

hover over THE  image for how we shot it

Sarah and Michael's wedding took place at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. It was like inspiration overload in there.

This image was right after their first look, and it took them (essentially) zero direction to look/act cute on camera. Still, we guided them just a tad on how to look their best.

After placing them in frame, we encouraged them to just simply...chat with each other.  Sarah ended up noticing some of her lipstick on Michael's face, so she lovingly did her best to wipe it off. This image is the result.

Our

Method

We've taken everything we learned in art school and used it to influence our wedding photography. When we work together, we want you to almost forget we're there; savor every moment of your wedding day — we'll be right behind you capturing it all. Every wedding can be a work of art - our job is to make sure you see it that way, too.

hover over THE  image for how we shot it

BEHIND

LENS

the

I'm melissa -- mel, for short. i'm an aries, lover of 60s and 70s music & aesthetics, and i can (probably)  quote 90% of breaking bad.

I think the most important thing when photographing your wedding is getting to know you as individuals, and as a couple. Too often, photographers will apply a "one size fits all" approach; but photos and poses that worked for someone else may not work for you. It's my job to adapt to you, not the other way around.

When we work together, we'll have a few meetings to work on logistics and to get to know each other, ensuring your photos feel authentic to your personalities. Our relationship will be collaborative, not one-sided. We'll share ideas, inspiration, and I'll answer all your burning wedding related (or not) questions.

"Melissa has a way of putting people totally at ease and capturing you in your element. She let me and my husband just do our thing, and the photos came out looking so natural and sweet and real."

-shumita and michael

the

INSPIRATION

INSPIR

ATION

MORE ABOUT US

WHAT WE'RE KNOWN FOR

COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE?

KNOWN TO SPLURGE ON

A FAVORITE PLACE WE'VE TRAVELED

PREFERRED COCKTAIL

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

GIN & TONIC

CAMERA EQUIP.

PHOTOJOURNALISM

PUGLIA, IT

BLACK & WHITE

MAD MEN

Need something tailored more specifically to your wedding day needs? Let us know.

Get in touch

Fill out our contact form or email Melissa directly at melissaw@sava.studio to reserve your date.

CONTACT US

New York City based wedding photographers and videographers who believe that every wedding is a work of art.

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