Authentic. Cheerful. Heartfelt. Inclusive.

Melissa van Ruiten Photography is happy to celebrate diversity,
in love and being,
regardless of race, religion, gender identity/expression,
sexual orientation, age, body type, or ability!

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a daring adventure, or a brilliant celebration surrounded by family and friends, I would be happy to work with you to document every detail of your special day.

I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area, travel often to the PNW, Boston/Cape Cod, and am perfectly willing to travel to your dream location!

Weddings
Elopements
Engagements

Oh heeeeeey…

Me: a little awkward, a little sassy, BIG nerd, goofy, cares deeply about kindness and equity, will pet all dogs

You: madly in love with life, enjoys laughing, might hug a tree or two, not afraid of having fun, lives in the moment

Smiling woman with glasses holding a camera with a telephoto lens, surrounded by plants and sunlight, outdoors.
Person taking a photograph in a scenic outdoor setting with trees and ocean in the background.
Person sitting on tree branch in forest holding camera
  • Bride and groom kissing in an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and floral decorations.

    “We’re so grateful to have worked with you as our wedding photographer. From our engagement shoot to the BIG day, we felt comfortable and confident in front of your lens.”

    Caroline + Tyler

  • Bride and groom embracing on their wedding day with a bouquet of white roses.

    "If you’re looking for a photographer to grant your every request, make you feel like you’re the only bride on the planet, and capture the most gorgeous details of your day, AND make sure you have fun- Melissa is the one for you."

    Elizabeth + Joseph

  • Couple dancing on a mountain cliff with a scenic view of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

    "Melissa is one of the most amazing people I’ve met, and she’s a stellar photographer, too! She’s been there for every step of my family’s growth- engagement, wedding, and newborn photos. She’s professional, fun, and creative. You’ll love getting to work with her!

    Alivia + Jeff

Recent Posts

Featured
Why I’m leaving Meta behind
Why I’m leaving Meta behind

In the nearly 15 years since starting my business, social media has been an essential part of how I’ve connected with my clients and shared my work. As a professional wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Threads to celebrate love in all its forms and foster a welcoming space for everyone, particularly for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. But as much as these platforms have played a role in my journey, I can no longer, in good conscience, remain on Meta’s platforms.

Jen + Adam | Bamboo Craftsman Warehouse | Portland, OR Wedding
Weddings
Jen + Adam | Bamboo Craftsman Warehouse | Portland, OR Wedding
Weddings

Celebrate Jen and Adam's vibrant May wedding at the Bamboo Craftsman Warehouse in Portland, OR. A boho-inspired day filled with love, tacos, and the joy of community.

Weddings
Brittney + Sean | Glam Redwood Micro Wedding | Santa Cruz County, CA
Elopements
Brittney + Sean | Glam Redwood Micro Wedding | Santa Cruz County, CA
Elopements

For adventurous souls in love, few places rival the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains and coast. Towering redwoods, rugged cliffs, and the endless Pacific Ocean make this stretch of California’s coastline a stunning pick for an elopement destination. When Brittney and Sean, a Colorado couple with a passion for the outdoors, decided to trade a traditional wedding for an intimate ceremony, they knew Big Sur the perfect place to say, "I do" would be among the redwoods.

Elopements

“I’m ready for my close up.”