READING TIME: 3 min 31 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/2025
Based in the serene landscapes of Southern Germany, Melanie Thomas lives with her husband, two sons, and their beloved Boston Terrier. Her journey into wedding photography began in 2014, when she started photographing weddings alongside her husband, Shayne.
“Over time, Shayne found his passion in videography, expanding our creative brand and allowing us to offer couples a complete visual storytelling experience.”
This creative partnership evolved into EMÈS Weddings, a brand that seamlessly intertwines photography and film to document weddings across Europe. Since 2024, Melanie has been joined by her “wonderful photographer sidekick,” Joana, with whom she now captures stories that span borders — from Italy and France to Germany and beyond.
“I’m 40 years old, and I truly believe that every year of life experience makes me a better photographer. I’m incredibly grateful to be pursuing my dream job — and I can’t wait to keep telling beautiful love stories for many years to come.”
At EMÈS Weddings, Melanie’s philosophy is rooted in a thoughtful balance between candid documentation and artistic direction.
“Our approach is rooted in capturing meaningful moments with authenticity and emotion, while never compromising on aesthetic quality or flattering composition.”
Her work is defined by its true-to-colour tones, elegant compositions, and a timeless sensibility that feels both natural and intentional. She approaches every wedding intuitively, knowing when to guide and when to simply observe.
Whether it’s gently directing a pose or blending seamlessly into the background, we work intuitively with the light, colours, and energy of the day.
Each frame is a result of her deep understanding of human connection and her ability to translate emotion into imagery that will remain beautiful for decades.
Melanie shoots both digitally and on film, combining the precision of Canon’s mirrorless systems with the character of analog photography.
“I’m shooting digitally on Canon Eos R5 and R6 and analog on Canon Eos 3 and Contax.”
While she uses her own presets as a base, her process doesn’t stop there.
“A lot of work is still spent manually on every single frame to perfect it.”
This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that every gallery reflects not only her signature look but also the individuality of each couple she photographs.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a wedding photographer, Melanie’s answer comes straight from the heart.
“When I photographed my first wedding over a decade ago, I never could have imagined how deeply this world would capture my heart.”
For her, wedding photography goes far beyond technical skill — it’s about emotion, empathy, and trust.
“It’s about sensing the mood in a room, quietly observing stories as they unfold, and capturing them with empathy and heart.”
Each wedding is a reminder of why she started — a new story waiting to be told, filled with laughter, tears, and fleeting glances that turn into lifelong memories.
For Melanie, the creative process begins long before the camera is lifted.
Preparation is key to shaping the creative direction and ensuring the final photographs truly reflect each couple’s unique vision.
She works closely with planners and couples alike, diving deep into the aesthetics and emotions they hope to express. This intentional approach allows her to be fully present and ready to capture the moments that matter most.
“I take the time to fully understand the aesthetics, atmosphere, and emotional experience they wish to create for themselves and their loved ones.”
Every couple receives a custom-tailored proposal, designed to align with their vision, location, and needs — a truly bespoke experience.
Melanie believes that choosing the right photographer is as much about intuition as it is about style.
“When choosing the right creative team for your wedding, we always recommend narrowing your options down to a top three.”
She advises couples to review full galleries — not just highlight reels — to get a sense of how each photographer captures a complete story.
“Chemistry and communication are just as important as the work itself. Choose the photographer you feel most at ease with, the one who makes you feel seen, heard, and excited.”
It’s this trust, she says, that allows the most genuine images to unfold.
EMÈS Weddings has captured love stories across the continent — from coastal Italy to the sunlit cliffs of Mallorca and the elegance of the French Riviera.
We especially have a soft spot for the Amalfi and Sorrento coast, Puglia and Sicily in Italy, of course the beautiful island of Mallorca and the French Riviera.
Each destination inspires a new chapter of storytelling — one where light, emotion, and artistry intertwine.
A decade in, Melanie Thomas continues to evolve — balancing the artistry of her craft with the authenticity that defines her work. For her, photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about honouring love in all its real, imperfect, radiant forms.
Through EMÈS Weddings, Melanie and her team craft visual stories that linger — not just in albums, but in hearts.
“Weddings are not just my profession — they are my purpose. They fuel my creativity, inspire my soul, and fill my life with meaning and beauty.”
