hello friend!
I'm Melissa
Expert at jigsaw puzzles, obsessed with Trader Joe’s and reruns of FRIENDS, addicted to true crime podcasts, and immune to poison ivy.
I’m passionate about what I do, but I am also a lot of things besides a photographer.
I’m based in Elkridge, Maryland, right between DC and Baltimore and I’m a wife to my college sweetheart and Mama to two. I adore my family and quality time spent with them is everything. You can find me in a yoga class, hiking, or drinking coffee in a pretty mug.
so nice to meet you!
“Some souls just understand
each other upon meeting”
-n.r. hart
My best friends would describe me as creative, hard working, fun, nurturing, strong, family oriented, and driven.
I take my coffee with a splash of cream and along with that coffee, I crave a good book. You might find me reading one at any cute, little coffee shop I come across. And if they are making that book into a movie, I have to read it! Full well knowing, I’ll probably be disappointed because the book is always better. Right?!
If I’m not sitting in a chair, I might be standing on my head. I’m a big yoga fan and I think everyone could use a dose of it in their lives. I enjoy working out and I have to in order to keep up with my love of ice cream and Mint Chocolate Milano cookies.
a few of My favorite things
true crime podcasts
always wearing
my life in numbers
120+
weddings
photographed
2.5
cups of coffee
everyday
944
episodes of
friends watched
42
colors of
opi nail polish
2010
when i bought my
first camera
2
times i go to
yoga each week
I'm all about the connection& I hope we create one together
I'm all about the connection& I hope we create one togetherI will jump for joy right next to you and I always cry when I hear the maid of honor speech or watch you dance with your dad or brother. I’m also the girl that will keep it real.
Just because I have a camera in my hand doesn’t mean I won’t drop everything (not literally) to fluff your dress, fix your veil, wipe a tear, hold your bouquet or take the hair tie off your wrist before you walk down the aisle.
I can see a photo before it happens so if you notice me bouncing up and down behind the lens, it’s just because I know what I’m about to capture and I can’t contain the joy!
It's about finding the moments that aren’t always the center of attention, but the ones you will
fall in love with.
I believe...
We are a team.
With mutual excitement and trust about working together. My responsibilities as your photographer stretch far beyond capturing beautiful images. I care about you and your families. I pour my heart into telling your story. It is an honor I take seriously.
your photos will be a reminder of your journey.
When your next adventure becomes challenging, you will look back at your photos and be reminded of the love and happiness you share. You will remember just how far you’ve journeyed together.
you should be fully present and soak up all the love around you.
And just know I will be there, camera in hand, cheering you on and laughing with you any chance I get.
LOVE IS MEANT TO BE AN ADVENTURE
- Gordon B. Hinkley
Melissa Hoko Photography is a Maryland based wedding & portrait photographer. Passionate about telling your story and ready for wherever the adventure takes us.
