We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Moran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Oh man, 1000% God! I would absolutely not be where I am today, and my business would not be as successful as it is without God and His grace and provision!

The Lord has opened up so many opportunities out of seemingly nothing- time and time again in my life and in my business.

Several years ago, I realized that my business is not really my own – that I needed to release my business over to God and allow Him to do with it what He wants!

To be honest, I hardly market myself at all, and yet I have had a fully booked out year in my first year going full time! I know that wouldn’t be possible without God. It’s as simple as that. I owe it all to Him.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My films and photos are packed with fun, authenticity, and coziness! I really feel like my personality shines through my client experience. I’m goofy and loud and not afraid to make a fool of myself, and I try to crack jokes and cheer my clients on to help make them feel relaxed in front of my camera! I always try to capture authentic smiles and moments, and that’s always helpful for creating the most genuine and beautiful photos!

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come! It’s crazy to see the improvement from my work from when I first started in the film world 11 years ago…. I didn’t know much at all when I first started filming weddings. Typically wedding photographers/videographers will start out by working weddings with other establishes shooters, but I just jumped right in blindly haha. I had NO idea what I was doing… haha. I learned by failing- and failing more. But I’m so glad I was able to learn from my mistakes and just continue to get better and better. It’s been a wild 9 years shooting weddings. Some seasons were extremely exhausting – mentally, physically, emotionally…I went through several seasons of burnout, but I’m so glad I never gave up! I had the Lord to lean on, and I’m soo so thankful. Without Him, I wouldn’t have continued on in this career path!

A huge lesson that I’ve learned since becoming an entrepreneur is to prioritize your client experience. I have a couple whose wedding I shot back in 2017, and I’ve received 5 bookings just off of them recommending me to other brides/couples! If I didn’t leave that couple with a lasting impression, I would have missed out on thousands of dollars from not booking those other clients. I always try to go above and beyond what’s on my contract! I try to gift each one of my couples with a personalized gift, and I try to personalize each shoot specific to each couple, as well! I bring the JOY amidst a crazy, busy, and stressful wedding season and wedding day, and I really think that my clients appreciate that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness…. this is so easy! My husband and I’s FAVORITE restaurant in Orange County is Hanuman Thai Eatery in Costa Mesa/Newport! We are biiig foodies (my husband is a Michelin-trained private chef, and I was a personal chef when we first started dating!), and we always recommend this restaurant to anyone who asks! If we’re feeling a bit more boujee, I’d recommend Meteora in LA! The chef there worked at the same three-Michelin star restaurant that my husband did.

I’d also take them around to all of our favorite coffee shops (there are SO many good ones in Orange County!! And my hubs is a coffee snob and I’m a matcha snob, so we definitely have strong opinions on the best spots for these!!). The original Hidden House Coffee in San Juan Capistrano is the cutest little spot and is surrounded by an adorable little town with antique shops and a petting zoo! They have incredible coffee and matcha. Bear Coast in San Clemente is the perfect spot to grab some coffee or matcha, or kombucha on tap and walk the pier/boardwalk! They even have a farmers market on the weekends.

I would probably take them to Salt Creek Beach and do a picnic on the grass at sunset overlooking the water- or head to Table Rock Beach to do the same!

Of course, we would HAVE to get Sidecar Doughnuts (I used to work there for a hot minute back in the day as a baker!) to get the world’s freshest doughnuts!

There are so many more things we could do, but that’s where I would start!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
#1 – God!!

#2 – My parents! They have always been super supportive and encouraging in my work as a wedding photographer and videographer! My dad also was a big inspiration for me – growing up, he always had a camera in hand documenting all of our family adventures (including photographing family and friend’s weddings).

#3 – My husband! If it weren’t for his support and belief in me/my work, I wouldn’t have been able to jump into full time!

#4 – My high school News Class teacher, Mrs. K-Horn! She mentored me and taught me so much, and encouraged me to pursue a career in film!

#5 – My old boss (and friend) – Jerrick O’Connor from Three16 Photography! He has been a HUGE contributor to the success of my business – both in teaching me things, and also allowing me to use his gear!

Website: www.milkandhoneyfilmco.com

Instagram: instagram.com/milkandhoneyfilmco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/milkandhoneyfilmcompany

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@MelissaWeyers

Image Credits
Melissa Moran

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