It All Started With A Yellow Plastic Camera

I'm So Grateful You're Here.

Jessica Mencarelli //// modern + fine art michigan photographer

Photography has always been a part of my life. I remember being around 10 years old, grabbing my yellow plastic camera, and running down to our pond to take pictures of what I saw, tumbling and panting all the way.

I loved seeing the water, flowers, sunshine through the tree leaves, and the gnarly sticks that had fallen from the last storm. I would just click, scroll, click, scroll until I needed to run back up the hill to grab more film.

I continued my photography journey through high school and then in college where I earned a BFA in Photography from Kendall College of Art and Design. Not only did I graduate in the top of my class, but I also received some great honors such as being a finalist in a national photography competition. There is so much to say about my education, but basically it built up in me a foundation based on the founders of photography and iconic artists all throughout history. I am so grateful and proud of my education.

After college, I went on to intern and second shoot with professional photographers around Michigan. This gave me such important real-life business experience. I really started pursuing this dream in 2014, and have been professionally shooting weddings since 2017.


6+ years later I am even more passionate about what I do and I'm SO excited to keep building this business and developing my craft. You'll always find me learning and discovering deeper ways to produce my work from.

Being your photographer is more than just showing up and taking some pictures. No way!


I am ALL IN with this and with you. I am here to actually be a real friend and create really meaningful and artful photographs for you. I take my time and am in no rush. I communicate with you every step of the way. Don't worry, I've got you! This time in your life is important and worth documenting right now. Just the way it is. This is going to be so much fun!

Jessica :)


Me And My Goofy Life

I married to the coolest person ever, Anthony. We live in a little rental house in Grand Haven and love going to our secret beaches, making homemade potato tacos from scratch, watching The Office and every sitcom out there, and eating lots of chocolate cupcakes and ice cream. We can't wait to grow our family some day and invest in our home and land. Living intentionally and laughing a lot is what matters.


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As Seen on The Knot