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MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
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Welcome to the blog, home to Chicago's intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer for couples grounded in the present moment.
(I'm here and queer!)
1. My first name is Mei Lin (she/her)
2. I'm part of the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities
3. I really love pugs!
4. I’m a huge musical theatre fan
5. I care deeply about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
6. I incorporate sustainable practices throughout your wedding photography experience
Mount Mansfield in Vermont is the highest summit in the Green Mountain State. It’s a gorgeous hike that features one of the best Vermont foliage views possible. It’s a beautiful hike, but for those who want the views without the long hike, there is a road that is accessible to drive up really close to the summit. There is some walking involved so it’s not 100% accessible for non able-bodied people, but it does make it a lot easier. There are wooden planks set down that make it a bit easier to travel over the otherwise uneven terrain. If you’re coming on Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Weekend, be sure to give yourself an extra hour or two of buffer as this is a very popular Vermont destination at that time.
College sweethearts Tom & Missy had a meet-cute during their time as orientation advisors at their university. Turtles & squids brought Tom & Missy together in the form of fun, odd, and perhaps unrealistic drawings on Missy’s script for a play they were mutually performing in. From that day they knew they had something wonderful and their story soared.
Both Tom & Missy are very athletic and enjoy rock climbing and running together. One of Missy’s bucket-list activities was to run her local 15k and she trained with Tom to prepare. One unsuspecting day they came back from rock climbing to go for a run at sunset on their favorite path by a river. Tom took Missy aside to enjoy the beautiful evening and he proposed. Missy had no idea it was coming and she jokes that it was a very cute moment except for the fact that she in her jogging gear.
Over Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Tom & Missy came to visit Vermont with their four-legged family Marigold. It was Missy’s first time in Vermont, and even though it was a short trip it was one of the best weekends the state had to offer. It was the perfect combination of peak foliage season, beautiful weather, and crisp temperatures. Married in 2020, their plans have shifted a few times due to the pandemic, but despite the difficult times they happily welcomes Marigold the rescue into their home and their lives. Now Missy has a perfect running partner and Tom has a great work buddy. Marigold even had her very own DNA test — her two most prominent breeds are cattle dog and miniature pinscher.
As big cat people, Tom & Missy always imagined having two hairless cats (due to Missy’s allergies) with stereotypical old men’s names and hand-knit colorful sweaters. However, they’ve always also loved dogs. When the time came where someone was trying to find a new home for Marigold, they knew they had to meet her. From the very first time they met her, they knew they would do everything in their power to be her new family. With some anxiety issues, she could not have found a more compassionate and loving home in Missy & Tom. She’s flourished since living with them and has been able to take so many awesome trips with her parents.
Congratulations on over a year of marriage and on growing your family Tom & Missy!
Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Location | Mount Mansfield Summit in Underhill, VT
Mei Lin (first name, she/her) is a Chicago intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer who's passionate about commemorating diverse couples grounded in the present moment. Animal welfare, social justice, and sustainability are three things that are really important to her. Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.
about the author
for couples grounded
in the present moment.
Utilizing sustainable practices INCLUDING LEAVE NO TRACE.
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
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