I believe animals are the best kind of family, & I’m sure you do too.
Meet Mei Lin
You can often find me engrossed in the latest novel or memoir I’m reading (I sobbed on a train after finishing Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng).
When reading, I love to snack on popcorn or olive bread. If I need a little something sweet, I’ll make a delicious vegan chocolate mousse.
When not cozied up indoors, you can find me at a local theatre enjoying a musical - I really love Fun Home and Once.
From my French family to yours, merci d’être venu; I can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged family soon!
Photo By Lena Mirisola Photography
I am a quiet, introverted soul, just like most of my couples. This helps me observe and capture the most tender moments on your wedding day without being obtrusive.
I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a queer woman of color, I am a safe place for all couples of all genders, sexualities, races, and religions. Everyone deserves a safe place to get their love documented.
Hi there, my first name is Mei Lin (may-LYNN), my pronouns are she/her, and I really love pugs.
When I was young, I went to choose a yellow Labrador Retriever with my mom. We named him Tin Tin (named after Les Aventures de Tin Tin); he was one of the most patient, kind, + trusting people I’ve known. I was an only child and was so fortunate to have grown up with him. He taught me how to love a dog, and how to be loved by one.
I have given a piece of my heart to so many animals, and they have in turn, given me a piece of theirs. This is why I genuinely believe that animals are people too.
Documenting couples with their four-legged family brings me incredible amounts of joy; it is made even more special when they are a part of couples' wedding day pr engagement session. That special day is meant to celebrate with one's family, and dogs are a part of that family.
How My Love For Animals Began
MUSICAL THEATER
TRAVEL
MY PUGS
(psst… click one to learn more!)
My Heart Is Filled With
~G hated being the odd one out & will make all sorts of sounds to let you know she was feeling excluded
~Her favorite food was cheese, any kind as long as there’s loads of it
~Miss G was a big fan of taking walks if she was pushed in her doggie stroller or held in her doggie sling
~Her tongue was ridiculously long (it’s not even fully extended in the photo you see!)
also known as "Miss G"
Meet G
~Oreo had long legs so he supported his weight well (corroborated by his vet)
~He loved to “nurse” certain stuffed animals especially when he’s stressed (his pig toy is among his favorites)
~In his old age he used a wheelchair
~He’s the pug that started it all
better known as “Bubsy”
Meet Oreo
Meet the pugs who belong in my heart.
They're two of the most important people I've known.
Emma, Maya, & Kona, engagement session with rescue dog
"Everything that Mei Lin did was above and beyond our expectations. We are a same-gender couple who got engaged and wanted a romantic photoshoot with our pup in our city, Chicago. We loved every single one of our photos and are using them in our wedding website! We cannot thank her enough for all the personal work and touches that she put into our session.
Jin & steven,
wedding + engagement
"I really appreciated that during our wedding based on our comments on her questionnaire that we wanted some great photos of our friends that she went out of her way to make sure everyone who wanted to be featured in the wedding album with their own photos got the chance."
Missy, Tom, & rescue dog Marigold, elopement & anniversary session
“Our dog is very anxious and Mei Lin took all the necessary steps to help her feel more comfortable. Mei Lin is professional, kind, thoughtful, and produces gorgeous photos. I cannot recommend her highly enough!”
Danielle & rescue dog Milo, portrait session with dog
"After the day was done, all I could think was that I wanted to schedule another one... It will definitely not be my last! And I recommend Mei Lin to all my friends and family. She is kind, professional, highly skilled, and gets great results."
Katy, Brian,
& rescue dog Ruben, engagement
"Mei Lin was wonderful to work with and made us feel very comfortable, she picked out the perfect location and even got the dog to listen! [We] cannot WAIT to see the beautiful photos [we] know will be coming once our wedding day arrives!"
Don’t Just Take My Word For It
© 2023 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
It’s no secret: I love my pugs endlessly. If we’ve ever met in person (or on Instagram) I’m positive that the first thing you’ll know about me is that I love pugs. I love all the sounds they make and all the hugs they give.
G (the pug on my lap) was over 18 years old when she passed. Oreo (on the table) was in my family for over 16 years.
My Pugs
Despite being tone-deaf and rhythmically challenged, I have a great fondness for musical theatre. Everything about the experience is grand: the harmonies, the stage and light design, and of course, the wonderful heart that a show exudes.
Though not a stage production, my favorite musical is 36 Questions the Musical (Podcast). It’s great because it’s a perfect example of accessible musical theatre. You can listen to the entire musical right in your living room! (There’s even a duck named Henry).
Musical Theatre
The first time I flew on an airplane was at thirteen months old. Since then, I've had the pleasure of exploring so many wonderful new places. I call Vermont home, but because my family is from the South of France, I call that home as well. And I've even lived in Edinburgh for five months with the view of the Edinburgh castle from my kitchen.
Traveling floods my heart with wonder and appreciation. Whether I have to board a plane, or board the commuter rail in Massachusetts, I am always left with a smile.