Capturing Emotions: The Art of Amanda Sarah Cherish DeMelo
On a crisp autumn day, a bride stands poised under an ancient oak tree, her breath a symphony of anticipation as she prepares to walk down the aisle. With a camera in hand, photographer Amanda Sarah Cherish DeMelo absorbs the emotion of the scene—clutching her father’s arm, the trembling inhale, the soft glow of light enveloping them. Her mission? To capture not just how the moment looks, but how it feels. A former fine arts educator turned luxury wedding photographer, Amanda has made a name for herself through her unique lens that blends emotional depth with artistic finesse.
From Classroom to Camera
Amanda’s creative journey began in her childhood, surrounded by art supplies in Hamilton, Ontario. Encouraged by her parents to explore her passion, she thrived in fine arts during high school, later pursuing studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from McMaster University. Specializing in printmaking, she cultivated patience and precision—a foundation that now underpins her photographic artistry.
After completing a Bachelor of Education with a focus on fine arts, Amanda dedicated 15 years to teaching, nine of which were spent working with students with special needs. This experience honed her empathy and storytelling acumen, instilling a belief that every story deserves to be understood. Even amid her teaching duties, Amanda’s passion for photography blossomed, and she began documenting weddings and portraits on weekends, exploring how to translate emotion into images.
Learning the Craft and Finding Her Voice
The turning point in Amanda’s career arrived in 2012 while planning her own wedding. The influence of her photographer, who captured moments with an editorial flair akin to fine art, ignited a newfound desire to pursue photography as a profession. Seeking mentorship, she began second-shooting weddings and joined Unveil, a renowned Toronto studio known for its documentary storytelling approach. Here, she learned to manipulate light artistically and capture genuine emotions while remaining unobtrusive.
When Unveil closed its doors in 2019, Amanda embraced the crossroads with courage, joining Mango Studios in 2020. This celebrated wedding photography team allowed her to refine her editorial style and combine fashion-inspired aesthetics with intimate storytelling. Eventually, she shifted her focus entirely to photography, continuing her education under renowned photographer KT Merry, reconnecting to her artistic voice and business strategy. Now, under her own brand, Amanda Sarah Cherish Photography, she offers couples a bespoke experience that resonates worldwide.
Luxury Weddings with Soul
Amanda’s portfolio is a striking Testament to contrast: the lavishness of luxury weddings interspersed with raw, heartfelt moments. Her clients seek out her signature style—a blend of images fit for Vogue with deeply personal narratives. Collaborating closely with planners and designers, she documents every detail—from heirloom jewelry to couture gowns—but her true artistry lies in capturing the essence of the day. “I don’t just photograph how something looks; I photograph how it felt,” she asserts.
Her empathetic approach, rooted in her educational background, encourages couples to savor every moment of their wedding day. Rather than create staged scenes, she observes quietly, waiting to capture the fleeting expressions and interactions that truly convey the day’s essence. Particularly drawn to destination weddings, Amanda has photographed celebrations across Canada, Europe, and the United States, drawing inspiration from her Portuguese and Maltese heritage to infuse her work with Mediterranean light and hospitality.
A Wedding with Heart: New Year’s Eve at the Fairmont Royal York
One of Amanda’s most memorable weddings occurred on New Year’s Eve at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, renowned for its rich history. The couple chose this iconic venue not just for its grandeur, but because it held special significance: it was the site of the bride’s parents’ wedding. Through Amanda’s lens, this deep emotional connection shone brightly in her photographs, showcasing the warmth shared among family and friends without the need for extravagant details.
The wedding aesthetic focused on timeless elegance, with classic tuxedos and black dresses allowing the venue’s vintage charm to shine. Subtle floral arrangements enhanced this charm, while Amanda captured the genuine moments between the couple and their loved ones. Significant highlights, like the couple’s first dance accompanied by live jazz, and the joyous midnight countdown, were immortalized through images that convey a sense of belonging and celebration.
Recognition and Philanthropy
As Amanda’s reputation grew, she became recognized as one of Hamilton’s top photographers, contributing her talents to Mango Studios, which has been celebrated as one of Canada’s top ten wedding photography studios. Her work has graced numerous prominent publications, including People Magazine, which credited her images for major philanthropic events.
Her philanthropic endeavors have intertwined seamlessly with her photography career. Amanda has dedicated a portion of her branding session proceeds to CANFund, supporting Canadian athletes aiming for the Olympics, and has generously donated her time to uplift organizations focused on women and children. “This work is not just about documenting,” she remarks, “it’s about telling stories that can be felt and that live on.”
Global Vision and Future Dreams
While Amanda proudly embraces her Canadian roots, her aspirations know no borders. Actively working to expand her presence in the United States, she aims to increase her work in high-demand luxury markets such as New York, California, Texas, and Florida. Her travels also inspire her, fueling her creativity and allowing her to connect with clients across diverse cultures.
Amanda dreams of merging her passions for teaching and photography by mentoring emerging artists, especially women. Through workshops and retreats, she wants to share her technical and business insights with those at the beginning of their creative journeys. Additionally, she aims to deepen her philanthropic impact, supporting causes like Experience Camps and CANFund. Her long-term vision includes publishing a book of photographic essays that delve into themes of love, grief, and transformation, reflecting the deep connections within the couples she photographs.
In every frame, Amanda Sarah Cherish DeMelo captures not just a moment but a story, an echo of emotion that reverberates through time.