Back when I first got started and building my portfolio I photographed a couple of boudoir sessions for family members. I also participated in one myself and surprisingly loved being in front of the camera in this vulnerable way

At the start of 2019 I got to participate in a duel styled shoot. If you missed part one you can see it here -- the following images are part two! This shoot was a bold and bright color scheme (Color Pop!) with amazing floral arrangements and a citrus color pallet of oranges, yellows, and vibrant pink invitation suite. It was complimented by a ball gown with tulle and lace. Sam our model had tattoos where the color really popped against the dress.

I read somewhere that most of engagements occur between Christmas and Valentine's so I felt this post was at the right time. So about the week after Valentine's Day a close friend of mine got engaged! She sent me a photo of her hand and I was overjoyed but through a quick call I could tell she was immediately overwhelmed. There's photographers, guest lists, color scheme, registries and venue selections

Started off the year with a lovely duel styled shoot from Chelsea Elizabeth Photography at Haley Mansion - Inn at Mystic. Winter months are usually slow for photographers so I jumped at the chance to participate especially since it was only an hour away from home. Last June I participated in my first shoot and quickly knew I wanted to do more. Its a wonderful opportunity to boost my image portfolio and get to practice.

2018 was another amazing year for me! This year brought continued business growth, beautiful detailed weddings, and spirited couples & families. I also had a variety of opportunities to photograph with repeat local photographers at their weddings and it affirms that I am doing good work and I thank them for the chance to practice and grow. My weddings took me to new and different venues from beach side to brewery and made my rustic heart happy.

Being a creative business owner I am always trying to improve by implementing new techniques and shooting different types of things. I have always wanted to put together a "styled shoot" which is where brides get all those Pinterest worthy inspo! It is so hard to get vendors together while having a unique vision, so when I found out about Heather Benge and her brilliance of travelling across America putting these shoots on, well ya I was all over it.

Wow this year was really a great one! I saw steady growth in Mariel O. Photo and got to meet new people and gain new clientele. Its always hard to pick my favorite images from each session so I started logically - beginning to end. I got to check a lot off my photo bucket list -- January brought me two winter weddings, May a destination wedding (!) and June lovely lakeside nuptials.

The end of year means taking a look back on all the images that I was lucky to photograph. I managed to get behind the camera a lot with second shooting and even assisting/3rd shooting. Each image takes me back to all the new couples I've met and weddings I experienced. Each one unique and fun! 2016 brought my goal of doing my first solo wedding // read about it here. The sky is the limit for next year and I can't wait to see what it brings with more love to witness and more doing what I love.Here are some of my favorite images of 2016...

There are so many details of your wedding day that your photographer tries to catch. What I find most essential is having a second photographer or assistant. They are the lead photographer's best friend. There's so much to see, so much to photograph its so great to have someone by your side. I have second shot over 10 weddings so far and its really made me refine my eye and style. Each person that I've assisted has a different vibe which is as unique as the couples they serve.

Here it comes the obligatory "Best of 2015" post. My passion for photography has been in my heart for years but it wasn't until this year that I decided to make it as a business. Pushing away some self doubt I started asking my sister permission to put a camera in her children's face every couple of weeks. Then some opportunity presented itself at my full time job and I began with passing out business cards locally and eventually creating this website and blog.