Meet Mariel

This blog is a small representation of my most current sessions, my clients love stories and all the adventures I am privilaged to go on! Ways to my heart include coffee, feeding me before I am "hangry" and anything shabby chic/rustic. My vintage camera collection grows everday and I am usually smiling and quoting random movies. Most importantly Mariel O. Photo celebrates love in all forms regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation & gender identity.

October 18, 2019

Well I thought I would do something a bit different -- blog MY own wedding! It has been 5 years since Michael and I got married and this milestone deserves something special. After we go married that is when I transitioned from taking portraits and kids to love, couples and weddings. It has been such a ride these years and looking at these photos bring back those priceless memories of the best day ever 10.18.14!!

July 21, 2019

Super happy to have the chance to go back to the Lodge at Maneely's in South Windsor, Connecticut. The laid back nature of Sam and Chris are what they loved most about the lodge and the day reflected the fun and relaxing atmosphere.

January 20, 2019

The Riverview in Simsbury was a perfect setting to my last wedding of the year. The weather the week previous was a bitter cold but on the day of was a pleasant 50 degrees with a light snowfall and rain. I hit a bucket list photo stop - the Drake Hill Flower Bridge minus the flowers was great for the wedding party portraits.

December 4, 2018

This Riverview wedding in Simsbury, Connecticut had a packed dance floor all night long with Xiomara & Michael's family and friends. You could feel the love all day from the start at Simsbury Inn with the bridesmaids cozy together around the bride to the congregation erupting with applause and woo's at the first kiss at St. Catherine of Siena, and the party I did not want to leave! It was great fun to bop around the quaint town of Simsbury stopping at a bucket list location Drake Hill Flower Bridge.Congratulations again Mr. & Mrs. Urbinati!

October 20, 2018

Each wedding is unique and I really enjoy the personal touches each of my couples puts on their day. Alyssa & Sean are avid beer drinkers and chose The Hops Company brewery in Derby, CT to exchange their vows and become Mr. & Mrs! You can't beat autumn vibes in New England and you can check out their epic Castle engagement session here. I loved visited this brewery and the beer garden made for a unique location to get married.

October 1, 2018

This wedding at the Crystal Ballroom in Naugatuck, CT was one big party! This venue with its gorgeous chandeliers has been around for more than 30 years and where the groom's parents got married.

September 6, 2018

Watching these two cuties get married at Maneely's Lodge in South Windsor was a dream! I have been so excited about their day since last fall (see their engagement session here) and it finally came together so perfectly. With rain and thunderstorms taking place all week the forecast finally cleared and the sun came out! So many other lucky things happened from the rain, a ladybug on the flowers, and the "blood" moon lunar phase.

June 5, 2018

One of my most favorite things about wedding photography is getting to visit new venues that I haven't before. Before I even thought about moving to Middletown, John & Victoria chose this venue on the water with its own little beach. I love anything rustic and woodsy and this location had it all. The rings were also a stunning combination considering the bride used to work at the jeweler.

July 23, 2017

This wedding from a couple of months ago was one for the books for many reasons. My college roommate found a amazing man to marry and we got to celebrate it all week long in a simply beautiful location, St. Lucia!Matt and Cory really compliment each other (they BOTH hate tomatoes? so odd to me) and he fits so well into our group that we are all family. All week long there were countless adventures to go on: boat excursion to the Grand Pitons, volcano mud baths, jet skis, paddle-boarding and getting a tan. The drinks flowed as freely as smiles & laughter and it was pure joy!

July 5, 2017

Heather and Chris have been together 14 years and have waited a long time to make it "official." The bride got in touch with me last year for an fall wedding but decided spring is just as perfect. This couple from Ohio really welcomed me into their lives and it was a pleasure to capture. The intimacy of less than 10 people really made it all about their love and family. Nothing else is needed.