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.

Christy got in touch with me about a month ago telling me all the details she had planned for her elopement style wedding in June. From the moment we spoke I knew she and her fiance Jason were "my people" Both are creative, sweet and smiley lovebirds.They wanted their engagement photos in their home and ensured me there was big beautiful window light (!) which is the stuff all photographers want (told you they got me).

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.

When your best friend gets engaged you take her pictures and when she has her first baby you take pictures! I was super excited to get to meet baby Cobbe.Heather and Mike chose not to know the gender which not many people do now a days. From the moment she texted me the ultrasound photo I guessed a boy which I had a 50/50 shot at!

Its that time of year.... HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS! I put out a brief "hey is anyone interested" post on my personal Facebook and got some hits so for the first time I put together a 2017 mini-session package. I got to photograph some clients I hadn't in a while as well as friends and a local resident. Once I gained interest I had to find a location and there was only one place that came to mind, my favorite place, the Webb Barn. I couldn't beat the proximity as well as feeding my obsession of old rustic barns. I also made the trek to a new place, Comstock Bridge which was also super charming -- covered bridge on the water?! Yes please. I really loved doing this and for next year will put something together even more spectacular.

One thing (out of many reasons) why I love photographing weddings is exploring new places. Teresa and Ryan are such a sweet and fun couple and we shot at two great locations. The fall weather was on point with a little bit of a crisp at Enders State Forest and Saville Dam.

The dates of late August to November are considered photographer's "busy" season; people have weddings, engagement sessions, mini theme sessions and of course Christmas photos. My first session of the season was a combo of engagement & family with Sara, Steve and Dallas.

Alyssa and Sean were an adorable couple whose wedding I can't wait to photograph next October. They are big into the craft beer scene and brought along their favorite beverage to celebrate the session. I always encourage my couples to bring along something personal to add to their session. They love the craft scene so much that they will be married at the rad The Hops Company in Derby which is gonna be new!

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!

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.