For the past few years there has been this trend of couples seeing each other prior to the "walking down the aisle" called first looks. In my consultations I get asked often about whether its a good idea.

Something about beautiful bouquets and eating delicious desserts make Valentine's Day spectacular! I used to be one of those girls that hated this holiday but now I am all about the love (hello I'm a wedding photographer!!)

It is love month! February is the shortest month of the year and so I find myself in the between. The year is now in full swing and I wanted to share this lovely berry color pallet from at styled shoot last year at Oakholm Farm in Massachusetts

Welcome welcome to a new series I wanted to start this year Mariel Monthly! I don't know about you but I feel that the start of the year means starting fresh. This updated blog launched last year and I made some minor tweaks for the start of this year. Now 2019 I did manage to highlight my couples and their special wedding days/sessions, but for this year I am stepping up my game....

This day at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse with AnneMarie and Larry had my favorite details and lighting of the year! I arrived at the salon where the bride was getting the finishing touches on her hair and make-up. I got to meet her mother and maid of honor and enjoyed some hot cider and breakfast items...

There are some beautiful *bonus* weddings I got to witness this year from so many talented photographers. It is so fun to be able to be an associate for the day! In a way it's more relaxing. I get to take the time for more creative shots and to be more observant. This year most of my experiences was shooting with Courtney Lynn (who my couples have seen). We got into a great rhythm this year and when you find a great professional working relationship you hold on to it. Thank you so much to all the leads I've met and worked with old and new! Enjoy!

Wedding are what really drives Mariel O. Photo! Don't get me wrong I do fill in my year with family and other projects but these images have my heart. Looking back at my favorites of course bring me back to each day and how special and unique each wedding is. A friend of mine always asks if I get sick of weddings, and truth is I don't. There is such excitement all around and to be honest that energy is contagious.

The years tend to fly by the older I get and so for the start of 2020 what better than to reflect on all the past year has brought me. Up first I wanted to first revisit all the Engagement sessions I captured in 2019! This year I went to a lot of different places to shoot my beautiful couples in love. From a Stratford, Connecticut brewery to a greenhouse at Smith College in Massachusetts.

So I am a little behind with this blog post but this wedding in early October was so spectacular! The day started pretty cool and cloudy but really turned around with amazing light. I showed up at Powder Ridge Park in Middlefield, Connecticut to start with the bride. Mary, her girls, and both mothers were there - pretty calm and collected, just as I suspected. The hair and make up team just had a few more touch ups.

Confession: Winter sessions are wonderful and a close up to my favorite time of year to shoot (second to fall). Sarah and Robby suggested meeting up at their favorite winery, Paradise Hills in Wallingford, Connecticut. Being a Wallingford native myself I had funny enough never been and boy was I missing out. This vineyard is quaint will a super kind staff and accommodating.