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.

March 30, 2019

Engagement sessions could quite be my favorite thing. For this session I was able to visit Great River Park in East Hartford, which is a on the banks overlooking Hartford. Despite the wind AnnMarie and Larry rocked it - they are such sweethearts and easy to work with. There was some pressure being my first session of the year but I quickly got back into the groove. I am excited for their East Hartford wedding this October.

February 24, 2019

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

February 15, 2019

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.

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.

January 15, 2019

Welcoming 2019 with an open heart and new fresh website for you all! I am a few years into my business and felt the time was right for a refresh and proper branding. I continue to find my style to attract my ideal clients -- the relaxed, fun, smiley & spirited crowd. I wanted this new site to showcase bright and bold images that bring out the emotions of my couples and families. There are so many aspects of this site that I love, like the interactive scrolling homepage and seeing my updated images on the portfolio page.

December 31, 2018

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.

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!

November 11, 2018

This year my holiday sessions took place at Herzig Tree Farm in Durham, Connecticut. You can't get more classic New England with a great family photo in a tree farm. The weather is always crazy here but rainy and cloudy mornings turned into sunny afternoon and even wind!

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.