Time for reflection on all the greatness and love that was 2024! Every year its so fun to look back at all the smiles I captured this year. By the numbers I photographed 5 MOP couples, was an associate on 6 other weddings with my photographer friends, attended a handful of networking/content days, few more nonwedding related sessions, countless miles & smiles and over 5,300 images! Wow!
I started off my year really nailing down what I want Mariel O. Photo to look like in the future. I joined a group of like-minded photographers in The Strategy Retreat, hosted by Alicia Daw. Alicia is a local luxury photographer that loves to help others thrive. We met each week and talked about attracting our ideal clients, finances, gear, and enhancing our client experiences. What I have learned throughout the year will take time to implement but I am forever thankful and grateful. There was a summer soiree and end of the year holiday dinner and it is always so good to see my peers.
My first wedding was a "May the 4th be with You" Mediterranean inspired party with Emily & Eddy. The details were abundant and it made me so happy to do some styling. The Star Wars touches were just that and not overwhelming to take away from the beauty. The dance down the aisle is an all time favorite ceremony exits and the reception dance floor was fire with tons of Latin flair.
The simplicity of Judy & Justin's Gilmore Girls love filled brunch was a first for me. I couldn't love this theme more as #Gilmoreislife lol but the morning mid-day relaxed feel by a gazebo was a joy. No stressful timelines and plenty of portrait time with them. I ended that day at their home with their exuberant doggies capturing some family photos!
If you read my post about Becca & JD you knew I was grinning ear to ear all day. The overcast day made the lighting ideal which meant I overshot A LOT! The dusty blue color pallet and the big wedding party were fantastic too! The grounds of the venue were rolling and there's nothing better than a castle with ivy. One fun reception moment was Jonathan from UCONN hitting the dance floor as a surprise for everyone (JD included). I love the reactions!
Kaylee & Zach hit one of my bucket list venues with Stonehurst at Hampton Valley. The weather was a disappointment for the ceremony but the rained stopped and cleared so I could get some outdoor shots of the grounds and classic stonework. The bright colors of the bouquets were some of my favorite this year.
Kristen & Dan lakeside ceremony brought the season to an official close. What I appreciate about the couples I attract is the laid back ease of them. Couples that are clearly in love and enjoy the company of the people surrounding them. There is something about a lakeside affair - again no pressure, just good food and a packed dance floor!
Enjoy some favorites and some you may have not seen before. I am ready for 2025 and more success all because of my amazing clients!
Continued smiles,
Mariel
