hello, i'm marissa.
MY WHY
I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories — the messy parts, the beautiful parts, the “this is what made me who I am” parts. Give me a podcast, documentary, or book about real lives and real emotions, and I’m all in. That fascination with the human experience has always been a part of me, and it naturally found its way into my work.
I spent eight years as a psych nurse, caring for people who felt overlooked, unheard, or completely misunderstood. That job taught me so much about presence and compassion… and honestly, about how deeply people just want to be seen. Photography became this unexpected extension of that — a way to honor people, their love, and the moments that matter to them.
When couples are in front of my camera, my hope is simple: I want them to feel seen and valued. I want them to feel the beauty in their love and the joy in who they are together. And I hope that when they look back at their photos — and when others see them, too — they’re reminded that love is worthy, beauty is real, and life, even when it’s hard, can be unbelievably beautiful.
a bit about me
I’m obsessed with cookies — and yes, I fully admit I’m a cookie snob. They have to be slightly crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. If it tastes like it came from a box on the bottom shelf at the grocery store… absolutely not.
When I’m not on a cookie quest, you’ll usually find me dancing around the kitchen with my kids, wandering through nature, tending to my little garden, or getting lost in a good book or a beautifully shot movie. And listen… I will absolutely unwind with some reality TV. Love Is Blind, anyone?
I’m also a huge fan of milk chocolate, discovering new bakeries, and treasure hunting in thrift stores, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx.
But honestly, nothing beats being with my family — being silly, laughing way too hard, and soaking up the tiny moments that make life feel big. That’s the same energy I bring to my work: warm, real, and all about celebrating the good stuff.
brown butter chocolate chip
FAVORITE COOKIE
any pasta dish
FAVORITE FOOD
Love Is Blind
GUILTY PLEASURE
the Office
FAVORITE SHOW
definitely sweet
SALTY OR SWEET?
outgoing introvert
INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT?
THE COUPLES I
TO WORK WITH
love
The couples I work with aren’t just clients — they’re a part of my story, an extension of my heart, and the reason my photography even exists. My work comes alive because of them, their love, their personalities, and the trust they place in me.
That’s why this section is here — to talk about the couples who make my work come alive and make every shoot feel like it’s worth showing up for.
perfectly messy
Couples who appreciate beautiful design but don’t stress when something isn’t perfectly in place — they know a little imperfection is part of the magic.
WHO I LOVE
I've known my high school sweetheart for a whopping 20 years, and we've been married for 12 years. The love is still as strong as ever! Our two kiddos, Atlas (7) and Athena (2.5), keep things lively and full of joy. Growing up, I always wanted to fast-forward to the next stage of life, but now, being a wife and mama feels like the sweetest spot.
Photos taken by Bree Ali Mary Photography
THE THINGS I VALUE
creating photos that represent you
all love
getting your skin tone right
good cookies
family
transparency
genuine inclusivity
growth & learning
living & loving like Jesus
.png)
"Marissa is one of the warmest, kindest people you'll ever meet."
COLIN + MINDY
"Marissa was overall the most genuine, caring, and comforting photographer I’ve ever experienced."
HALEY + HAILEY
"Marissa is professional, responsive, and makes you feel right at ease in front of the camera."
MATT + ALIDA
15
years experience
200+
couples captured
5-STAR
