About Mariana

Colorado wedding and elopement photographer with an editorial eye, honest emotion, and confident guidance.

My Vow to You

I got married in 2015, and I learned the hard way how much your photographer shapes your experience. We didn’t get much guidance, and I walked away wishing my photos felt more like us.

That experience is one of the reasons I do what I do now.

Here’s my vow: you’ll feel supported, well-prepared, and fully yourself in front of my camera. You’ll never be left wondering what to do, where to look, or what’s next. And you’ll receive images that look refined and bring you back to the way it all felt.

3D model of a cappuccino in a paper cup with a lid, placed on a brown surface.
A woman with dark wavy hair, wearing a black top and blue jeans, sitting on a white armchair with a laptop on her lap, smiling and resting her chin on her hand.

"Mari makes you feel like a priority....

Not only is she an amazing photographer who takes beautiful photos, she’s also a genuinely great person. The joy she brings to her work is infectious and I’m so glad I found her."

Alexandra | Bride

My Approach

I photograph weddings and elopements with a mix of editorial artistry, emotionally honest storytelling, and direction that feels natural. You’ll never feel like you’re performing for the camera. You’ll feel guided, supported, and free to actually live your day.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

Editorial eye, without the stiffness
I’m paying attention to composition, light, and design so your images look refined and intentional, not trendy or over-posed.

Emotion first, always
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. I’m watching for the in-between moments, the way you reach for each other, the people who matter most, the way it all feels.

Guidance that keeps things easy
I’ll direct you when you need it (portraits, family photos, timeline flow), and step back when you don’t, so the real moments unfold naturally.

What you can count on

Confident direction, an easy experience and images that feel true years from now.

A geometric patterned tile with black and tan sections, placed diagonally on a flat surface.

"My wedding photos capture all

the feels from that day:

The happiness, laughter, tears, love and silliness."

ELIZABETH | BRIDE

A family of four standing in a grassy field with trees in the background, black and white photo, with two adults and two children.

More About Mari

Let me tell you a little more about me

Gold downward direction double arrows
Mari is a Mama

I'm a Mama

Delilah + Luca are my world. I’ll never turn your day into content, but I will bring that mom-level calm-under-pressure energy. We also have two dogs: Rosie & Banjo.

Adventurer Hiking Boot

I'm an Adventurer at Heart

Coffee shops, breweries, hiking boots, and any excuse to explore somewhere new.

Wedding Ring Image

I'm a Design Lover

Though I love simple and clean designs, if you go crazy over little, minute details (like I do), rest assured I’ll photograph every last one.

Brazil Country Shape

I'm Brazilian Born

I moved to America when I was eight. I speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I am extremely proud of my heritage and where I come from.

Storyteller Camera image

I'm a Storyteller

I’m always watching for the in-between moments. That’s where the good stuff lives.

Leave No Trace Conservationist Mariana Ziegler

I'm a Conservationist

I’m a conservationist. I follow Leave No Trace principles and care deeply about preserving the places we get to celebrate in.

What This Looks Like For You

On your wedding day, you should feel like yourself. Not “camera-ready.” Not rushed. Not like you have to get it all right.

So here’s what you can expect when I’m photographing your wedding or elopement:

You’ll feel guided, not staged. You’ll always know what to do, and it will still feel like you.

You’ll stay present. I’ll help things flow smoothly so you can focus on the people and moments that matter.

Your photos will feel refined and real. Beautiful composition and honest emotion, together in the same frame.

Ready to feel present on your day?

If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Colorado (or anywhere in the Mountain West) and you want photos that feel refined, honest, and full of real emotion, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Tell me about your people, your priorities, and what you want this to feel like.

Colorado-wide availability. A limited number of dates each year.

A quick fit check:

If you want a photographer who brings direction, energy, and a refined eye while still letting your day feel real, we’ll probably get along very well.

If you want something super posed, heavily filtered, or built around the photos more than the people, I may not be your best match