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.

  • I’ll step in when you need direction (portraits, family photos, timeline flow) and step back when you don’t. You get photos that feel natural and look elevated, without spending your day performing for the camera.

  • You’ll spend a lot of time with your photographer on a wedding day. I take that seriously. I’ll match your energy, keep things moving, and make sure you feel comfortable and cared for, while still keeping it fun.

  • I photograph with an editorial eye and an emotionally honest approach. True-to-life color, intentional composition, real moments so your gallery feels timeless, not trendy.

  • You’ll know what’s coming and what matters. I’ll help you build a photography-friendly timeline, create a smooth family photo plan, and walk through the day with you (and your planner) so nothing important gets missed.

    Communication is simple: email, text, or whatever works best. You’ll never feel like you’re guessing.

  • If you feel awkward, you’re normal. I’ll guide you with prompts that feel like you (not stiff poses), and I’ll give clear direction when it matters, so your photos look effortless and you still feel like yourselves.

  • Trends come and go. The way your day felt is what lasts. I focus on honest moments, thoughtful composition, and true-to-life color so your gallery feels timeless and unmistakably you.

  • Colorado weather does what it wants. I come prepared with backup plans, flexible locations, and years of experience in every kind of light so your photos stay beautiful even when the day shifts.

CONNECT WITH MARI
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.

Inquire with Mari

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