WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS ROMANCE
Welcome to your best day ever.
This is how your story deserves to be told– with honesty and beauty at the forefront.
A mix of documentary-style photojournalism, true-to-life editing inspired by film, editorial moments, and natural portraits that feel like the real you.
Honoring all kinds of love, and every shade of skin.
When it comes to wedding planning, you're not afraid to go against the grain
and I love that about you.
You're here because you want to spend the day celebrating in a way that's meaningful to you and your love. Because you're looking for an experience that feels like you outside that world of weddings that feels unfamiliar and overwhelming. You don't want your marriage to begin on a day that's full of seating charts and stress– you want to step into your new life feeling like yourselves, right? Well I'm so glad you're here, because I'm going to help you do just that.
Feeling like you need a little help getting started with all this?
I know, it can be overwhelming when you don't quite know where to start!
Enter: me, Marla! Hey friends ♥︎ This picture sums it up pretty well, I think– juggling three cameras with a big smile, glowing with the little sense of adventure that comes with exploring a new place.
I'm an introverted extrovert who loves travel, indie music, the Twilight saga, and everything about elopements. I'm enamored with the concept of creating a wedding day that's just about you and your love, and making it the best day of your life. I can't wait to share that passion with you while photographing your best and most beautiful moments along the way!
Artful imagery with a documentary-style approach
There are a lot of photographers out there, but when you make your decision about who gets to join you on your special day, make sure you love their art.
My style has an emphasis on candid moments, and I aim to tell your story honestly and in the most beautiful way possible. We'll be sure to get some fabulous portraits where you're looking your very best, but for most of the day, I want to capture how you feel and the way that you celebrate and adventure together! I want to document the little looks you share, the stolen kisses, the tender moments. I want you to be able to look through these photos for the rest of time and remember the feeling of being there.
I always bring along a film camera (or two) to add to the magic of those little moments. Every elopement package includes up to one roll of film, and if you're interested in a more film-focused approached, I'd be happy to chat more about what that might look like.
MELISSA & ANTHONY
Marla is everything you want in an elopement photographer and so much more. She has an eye for beauty, connection, and love for both Mother Earth and between you and your partner. From the moment you book her until long after your special day, she has a clear investment in your happiness. She gets to know you personally, and on your elopement day you have her undivided attention.
Hot take: it's not about the landscape.
You're here for gorgeous photos of you. The backdrop is just a bonus.
I'm going to keep it so real with you–every single photographer out there can take a cool photo of a tiny couple in a landscape.
So how do you know who to hire? I think the best thing you can do is to choose a photographer based not on what they photograph, but how. So what makes me stand out? Here are 'the big three':
While of course we'll get some epic wide shots, you, your partner, and the love between you should be the main focus of the day. I do more than take landscape photos with you in them, I capture real emotions– the laughter, the tears, and everything in between.
I've been obsessed with film photography for a long time, and it was over three years ago that I decided to add it to every single one of my elopement packages. No need to pay to add on X number of rolls– you'll get just enough candid, analog, nostalgic snaps of your day.
Want to know what my superpower is? Matching your energy. Feeling sentimental? Let's lean in. Feel like doing cartwheels on the beach? I'm right behind you! I've been told that I'm kind of like an Emotional Support Photographer– there to calm nerves and hype you up.
Some popular elopement planning resources:
How to Plan a Hiking Elopement | Tips for an Adventure Experience
Nostalgia never goes out of style
Film photos are included in every package
Are you also in love with this retro renaissance we've entered? Everything old is new again, and film has made a big comeback in recent years!
One thing that's set me apart since 2021 is my inclusion of film in all of my elopement packages. Every single couple receives up to a full roll of gorgeous, imperfect, one-of-a-kind photos that are, as some might say, a whole ass vibe.
I love the intentionality behind each and every shot, and the magical way that film is able to capture light in a way that modern digital cameras can't replicate. Film photos are so special, and I believe it is the most timeless form of memory-making that we have.
Film will never go out of style. Don't you want some of that magic for your elopement day?
Some industry recognition:
Junebug Best of the Best Destination Contest Winner
International Wedding Photographer of the Year Finalist
Inaugural Elopement Legend Award Winner
World's Best Wedding Photos Award Winner
Top 100 Artist Guild Photographer by Wedding Photojournalist Association
WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS ROMANCE
Based in Seattle, available in Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, and beyond.