xoxo, mary
For the first three years of my daughter’s life, my family’s moments were captured mostly on a cell phone. I never really captured the joy we felt as a new family of three. I never really captured my daughter as an independent two-year-old with her itty bitty ponytail and her giant cheeks. I missed capturing beautiful moments that I can never get back because life was busy and our schedules were full, and honestly, I was tired.
Sound familiar?
You’re in the right place.
Hi there, I’m Mary. I am a family and newborn photographer for those who want to preserve what’s most important to them - their family’s memories. Whether you’re soaking in baby snuggles or chasing your curious toddler, I’ll capture the treasured family moments you don’t want to miss.
i can never get back
i missed moments
My love for photography began in 2010 when I purchased my first professional camera. I took a lot of cute pictures of my nieces and nephews and started a small side hustle taking pictures for a few friends. I had a lot to learn, but I loved capturing special family moments. Family photos took on a whole new meaning after my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I started to see and understand photography as the gift it actually is--freezing cherished moments in time.
A few years later after our daughter was born, I experienced some health issues. I remember wanting quality photos of my daughter and my family instead of just the quick snapshots on my iphone 4. Unfortunately, we have no professional photos documenting her fun and silly two-year-old personality. No quality prints to pass onto her when she’s older. Nothing tangible to remember that season of our lives.
The following year when my health was managed, I did some soul searching. I felt prompted to choose a new career path, and my love for photography was rekindled. I sat at the kitchen table across from my husband and said, “I want to start my own photography business. I know I can make this work.” It was scary and exciting and a huge leap of faith. I poured myself into photography classes. Learned about camera settings, exposure, light, and posing. Made a website. Defined my photography style.
Now five years later, my mission remains the same: to help busy moms preserve the family moments that mean the most to them.
BEHIND THE PHOTOS
the heart
gerding family
“ Not only is she gifted in her craft, but she is kind, generous, and sincere.”
WORD ON THE STREET
01
Coffee is my love language. Something about that first sip makes me ready to start the day. I love a vanilla latte in a coffee shop with a good friend and heartfelt conversation just as much as I savor the quiet moments with my homemade brew.
coffee
A WARM CUP OF
02
There’s just something about escaping in a good book.
It’s hard to list all of my favorites, but some of them are Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, The Nightingale, The Secret Keeper, The Paris Wife, and In the Time of the Butterflies.
book
a good book
03
Trips to Paris? Zero. But it’s my dream to get there. I want to see the Eiffel Tower in person. Sit at a cafe with a French pastry and a latte. Stroll the streets of Montmartre where the great writers and artists walked.
paris
