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Featured MDP weddings:
Less Posing. More candid. All you!
I know it can be awkward having a human follow you around taking photos. This is why I shoot with a candid mind. Instead of worrying about moving from pose to pose, I want you to be fully present in this amazing memory!
Of course I'm here for you every step of the way, so lean on me if you feel lost. We can definitely still capture those staged Family Portraits, and I'll grab all those details you worked so hard to perfect.
At the end of the day, my aim is to take such good care of you so you can look back on these memories and remember the feeeels that came with each moment!
The candid style!
See featured weddings
I take extreme care in making sure you enjoy your day! This even includes grandma, parents, and every member of your bridal party. Since my approach asks you to be yourself, I make sure you are as comfortable and free to enjoy each moment as possible.
I aim to be much more than your wedding photographer. I'll chat with everyone, find bandaids for blisters, grab you a drink from the bar, make sure you pee before you put on your dress, and even help you create a wedding timeline if need be! I got you, so all you have to do is enjoy these moments!
Why Choose Marissa?
Fair warning:
• i may squeal from excitement
• i will make sure you eat
• i always have backup DEODORANt, bobby pins and PRETZELS if you need.
I may be biased, but photography is one of the most important investments you can make for your wedding. These photographs are what keep your memories alive!!
Being your photographer is a job I take very seriously, which is why I'm with you from the moment you inquire to long after your special day. I strive to work with couples that not only understand my approach, but truly cheer each other on!
I offer four different wedding packages customised to each client. All come with my candid style + extra goodies to make it easy and stress-free.
Investment
2021 experiences
begin at
$2,800
Heads up: I only accept 15 - 20 wedding commissions a year and typically book about 12-18 months out. Each wedding date is booked on a first come first serve basis though, so inquire through the contact form and let's begin chatting!
"She kept me calm during some moments where I would have lost it. She was always there whenever we needed help (even if it wasn't her responsibility) and she is just a light. She exudes happiness which makes the day even better." - Leah & Patrick (2018)
"Marissa was not only our photographer but our sudo day-of-coordinator, bridesmaid director, stress reliever, and the most incredible photographer we could ever ask for" - Blair & AJ (2018)
"I do not like having pictures taken of me, but between Marissa's candid style and effortless ability to capture moments without us even noticing it was happening was really perfect. She is young and fun, but talented beyond her years. Her presence through the whole process was comforting and she provided the perfect balance of going with the flow and giving the right advice when we needed it. She captured every moment and detail that we'd want and more. We love how natural the photos are and that they portray the energy and love we felt surrounded by that day." - Emily & David (2018)
Reviews
"Marissa was organized, calm, but exciting and fun to be around. She kept the family pictures quick and easy. She captured beautiful moments and allowed us to enjoy our day, worry free!" - Alyssa & Kevin (2017)
"Marissa has the MOST wonderful, fun loving personality. She has such a way to make you feel like you are so important! She is professional, CREATIVE, and passionate. Our wedding party also said how much they loved her, her style of photography and the way she interacted with us." - Brittany & Matt (2017)
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The
wedding experience
Contact marissa
The Candid Style
The Candid Style
REVIEWS FROM MDP COUPLES
REVIEWS FROM MDP COUPLES
WHY CHOOSE MARISSA?
WHY CHOOSE MARISSA?
investment
investment
Alll the deeets:
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How long will it take to receive my images?
My aim is to get you THE finished online gallery for proofing at least a month to a month and a half after your wedding date. Please note: with my schedule pending the wedding season, this may take less time OR A TAD MORE TIME than anticipated!
Do you prefer to walk through the wedding venue?
YES YES YES. If we don't meet there to walk through together, I will walk through on my own. Even if it happens to be that week before your wedding. I like to take a look and see where may be the best spots for photos (and make sure I know how to get there).
How early do you book weddings?
I tend to booK about a year to a year in a half out. My schedule is first come first serve, meaning if you are the first to inquire and place a deposit, (and I feel we would work together), then you get first dibs! I open my packages on a season basis (Winter/Spring, Summer & Fall). Each is based upon the current wedding climate and the amount of inquiries I receive for a specific date.
Do you like to meet with us before booking?
Yes! Call me old fashion, but I like to see your love story in action. Wedding photographers will be by your side more than your mom on your wedding day. With that said, I need to make sure we click. Working together will be a full mixture of personalities and clear understanding. This includes a ton of communication and respect. Even though I would love to capture every single wedding that inquires, sometimes you may be a better fit for another photographer - and that is OKAY! If that is the case I will make sure to get you in contact with photographers who will capture your memories flawlessly.
Do you offer engagement sessions with your wedding packages?
Yes! They are included and/or discounted with each package offerED. I allow my couples to choose their location (so yes, it could even be in the comfort of your own home!). If you choose an outdoor location (which I typically recommend) I do ask that we find a day that works for either sunrise or sunset!
What if I don't need an engagement session?
I still ask that WE SCHEDULE ONE so I can capture you two, even if it is a quick mini-session! Working together with a camera in between us is a whole different story, and it helps YOU get used to my style of shooting.
Do you really not pose?
Haha I really don't pose! I'll make sure that if you are looking at me like a ball of nerves, I'll help you along. for the most part, I want you to be as much yourself as you possibly can!
What is the biggest difference between packages?
My wedding packages are based on hours. Over the years, I've noticed that many weddings have the capability to fit into an 8-hour package. Because of this, I offer 10, 8 and 6 hour packages for wedding dates. If you are eloping, having a more intimate celebration, or just desire those special family and bridal portraits: I also offer a 3-hour package to cover what is most important on your wedding day.
Do you bring
a second shooter?
My aim with all of my weddings is to bring a second pair of hands to help me with your ceremony and family portraits. With that said, the seconds I tend to bring have full-time jobs, families, and other photography businesses to run. I do not have a second shooter on staff at all times, making it difficult to say I guarantee it. The good news is that many photographers bring a second shooter to grab those candids while the main photog captures the staged portraits. With my style of shooting, it is capable for me to grab the entire day solo since I'm already grabbing the candids!
Can you cut the cost of your packages?
I understand how expensive a wedding can be - truly I do. Unfortunately though I do not offer discounts or cut package costs. Other than the cost of me to actually capture your day, each package includes costs to also not only run my business, but also make sure I am able to help you from the moment you inquire, to long after I send you the online gallery. I take great pride in making certain my couples are well-taken care of. Because of this head on over to my investment page and learn why wedding photography is one of the most important pieces of investments you'll make toward your love story.
Deposit? Remainder? Payment Plan?
I do require a non-refundable deposit plus the contract signed at least 6-months before your wedding day. Everything is digital and can be paid online through the proposal sent. Your date is not officially blocked off in my calendar until the deposit is paid though. The remaining fee is due before your wedding date.
Do you offer wedding albums?
YES! This year I started to offer physical albums. Even though every package comes with a digital, online wedding gallery, I do offer actual books. These albums come in three different sizes and are all beautifully hand-crafted and stitched together with precision. The pages are lay-flat and matte, making each image pop with color and feel smooth at the touch.
Am I supposed to tip you?
Very weird question to answer myself, but I have answered this before. I am a service-based profession. With that said, if you enjoy my service and feel the desire to tip, I'm not gonna stop ya.
Am I supposed to feed you?
Yes. You should feed all your vendors if they work through your dinner. Many venues will require you to do this, and many contracts (including mine) have a clause that explain about food. Wedding days are just as long for you as it is for us (I'm including videographer, band, day of coordination, etc).
Is there a Contract we have to sign?
Yes, and I will go over it in person, or at least on the phone. It is digital and available to be signed online. It covers my butt and yours in case anything were to happen to the photos, or a cancellation of your day.
most FREQUENTLY Asked questions
Thank YOU for everything! You talked about not being able to put it into words but we truly can't either. We feel SO thankful for you and loved having you be the one to capture our day. Our family and friends in our bridal party could not say enough great things about you as well! You are absolutely amazing and we LOVE our pictures!!! You captured every moment of our special day just as it happened and it was wonderful reliving it by going through each and every picture together!! They all looked beautiful and we can't wait to be able to share them with our family and friends!!!
XOXO
Angela & Jud
each and every picture together."
"it was wonderful reliving it by going through
2018 WEDDING
2018 DESTINATION WEDDING
"She captured quality, candid moments that were
true to us!"
I would recommend Marissa any day to anyone! She has a way of making you feel comfortable and excited (even if you normally hate being in front of a camera). My husband & I were fortunate to schedule her for our engagement shoot and wedding day. She captured quality, candid moments that were true to us! And to top it off, her communication and turn-around time were very impressive! I cannot say enough about how happy we were with Marissa. She is professional, positive, and genuinely talented.
Thank you so much, Marissa!!
- Kelly + Marc
2018 WEDDING
"her soul is pure
People, if you want the best, kindest and most trustworthy person to capture your wedding day, or any day, use Marissa Decker. Her soul is pure through and through! We love you, mean it!
- Leah + Pat
through and through"
2018 WEDDING
"so freaking
You are so freaking amazing, thank you for EVERYTHING! The day would not have been the same without such an amazing friend and photographer - literally I love every single pic!
- Chelsea + Zach
AMAZING!"
2018 WEDDING
"I have to say
I am not prone to exaggeration, but seeing the pictures that you sent out from Emily and David’s wedding this past weekend – I have to say – WOW.
I really enjoyed meeting you and I really appreciated the efficiency of your efforts. You are a true professional and a cool young lady.
- Tom (Father of the Bride).
WOW!"
2018 WEDDING
"there's no stress
& most of the time you
Marissa shot our engagement photos and our wedding and I seriously could not be happier with both sessions! She has a true eye for those special, candid moments and spectacular composition. Marissa makes you feel so comfortable, too. There's no stress, and most of the time you don't even know she's taking photos! Marissa also is great at communicating with you regarding any questions you might have or setting up her photography timeline, which was a big relief during the wedding planning process. She's punctual, professional and so sweet. I'm so happy that we chose Marissa Decker!
- Corey + Brian
DON'T EVEN KNOW SHE'S TAKING PHOTOS!"
2018 WEDDING
"If I could go back in time for my wedding
Marissa is an amazing photographer. Marissa makes you feel as though you have known her forever and that truly helps when you're taking photos! I'm certainly the most awkward person in front of a camera but Marissa makes it feel as though you're just hanging out and having a fun time! She is very communicative and on top of everything! You will not be disappointed with Marissa. Thanks Marissa!
- Stephanie + Scott
Marissa has done multiple weddings I’ve been to and her pictures are always perfection. But perfection for that individual couple. She captures who they are. She is also able to quickly get a large group set up (like my giant, 70ish people, family) and get our picture done in a matter of two minutes... no easy task! If I could go back in time and get married again, I’d hire her for my wedding hands down!
- Kelsie Clark Ilko (cousin of the bride)
I'D HIRE HER .. HANDS DOWN"
2018 WEDDING
"...the friendliest, most energetic, most upbeat &
Right from our first meeting with her, she was cheery, she was on the ball, and she was thinking one step ahead. And seriously, just meeting with her was a sure way to brighten our day. Marissa travelled all the way to Columbus to take our engagement photos in the frigid January snow, gave plenty of encouragement, and captured some terrific pictures that now hang in our home. Every step of the way, Marissa’s communication skills were great. She made us very comfortable; we knew our wedding photos were in good hands. The day of the wedding, Marissa was phenomenal. It seemed like she was seven places at once. She knew the wedding day itinerary, got everybody organized, and she even helped the clueless newlywed couple figure out the best way to cut the cake! Marissa captured great family and wedding party photos in pre-planned group photos. However, even more impressively, she captured tremendous candid photos of fun moments throughout the wedding ceremony and reception. Marissa’s ability to seemingly be at every key part of the celebration helped her capture the essence of one of the best days of our lives. Both for our engagement photos in the bristling January cold and for our wedding photos in the mid-July heat, Marissa was the friendliest, most energetic, most upbeat, and most skilled photographer we could possibly have hoped for. We loved having her as our photographer, and her work is top-notch.
MOST SKILLED PHOTOGRAPHER..."
2018 WEDDING
"...so incredibly
I wanted to thank you for being just incredibly spectacular on our big day. It's hard to come up with words to describe your impact when random guests kept coming up to Kathleen and I asking about who our photographer was (YOU!) because she was so amazing! All I can do is say thank you. I can't sing your praises enough!!
- Kathleen + Graham
SPECTACULAR ON OUR BIG DAY!"
2018 WEDDING
"We could not be
We could not be happier with our wedding photos!!! Thank you so so much Marisa Decker for capturing these unforgettable moments!
- Katie + Ryan
HAPPIER..."
2018 + 2019 Videographer vendor
"..one of the best people
Marissa hands down does some of the best work out there. Not only is her work outstanding, but she is one of the best people to work with in the industry. Her high energy, optimism, and creativity is unmatched and influences everyone in a room. A really great person to work with!
- Mario Micale
TO WORK WITH
in the industry."
2017 wedding
"...taking such
Oh my goodness - THANK YOU SO MUCH!! We love it! You are literally the sweetest thing. And we are so thankful for your talent. Thank you for taking such good care of us!! We will recommend you to anyone that will listen!
- Lauren + Matthew
GOOD CARE OF US!"
2017 wedding
"...felt like we had been
Meeting Marissa for the first time felt like we had been friends for years! We had the pleasure of using Marissa for both our engagement and wedding photos. Marissa truly went above and beyond to ensure that our day went smoothly on all ends. Even checking in to see if we needed anything throughout the day. She captured all the moments I never knew that would even happen! We are so thrilled with our wedding photos and cannot wait to receive the final downloads so we can hang them in our home. Thank you for capturing or forever memories, including some photos of family members that will forever be close to our hearts
- Jessica + MaCauley
FRIENDS FOR YEARS"
2017 wedding
"...relive the
I cannot say enough good things about Marissa as a photographer and a person. She is professional and clear in her correspondence, but has a calming and personable presence which is essential to illicit the natural smiles and poses seen in her work. She is very flexible and offers suggestions, but always puts the couple's wishes first. Most importantly, she has an incredible talent to capture EVERY moment of the day in a way that makes you relive the emotions of the moment when you look at the photo, yet she is not ever the slightest bit obtrusive. What else could you want in a photographer? She is the very best out there.
Thank you, Marissa, from the bottom of my heart for so perfectly capturing our special day. Your photos will always remind us of some of our most joyful memories for the rest of our lives.
- Sera + Kerrigan
EMOTIONS OF THE MOMENT"
2017 wedding
"Marissa is a talent and
Marissa is is a talent and beautiful spirit. She is so helpful, polite, patient, smart, and kind. She is such a fantastic photographer and has a beautiful, light, and natural style. She made me feel at ease the whole day. I CANNOT recommend Marissa more. The pictures she took are priceless memories we will always love. Thank you thank you Marissa!
- Brittany + Matt
A BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT"
2017 wedding
"She has the most
"Marissa is simply the most amazing person inside and out! My husband and I were lucky enough to have Marissa photograph our engagement pictures and our wedding! She traveled to Lexington for both!!
She has the most calming presence, you don't feel nervous or uncomfortable with her taking pictures. She captures moments that normal people don't see! I can't say enough good things about her! Her work speaks for itself, but she is also truly an amazing person!! Hands down the best!!"
- Alex Sims (Bride)
"You outdid yourself this time Marissa!! The pictures are absolutely beautiful!!! I simply cannot stop looking at them!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! You absolutely captured the feelings and emotions of the entire day!!! From beginning to end!! Haha!! I am so glad you could share in that day with us!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!"
-Christy Elias (Mother of the Bride)
CALMING PRESENCE..."
2017 wedding
"I love that Marissa caught all the
"I LOVE that Marissa Decker caught all the little moments, along with the big moments. They are all so special in their own way. We are so fortunate to have had her capture our day! These memories mean the world to us! Thank you for the one thousandth time from Kevin & I."
- Alyssa + Kevin
LITTLE MOMENTS..."
2017 wedding
"Thank you Marissa for
(About Blog Post): "I seriously am sitting in my car and viewing this for probably the 100th time and am in tears. I didn't even notice the statement Marissa wrote till now which seriously tugged at my heart more then I can begin to explain. Marissa you are an angel with a very special gift!!!! Love you so very much!
(About Wedding Day): "Thank you Marissa for capturing so much more then just a photo. I could not of asked for anything more perfect out of our photos and it's all bc you saw us and knew us for clearly! Sending you love + appreciation. "
CAPTURING MORE THAN JUST A PHOTO"
2017 wedding
"I LOVE that Marissa Decker caught all the little moments, along with the big moments. They are all so special in their own way. We are so fortunate to have had her capture our day! These memories mean the world to us! Thank you for "Marissa Decker Photography everything you captured was just perfection!(Y'all...Marissa is incredible, HIRE HER IMMEDIATELY if you need a photographer)."
- Jimmy Wojtila (Groom)
"Having Marissa as a part of our big day was one of the best decisions we made (besides the "I Dos" of course)!"
- Sarah Wojtila (Bride)
"The way you capture the emotion of the room + the moment is seriously amazing. Just the smiles or faces of people during a situation - the first dance, the speeches the little moments in-between the ceremony or waiting in the cocktail floor. Honestly I’m stunned (not that I ever doubted you for a second) but you blew my expectations out of the water!!!!"
- Stephen Wojtila (Best Man)
HIRE HER IMMEDIATELY..."
2017 wedding
Wow where do I even begin?! Marissa is an incredible photographer. She did a FANTASTIC job taking pictures for our wedding!! We loved ALL of them, and that is not an exaggeration! Her candid style was perfect for my husband's and my style and needs. So many times photographers will stop couples in the middle of their wedding to get "the perfect shot." This was not the case for Marissa at all, and we were so thankful!! She took pictures of us doing what we do, and how we do it! This is something that is truly unique to Marissa!! Her light and airy style is natural and not too edited, another thing we loved!!
Not only is she a wonderful photographer, but her personality behind and away from the camera just sealed the deal!! She is so caring, accommodating, relaxed, and the person to help us the day of the wedding, even for things outside of photography. We could not have asked for a better person to capture the best day of our lives. Thank you Marissa for letting us relive our wedding day each and every time we look at our photos. You are just spectacular!! xoxo
INCREDIBLE
PHOTOGRAPHER"
"Marissa is an
2017 wedding
The photos blew me away!! Kelly + Matt said from the beginning how much they loved your style and were so excited to have you photograph their wedding. I get it!! Just beautiful! Thank you for your talent and work!!
Lori Smith: (Mother of the Bride)
BLEW ME AWAY!!"
"The photos
2017 wedding
Have I mentioned recently how AWESOME our wedding photographer was?! Safe to say we had the BEST photographer to capture our special day. Thank you thank you thank you for all the fantastic pictures Marissa Decker!
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER"
"Safe to say we had
2016 wedding
"Marissa is the best! She gives 100% all of the time! Easy to work with! So happy someone recommended her to us! We can't wait to see our pictures. We can't wait to recommend her to another couple"
SHE GIVES 100%
ALL OF THE TIME!"
"Marissa is the best!
2016 WEDDING, VENDOR REVIEW
"We love to assist our brides in finding the gown of their dreams, but we are also here to help them out every step of the wedding planning process. We urge our brides to really invest in a good photographer. One that will capture your day, the emotions, the love, the laughter, and the moments in one beautiful image [...] Marissa has done several of our bride’s weddings and has an amazing ability to capture pure, raw emotion. We could see our bride’s personalities through her photos with intimate shots that show the true feelings that you experience on your wedding day. When you look at her page, you will see that many of her photos capture a couple laughing and sharing in the beauty of their wedding day."
CAPTURE PURE, RAW EMOTION."
"...an amazing ability to
*CHOSEN AS ONE OF 5 LOCAL VENDORS REFERRED*
2016 wedding
"We cannot thank Marissa Decker Photography enough for capturing our wedding day! She was SO great to work with & the pictures turned out beautiful!! We couldn't be happier! [...] Thinking about how comfortable she made us both during the planning and through our day, we could not have dreamed up someone better to capture our day. Her amazing work directly reflects the type of person she is and we are blessed to have the memories she provided us. Thank you again!"
DIRECTLY REFLECTS THE TYPE OF PERSON SHE IS"
"Her amazing work
REVEREND LYNN BRESSI-ROWLES
2015 WEDDING, VENDOR REVIEW
"I have been a minister for 18 years and have married over 6000 couples! I can honestly say that Marissa is one of the sweetest, kindest, and most respectful photographers I have ever worked with. A complete pleasure!"
KINDEST, AND MOST RESPECTFUL PHOTOGRAPHERS..."
"Marissa is one of the sweetest,
2016 wedding
"A little over a year ago, Danny and I began the wedding planning process. Decision making was in full swing. One of the most important decisions was finding the right photographer for that special day. One of Danny's sisters suggested we contact Marissa, as she's a longtime friend. After a look at her website, with her remarkable ability to capture those candid moments, we knew Marissa was the photographer for us!
Marissa is without a doubt the most amazing, professional, considerate and thoughtful photographer we could have asked to be part of the start of our forever together.
First, our engagement session was easy and so fun! Her presence was calming, especially since we aren't used to being photographed everyday :) Honestly, the next day we received our proofs from the session and we were floored! They depicted us perfectly!
The day of the wedding was no different. We received so many compliments that Marissa blended into the wedding: no one "noticed" her taking pictures. Obviously Marissa is a beautiful, delightful person, but what a gift it is to capture candid moments going unnoticed rather than asking for posed portraits. We recommend Marissa without the slightest reservation. Her talents behind the lens and her magnificent personality make her the best photographer to be part of the most special day for two people: their wedding.
From the bottoms of our hearts, Danny and I are so grateful to have been able to have you as part of our wedding.
You captured the magic and love, Marissa!!!"
BLENDED INTO THE WEDDING..."
"Marissa
2015 wedding
"I cannot praise the work of Marissa Decker enough, she is an absolutely amazing person professionally & personally! Anyone who is looking for a photographer, I highly recommend you check out her work!"
PROFESSIONALLY & PERSONALLY!"
"She is an absolutely
amazing person
2015 wedding
"Marissa was an absolute pleasure to work with on our wedding day. She did a tremendous job of taking stunning pictures of our group even when the weather was gloomy and rainy. From holding my dress to bringing me coffee, Marissa was professional and personable all day long. Dave and I were lucky to have someone make us feel special and confident throughout our day. I would recommend Marissa for any young couple looking to make their wedding day unique to their personal style. We will continue to recommend her to our friends and family looking for portrait or on location sessions.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Marissa! You captured the joy of our wedding day so wonderfully!"
TAKING STUNNING PICTURES..."
"She did a tremendous job
