La JOlla wedding photographer

DOCUMENTING LOVE-FILLED
& NOSTALGIC MOMENTS

EFFORTLESS. GENUINE. NOSTALGIC.

Presence over perfection, forever and always.

Mariah Jones is a digital and film wedding photographer committed to providing a luxury photography experience for couples celebrating in the stunning landscapes of La Jolla in San Diego, California. Imagine exchanging your vows on a golden beach with coastal cliffs as your backdrop or at a stylish venue with panoramic ocean views. Afterward, celebrate with an elegant reception under twinkling lights, surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Whether you’re envisioning a ceremony at a historic garden or a grand celebration at an oceanfront estate, I can’t wait to help bring your vision to life. As a La Jolla wedding photographer, I believe your day should be as unforgettable as your love story.

hey friend, i'm mariah

Let's CAPTURE MOMENTS that LOOK How they FELT.

I’m MARIAH,
YOUR la Jolla wedding PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m a digital and film wedding photographer who serves Midwest & California couples, welcoming travel worldwide.

I’m inspired by photos that evoke nostalgia and genuine emotion. As a photographer who values authentic connections, I have a keen eye for capturing meaningful moments. My style seamlessly merges documentary and editorial techniques, emphasizing real experiences to create timeless imagery that transcends fleeting trends and perfectly staged shots. La Jolla is one of my favorite locations in California for wedding photography, with its breathtaking coastal cliffs, golden beaches, and vibrant sunsets that light up the sky. This stunning landscape inspires creativity and connection, making it a dream setting for capturing love stories. Let’s create something beautiful and meaningful, capturing moments you’ll cherish forever.

LOVES: ROADTRIPS, PODCASTS, SUSHI DATES, WALKING MY PUP AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD, PADDLE BOARDING, CHAI TEA LATTES, FARMER'S MARKETS, CARD GAMES, BONFIRES, LEON BRIDGES, COCKTAILS ON THE PATIO, SUNSET DRIVES, AND SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES.

La Jolla California
Portfolio Highlights

featuring a mix of digital & film

La Jolla Wedding Portfolio Highlights

WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY

SIGNATURE OFFERING

A timeless, meaningful collection of images that captures the essence of your love story with intention, emotion, and effortless style. Documented on both digital and film mediums.

Additional offerings

COUPLES

Whether you're dating, engaged, or married all couples deserve to document their love.

ELOPEMENTS

additional offerings

Celebrate however you want to--just you and your love. 

client love For a La Jolla Wedding Photographer

"Mariah captured the authenticity, emotion, and love between us."

"We could not be more in love with our wedding photos. We both noted that taking pictures was effortless, we never got tired of being in front of the camera because Mariah made the experience as comfortable, genuine, free-flowing, and "in-the-moment" as possible. Our time doing couples photos was one of our favorite parts of wedding day because we just got to enjoy the little moments between the two of us while Mariah captured that authenticity, emotion, and love between us. We feel those same emotions coming through as we look at our wedding photography, which is so special to us - and a true testament to the talent, skill, and beauty of Mariah's work!"

- sabrina & quinn

"Mariah truly understood who we were as a couple."

We feel like we hit the jackpot having Mariah as our wedding photographer for our wedding journey. She helped make us feel so comfortable, celebrated, and cared throughout our day. Mariah truly understood and captured who we were as a couple and what our day was all about.

- megan & brady

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"The day would not have been the same without Mariah."

The amount of people we have had reach out to us about how beautiful and perfect our wedding photos are is insane. We are truly beyond grateful for Mariah and all that she did for us. Mariah made everything so easy and fun, and also was so calming and yet made us excited at the same time! The day would not have been the same without Mariah.

- sarah & dane

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"Working with Mariah was a dream come true."

Working with Mariah for our wedding was a dream come true. I truly appreciated her talent and attention to details. She genuinely was interested in getting to know me and my husband before our wedding and honestly fit right into the wedding with the guests. I feel so happy and have absolutely no regrets on choosing Mariah. I would recommend her, and already have, to any and all of my friends and family. I am itching for the chance to work with Mariah again, and I am truly overjoyed on how beautifully our wedding was captured.

- stephanie & francisco

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"She is truly the best there is."

My husband and I cannot recommend Mariah enough!! Not only is she an incredibly talented wedding photographer, but she genuinely cares about her clients and was there to help with any planning questions, ideas and tips throughout the wedding process. Her attention to detail and ability to capture emotions in her photographs is unmatched. She went above and beyond to capture our real wedding moments, and taking photos with her feels effortless and so much fun. We got so many gorgeous wedding photos back and love every single one! Do not hesitate to hire Mariah for all your photography needs! She is truly the best there is.

- hayley & john

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"She genuinely cares about each of her clients and their unique story.

Amazing person + amazing photographer!! Mariah is SO talented & so fantastic to work with. We loved having her shoot our wedding in September. You can tell she genuinely cares about each of her clients and their unique story-- and we weren't just another number to her. We are so incredibly happy with our wedding images and we will cherish them forever. Would 100% recommend Mariah to a friend and other brides. I will absolutely be reaching out to her again for any future photography needs.

- morgan & evan

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FREQUENTLY

asked questions

How many images will I receive?

Every session and wedding is different; however, I guarantee at least 50-100 images per hour I cover. 

When will I be able to view my images?

Your images will be available 4 weeks after your session for portrait and engagement shoots and approximately 8-10 weeks for weddings! I also always send out sneak peeks within 7 days of our time together too!

Do you travel for sessions and weddings?

Absolutely! I’m based in Madison, WI, but I frequently travel to California and other destinations throughout the year. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or an elopement, I’d love to hear from you! Travel fees are calculated based on the location and your specific needs. Feel free to ask about my travel schedule, and for a custom quote, just fill out my contact form!

Do you deliver raw images?

I do not. I fully believe the raw images are only half of the art. Raw images are unedited works and do not reflect my style or editing other than how I shoot.

Do you offer film photography?

Yes! Film photography is included in every wedding package, adding nostalgic value to your experience. Film captures moments in a way that digital photography often cannot replicate. Its unpredictability results in one-of-a-kind images, making your memories even more special. Most galleries are 80% digital and 20% film.

We can be awkward and feel nervous about couple portraits! What if we don't know how to pose?

Don’t worry—I got your back! While my approach is primarily documentary, I will always offer gentle direction to make you feel comfortable during portraits. I will give you a few prompts but be guided by how you naturally interact with each other. I will do my best to make you feel welcomed and relaxed so that you can focus on just being yourself and having fun!

Do you recommend having a second shooter at weddings?

When you have a second shooter at your wedding, your photographer can cover more ground, get shots from multiple angles and manage time efficiently (since they can essentially be in two places at once). A second shooter also provides an extra layer of support in case of emergencies. Unless you're planning a very small wedding or an elopement, I strongly recommend having a second shooter to ensure you get the most out of your photos. I handpick my second shooters from a trusted group of documentary-style photographers I've worked with and trust.

How do travel expenses work for destination weddings?

Travel is included in your package. I will take care of booking my own accommodations such as flight, hotel, rental car, etc. so you do not have to worry about it!

After our initial emails, we’ll set up a call to introduce ourselves, talk about your wedding vision, and go over the experience of working together. I’ll answer any questions and help ensure you feel confident in the process ahead!

1. Let's Meet

Once you’ve chosen the package that best fits your needs, I’ll send over a contract and invoice for your deposit to reserve your wedding date. With these in place, your booking is all set!

2. Lock in Your Date

I’ll share my Wedding Day Questionnaire to gather specifics about your timeline and vision. This helps us fine-tune every detail, from timing to those special moments you don’t want to miss.

3. Dive into the Details

Based on your completed questionnaire and timeline drafts, we’ll go over the photography plan together. We'll set up a call to make sure everything is perfectly tailored to your day, answer questions, and ease any last-minute concerns.

4. Final Wedding Prep

Savor every moment while I focus on capturing the magic as it unfolds. I’ll be there to document everything, from the big highlights to the quiet, intimate details, so you can fully enjoy celebrating with your favorite people.

5. Your Wedding Day

Within a week, you’ll receive a small preview of images from your wedding day to enjoy while I work on your full gallery. I know you’ll be excited to relive the day, and I’m thrilled to share this first look!

6. Sneak Peeks

Plan a cozy date night together to view all the moments captured from your day. Grab your favorite drinks, settle in, and relive every laugh, tear, and joyful memory. Enjoy this special time looking back on your celebration!

7. Gallery Delivery

OUR PROCESS

ready to do this?

YOUR LOVE SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED IN A WAY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU.

My work is grounded in documenting your story exactly as it is and creating sentimental memories that you can look back on and yearn for years to come. Whether you’re planning a La Jolla wedding in California or a destination celebration, your story deserves to be told beautifully and authentically. 

why you should get married in La Jolla in california

La Jolla, a vibrant coastal neighborhood located in San Diego, is the ultimate destination for couples seeking a luxury wedding experience, making it an ideal location for those in search of a La Jolla wedding photographer. Known for its breathtaking coastal cliffs, golden beaches, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, La Jolla offers the perfect backdrop for weddings that exude timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you envision a romantic garden ceremony at the historic La Jolla Woman's Club, a seaside celebration at Scripps Seaside Forum, or a stunning rooftop reception at La Jolla Cove Rooftop, this iconic destination provides endless opportunities for unforgettable moments. Other exceptional venues include The Darlington House and La Jolla Bridge Club, each offering unique charm and elegance.

As a wedding photographer in La Jolla, I specialize in capturing authentic and elegant love stories against the stunning scenery of this coastal paradise. Every wedding is unique, and I focus on documenting each moment with an artful eye, from golden-hour portraits along La Jolla Shores to candid celebrations at venues like the luxurious Grande Colonial Hotel. La Jolla’s charm lies in its ability to offer both intimate settings and grand luxury, making it a favorite for couples seeking a destination wedding experience that feels both sophisticated and warm.

Beyond La Jolla, Southern California boasts diverse landscapes perfect for every wedding style. From the laid-back coastal vibe of Santa Monica to the romantic cliffs of La Jolla and the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, the region is rich with options for creating your dream day. Yet, there’s something undeniably special about La Jolla—its unique blend of natural beauty and upscale ambiance makes it an unparalleled choice for couples who want their love story to unfold in a truly magical setting.

If you’re planning your wedding in La Jolla, I would be honored to help preserve your most meaningful moments as your La Jolla wedding photographer. With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I ensure your day is as unforgettable as your love. Let’s bring your wedding vision to life in one of Southern California’s most breathtaking locations. Reach out to learn more and explore how we can make your La Jolla wedding an incredible experience to cherish forever.