Capturing life's fleeting moments

Preserving the light, emotions, and fleeting moments that make your story unique

investment & services

Every moment you live is a chapter in your

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Your story full of magic, emotion, and meaning. My approach is rooted in authenticity: meeting you where you are, capturing the real, unscripted moments that matter most. From quiet glances to big celebrations, I’m here to freeze those fleeting seconds into timeless images you’ll treasure. This isn’t just a photoshoot, it’s a collaboration shaped around you. No stiff poses, just natural connection, laughter, and ease.
With a documentary eye, I focus on the in-betweens, the soft touches, details, the sparks of joy, the raw beauty of now. Whatever chapter you're in, I’ll help you preserve it authentically.

Send a letter to Marlene about your day

One-of-a-kind story

Artful Storytelling for the Lovers, dreamers and hopeless romantics

The Services

Wedding packages

  • Welcome / Rehearsal coverage
  • Full Weekend coverage 
  • Engagement session 
  • 35 MM Film

Eternal Wedding Package

The collections below reflect local wedding coverage, with full day celebrations beginning at $3,500. Coverage ranges from intimate celebrations and days to full wedding weekends, including rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and farewell brunches. Custom coverage can be created based on the pace and shape of your celebration.

Starting at $3600

 Starting at $4,200

ADD ONS

  • 8 hours of wedding day coverage
  • Online Gallery
  • Polaroids 
  • Second shooter
  • 35 mm film
  • Engagement session
  • Timeline & Visual Direction planning

Timeless Wedding Package

  • 10 hours of wedding day coverage
  • Online Gallery
  • Polaroids
  • second shooter
  • 35 mm film
  • Engagement session
  • Timeline & Visual Direction planning

Inquire about your big day

Elopements & Destination weddings

US based destination wedding collections begin at $4,200 and are fully inclusive, with travel intentionally built into your investment for a seamless experience.

International weddings are custom quoted and include a tailored travel investment based on location, covering airfare, accommodations, and extended travel time.

From intimate mountain celebrations and multi-day destination weddings abroad, each experience is thoughtfully tailored to your location, travel needs, and overall celebration.

Inquire to receive the full destination wedding and elopement pricing guide, and more details about what coverage can look like for your plans.

Inquire about your destination

Portrait packages

PROPOSALS, ENGAGEMENTS, FAMILIES, MATERNITY

  Starting at $625

Starting at $525

  • 1.5 hour session
  • 50+ images 
  • Up to 2 locations (within 20 minutes)
  • Up to 2 outfits
  • Two rolls of 35mm Film
  • Additional film - $75/roll
  • Private high resolution gallery

Collection 2: Eternal & Timeless

  • 1 Hour session
  • 35+ Images
  • One Location
  • One Outfit
  • One roll of 35 mm Film
  • Additional Film - $75 per roll
  • Private high resolution gallery

Inquire about your session

Collection 1: sweet & classic

35mm add on

A timeless, nostalgic add-on to any session, 35mm film gives your photos that dreamy, nostalgic feel, like stepping into your own romance movie. With rich tones and soft grain, film captures emotion in a way digital can’t. Whether it’s a quiet glance or a big celebration, film turns moments into art. Add a roll (or two!) to any package and let your story unfold like a classic.

Ask me about adding film

MAY - IRELAND
June -   Chicago 
July - Chicago, LOS ANGELES 
August - CHICAGO, MINNESOTA, YOSEMITE, SAN FRANCISCO 
September - NEW YORK CITY, Chicago
NOVEMBER - NEBRASKA, SAN FRANCISCO, LONDON,
LOS ANGELES  
DECEMBER - WASHINGTON STATE, MEXICO CITY 

Lets go on an adventure !

Dreaming of a celebration in one of these epic spots? I’m already halfway packed.

Whether you’re planning an intimate mountain elopement, a ceremony along the coast, or a celebration somewhere farther from home, I’m always open to traveling for A LOVE story. If your location is already on my travel list, there may be reduced travel costs available.

 I’m always adding new places, and custom TRAVEL INCLUSIVE destination proposals are created around your location and plans.

Let's capture love

Upcoming travel dates

Travel bucket list

SCOTLAND
Switzerland 
Mexico
Yosemite, Zion, Glacier,
JACKSON HOLE
OREGON
Hawaii

We had so much fun during our shoot with Marlene Ornella! From the very beginning, she made us feel totally comfortable,  like we were just hanging out with a friend. Her energy is warm, creative, and genuinely uplifting, which made the entire experience feel effortless and fun. Felt Like Hanging Out With a Friend and the Photos Are Gorgeous!
She captured us in such an honest and beautiful way, the photos feel like us. Every image is full of emotion and personality, and we were honestly blown away by how thoughtfully she documented those moments.We’ll treasure these photos forever. Couldn’t recommend her more!

xoxo, Olivia

"Felt Like Hanging Out With a Friend, and the Photos Are Gorgeous"

Being in front of a camera has always made me feel exposed in the worst way, like I needed to pose or shrink myself to be “photogenic.” But working with Marlene was completely different. From the moment we started, she made space for me to just exist, without pressure or expectation. It was the first time I’ve ever felt like the camera wasn’t trying to change me — just reflect me.
She paid attention in the small ways, to the way we held hands when we didn’t think she was looking, to the breath I took before letting myself relax. I’ve never felt more seen in front of a camera! Somehow, she made all those in-between moments feel worthy of being remembered.

xoxo, Alex

" I’ve never felt more seen in front of a camera! Somehow, she made all those in-between moments feel worthy of being remembered."

From start to finish, Marlene made the entire session feel effortless and joyful. Her keen eye for unique details and her artistic approach bring a fresh, imaginative vibe to every photo while still making sure the moments felt true to us. Beyond just snapping pictures, she truly understands how to connect with her clients, making the experience relaxed and full of genuine laughter. I always feel seen and comfortable in front of her camera, and the results capture not just moments, but real emotions and stories. I can’t wait to work with Marlene again and see what beautiful memories she helps create next!

xoxo, Jamie

"I always feel seen and comfortable in front of her camera, and the results capture not just moments."

From the very beginning, Marlene made planning our engagement session so easy and fun. She took the time to understand our vision and made sure every detail felt personal to us. During the shoot, her relaxed and friendly vibe helped us feel completely comfortable, which made everything flow naturally. Marlene has a true gift for seeing the magic in big and everyday moments and turning them into beautiful, heartfelt images. We’re beyond happy with how our photos turned out and grateful for such a memorable experience.

xoxo, Sarah

"Marlene has a true gift for seeing the magic in everyday moments and turning them into beautiful, heartfelt images!"

Client Praise

Client Praise

Frequently asked

Do you require a deposit?

All portrait sessions require a 35% deposit to secure a date and then the remaining amount is due 14 days before the session! For weddings a 35% deposit and signed contract is required in order to book your wedding date, then the remaining amount is due 30 days prior to your wedding

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS AFTER MY SESSION AND HOW WILL THOSE BE DELIVERED?

Weddings have a 8-12 week turnaround time, and lifestyle sessions have a 3-4 week turnaround time

WILL I HAVE A RIGHT TO THE PHOTOS

You’ll have full rights to print, share, and post your photos wherever you’d like, just keep in mind that copyright stays with the photographer.

Can I receive the unedited or RAW files?

I don’t deliver unedited or RAW files, as they don’t represent the finished quality and creative vision of my work. All delivered images are carefully edited to reflect a collaboration of my style and your story.

WHY INCLUDE A SECOND SHOOTER IN YOUR WEDDING PACKAGE?

A second shooter means more coverage, more moments, and more magic. While I focus on the big moments, they’re capturing the quiet, candid ones — like your partner’s reaction while you walk down the aisle or behind-the-scenes memories you didn’t even know were happening. It adds depth, variety, and a fuller story to your gallery — and don’t worry, every photo is still edited by me to match my signature style.

Questions

Have more questions? Lets chat

Telling stories in the midwest & wherever

Ready to turn your stories into emotion filled images ?

Let's Get Rolling

is it your turn?

Let's talk about your day

Love unfolds