Hi, I’m Marisa! Born and raised in Northern California, I’ve always been drawn to connection, storytelling, and the kind of moments that deserve to be remembered for generations. For me, photography is more than just a job – it’s a way to serve people in one of the most intentional seasons of their lives. I get to share in their joy, witness their most treasured moments, and capture images that they’ll cherish forever – that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

And that’s exactly how I approach my photography. I show up with intention, heart, and a deep appreciation for the real, honest moments that make your story, yours.

MARISA RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

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3 Things Your Wedding Photographer Really Wants You to Do

Wedding Tips, Weddings

July 7, 2025

Okay, real talk – photographing your wedding day is about so much more than showing up with a camera and snapping pretty pictures. It’s about understanding your vision, honoring your story, and capturing the moments that matter most to you. I’m all in when it comes to serving you well and creating an experience that feels effortless and deeply personal from start to finish.

So if you’re wondering how to set your photographer (aka me!) up for success, here are three simple things my couples have done that I absolutely love before their big day. These small steps go a long way in helping me tell your story beautifully, intentionally, and in a way that truly reflects you.

1. Send Me Your Wedding Invitation 💌

I know it might seem small (and a little silly cause of course I’m going to be there), but your invitation suite is such a special part of your story – and I would love to see it! I place all my couples invites on my fridge and I absolutely love seeing the little daily reminder!

Seeing your invite ahead of time gives me a feel for your style, your color palette, and the overall vibe of the day. It’s also one of my favorite things to photograph during your detail shots. Whether your suite is classic and minimal or full of texture, pattern, and personality, it helps set the tone for the visual narrative I’m telling throughout the day.

If you’re already sending invites to family and friends, feel free to pop one in the mail for me, too! And don’t worry – if it slips your mind, I’ll likely still ask you to set aside a fresh, unbent copy for me to style and photograph on your wedding day. (Bonus points if you include your envelope, stamps, or any paper extras like menus or vow books!)

2. Share Your Pinterest Board

Yes, really! Please send me your Pinterest board!

Having a visual reference for what you’re drawn to helps me better understand your vision. Are you going for a romantic garden feel? A modern coastal celebration? A rustic barn party with soft lighting and lots of texture? Seeing your inspiration lets me align my creative eye with your aesthetic, and it helps me notice the details that are most important to you.

Now let me be clear: I’m not here to copy someone else’s wedding or recreate a shot-for-shot board. What I am here to do is take the visual direction you love and bring it to life in a way that feels authentic to you. Think of it as a mood board that helps me step into your world before the big day.

So whether you’ve pinned 5 photos or 500, don’t be shy…drop the link! I love seeing your heart behind the inspiration.

3. Trust Me – And Actually Mean It

This one’s big. Maybe the biggest of them all.

If you’ve chosen me to photograph your wedding, it means something real to me. I don’t take it lightly, and I’m here to serve you. I show up with intention, creativity, and years of experience behind the lens. So when you trust me, and I mean really trust me, we create magic together!

Trust looks like letting go of stress when the timeline shifts; it looks like leaning into the candid moments even when you feel nervous; and it looks like knowing I’ve got your back – whether I’m fluffing your dress, fixing your boutonnière, or finding the light that makes your photos glow.

The more you can relax and be yourselves, the more your photos will reflect the true joy and connection of the day. And that’s what we’re here for, right? Just know, I’ve got you 😌

Final Thoughts

So much goes into planning your wedding, but some of the most meaningful moments happen when you trust your vendors on the day-of and simply let yourself enjoy. These three simple things will help us start on the same page and create an experience that feels seamless and true to your story.

If you’re in the middle of planning and want to connect more about your vision, I’m always just a message away. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up and how I can help bring it to life!