Hi, I’m Mary Bell!

(she/her)

I started taking photos of people over fifteen years ago, photographing my first wedding in 2010, and am passionate about social justice and equal representation in the wedding industry. If you’re looking for calm in the storm of wedding day chaos or a fun, carefree, and casual portrait session, let’s talk.

When I’m not busy enjoying a post-wedding settled-into-the-couch night of editing, you can probably find me enjoying a beverage, tending to my houseplants (and sometimes ignoring them), listening to LOTR audiobooks on repeat, snuggling my dog, or bird watching with my partner (a naturalist). I’m an introvert, Libra sun, Virgo moon, Pisces rising, and still undecided about my enneagram (maybe 5… or 9…).

I don't make stories, I collect memories.

I focus heavily on the natural moments—the unposed smiles, glances, and movements—gathering inspiration from old classic portraiture and documentary work from the original photography masters, prioritizing traditional or natural lighting, gentle posing guidance, and simple backdrops. These elements help me create timeless, romantic images that tell your story, and will continue for decades. You don’t need 20 different poses under your wedding arch, because I already captured you laughing and crying during your actual ceremony. I’m making your heirlooms and creating art. Having spent my formal photography education years shooting with film, but working with digital for over a decade, I possess a uniquely fine art gaze as I mirror your precious moments back to you.

Mary Bell - Maryland Wedding Photographer