Award Winning Art

I am so excited!! I entered my first salon this year and the judging was yesterday. I have always won many awards for my photojournalism and newspaper work, but this was my first time entering in a Professional Photographers of America competition.

Two of my images merited, I won a first and was a finalist in another catagory, and I won the Charlie Wise Award which goes to the best first time entrant. What an honor!! Thank you to all of my awesome clients who trust me to capture their life memories. It would not have been possible without you!!
I hope you enjoy the images I entered.

RIP Deputy Tony Forgione ***Trust Fund Info Added***

I have some sad news today. I was called on in an editorial capacity to photograph the unfolding story of Deputy Tony Forgione who was killed in the line of duty today.
He was a member of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department strategic response team and they had been called out to a man who had escaped a Baker Act three times and was holed up in a home.
As the team entered the home the perp fired a shot, killing deputy Forgione.
Tony was a good guy. I had quite a few instances where we were on the same scenes and he was always professional, friendly and fair.
We lost a good guy today, his children lost a father and his wife lost her best friend.
A trust fund has been set up for Tony's two children at the Beach Community Bank. A trust fund for the Forgione family has been set up at Beach Community Bank. People can donate at any branch.
It’s the Deputy Sheriff Tony Forgione Benefit Account.
17 S.E. Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Ph. 850.244.9900 | Fax 850.244.9901
Toll-free: 1.866.36.BEACH

So pretty the sunrise!!

Was it the fifth or sixth year in a row??

Last night was a blast!! My sides still ache from laughing. Who could cause this myrth and glee??? Why the Regina and Randy's crew of course!! They are such a wonderful couple and always make my job fun!! Earlier in the day Regina and I were chatting about the family (I am an honorary member now) and wondering if it was the family's fifth or sixth visit to see me in Destin. We could never figure it out all the way, but I know they are one of my most fun clients. And to watch their grandchildren Cooper, Ellie and Kelsey grow has been a true treat!!
I think this image of Regina and Randy will show you how young they are at heart!!!

More sweet smiles

Wow, what a great couple of days!! 

Megan my extern from Niceville High School and I have been busy!! 

Yesterday we had the pleasure of photographing Ginger and Jarred who own Emerald Coast Brides Magazine. That would be at http://www.emeraldcoastbrides.com for those of you planning on getting married soon. They always have great ideas and a very slick looking publication!! They and their two girls Addie and Savannah were so much fun!! Ginger and her two daughters are absolutely picture perfect! 

I had to laugh when her husband brought up the idea of doing the "Hop on Pop" pose. Most guys gripe and moan, Jarred was a trooper. We even got to do the airplane version of the pose. 

The sea oats are in full bloom, so please remember not to step on or pick them as it is illegal and they help protect our dunes from erosion. 

This evening we had Tracie and her family. 

What can I say, Coleson has GROWN up since last year. What a cutie pie!! We were warned that he just does not like his photo made, but Megan and I got him to relax and he was a champ!!

And as a footnote,  Megan won finalist in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design's 2007 high school photography contest. There were over 2300 images entered in the contest and only 136 (Megan's was included) were chosen to exhibit. Way to go!!!!!

Welcome to Mari's Blog!!!

Hi Everyone and welcome to my blog. I'm kind of new at this so be kind!!

My name is Mari and I own Mari's Paradise Images in Destin, FL where I specialize in wedding and beach photography.

This week I had a great time photographing an old friend Kim Cooper and her family on Okaloosa Island. Her daughter Camryn has GROWN since last year!! I remember Kim's pregnancy photos. And Denny has turned into quite a beautiful young woman as well!!

We can't forget about Brittany and Chico's wedding aboard the Cruise Ship Solaris last week. What a beautiful bride!! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!!!!

And last but not least, Doah (you know her as the standing on the rail bride) and her husband Todd not only recently celebrated their first anniversary, but also welcomed not so little Olivia Madison into their lives this week. Congratulations Doah and Todd!!

That's all for today....I would love to hear your comments! You can also vote for me as best Destin photographer at

Mari