Anna Claire and Mallory

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Susan, her daughter Julie and her two daughters Anna Claire and Mallory the other day at the beach. Although the wind was only slightly below hurricane strength, the girls were all troopers and we were able to create some wonderful images!!
And look for the girls baby cousin Parks on the blog soon!! He's making a trip to the Red Dog Studio tomorrow and I'm so excited!

Michelle and Eric's Wedding

Michelle and Eric compliment each other in every way possible. What can I say? They are a just two really neat folks! Their wedding at The Lawn on the Beach was classic, simple and beautiful! They finished the wedding by giving Michelle's two children family medallions as a symbol of the new family they were creating. It was very precious.
Enjoy the images.

Desiree and Emmanuel's Beach Wedding

What a whirlwind of activity!! Desiree and Emmanuel got married yesterday at Beasley Park. The wedding was finalized and done in a one week time period before Emmanuel had to move on to another base. Since he was in school during the time of planning, Desiree did most of the planning herself checking with him via phone to finalize details. Oh, and did I mention she was also caring for four rambunctious (but really well behaved) children under the age of six? Yes, she is superwoman!!

The wedding went through a few time delays in beginning, but it all worked out as it ended with one of the most spactacular sunsets of the year. I guess a higher power wanted them to have those georgeous colors in their photos!!

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.

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!!!

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