Maria Love Photography

Aloha & welcome- I'm Maria Love and so happy you're here!

Artist | Dreamer | believer of the power of love is the most powerful force in the universe 

I live on the pretty north shore of Long Island in the heart of Rocky Point- where salty beach air, starlit skies and wildflowers deeply inspire.  I've been documenting love since 2008, but honestly I've been romanticizing life since about age 4 - Cinderella helped ignite it, my Polaroid obsession in childhood & countless synchronicities sealed the deal. 

Across Long Island and beyond- one of my favorite things to do is document wildly beautiful one-of-a-kind love stories of two souls meant to be.  Our approach is simple- we treat your wedding like sacred art- with the same the love and devotion we would want for our own.  

So many things light me up that it truly is quite the challenge to sum them up in a nutshell.   Hmmm - in no order of importance- you can find me most days soaking in the sunshine, barefoot on the earth, being silly dancing & singing at the top of my lungs to our favorite tunes with my daughters.  Sipping on cacao as I create, design and edit.   With an almost insatiable thirst for leaping into mystical rabbit holes- on topics like quantum physics and spirituality, via podcasts, and epic documentaries(I'll share a list if this piques your interest).  Deep convos with those I feel most connected after a great workout or while hiking- are all just a few of my very favorite things.  

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."  Joseph Campbell.  This work, this path is part of my bliss.  And if our paths align, I'd be so honored to capture yours.  

We vow to photograph each celebration of love and commitment as if it were our own with love, joy and reverence.  Capturing all those in between moments you will want to remember forever- the candid, laughter, the emotional, the beautifully imperfect,  and everything that makes your day uniquely yours that matter the most. 

Lets co-create something beautiful and timeless together.  

PS a few random fun facts about me

✨When I see white butterflies I believe it is a whisper from the universe. 

✨Even though I was very resistant to it - I met my husband on a dating website on my first night - it was his last night after a year of trying - he nearly had given up.  Proof that timing is truly divine.

✨I often am so moved to tears during vows- especially the really emotional and raw ones.

✨I am obsessed with lightning and thunder- as long as I am not out in it- there's something about the power & noise that feels soothing & makes me sleepy.  

✨I am always on a quest to find super healthy and yummy ways of making all kinds of pizza.

✨I secretly love decoding dreams - like little moonlight messages wrapped in moonlight and mystery. 

I fell in love with LOVE at 4 years old- when my Mom first introduced me to the story of Cinderella.  I was instantly enchanted by the romance & magnetic pull between Cinderella & her Prince and of course all the pretty details.   But it wasn't just the fairytales that captivated me - it was the real life memories too.  I would spend countless Saturday mornings studying my Mom's photo albums sprawled out on the floor- listening to music and mesmerized by how each image told of a moment in time filled with emotion & meaning frozen in time.  I loved how a picture can transport you back in time. 

Over 1,000 love stories later, I still feel the same awe each time I’m invited to witness and document a couple’s sacred beginning. When I was a child, I used to dream of going to lots of weddings — and now I get to preserve them. Proof that wishes do come true.

A trail of synchroncities brought me here- a visionary friend who saw something in me before I did, a deep passion for connection, and most of all my beautiful daughters.  When they were little- they were afraid of anyone else taking their photo- so I did what any Mama who adores their babies would do  - I purchased my first semi pro level camera and decided I would learn ..  I was so excited to get started.  

When I snapped those first few photos- nothing looked like them - they were terrible.   And yet that frustration became a beautiful catalyst- I was determined to learn to use all the cool tools like light, different lenses, and the very many varied details that go into capturing the way I saw them.    What started out as a Mom's adoration of her kids quickly turned into one of my life's callings.  

After studying Commercial Photography, Art & Media in 2008 at Briarcliffe College, I found myself pulled into the world of weddings- and I never looked back.   1,000 + beautiful love stories later and I still feel the same sacred responsibility.   To me this work isn't about staged moments or stiff poses- it's about capturing the authenticity & honoring your unique connection and documenting your story in a way that feels true to you — playful, emotional, soulful, fun — and everything in between.

If you’re looking for someone who will treat your wedding like sacred art and reflect back the magic that already exists between you... I’d be honored to connect. 
When we work together, I want you to feel seen. Held. Celebrated.
Because this season of your life deserves nothing less.