My STORY and My TEAM.
Hello there …
I am happy you are here!
I am Mariela - founder and creative director of MCP
It started over 15 years ago as a solo passion, a few years after I brought Demetris in. We are now a collective of talented artists. Together, we capture love stories with honesty, documenting real-life celebrations in a candid, documentary style.
I’m Mariela
I’m an Aussie-Chilean based in Riverside, California, capturing love through elopements and weddings. I’m passionate about documenting genuine love stories and fostering authentic human connections..
Our photography & video wanderings take us throughout California, including Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Mariposa County, Tulare County, Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County, San Francisco County, and BEYOND. North to South.
WE WANDER THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST, THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST + BEYOND.
I have been a preferred photographer at The Historic Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside, CA., for 9+ years. Destination and Intimate weddings are our favorites at the beautiful Mission Inn—your preferred wedding photographer for Riverside, CA
MEET THE TEAM
MARIELA
FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
With over 15 years of experience, Mariela has captured weddings in a seamless blend of documentary and editorial styles, recently incorporating her passion for film photography into her work. She documents weddings across California and neighboring states, with some out-of-state favorites including Oregon, Washington, Montana, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Her artistry has been featured on numerous digital platforms, showcasing her talent and dedication to capturing timeless moments.
The ocean breeze and the California coast have her heart. Towering trees and crisp fresh air, mountains, and serene lakes. She is drawn to the quiet beauty of simple moments; She’s always hunting for Turkish coffee when I am not home like it’s the elixir of life. ( Hubby spoils me when we are home)
The videographer behind the lens and the tech brain behind the scenes. Demetris is an IT nerd with a serious sweet tooth—if ice cream or fresh baked goods are involved, he’s in. When he’s not capturing love stories on video, you’ll find him geeking out over YouTube deep dives or spinning his favorite Latin vinyl records in his favorite 90s sweatsuit (comfort is key, after all).
A visual learner through and through, Demetris brings his love for storytelling into every elopement film, making sure your memories feel as real and alive as the day itself. And road trips? He’s all about them—as long as he’s the one driving (and there’s a good salsa playlist queued up). He married a Latina, so the Latin music obsession worked out pretty well.
DEMETRIS
WEDDING & ELOPEMENT VIDEOGRAPHER
JACOB
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Jacob has been with MCP for two years, photographing weddings and bringing to life your special moments with styles of romance, lifestyle, and dark/moody vibes. Laid back and calm under pressure, always friendly, personable, and ready to laugh and have fun all day. He specializes in capturing quality candid moments that highlight your and your guest's joy in celebrating. You’ll feel like you’ve known him for years. He aims to help make the process comfortable, easy, and fun. He views human kindness as a gift and tries to follow this path, bringing happiness to every moment and person I meet.
Outside of photography, Jacob loves to spend quality time with his daughter or fix something around the house.
LUCIA
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Lucia is the newest member of the MCP team, and we’re so excited to have her! Specializing in both digital and film photography, she captures candid moments and heartfelt stories with a thoughtful, emotive approach.
Lucia’s warm and calming presence puts you at ease. Her remarkable talent for blending into the background while capturing meaningful details makes her an exceptional team member.
A fun fact? Lucia was once one of Mariela's brides! Her wedding experience gives her a unique perspective on creating stunning, personal images. You’ll love her talent and genuine spirit as much as we do!
CONTENT CREATOR & WEBSITE DESIGNER
Nika brings over five years of versatile wedding industry experience, including assisting lead photographers, third-shooting, supporting planners, and co-running a luxury picnic company. As a skilled graphic designer with exceptional website design expertise, she adds creativity and precision to every project.
A proud dog mom and sitcom fan (The Big Bang Theory and Friends are her favorites), Nika loves coffee-flavored ice cream (despite being lactose intolerant) and enjoys soups and salads. Her professionalism, creativity, and warmth make her a joy to work with.
NIKA
VIDEO & PHOTO CONTENT CREATOR
SUPER 8
Meet Malik, the newest and youngest member of the MCP team! With three years of Super 8 experience and four years in the wedding industry, Malik brings a fresh perspective and bold creativity to every wedding and elopement he captures. His fashion-forward and editorial style adds a unique edge to our work, making him a perfect fit for modern couples looking for something extraordinary. Fun, energetic, and brimming with talent, Malik is ready to turn your special moments into timeless, cinematic memories.
MALIK
super 8 specialist
KRISTINE
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
for Arizona only
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Kristine has been with MCP for 13 years, photographing weddings around Southern California using film and digital with a documentary style.
Ready to help you slip on your shoes, grab your signature drink, or wipe the sweat from your brow while I capture those essential moments on your wedding day and the candid moments in between.
Kristine specializes in capturing a large volume of imagery that highlights your and your guests' fun, candid, and spontaneous moments.
She is a coffee snob, a foodie at heart, a home chef, fitness and hiking to enjoy the outdoors.
WORK WITH US
KIND WORDS
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WE WELCOME AND CELEBRATE DIVERSITY IN ALL FORMS
culture,
ethnicity ,race
gender identity, LGQBT,
and EXPRESSION
We stand with you. You are safe here.