Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Mathews.
Hi Mariah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
At just 12 years old, I picked up my dad’s camera and from that moment on, I never stopped documenting life through photographs. What began as simple curiosity as a child quickly turned into a lifelong passion for capturing moments as an adult!
Originally born and raised in San Diego, California, I now call Greenville, South Carolina home. My husband and I are both entrepreneurs, and we’ve built a life that allows us to pursue our passions while being present with our two incredible kids. That balance between creativity, business, and family is something we deeply value.
I photographed my first wedding at 15, and by 17, I was working in a professional portrait studio, where I learned the art of connecting with people in front of the lens. I’ve always been drawn to documenting love in its most genuine form, which led me to officially launch my wedding photography business in 2020. What started as a dream quickly grew into a full-time career- something I once hoped for, but never fully imagined would become my reality.
While photography is at the heart of what I do, I find inspiration in the quieter, everyday moments, writing, practicing yoga, soaking up sunshine, and exploring Greenville with my family. As a former barista, I’ll never say no to a great cup of coffee.
Creating beautiful images is really important to me, but what matters most is the experience I provide. Being trusted to document one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life is something I don’t take lightly. At the end of the day, I’m not just capturing weddings, I’m preserving love stories. And if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s this: I truly love love. “We love because he first loved us” is a profound theological statement found in 1 John 4:19.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, learning how to run a business alongside developing my craft was a challenge, everything from pricing to marketing to building confidence in my work. Starting my business in 2020 also brought a lot of uncertainty within the wedding industry, which pushed me to adapt quickly and grow in ways I didn’t expect.
On a personal level, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood has been one of the hardest, yet most meaningful parts of my journey. There have been long days and moments of doubt, but every challenge has shaped me into a stronger photographer and business owner. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come- both as a photographer and in building a business from the ground up. All glory to God!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a wedding photographer who specializes in capturing love stories in a natural, emotional, and timeless way. My focus is on creating a comfortable experience so couples can be fully present, while I document both the big moments and the quiet, in-between ones that often mean the most.
I’m known for a calm, easygoing approach and images that feel real and connection-driven rather than overly posed.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my couples place in me. I’ve built my business from the ground up, and it’s grown through genuine relationships.
What sets me apart is that I care just as much about the experience as I do the final images—making sure my couples feel seen, comfortable, and truly themselves in front of the camera.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the wedding industry continuing to lean even more into intentionality and personalization. Couples are prioritizing experiences over tradition, which is making weddings feel more creative, unique, and reflective of who they are.
From a photography standpoint, I think there will continue to be a strong shift toward documentary-style storytelling- images that feel honest, emotional, and less staged, while still maintaining a refined, elevated aesthetic. There’s also a growing appreciation for the full experience behind the work, not just the final gallery.
For my own business, I hope to continue growing in the luxury wedding space, working with couples who value both artistry and experience at a high level. I also see myself expanding my team so I can serve more clients while maintaining the same intentional, hands-on approach that I care so much about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenvilleweddingphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenvilleweddingphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gvlweddingphotography
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gvlweddingphotography
