Illustration of various white and beige floral designs on a black background, with some flowers having detailed petals and others simple.

About MCP | California Wedding & Elopement Photography Team

Hello there …

I am happy you are here!

MCP started over 15 years ago as Mariela's solo passion project. A few years in, Demetris joined — and together they've built a collective of talented photographers who capture love stories with honesty, warmth, and a photojournalistic eye.

We travel throughout California and the Southwest, from Joshua Tree to Big Sur, Sequoia to San Francisco — and beyond throughout the US

A smiling couple standing on a sandy beach with cliffs and ocean in the background. The woman is wearing a long, orange dress and sunglasses, and the man is wearing an orange sweater and gray pants.

Together, Demetris & I take our Photography and Video wanderings 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.

MEET THE TEAM

A woman wearing a large orange hat, red glasses, and a denim jacket, smiling and holding a Nikon camera against a textured gray wall background.

MARIELA

FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

With 15+ years in wedding photography, I shoot in a seamless blend of photojournalistic and editorial styles — and I've woven my longtime love of film into every wedding and elopement I cover. I've been featured in digital platforms and publications across the industry, and I'm constantly evolving my craft.

I'm drawn to the ocean, towering trees, and the quiet beauty of simple moments. When I'm not behind a camera, you'll find me hunting for Turkish coffee (Demetris spoils me at home), thrifting my way through road trips, or speaking Spanish and making people laugh in jumpsuits.

A smiling man with a beard, bald head, casual khaki t-shirt, and black pants, standing with hands in pockets against a white background.

DEMETRIS

VIDEOGRAPHER & OWNER OF MUSE MEDIA HOUSE

Our videographer and Super 8 mm specialist — and the quiet tech genius behind the scenes. Demetris documents your day with a documentary storytelling approach that makes your film feel alive and real.

Off-set, he's an IT nerd with a serious sweet tooth (artisan sourdough, donuts, cinnamon bread — all from scratch), a Latin vinyl enthusiast, and a man who will absolutely drive the road trip if there's a good salsa playlist involved.

A smiling man with short dark hair, a goatee, sunglasses, wearing a plaid shirt, standing outdoors with trees and rocky hills in the background.

JACOB

ASSOCIATE LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Jacob has been with MCP for two years, bringing a romance, lifestyle, and moody editorial style to every wedding he covers. Laid back under pressure, easy to laugh with, and the kind of person you feel like you've known for years by the end of the day.

Smiling person with short curly hair, wearing a green t-shirt, tan pants, and necklaces, standing outdoors with a view of greenery and a landscape in the background.

LUCIA

2nd PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucia shoots in both film and digital, with a thoughtful, emotive approach to candid storytelling. Her calm presence puts people at ease, and her ability to blend into the background while capturing meaningful details makes her exceptional. Fun fact: Lucia was once one of Mariela's own brides, which gives her a unique perspective on every couple she photographs.

A woman standing outdoors in casual clothes holding a camera, with a painted window and a wall with peeling paint behind her.

KRISTINE

ASSOCIATE/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Kristine has been with MCP for 13 years, shooting in both film and digital with a documentary style. She's a coffee snob, a home chef, and a hiking enthusiast who's equally at home grabbing your signature drink as she is capturing the spontaneous moments in between.

Person with curly hair taking a photo with a camera in an outdoor parking lot, with trees and hills in the background.

MALIK

super 8 specialist

Malik brings four years of Super 8 + Film experience and a fashion-forward, editorial eye to every wedding he covers. Energetic, creative, and deeply talented — he turns your most cinematic moments into something you'll actually want to watch on repeat.

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