1). The first business start-up I was a part of was a house cleaning service with my childhood bestie. We called it M&M Cleaning and we started it by putting flyers in the mailbox of every fancy house around. We later found out that was illegal — sorry USPS. And no, I’m pretty sure the whole things wasn’t legal, we were like 14! But the job had it’s perks: I was finally allowed in gated communities and something about just being in a mansion made me feel a little more important.

2). I was voted top female athlete my senior year of high school, namely due to the fact that I was in a graduating close of like 80 people, lol! My real athletic claim to fame is that I still hold high school records in 3 countries: the USA, the Philippines & Japan — all of which are for Track. From 4H soccer to intramural college games, sports have always been a huge part of my life. And yes, I will FOR SURE be the loud soccer mom on the sideline cheering my kids on someday (they’ll thank me later).

3). I didn’t wear makeup on my wedding day. SAY WHAT?! Now, I know for some brides, this is shocking. But honestly, I didn’t wear much makeup anyways and Kory didn’t want our wedding day to be the day I show up looking like someone else. Plus, it made the getting ready process sooo much faster!

4). I grew up on a 40 acre farm in northern Michigan. Instead of having TV we built tree forts, had apple wars, rode horses, got lost in the woods and swung on our barn swing. It was honestly the best childhood and a place and time our family will always cherish.

5). I was DIY bride all the way! We made our invitations (with the help of my sister and brother), had our reception in a dance hall that cost us $450 and decorated it all ourself. If you asked me now if I am happy with that decision I’d say yes, and here’s why: Kory and I were just out of college and starting a life together (aka: we were broke). Every bit we could do ourselves to save money, we did! Now, are there some things I would have done different on my wedding day? absolutely yes, but that’s for another blog post :).

Well, there you have it! A little round of “Get to know Mary!” I would love to hear a random fact about you that I wouldn’t know from following you online. Comment below and share a little bit about YOU!

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Mary Lewis is an adventurous destination wedding & elopement photographed based in Northern California. She lives for adventurous couples, national park elopements, outdoor weddings, and telling a story through her images. Her style is raw, honest and filled with meaning and emotion. She is passionate about moments and believes that photographs are a timeless way to hold onto the memories we never want to forget.