Mary Winford Weddings

02/10/2026

Story time:
I've Been a Wedding Photographer for 10 years. I've been in the DMV for 6 of those years. Shooting weddings here has been such a dream since coming from North Carolina. I was a sheltered college girl studying Psychology to be a therapist and I became a photographer seemingly out of nowhere.

How it started was, I was 19 years old, and I had a friend who was passionate about photography. She started teaching me about her camera a little. I was so interested, and I didn't know why at first. I wanted to learn more and more about photography. I realized that ever since I was a kid, I asked for a camera. I got a new camera almost every Christmas. It was my one Christmas gift I asked for. Of course these were cameras suitable for kids. So, I was obsessed with my friend's real DSLR camera. I started thinking of all the possibilities it could be used for. I started coming up with all these business ideas to help her, but she wasn't interested in my ideas. I later found out she didn't even like me haha.

I decided I wouldn't let that stop me. I sold some technology to get my own camera, and got training from older mentors in Greensboro NC. I later saw photos of weddings, and became obsessed. I did small shoots for a year and did a wedding with an experienced photographer for the first time, and she paid me $75. I was just thankful for the experience back then. I realized my favorite part was people seeing the beauty within themselves after a photo was taken and the creativity behind it. It kept me going. I did other events with her later because she saw potential in me.

Every time I did a shoot, I used it to buy more camera gear. I was a broke college student with no job haha. I didn't realize photography would later become my job. Some people hired me to shoot small weddings after seeing my portrait shoots and weddings I did with the experienced photographer.

My friend at the time started seeing me as competition and told her other friends they were only allowed to work with her. It was an interesting time as I still thought we were friends back then haha.

I shot weddings and events all throughout college. I graduated and started college at Wake Forest University to get into mental health counseling, and I later moved to the DMV area during Covid because I was getting married at the time.

I felt like the DMV held a lot of opportunities, and it was beautiful to me since I came from a small city. Since becoming a LPC, I actually want to do even bigger things with photography now that I've been out of school for a while. Follow me to watch my photography journey. I have some major plans for the next few years.

02/04/2026

Are you going to the Chantilly Bridal Show next week?
I'll be there! Here is a little about me as a photographer:

My passion for photography started with a simple goal: to help people see their own beauty and embrace their confidence. To me, Your wedding day isn’t just an event. it’s a beautiful chapter in your love story, and I’m here to help you relive every moment for a lifetime.

With around 10 years of experience, I've recognized it’s not just about the photos—it’s about how you feel throughout the process. I know weddings can feel overwhelming, which is why I focus on creating a relaxed, fun, and laid-back atmosphere. I want you to feel completely at ease so you can let go of any nerves and focus on what really matters: celebrating your love.

When we work together, you can expect natural, candid photos that reflect the genuine emotions of your day—not forced poses or awkward moments. I’ll work with you every step of the way, from planning the perfect timeline to capturing all the little details that make your day special.

When you chose me as your photographer, you’re not just hiring someone to take pictures. You’re choosing a partner who’s fully invested in making your wedding day as unforgettable as possible.

I want to give you the gift of reliving your wedding day for years to come—through photos that capture the heart and soul of your love story.

02/04/2026

08/22/2025

Loved capturing these two! Keep swiping for some of their gorgeous detail shots

07/29/2025

This is your sign to have a spring 2026 wedding. Don’t you just LOVE these pastels?! If you’re located in the DMV area, I’d be honored to be your wedding photographer

07/21/2025

Sometimes the florist is the MVP of the day. These flowers were gorgeous and the way they’re arranged at the arch is just a masterpiece.

07/18/2025

The hug between Katie and her dad had everyone in tears. These are some of my favorite moments of the day. The smile that Katie had on her face at the end told everything we needed to know. Katie and Seth are so in love.

07/15/2025

There are so many small details you’re thinking about during your wedding planning. Including down to the shoes! Sometimes the thing to do is look around and see what others have done before. Here are Halle and Logan’s details. Look at those beautiful shoes!

07/09/2025

Look at that beautiful bouquet! I loved all the colors here. Perfect for fall weddings. And sage for the bridesmaids was a wonderful choice

07/07/2025

Got a chance to shoot a wedding at the lovely Virginia Cliffe Inn. Isn’t it absolutely stunning? If you’re looking for a perfect spot to have your special day, look no further! Everything about this day was incredible.

06/19/2025

Golden hour and the people who matter most.
There’s nothing sweeter than pausing during your wedding day to take photos with the ones who’ve loved and supported you through every chapter. These family portraits with Michelle and Geoff were filled with so much joy, laughter, and love. It was the kind of shoot you can feel every time you look back on them.