Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Margaret Bolen.
Hi Mary Margaret, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography has always been part of my story. Growing up, my dad was the one always behind the camera — capturing everyday moments and small details that, at the time, felt ordinary. Today, those images mean everything. After planning my own wedding, I fell in love with helping couples preserve not just how their day looked — but how it felt. The emotion. The anticipation. The quiet moments you don’t even realize are happening until they’re gone.
My approach to wedding photography is rooted in connection, intention, and trust. I specialize in light, airy, and timeless imagery — blending candid storytelling with traditional portraits that never feel forced. I believe couples deserve a photographer who not only captures their day beautifully, but also advocates for their needs, helps them stay present, and supports them throughout the planning process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! I moved to Murfreesboro from Memphis, TN so it took a few years to really get a feel for the city, find my favorite shooting locations, and build connections with vendors and other photographers. I also originally started off as a family photographer and recently transitioned into exclusively wedding photography. That transition was challenging becasue it opened up a whole new world and I needed to build both my portfolio and relationships from scratch again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I approach every wedding with the goal of helping couples feel fully present and at ease on their wedding day. Through intentional planning and a calm, supportive presence, I provide wedding photography that documents your day as it naturally unfolds—capturing candid, in-between moments alongside timeless, classic portraits. I’m both confident and discreet: guiding when needed to keep the day on schedule, and quietly observing during meaningful moments like the ceremony and toasts. During your engagement session, I teach you how to pose and interact naturally, so by the wedding day you feel comfortable, confident, and able to simply enjoy every moment.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that my couples (especially brides) feel confident enough in my skillset to be able to relax on their wedding day. It goes by in the blink of an eye and it’s my job to ease the stress and ensure they get to actually enjoy the day they’ve been planning for months.
Pricing:
- Wedding Collections range from $2,500-$4,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cotterandivoryphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotterandivoryphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotterandivoryphotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/cotterandivoryphotography/
