Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marcela Pulido. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marcela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission as a wedding photographer is deeply rooted in my own experiences and identity. Growing up as a Mexican-American Latina, I often felt unseen in spaces that celebrated love and beauty. Wedding imagery, in particular, felt homogenous, showcasing a narrow definition of what love, joy, and connection looked like. That stuck with me.

When I launched my photography business, my mission was clear: to create art that authentically captures diverse love stories, honoring the unique personalities, backgrounds, and connections of each couple. I aim to craft timeless, editorial-style photographs that transport my clients back to the visceral emotions of their day.

This mission is meaningful to me because I believe representation matters. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about creating a space where every couple, no matter who they are or what they look like, feels seen, celebrated, and valued.

Beyond capturing moments, I hope to inspire other creatives to break away from outdated norms and embrace the beauty in individuality and diversity. My mission is my way of contributing to a more inclusive, vibrant world.

Marcela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Marcela Pulido, a Portland-based wedding photographer with a passion for capturing the real, raw, and ridiculously good moments that make your day yours. My motto? You deserve damn good photos. And I mean it.

I got into photography because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling—especially the kind that leaves you feeling something. Growing up, I never saw love stories that looked like mine or represented the full spectrum of relationships out there. That’s why I set out to create art that’s inclusive, emotional, and unapologetically authentic.

My work combines editorial-style portraiture with a documentary approach, perfect for couples who are a little edgy, fashion-forward, and not afraid to have fun. I focus on creating timeless, luxury images that don’t just show what your wedding looked like, but how it felt.

What makes me different? I’m not just a photographer—I’m an observer, a hype-woman, and the calm in the chaos. I’m there to make you feel comfortable, present, and celebrated. I take the time to understand what matters most to you so that your photos feel personal and intentional—not just pretty.

What I’m most proud of is the way my photos make my clients feel. When someone tells me they laughed, cried, or even felt goosebumps reliving their day through their gallery, I know I’ve done my job.

At the end of the day, I’m here to remind you that your story deserves to be told beautifully, authentically, and damn well.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Photography started as my side-hustle while I worked as a receptionist at Amazon HQ in Seattle, WA. For two years, I hustled—building my portfolio, attending workshops, and connecting with incredible people who are still my friends today. I didn’t know exactly where this path would take me, but I knew I loved it.

After about a year, I decided to move back to Portland to grow my business locally. My plan was to find a part-time job while slowly building my network. But life had other plans. A freak accident left me with a broken ankle, and job hunting wasn’t exactly an option while I was rocking a cast. So, I pivoted. I poured everything into marketing, advertising, and connecting with potential clients virtually.

The wildest part? It worked. I ended up booking out my entire year while still stuck on the couch! From there, things took off. I’ve been fortunate to shoot in incredible places like Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, the Rockies, and even internationally in Barcelona, Mexico, and Fiji. One of my “pinch-me” moments was standing on a beach in Fiji, calling my dad, and realizing, “Wow, I’ve made it.”

That ankle break ended up being the best twist of fate. It pushed me to dive headfirst into my passion, and I’ve never looked back. Now, I get to live my dream of capturing love stories all over the world—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a photographer? Hands down, it’s the feedback. My love language is Words of Affirmation, so when clients leave glowing reviews or send text messages gushing about how much they love their photos, I’m absolutely thriving. Bonus points if they use all caps, multiple exclamation points, or throw in a “WE’RE CRYING!!!!”

The cherry on top is hearing how visceral the imagery feels—when someone says my photos transport them right back to their wedding day, I know I’ve done my job. Honestly, if I could bottle up the joy from those texts and reviews, I’d probably never need coffee again.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about creating pretty pictures; it’s about giving people a time machine back to some of the happiest moments of their lives. And knowing they felt seen, celebrated, and maybe even a little cooler than they already are? That’s the good stuff.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mgpulido.co/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcela.jpg
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mgpulido.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celapulido/