We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Andrikus. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary below.
Mary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I’m a wedding photographer but I am going to let you in on a secret: growing up, I did not picture myself getting married ever.
It’s not because I’m on a “love sucks” bandwagon but because the standard wedding industry does not cater to me: a rebel, who likes to do things differently and intentionally.
My kid-self would watch movies about how it is the ultimate dream to have big weddings and invite extended families (even though I haven’t talked to them in years), have a large number of wedding parties (even though my circle of friends is small – but cozy), or spend my wedding day socializing with a lot of people rather than with my person (even though I’m an introvert).
This all seems too much – too much pressure, too much energy spent on socializing (especially coming from an introvert), and most importantly, too much discomfort on what’s supposed to be the “happiest day of my life”.
And I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I know I am not the only one who wants something out of the box when saying “I do”.
This is why I am here: I am here to help you feel at ease on your wedding day.
I don’t want you to feel pressured to do what society’s idea of a “picture-perfect” wedding is.
With me, you can call the shots on your wedding day and most of your wedding day will be spent exploring and enjoying yourselves. That means, no forced Pinterest posing or doing things that do not make sense to you.
And I will photograph your wedding story organically documenting the real you, your personality, and quirks wherever your story takes you – no matter if it’s just the two of you somewhere in the forest, mountain, or in your backyard with your chosen family.
Mary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My nontraditional love story inspired my business.
While I was born here, I grew up in Indonesia for 15 years before I had to move back to the States starting my sophomore year in high school. I met my partner during my last year in Indonesia. We were close friends at the time until he decided to send me a Whatsapp message when I was already in the States (timing is not our friend). We have been in a long-distance relationship for more than ten years. Though our long-distance is coming to an end (he’s moving here!), I noticed that our story is not super common and I know when we get married, we want a day that feels like us and feels at home, instead of feeling like we’re on a big stage where we have to perform.
You do not need to be in a long distance like me, but you probably know how I feel – to desire ease, something completely unique, and freedom from obligations, people’s expectations, and judgment.
This is why I do what I do: I provide you with a wedding photography experience tailored to your relationship.
Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding with a small guest list, or a private elopement with just the two of you, I believe in delivering the same, stress-free, memorable experience for you as possible and making sure your custom vision really comes to life.
While being photographed is an inherently vulnerable task, I work to make my businesses a safer space for vulnerability by approaching every new couple with curiosity (and not my own assumptions), I give clear “here is what to expect next” at every step of our time together and I regularly check-in and ask for your consent at every step.
It is my priority for you to feel relaxed on your wedding day while having wedding photos that accurately reflect who you are as a couple.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Growing up, I do not have many “dream jobs”. I only want to become two things – a veterinarian and a photographer. Being a veterinarian is out of the question because I don’t like science. Being a photographer? That seems too wild for me as I grew up in a country (Indonesia) where being a full-time artist is almost impossible and where it felt like you had to be the best in the industry, if not, just let it go.
I thought that only people with natural gifts in art – no learned skills required – can be artists (Boy was I wrong in this…)
I ended up working in a nonprofit because I thought at least I can help in bringing positive change and impact to my community with my skills, even though I do not feel belong in the regular office job (but I wish I did belong there). I was great at my job, but it doesn’t feel 100% right.
To compensate for my job situation, I decided to find a creative outlet.
I picked up my camera and eventually photographed my first couple for their engagement and their wedding. That one hire changed everything.
I dove headfirst into the photography world. I was hungry. I wanted to learn more and do more. I took online courses, asked local photographers whom I admire to be my mentors, and practiced a lot. Photography consumes me as I cannot ever stop thinking about it – the ideas that I have and what I could do, and what I would do in the future. I never felt anything like this.
After I step my foot into the creative industry,To this day, it is still wild to me that there are people out there who appreciate my documentary photo style and I am forever thankful for those who trust me to photograph and preserve their special day.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
This may sound cliche, but it is the community.
I have a tight community here in Kentucky and Cincinnati and without them, I wouldn’t grow and be where I am now. I still have SO much to learn! But fortunately, I have tons of photographer friends who share referrals with me (even when I did not expect them to) and allowed me to study under them when I was still a newbie. My community inspires me to believe that my wild dreams are possible and genuinely wants me to succeed.
After I step my foot into the creative industry, it is the most rewarding aspect to know, after I step my foot into the creative industry, that I would receive overwhelming support from my local community as they got my back (and I got theirs too).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maryandrikus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryandrikus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryandrikus
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryandrikus/
Image Credits
Mary Andrikus Photography Headshot by Alex Davis Photography