A storytelling approach to photography flashes light on more than just a moment frozen in time.

As the images are captured and collected, a genuine, true story unfolds: contexts are established, scenes revealed, and emotions exposed.

Rich in experience with documentary-style photography, Alison Pierce and Mark Wierda consider photos to be a true-to-life glimpse of just that: life. Life as it actually happened, not how people imagine it should have happened.

The result is their unobtrusive, behind-the-scenes approach, as seen in their editorial, commercial, and wedding photography.

Mark Wierda first began snapping photos in Montana in 1998 but soon after found himself with plenty to capture in the busy city of Chicago.

Alison Pierce, never a stranger to big cities, put her camera to use in both Boston and New York City before settling in Chicago.

Alison and Mark have individually been featured in The Knot Weddings, Chicago Style Weddings, Boston Magazine: Elegant Weddings, and The Beacon Hill Times.

Photos can beautifully complement film, design, and web. View more of our projects at www.cultivatestudios.com.