Maribeth Brown Romslo: photo pro
Maribeth Brown Romslo earned a Bachelor of Arts at Loyola in 2000. She also studied at the John Felice Rome Center, where she met her husband, Erik.
A documentary wedding photographer, she lives in Minneapolis with her husband, 6-month-old son, and dog. Prior to opening her own business, Red Ribbon Studio, in 2004, she was a magazine photo editor in New York City. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple Weddings, and Brides Magazine, and she was honored as a 2008 and 2009 “The Knot Best of Weddings” Photographer.
What is the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?
Service. I volunteered in a few ways during my time at Loyola and it impressed on me the importance of service and volunteering. I loved being involved in the Hunger Week planning and events-I felt like it increased awareness about such an important topic.
Since Loyola, I have continued to make service a priority in my life. I ran as a volunteer guide with the Achilles Track Club (for disabled runners) when I lived in NYC, volunteered for Peace House Africa, and have organized a Christmas gift drive for a needy family every year with my book club.
If you could go back to school, what Loyola course would you take? Why?
Color Theory with Professor Vodvarka (a professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts), I LOVED that class.
Where was your favorite place on campus?
In front of Madonna della Strada, looking out at the lake
What is your favorite place in Chicago?
When you’re driving on Lake Shore Drive and you go over the river. The view of the city and lake is so pretty right there-especially at night.
Why did you decide to become a photographer?
I love telling stories with my camera. I feel so fortunate that I am able to do it as my job! My grandfather taught me to take photographs when I was a teenager. I went to college not knowing I would major in fine art, but was very encouraged by my fine art professors to pursue it as a major.
I also photographed for The Phoenix (student newspaper), which was a great experience for learning how to document news events and stories. The documentary skills I learned photographing for The Phoenix were definitely a foundation for how I found my passion and direction in photography.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
Every wedding day is unique-so personal and different for each couple. I love that.
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Joy is the best makeup.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it to others?
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Yes, I would recommend it, especially to “dog people.”
What (or who) inspires you?
Love. Kindness. Color. Kids. Nature. Yoga. Friends. Family.
If you could travel to any time and place in history, where would you opt to go?
The 1960s in the United States-it was such a transformational time: civil rights, JFK, Martin Luther King Jr…Plus I think it would be awesome to wear go-go boots on a daily basis.
Describe your perfect day.
Latte from the coffee shop. Go to a yoga class. Lunch with a girlfriend. Walk around the lake with my husband, son, and dog. Afternoon nap. BBQ dinner. Glass of wine and a movie after my 6 month old goes to sleep.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
Back to Africa. My husband and I traveled to Tanzania for two weeks in February 2008 and volunteered at a school there. The school is run by a Minnesota based non-profit (www.peacehouseafrica.org) that I had been involved with the past few years. It was an amazing experience. The kids were so inspiring, they maintained such joy and hope in the face of adversity. I would go back and volunteer again in a heartbeat.
Describe yourself in three words. I am…
Happy. Busy. Energetic.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
These days, my 6-month old, Max. I haven’t used my alarm clock since March.
Which one best describes you in college: athlete, intellectual, artist, young professional, activist, or social butterfly?
Artist