Hi, I'm Iyoma, but most people call me by my middle name, Mercy. You might be wondering about "Oduma"! it's actually deeply personal to me. I'm from Kogi, Nigeria, and I'm part of the Igala Tribe, where "Oduma" means "a mother's love." Right before I was born, my father's mother passed away, so he lovingly called me Oduma in her honor. While I go by Mercy in most circles, my closest friends and family still call me Oduma
Before Photography, I worked for five years as a full-time auditor. During those years, I became a full-time mother of three boys. As my boys have gotten older, I’ve had a growing desire to pursue my passions so that they will learn to do the same. So “Oduma” seemed like the perfect name for my business, because it was the love for my boys that inspired me to start it!
and my dream is to make your dreams come true by serving you and capturing your priceless moments.
aka Mercy
I am Iyoma,
ROCHESTER MN + Destination wedding photographer.
Documenting love in a way that transcends time.
When I show up to photograph your wedding, I'm not just taking pictures. I'm honoring your story, your connections, and all those incredible humans who decided to celebrate your love. Nothing gets taken for granted - not a single tear, laugh, or unexpected moment. Because I know firsthand how beautifully messy and magical weddings can be.
genuine love stories for couples that wants a laid-back experience
I capture
Let me tell you something wild - I've actually been married THREE times... to the same guy. I know, I know, sounds crazy right? But each celebration was totally different. Our first ceremony was this sweet little elopement with just 50 people, then we did a traditional American wedding that was supposed to be 200 guests - though unfortunately my parents couldn't get their visas, which was heartbreaking. Then a year later, we went big in Nigeria with over 2,000 guests! It was a 2-day celebration, so you could say I have experienced the full different spectrum of weddings.
My Love story :)
As a Christian, I believe God has called us to love, and what a privilege it is for me to be able to capture some of the best demonstrations of the love of Christ in your weddings or with your children and families! I do not take your trust in me lightly and my goal is to serve you to my utmost capacity
I Believe
The Oduma Style
My clients treasure beautiful, elevated, clean, down-to-earth photos with a mix of raw moments and editorial look—but they're looking for so much more than just pretty pictures. This means authentic, genuine emotions and relationships are prioritized above all else.
Past Client experiences
Kind Words from
I'm a very sentimental person, so if you join my team of brides, I'll always be on your side! If you want to grab coffee to catch up after your wedding, I'd love that. I'm 1000% invested in you and rooting for you.
Once you reach out, my goal is to set up a call to meet you face-to-face. This is your wedding, and I don't want there to be an ounce of doubt about what you'll get from me. My least favorite transaction style is Facebook Marketplace because you never know what you'll get. With me, I want to make sure you're just as confident in how I can serve you on your day as I am.
I can't wait to hear from you!
A Partnership Beyond Your Wedding Day
we become a team
- Rachel - Venue Owner
- Dani and Nick
"Mercy is a great photographer, professional, and easy to work with"
"She is also so sweet to be around and made us feel super comforting while taking pictures, I highly recommend Mercy !!"
- Blessing kinney
"You can stop looking and book her. You will thank me later :)."
_Gloria and Timothy
"She is passionate about what she does"
-LORRIE
"She was funny & laid back but still made sure things got done"
down for a fun time
Heirloom Pieces to Have and Hold
Room for Spontaneous Outings
Experiences Over Things
the ODUMA difference
Vacation in Kauai, Hawaii,
Daydreaming about
The small farming village I grew up in Nigeria
favorite place
Comes from family
my inspiration
An episode of Brooklyn 99
WILL NEVER MISS
El Viento & Islet
Santorini, Greece
Dream location
My faith in Jesus Christ and family
can't live without
Beyond photography
Mercy
I'm from Nigeria, I grew up with about 300 siblings at an orphanage my parents run.
I started track my senior year and came in 2nd in a national competition so I can get around really fast to get those important shots.
I am an extrovert, some of my favorite things are meeting new people, cooking, spending time with my family and friends playing board games and dancing .
I am always down for adventures. hiking, traveling , and exploring new places.
I moved to America 2014 for Grad school where I met my husband at bible study. now we have 3 kiddos.
FEW FACTS about me
