Hi, I’m Maris — photographer, creator, and founder of Sage Grove Studio & Workspace.

Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I’d beg my mom for disposable cameras so I could capture the world around me — and that early love of documenting stories eventually became my career. Over the years, I’ve specialized in wedding and lifestyle photography, capturing timeless, heartfelt moments for couples and families across New England.

As my work has evolved, I have found myself drawn more and more to family and studio photography — to the kind of creative storytelling that happens when people feel comfortable, connected, and inspired. That vision is what led to Sage Grove: a place designed not only for my own work, but for other creatives, small business owners, and community members to come together in a calm, intentional environment.

My husband, Charlie, was born and raised here in Elmira, and much of my own family is from the broader Southern Tier and Finger Lakes area. I’ve always felt deeply connected to this region, and I’ve long dreamed of contributing something meaningful to the community that has helped shape so much of my story.

Like many young families, Charlie and I moved out of the area in search of opportunity. But as the years passed, we knew we wanted to come home. When we returned to Elmira in the spring of 2025, I knew it was time to finally bring this vision to life — to create a space that could serve both the creative community and the broader community around us.

Sage Grove isn’t just a studio; it’s a gathering place. A place where photographers and entrepreneurs can rent the studio or workspace by the hour, but also where local families can host events like baby showers, vendor fairs, or community markets. It’s about creating opportunity — both artistic and economic — and helping Elmira thrive again through creativity, connection, and shared purpose.

With the support of my husband and our family, I feel incredibly humbled to be able to build this. We see Sage Grove not just as a business, but as a small part of something bigger — a chance to bring new life, energy, and inspiration to our community.

Welcome to Sage Grove. I’m so glad you’re here — and I can’t wait to see what you’ll create within our walls.

— Maris Plymale, Founder