what’s it like working with me?
12 years and nearly 500 weddings. I've seen some shit.
I’ve been all over the world, from Nairobi to Prague to Jamaica, plus plenty of national parks and more. I started traveling the world at 13 and haven’t been able to shake the travel bug since. As an adult, one of my main goals is to visit a new country every year, and I love nothing more than researching the hell out of my next adventure. This has naturally translated into doing the same for my couples, and it’s become one of my highest honors and favorite things.
My job isn't just to take photos.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’m going to handle all the photo logistics so you don’t have to think about it on the other side of the world. You just show up ready to party, and I’m going to keep a cool head, know what needs to happen next, and make sure you actually get to enjoy your day. When you feel good, your photos will be good, anywhere in the world.
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A local photographer can be a great choice but sometimes it can be tricky to find what you’re looking for in a language you understand. If my work and approach feel right for you, distance doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. You're hiring me for how I see things, how I work with people, and how I help the day feel. I'll take care of the photography planning with your location in mind.
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I started with a little 35mm point and shoot as a kid, which eventually led to me resurrecting an abandoned darkroom at my high school and shooting the gamut from 35mm to large format.
There's just something so delish about the texture, colors and little imperfections of film, but I also love what digital can do. I shoot both because they each bring something different to your story, and I want to use the right tool for the moment.
For something like the first kiss, I'll make sure we safely have it digitally and, if you're really going at it, grab a few on film too.
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Good! Me too!!
Almost every couple you see in my work has told me, “We're so awkward in front of the camera and hate having our photo taken.”
In my opinion, direction is KEY, but knowing when to back off and let things unfold naturally is just as important. I will never leave you wondering what to do with your hands, but I'm also not going to choreograph every second of your day.
I'll give you enough direction to feel confident, then get out of the way and let you be yourselves.
The goal is for photos to be fun, quick and something that doesn't consume your whole day. When you feel good, you look good. And when you forget I'm taking your picture, that's when the magic happens.
“I am so glad we found Maddie for our wedding. She was such good fun but so professional at the same time. She notices all the fine details that your average Joe wouldn’t and that’s what makes her photos so amazing! So happy with her advice (several times) pre-wedding, such great service on the day and such a fun person to have around. The day after our wedding we also went out to the desert. She knew exactly what time of day to go for lighting, what to do, where to go, what poses etc - always asked our opinion first but I’m so glad we went with her advice and experience, she definitely knows best. So not only do we have seriously beautiful photos from her but her presence was part of the nice memory too!”
“We planned an elopement in Palm Springs - a city we’d never been to before and she helped us plan the most perfect day. From the start, she was professional, kind and has the type of personality where you feel instantly comfortable and confident, even if you’re camera shy. She drove us around to each shooting location and brought water, snacks, and fans. She’s the hype girl you need and she delivers the most beautiful photos that bring you right back to the feelings of that day”
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YES. And I’ll come to you, even if you aren’t San Diego based.
Engagement shoots are SO SO IMPORTANT!
Not only do they give us a chance to get to know each other, they're also a great practice run before the big day. Most people have never had their photo professionally taken, so I think it's really valuable to go into your wedding day already knowing what it feels like to be in front of my camera.
By the time your wedding rolls around, you'll know what to expect, I'll know what works for you and we can get right to the good stuff.
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You bet, and probably more than you think.
Destination wedding planning can be pretty brain melting and I'm more than happy to help cool it off. Location scouting, international permits are just the beginning of how I help. I create custom timelines, put together efficient family photo lists and can always come up with an excuse when you need to sit in a quiet room for five.
I also have a whole packet of tips and tricks for getting the most out of your wedding day that every client receives when they book.
I've done this almost 500 times. Let me put that experience to work for you!!
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My packages that include travel and all day coverage start at 8k, with options to add on multi day coverage and more.
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You bet! I shoot weddings & elopements all over the US and anywhere else in the world you can dream of being! My passport is always ready & my Duolingo is stacked.
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Absolutely!! I LIVE for an elopement and really am an excellent third wheel. I always arrive to destination events a few days prior to get some good hearty location scouting so you dont have to worry about a thing. I’m also ordained in the US :)
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Click the button below to fill out the form and tell me a bit about what you’re dreaming up! From there we can hop on the phone to see if its a good fit. A non refundable retainer and contract are needed to book and reserve your date.
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There are no bad questions! This whole wedding planning deal can be a lot!! I’m more than happy to be a resource however you need! Hit the button below and fire away!
“The most wonderful experience!! Madeline made it so easy to feel calm and relaxed, especially coming from two people who hate getting their picture taken!
Also so so love working with someone so fun and chill and not stuffy at all! Exactly what we were looking for and more! Loveeeee the experience that we had! Made our wedding that much more magical!”
