At a certain point in wedding planning, every photographer starts to feel similar. The galleries are all beautiful, the pricing overlaps… then your question shifts from “What will my photos look like?” to “What will this actually feel like?”
For me, the answer is simple: care.
I don’t believe in rushed wedding days or timelines packed so tightly there’s no room to breathe. I arrive hours before your ceremony so your morning feels calm, natural, and fully present — not staged or hurried.
But the experience starts long before your wedding day.
From the moment you inquire, I’m fully invested in you. Unlimited calls whenever you need guidance. One-on-one timeline planning tailored specifically to your day. Engagement sessions led by connection and comfort, not dictated by a 60-minute timer. And access to my custom-built 170+ page digital wedding planner and an in-depth Bride Guide designed to answer the questions you haven’t even thought to ask yet.
Because while beautiful, artful imagery still matters deeply to me, so does the experience of creating it.
Years from now, I don’t just want you to love your photos. I want you to remember how cared for you felt while those memories were being made — comfortable, present, and fully able to soak in every moment while I preserved it with honesty and beauty.
Hi, I'm Makaila.
As an East Coast photographer, my lens finds its home in the beautiful state of North Carolina. I share my days with my Aussie/German Shepherd pup, Ziggy, and my special-needs kitty, Penelope-Grace (Penny).
My aim is to artfully document your day, embracing the raw, authentic, and genuine moments that make it uniquely yours. I avoid choreography, choosing instead to be fully present. My biggest goal on your wedding day is to discreetly capture each moment, preserving its authenticity without any disruption.
Whether candid or posed, my focus remains on delivering poetic and honest photographs that leave you with goosebumps when you revisit them.
If you're in search of honest images that pour emotion, let's chat.
If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking for a wedding photographer, you’ve seen the same buzzwords over and over: documentary, editorial, cinematic.
They sound exciting… but most couples have no idea what they actually mean!
Documentary - the “real life, as it happened” approach
A documentary photographer does not pose, prompt, or direct—ever. Their only focus is to observe and capture the day exactly as it unfolds. No interruption or influence.
Editorial - the “magazine moment” vibe
Editorial images are incredibly intentional, with guided poses, creative compositions, bold lighting, and unique backdrops. They’re styled, artistic, and designed to feel like they belong in a magazine. Because they’re more curated and detail-focused, they typically require a longer timeline to shoot well.
Cinematic - the “movie still” energy
With a cinematic photographer, you’re going to see lots of movement and very few traditional “stand still and smile” poses. It’s all about mood, depth, and emotion with images that feel like you hit pause on the moment in your favorite romance movie.
Cinque Terre, Italy on 35mm film