Film Photography
Rehearsal Dinner Coverage
That's me!
engagement sessions
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frequently asked questions
Wedding albums
wedding Packages
micro weddings (<40 guests)
City Hall WEDDINGS / MinimonIES
proposals
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$400/hr
Extra Time
ADD-ONS:
PROPOSAL + ENGAGEMENT SESSION (90 min) – $1350
Proposal – $850
PROPOSALS
Looking to pop the question? Let's make your proposal super memorable by documenting it! I WISH my own parents had a photographer when my dad asked my mom to marry him. I always ask to hear the story over and over again about the poem he read her in their apartment before he proposed. I would give ANYTHING to have seen those photos! It's my job to ensure that you have photos from that very moment when your partner screams "YES YES OF COURSE YES!" to hold dear for years to come.
I always arrive at LEAST 30 minutes prior to the proposal time to get as set up as possible. After you propose, we'll take some portraits around the proposal area for ~15 minutes (with the ability to add more time). Each proposal comes planning + timeline assistance and 75-100 hi-res images available on a secure online gallery/print store with a print release. Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks, but also includes day-of sneak peeks so that you have a few photos to share on social media and/or with family + friends.
$200
Film Photography
$450
8 x 6 Signing Guestbook (20 pages)
$400/hr
Extra Time
ADD-ONS:
ENGAGEMENT SESSION (90 - 120 min) – $850
engagement sessions
Now that you're engaged, it's time to take some photos together! This is a great opportunity to practice getting photographed before your wedding. It's kind of like a dress rehearsal! It also gives you two the chance to get to know how I work as a photographer, allowing you to feel more at ease when I show up on your wedding day. We can go to as many spots as you like that fit within our 90-120 minute timeframe (including outfit changes). More time can be added on if you need.
You will receive planning + timeline assistance, plus 100-150 hi-res images available on a secure online gallery/print store with a print release. Turnaround time for deliverables is 2-3 weeks. You'll also receive access to my Engagement Session Guide, which lays out the best things to wear, what to do with pets, where we'll need permits, and includes the link for my calendar to schedule yourselves into my available dates.
Please note that engagement sessions are included in my 9 hour and 10 hour wedding packages.
$200
Film Photography
$500/hr
Extra Time
$450 - $1650
$850
Engagement Session
Wedding Album (see pricing below)
ADD-ONS:
2 hours – $1650
1 hour – $1250
City Hall Weddings / MINIMONIES
For some couples, all you need are each other and the "I do's!" This package is designed for those who are looking for City Hall ceremony photos plus a couples session with additional portraits around the city. Getting married in your home or somewhere else of importance? No problem! This package can be customized for other minimonies (ceremony + portrait session) with just the newlyweds and up to 6-10 other guests.
You will receive planning + timeline assistance, 5 5x7 prints, plus 100-150 hi-res images available on a secure online gallery/print store with a print release. Turnaround time for deliverables is 4-6 weeks.
$450
Film Photography
$450 - $1650
$850
Engagement Session
Wedding Album (see pricing below)
ADD-ONS:
+ $600 per following hour
3 hours – $2950
MICRO WEDDINGS
Sometimes it makes more sense to just have your most important family + friends present for your ceremony and reception. No fuss, no crazy productions– just you, your person and those who are nearest + dearest. This package is designed for those who are having an intimate wedding with up to 40 guests in attendance and a minimum of 3 hours of coverage. This can include a few getting ready photos, family photos, ceremony coverage, some reception and some dancing. You will receive roughly 75-100 photos per shooting hour.
You will receive timeline assistance, 8 5x7 prints, plus hi-res images available on a secure online gallery/print store with a print release. Turnaround time for deliverables is 4-6 weeks.
30 5x7 Prints in Print Box
Sneak Peek Mini Gallery
Engagement Session
Second Shooter on Wedding Day
Film Photography
10 x 8 Wedding Album (30 pages)
1000 - 1500 Edited Photos
Planning/Timeline Assistance
Wedding Day Guide
Vendor Recommendations
Rehearsal/Welcome Dinner Coverage
10-12 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
1200 - 1600 Edited Photos
Timeline Assistance
Wedding Day Guide
Vendor Recommendations
Rehearsal/Welcome Dinner Coverage
Unlimited Wedding Day Coverage
30 5x7 Prints in Print Box
Sneak Peek Mini Gallery
Engagement Session
Second Shooter on Wedding Day
Film Photography
12 x 9 Wedding Album (30 pages)
$10,500
THE FULL STORY
$450
Film Photography
$1250
Rehearsal Dinner Coverage (pending availability)
$450 - $1650
$500 (for my 8 hr package)
$900
$650/hr
ADD-ONS:
Second Shooter
Engagement Session
Extra Time
Wedding Album (see pricing below)
Nothing but the biggest celebration for you and your person! These packages are designed for couples looking for a full day of photography with all family + friends present (even your mom's cousin Susan twice removed, she can come!). From putting on your incredible wedding ensemble until you and your best friend are belting "Livin' On A Prayer" on the dance floor, I'll be with you from start to finish. Coverage includes getting ready photos, portraits, family photos, ceremony, reception & dancing.
My photography services start at 8 hours of coverage and can go up to 10 hours (or more) depending on your needs. Each package includes edited hi-res images available on a secure online gallery/print store with a print release. Sneak peeks are sent within 7 days and turnaround time for the full gallery is 6-8 weeks.
Please note that services/items cannot be removed from any packages in order to adjust the price. Each package is carefully designed to give the best experience possible with optimal coverage. However, add-ons (listed below) can be combined with packages to create one that best suits your needs!
(Option to add on an Engagement Session for $500)
(Most popular)
Coverage ideal for couples who are having everything on-site or in close proximity to each other. Allows enough time for getting-ready photos, portraits, and reception coverage.
Full day coverage, ideal for couples who are most likely having their ceremony + reception in the same location. Allows ample time for getting-ready photos, portraits, and reception coverage.
All day coverage, ideal for couples who need extra travel time throughout the day. Allows ample time (plus some wiggle room) for getting-ready photos, portraits, and reception coverage.
$7250
$8250
$9250
600 - 800 Edited Photos
Timeline Assistance
Wedding Day Guide
Vendor Recommendations
10 5x7 Prints
Sneak Peek Mini Gallery
700 - 900 Edited Photos
Timeline Assistance
Wedding Day Guide
Vendor Recommendations
15 5x7 Prints
Sneak Peek Mini Gallery
Engagement Session
All Day Second Shooter
800 - 1000 Edited Photos
Timeline Assistance
Wedding Day Guide
Vendor Recommendations
20 5x7 Prints in Print Box
Sneak Peek Mini Gallery
Engagement Session
All Day Second Shooter
Film Photography
10 x 8 Wedding Album (30 pages)
8 hours
9 hours
10 hours
perfect duet
golden hour
Rewrite the stars
wedding packages
$450
Looking to add on a more nostalgic medium? Film combines that true magic of romance with being perfectly imperfect. It's the type of photography that encourages us to slow down, be intentional, and really take in the moment.
On a wedding day I'll typically shoot 3 - 5 rolls on a 35mm Canon EOS 1V, which was released in the year 2000. It's the last professional grade film camera from Canon until they fully switched over to digital. Don't be fooled– it may have the appearance of my other cameras, but the inside feels like a real time machine.
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
- Mini session with you and your partner before the event (15-30 min)
- 90 min of cocktail hour + speeches
$1250
WELCOME / Rehearsal dinner
can i change packages to adjust the price?
All of my packages are created to ensure I give you the best when it comes to my photography services. Each item adds value to that specific package and the prices are based off of the collection as a whole with everything included. Although nothing can be removed, my add-on services and deliverables can be added to smaller packages, allowing you to personally customize what you need for your wedding.
What if we don't want the included engagement session?
If you don't want engagement photos but are interested in booking either the 9 hour Golden Hour package or the 10 hour Rewrite the Stars package, you can substitute the session with one additional hour of wedding day coverage OR welcome/rehearsal dinner coverage (pending availability). This adjustment can only be made in these exact scenarios and is not applicable for add-ons or additional items.
Do you charge travel fees?
NOPE! I want to be able to provide my services across the globe, and the best way to do that is not adding anything extra for those couples. I love to travel and would love the chance to photograph your destination wedding.
How long will it take to receive my photos?
Fun fact about me: I'm a weirdo who LOVES to edit. It's a process that brings me so much closer to what lies at the heart of what I do best, which is to create fine-art photography. I'm always eager to start on the edits from the moment I get home and this excitement continues until I export the final images. For smaller sessions, the edits take about 3 - 4 weeks and larger weddings take 6 - 8 weeks. If there is any reason that I would not meet this deadline (because of an emergency or other obligations), then I will 100% communicate that to you and make sure you're filled in on everything that's going on.
I don't know how to pose. What do I do?
LET ME TELL YOU that when someone tries to take MY photo I often freeze up. My hands? My face? My body? Suddenly I don't know what to do with any of them! Whenever I'm working with couples I always aim to capture them in a natural, organic way. Every relationship is different physically + emotionally. I work to find what makes you guys feel the most like yourselves. There are small tricks I have up my sleeve to aid this process, but no two couples are the same. It's so much easier to think about your partner and the ways you love them rather than where to put your arms or how to position your legs. We will work together to tell your story in these photos.
What is the benefit of a Second Shooter at my wedding?
Unfortunately, I can't clone myself to be in two rooms at the same time (wouldn't that be cool?). This is where the role of the Second Shooter can really come in handy! I almost always recommend a Second Shooter for large events in order to make sure every last detail is captured and from every angle. If you and your partner are getting ready in separate locations, having another photographer there allows each of you to be documented before the ceremony. If I'm photographing someone giving a speech, my other photographer can take photos of your reactions. These are only a couple of the many ways a Second Shooter can be utilized.
This process is super new to us. how many hours will we need?
This is definitely the question I get asked the most! One of the best ways to figure this out is to hop on a phone or Zoom call to discuss your big day. We'll go over how long everything will take, including getting ready, travel time, and even when speeches should be planned. My goal isn't to get you to book my largest package or sell you hours you don't need– it's to find the right timeline that works best for you. We'll finalize everything before your wedding so that when when the day comes, we'll have a solid schedule in place and y'all don't have to worry about a thing!
Can I order a photo album and/or prints?
Oh heck yes! All wedding packages come with a specific amount prints along with the ability to add on an album. The gallery you receive online also serves as a print store, making ordering any additional prints super easy.
We're getting married at City Hall. How does that work?
(Updated Feb 2024) If you're looking to get married in person at City Hall, there's no appointment needed Tuesday through Fridays, 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm (the latest we can arrive is 3:30pm). Saturdays are by appointment only. Those are made 6-8 weeks ahead of time by calling (312) 603-5660. From what I've heard, the times they give you are random and you aren't given much choice on the time of day.
For non-appointment days, we'll check in on the lower level of 119 W Randolph St in the Loop and hand the receptionist your marriage license and $10. Without either of these, the judge cannot perform your ceremony that day. After that, we'll wait until your names are called. Depending on how many folks have hopped in line before you, it can take up to 30-45 minutes (this is more likely on Fridays). If your names are called and we're not there, you'll forfeit your place in line. Once you're called, we'll go into one of the small rooms and get you married! You can have up to 10 people with you, but please note that the rooms are VERY small (you can see photo examples of the space here). The ceremony takes only 3 minutes!
For a scheduled appointment, everything above is the same with the exception of wait time. Because they schedule multiple couples for the same time slot on Saturdays, there will still be a small window of time where we'll wait for your names to be called.
Because wait times vary, I deduct those minutes from your photo coverage to ensure we have plenty of time for photos!
do you offer mini sessions?
At this time I am not offering mini sessions. I want to make sure that my couples are able to receive the full experience when it comes to a session with me. Spending the full time together allows us to get to know each other better while we run around and take gorgeous photos.
Do you edit all the photos yourself? Do you give out RAW images?
Every single photo you receive from me will have been color corrected and edited by my own hands. My edits are what make my craft so unique, and it's for this reason that I don't send off my work to be edited by someone else or give out RAW, unedited photos.
How many images will I receIve?
My wedding packages usually yield 75-100 images per shooting hour depending on what's happening and how many people are being photographed. I take fewer photos while people are eating (trust me, the average person does not look cute while taking a big bite of chicken) and more during the important moments. An engagement session will often result in 100-150 images.
What happens if there is rain and/or bad weather?
I promise we can always find beauty in whatever Mother Nature throws at us and we will make it work. Sometimes a little extra rain, snow, or wind can add some incredible, unexpected texture that makes the photos even more beautiful. If an engagement or family session date needs to be rearranged because of dangerous conditions, I'm more than happy to take that on a case-by-case basis.
"Can you make me look skinnier?"
I do not think that a person's body should be edited to look a certain way. I take pride in being a body-positive photographer that looks at the organic love happening between people. We all have skin, fat, folds, and other beautiful curves. I embrace it all. The only retouching I do is for acne, scarring, blemishes, or bruising. I never look at someone I've photographed and seek out to erase their "imperfections." I only see love, which is honestly what you'll remember most about the day when you look back on these images. The best photos won't be about how your body looks. It'll be about the connection you share with the ones you cherish the most.
What does your payment plan look like?
I always ask for a deposit of 20% with the contract. This payment ensures my time and that I don't accept another booking for that day. Because that date is being held just for you, it is non-refundable and acts as a retainer. At 3 months out, 50% is due, and the remainder of the balance is due 2 weeks before the wedding/session, but I am happy to set up a plan that spreads out for smaller payments over time before the big day.
Times are unpredictable. Can we reschedule?
If you are rescheduling a wedding, the paid deposit will go toward your new date and I will not add any additional fees. A new contract will be written for the new date agreed upon by both you and me. If a wedding is rescheduled for a second time, I require a 15% non-refundable payment for the new date. If a wedding needs to be moved to a new date due to government shutdowns or mandates preventing any kind of gathering from happening, I will not charge any additional fees for rescheduling.
Can we book you before we've nailed down a venue?
Please feel free to reach out to me at any time during your planning process! However, only folks with booked venues can sign a contract + pay a deposit with me (with the exception of City Hall weddings) to make everything official. Not only does this ensure that your date lines up with my schedule, but it also gives us a great starting place when we discuss your wedding day timeline to figure out how much coverage you'll need. If you're looking at a number of dates, please let me know so I can share my availability with you!
Do you travel for Weddings + other sessions?
Of course! I will meet you wherever you are– I'm definitely not limited to the Midwest. All additional travel expenses will be discussed and added to the final contract, so you won't need to worry about flights/gas/hotels.
Our venue has funky lighting. How do you deal with low light?
Being a concert photographer in addition to photographing weddings means I've practiced being able to capture important moments in less than ideal lighting situations. My trained eye combined with knowing how to best utilize my lighting equipment allows me to provide amazing photos, no matter where your wedding is taking place or what time of day it occurs.
DO YOU OFFER VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES?
At the moment I only offer photography. However, my recommended vendor list contains a number of videographers that I love to work with. Once you book with me, I'd be more than happy to share my list with you!
Can I talk to you endlessly about my pets?
Honestly, I'd be mad if you didn't. If you have any furry friends at home, I want to know every nickname you call them, how floofy they are and why you can't live without them.
"My husband and I could write pages and pages about how beautiful the photos that Madi takes are!"
Sarah + Drew
"Her eye for detail, soft direction on the best angles and poses, and knack for capturing pure emotion are unmet, and come across beautifully in her photos. On the wedding day, we had numerous guests and family members compliment how well Madi directed our guests for group photos, and how she took the most beautiful shots. That easiness and lightness shone through on our wedding photos, all thanks to the wonderful and talented Madi Ellis!"
"On our big day she brought an energy and warmth that made us feel instantly at ease."
Nicole + Gabe
"Madi is a literal light! Her spirit is infectious, she has an incredible way of making everyone around her feel comfortable, confident, and excited to be in front of the camera. And her help went beyond photography. She offered thoughtful guidance on our timeline and was a steady presence throughout the planning process and wedding day. She kept things moving smoothly without ever making it feel rushed, allowing us to soak in each moment while she captured them perfectly."
"Seeing our wedding through her honest and keen lens is an absolute gift."
Alli + Mar
"Her documentary style is SO effective because she blends seamlessly into the scenery, catching the truthful, messy beauty of the day. All the details you poured into planning and more. You genuinely don't notice she's there until the exact moment you need her—then she transforms into a bold, decisive captain, wrangling family for a quick portrait, making noises to charm our dachshund, or pivoting to catch key moments like our pizza cutting, with perfect timing. Our gallery is full of the actual us and our people—the gummy smiles, the guffaws, and the steady, quiet eyes."
"Madi captured every meaningful moment that we will treasure forever."
Lucy + Anand
"From the moment we met her, her bubbly personality and warm presence put us completely at ease, which absolutely shows in our photos. She is not only incredibly talented, but also professional, organized, and thoughtful every step of the way. On the day of the wedding, Madi somehow managed to strike the perfect balance between being the fun go-to gal and a commanding captain of the ship, guiding us and our big families through a long list of portraits ahead of schedule (a true miracle!). We feel so lucky to have had Madi as part of our day."
"Taking so many photos can feel awkward at first, but she made us feel so at ease."
Maggie + Tom
"We LOVED working with Madi. I feel like she really understood me and my husband's wedding vibe from the beginning! We also got to know her fun personality even more that day. Many of our friends and family commented on how great she was! On top of that, she repeatedly checked in on me and my husband and made it a priority to ensure we were calm and happy throughout the day. She is so gifted at her craft; we are just in awe at how well she captured our day. She truly went above and beyond for us. We cannot recommend her enough!"
"Madi is quite literally one of the most talented, capable, and fun event photographers in the game."
Rebecca + John
"She works closely with you and your partner to tailor your experience based on your needs and preferences, and her institutional knowledge and experience of the wedding industry, best practices, and event flow. Her work is bar none. She has a warm personality that managed to calm my nerves and instill confidence. She's a star and thinks of it all - an excellent vendor to have in your corner. If you're on the fence, here's your sign to book Madi ASAP."
"She has the most unique ability to make people feel naturally at ease in their own skin. it’s a gift."
Lilly + Caleb
"I have never felt more authentically myself and beautiful in photos EVER in my life. It’s so wonderful to see the emotions, the colors and the vibe captured so succinctly and vividly. Perhaps most importantly was Madi's innate ability to direct and influence the flow of the day in a way that only the most experienced and level-headed person could. She can command a room whilst capturing the attention and hearts of even the most prickly family members and had everyone laughing and smiling all day long."
"From start to finish, Madi made our special day feel so graceful and effortless."
Alex + Ian
"She felt more like a friend tagging along than just a photographer, seamlessly blending into the celebration. Her warmth, friendliness, professionalism, and her incredible organization truly shone through. The humor she brought added to the incredible vibe of the day, making everything feel relaxed and joyful. Madi has an incredible talent for finding the most beautiful moments, from candid laughter to the most heartfelt glances. Every shot tells a story, preserving the joy and love we felt throughout the day."
"Madi is fun and friendly, and we loved getting to spend time with her throughout this process."
Hanna + Nick
"From putting together a realistic day of schedule, giving helpful planning tips, delivering a gorgeous engagement photo gallery, going above & beyond to scout locations for portraits at our very large venue, soothing our anxieties and keeping us on schedule day of, and delivering the wedding album of our literal dreams. Madi was also so deliberate in capturing the small details of the day (that were a blur for us!), pictures of so many of our guests, and candid moments with people who mean the most to us."
"Madi is an incredibly talented artist and we are absolutely in love with her photos."
Laura + Nathan
"She is such a warm and kind person who immediately put everyone in the wedding at ease. From getting ready to the ceremony to the dance floor, every photo perfectly captures the emotion of the day. Are you stressed about logistics? Madi was super-human levels of communicative leading up to the wedding and helped us plan and navigate various logistics without even batting an eye. Planning a wedding involves a lot of difficult decisions, but this one is easy."