meEt madi
My adventures aren't limited to the Chicago area! I definitely enjoy getting the chance to photograph destination weddings beyond the Midwest.
I have a big personality and an even bigger heart. Laughing until my belly hurts and crying at other people's weddings are some of my favorite pastimes.
When I'm not taking photos you can find me reading a spicy romance book, watching Rupaul's Drag Race, or at an Orange Theory class. I love slow mornings, extra flaky croissants, and drinking almond vanilla lattes from Pilates + Coffee in Roscoe Village.
(she/her)
AS SEEN IN
Junebug Weddings
W|PJ Awarded Member
Chi Thee Wed
Chicago Style Weddings
Green Wedding Shoes
Equally Wed
The Knot: Best of Weddings for 5+ years and the Hall of Fame Award
Party Slate
- Literally useless
- Loves cuddles, kisses + being held
- Easily stimulated
- Obsessed with just one toy that we've named Becky
- Has a stinky butt
- Can't be bothered to complete simple office tasks
Binky – Assistant to the Regional Manager
Yams – HR Manager
- Girlboss
- It's her house, we're just living in it
- Screams a lot + doesn't love to cuddle
- Loves head scritches
- Hates being picked up
- NEVER approves my PTO requests
1 / 5
I'm so lucky that my parents still live in my childhood home in Lincoln Park. Even after I went to Skidmore college in upstate NY, I moved back home to the city I know and love. Being from here means I know this place inside and out. It also means I will start and finish any argument about deep dish pizza because Pequod's is THE ONLY PLACE TO GO. Looking for a great sushi place you've never heard of? I got you. How about the perfect spot to propose, take engagement photos or wedding portraits? Again, I'm your lady. And no, I don't put ketchup on my hotdogs. Ever.
I was born and raised in Chicago
That's right! I know EXACTLY what y'all are going through, so we're in the same boat. Being in the industry means I have a small leg up on choosing vendors, but beyond that we're having the same emotions as you are! I love having this perspective in the wedding world because I truly feel like I'm able to connect with my clients even more. But trust me– even with my insider knowledge, I'm still equally as nervous about making the right choices and surrounding myself with the best of the best.
Planning a wedding is on my agenda, too!
2 / 5
I'm a work hard / RELAX hard kind of lady. My favorite activities at home include watching the Office, the latest Oscar-worthy film, or Rupaul's Drag Race. I love playing with my cats and making sure they don't munch on our 80+ plants that my partner Nate and I keep in the apartment. We're lucky enough to live in Roscoe Village around the corner from some great restaurants. Our faves include Same Same, Village Tap, and Sinya Mediterranean Grill. I also really enjoy snuggling with our kitties while I read my Kindle and eat a big bowl of popcorn.
I never take life too seriously
3 / 5
You read that correctly! I was a Theater Major in college and I grew up believing that one day I would be an actor. Through my studies I discovered I was drawn to a different kind of visual narrative, and documentary photography was where it all made sense to me. Never in a million years would I do it differently. My theater background has made me a better photographer by guiding me through the art of storytelling. I get the honor of using those skills to tell your legendary love stories over and over again so they may be treasured for a lifetime.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Theater
4 / 5
Being an only child means that I stick to my friends like glue. I'm so grateful to have both an amazing chosen family as well as loving parents and my incredible fiancé. That combination is truly unbeatable. These folks have cheered me on throughout my whole life and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Some of my best friends have actually hired me to photograph their weddings! I love knowing that after everything is said and done, I have the best support system in the world. My friend Mercedes and I even have matching Jurassic Park tattoos!
I love my friends + family more than anything
5 / 5
more than a photographer
MEET THE TEAM
The one thing I love to do just as much documenting weddings is photographing concerts. Whether it's famous bands, musicians, or drag queens, I'm right there in the pit or in the crowd with my camera. I get the same feeling as when I get to capture the big kiss at a wedding– I'm fully present and solely focused on the moment. It's my favorite thing in the world.
I have photographed for multiple publications and covered all kinds of concerts including local acts, national tours, and large-scale music festivals like Pitchfork, Riot Fest, and Lollapalooza.
I also photograph concerts
Swipe to see more
"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."
Lucy + Anand
"Madi captured every meaningful moment that we will treasure forever."
"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!"
Maggie + Tom
"Taking so many photos can feel awkward at first, but she made us feel so at ease."
"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."
Rebecca + John
"Madi is quite literally one of the most talented, capable, and fun event photographers in the game."
"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."
Lilly + Caleb
"She has the most unique ability to make people feel naturally at ease in their own skin. it’s a gift."
"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."
Alex + Ian
"From start to finish, Madi made our special day feel so graceful and effortless."
"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."
Hanna + Nick
"Madi is fun and friendly, and we loved getting to spend time with her throughout this process."
"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."
Laura + Nathan
"Madi is an incredibly talented artist and we are absolutely in love with her photos."
"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!"
Sarah + Drew
"My husband and I could write pages and pages about how beautiful the photos that Madi takes are!"
"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."
Nicole + Gabe
"On our big day she brought an energy and warmth that made us feel instantly at ease."
"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."
Alli + Mar
