about makaila

how it all started

I have been doing photography since 2017 and BOY OH BOY have I fallen head over heals for it! I started my journey doing mostly portrait photography and moved to doing couples about a year later! And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is when my love for photography truly took flight! There is something so special about capturing the love between two people. Every look, every touch, and every kiss tells a story. The way you look into the eyes of the one you love is something words will never be able to describe, and I believe EVERYONE deserves to have that moment captured and hung in the place they feel most loved; home. SO, I say all that to say, I love what I do and I would love to be the one to capture all that makes you, you.

i got married

AHH yes! I got married September 4, 2021 to my best friend in the whole world, Mr. Adam Westerbur - and it was nothing short of perfection! You may see him around during our time together because he is my go-to second shooter and right hand man!

Might I say - being on the opposite side of not only the camera, but wedding planning in general, was such a cool learning experience! Getting a taste of what my couples go through when planning their special day, as well as learning what was the most helpful in having a wedding photographer, has lead me to some key characteristics when looking for someone to capture the most important day of your life! Characteristics I vow to uphold when choosing me!

Having a photographer who helped in the scheduling process

No one wants to feel stressed and rushed on their wedding day! This day is supposed to be one where you vow to spend your life with your best friend and share that love with all the people who've helped you get there! Part of making sure you get the most out of your day, is making sure you allot the appropriate time for all those special moments! That's where I come in handy! I will be there to help you shape the perfect timeline to create a seamless and stress-free flow to the day! (I've actually created a mock timeline and scheduling guide! Just ask and I'd love to send that your way!)

Having a photographer who has a calming and encouraging presence!

Weddings, no matter how much you plan, can be stressful! So having a friendly face to love on you and hype you up on your special day is SO important and helps A LOT in not getting too caught up in the pressure of the day and simply enjoying every single moment with the people you love.

Having a photographer who takes charge in helping move things along!

The last thing you want, in the midst of all the excitement and chaos that your wedding day brings, is to feel burdened with questions of "where do you want to take photos next?" or "who do you want pictures with?" or "what's next on the schedule?" No, no, no! I am here for a reason! I've got your back! Now don't take it the wrong way, if you have a location in mind or have certain photos you want to make sure I get - I will ABSOLUTELY take you up on that! But part of helping the day go smoothly and giving you the freedom to enjoy your day, is trusting me to know what looks good and trusting that I did my homework before our time together!

Having a photographer that is on my side

Luckily for me, I have an amazing relationship with my family AND my in-laws, so I didn't have to deal with any family tension or someone coming in to "steal the spotlight"! However, no family is perfect! I've been to a lot of weddings where not everyone is aware of what the weight their words and expectations bring to the happy couple! So all I'll say is, I am on YOUR side. I am here for YOU, and you alone. Not mom, not dad, not aunt Karen - YOU! Not that we don't love them! But this day is all about you and your love for your spouse! So let's keep it that way!