photographer in a black dress holding her cameras and smiling

Hi loves, I’m Makaila

I’m a photographer dedicated to capturing milestone moments for weddings, families, and events.

I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t obsessed with photography. Starting in 5th grade with my point-and-shoot, upgrading to my first DSLR in 9th grade, and graduating to my first full-frame camera after college. I moved from Chicago to Colorado when I was 18, and my world opened up. I had so many reasons to keep my camera by my side as I explored all the beauty my new home had to offer.

Capturing the ordinary, everyday moments in my life was my gateway to capturing the once in a lifetime milestones for my clients.

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The MKR Photos Experience

Dependable. Personal. Playful. Curated.

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What it’s like working with me:

We’ve all experienced awkward moments in front of the camera. This is the last thing you should worry about on your wedding day. My goal is to make clients feel natural and effortless. I strive to help couples feel the freedom and confidence to be their spontaneous and authentic selves in front of the camera, which doesn’t come easily for everyone — I see you, camera-shy babes! When I’m behind the camera, you won’t have to worry about what to do with your hands, where to look, or any of that jazz. I’ll guide you as needed, delivering a mix of traditional, documentary, and artistic images.

wedding photographer photographing a bride and groom by a river surrounded by leafy trees

200+ Weddings in 6 years

It’s safe to say I’m a wedding pro. After 200-plus weddings in the last five years, I understand every wedding is different and what it takes to capture those nuanced moments.

Hundreds of clients over the moon

Your wedding day will fly by. It’s an honor to create work that transports each of my clients and their loved ones back in time through authentic, detail-enriched photos that leave them feeling nostalgic.

Photos that stand the test of time

Digital or printed, you’ll have everything you need to relive your special day. There’s even a print shop feature integrated into every digital gallery.

Before you keep scrolling…

I want to take a moment to tell you about one of my core beliefs: Every story deserves to be seen, celebrated, and preserved—no matter your age, gender, sexuality, size, race, religion, or background. With a heart rooted in advocacy and a lens focused on authenticity, I am honored to document love in all its forms, exactly as it is—beautiful, bold, and yours.

Woman holding her cameras in front of a couch, looking down

Let’s get together. Coffee or beers. Virtually or IRL

Wherever you are at in your process.

Whether you’re 100% ready to book your photographer or still shopping around, I’d love to get to know you. I am here for the love stories, the “oversharing,” and all the little things.

Want to show me your wedding inspo Pinterest board? I’m game. Need a second opinion on your wedding colors? I got you.

I can’t wait to hang with you from dawn til dusk on your wedding day and throughout the planning journey.

AS SEEN ON

Heck yes, I travel.

    • Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs

    • Colorado Destinations: Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Estes Park,

    • San Luis Obispo, CA

    • Chicago, IL

    • Putney, VT

    • Spokane, WA

    • Faroe Islands

  • Chicago, IL

    Breckenridge, CO

  • Durango, CO

    Telluride, CO

    Oregon Coast

    Vermont (anywhere!)

    Joshua Tree, CA

    Antelope Canyon, AZ

    Moab, UT

A few of my favorite things:

get to know me through photos

Dog in snowy mountains
Photo of a couple in a field with their dog

My pup, Bruno Buttercup

  • He was a pandemic adoption and the best thing about 2020! We didn’t quite know how old he was when we adopted him, but the rescue estimated he was 1.5-2 years old. When he isn’t busy having the zoomies, he’s a major couch hog, snuggle bug, and master beggar.

    You caught me, I’m obsessed with him. So obsessed I gave him a million middle names:

    Bruno Buttercup Peach-Pit Turkey-Leg

Tents by lake in mountains

camping adventures

  • Fun Fact: in 2020, we bought a camper. In all its 80s glory, we drove from Colorado to Vermont and back to see family during the early months of the pandemic. It’s safe to say we will not be doing that drive again in our camper…our A/C cut out in the middle of summer, and we may or may not have taken out a drive-through sign. We still put it to good use but limit our distance to a 6-hour radius.

Young girl skiing in mountains
Makaila skiing in mountains

getting my turns in!

  • I’ve been skiing since I was three years old. My parents are big skiers, and I’ve been following in their footsteps (or tracks?). It’s my favorite winter activity by far.

    P.S. It’s a bucket list item of mine to capture some “I do’s” on the slopes! If this is you, hit me up!

live music & songwriting

  • I love seeing live music, perusing record stores, and playing music with friends. If I’m driving to photograph your gig, I’m undoubtedly belting my little heart out the whole way there.

    Singing and songwriting are some of my favorite things in the world. You can find me on Spotify and performing around Denver from time to time.

Photo of a flower garden with yellow and white flowers

Are we a match made in heaven?

Make the first move & send over an inquiry!