Are you planning a short-notice, small wedding or elopement?

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS ARE OPEN - Many couples don’t want to wait. They are planning to get married in the very near future, eloping, or rushing a small ceremony with their photographer, some close friends, and family but dispensing with or postponing the reception party. 

View WPJA photo stories from smaller weddings - WedElope | Choose love, not fear!

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Find a Photographer / United States / Illinois / Chicago / Madi Ellis
Mid-west wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Madi Ellis
3200+ (USD)

Madi Ellis

Madi Ellis Photography
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As a documentary-style photographer, I love to emphasize connection, texture, and authentic emotion. Being a former actor who found a deep love and passion for wedding photography, I'm most drawn to the art of storytelling while creating honest and original work. I strive to make my images fully represent my couples in every way possible. From smaller, unconventional elopements to traditional full-day events, I love to capture everything from the big kiss to the secret "I love you's" shared in a whisper.

3 Awards for Documentary Wedding Photography

View this pivotal moment in Chicago wedding picture of the Couple saying their vows during their wedding ceremony in the outdoor sunshine
2021 v03 Photography Competition
Chicago nuptial day award-winning image of the couple crossing the street while the groom holds the bouquet and fixes the bride's hair. The world's best wedding photography competitions are hosted by the WPJA
2021 v02 Photography Competition
Illinois wedding photographer created this image of the Groom holding bride as they trudge through the winter snow back to their apartment for their reception
2021 v01 Photography Competition
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11 Diamond Awards for Engagement Portraits

Pre-wedding Downtown Chicago couple photo-session for Couple embraced on their apartments rooftop
Diamond Awards 2021 v43
Pre-wedding portrait-session at Olive Park, Chicago as the Couple kisses with the IL skyline at sunset behind them
Diamond Awards 2021 v43
Millenium Park, Chicago pre-wedding portrait-session as the Man spins his fiancé with a downtown sunset behind them
Diamond Awards 2021 v43
Pre-wedding Chicago portrait-session at Winnemac Park as a Couple kisses in front of a willow tree at sunset
Diamond Awards 2021 v43
Pre-wedding photo-session in Palmer Square Park, Chicago with the Couple looking at each other with the sunset behind them after a rainstorm
Diamond Awards 2021 v43
Chicago bride and groom to be, dipping for a pre-wedding engagement photo shoot at the South Pond in Lincoln Park at sunset
Diamond Awards 2021 v41
Chicago bride and groom to be, hugging for an engagement image at North Avenue Beach while embracing by the lakefront
Diamond Awards 2021 v41
Chicago bride and groom to be, strolling for a pre-wedding picture at Old Town Neighborhood while walking hand in hand next to an old house
Diamond Awards 2021 v41
Downtown Chicago environmental engagement e-session while a Couple kisses in a dipping pose during golden hour
Diamond Awards 2021 v38
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WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.