Mackenzie Maeder // Photo + Video Reviews
Reviews
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![Adam]()
Adam Sent on 09/21/2025Mackenzie & Lex - Best Chicagoland Photographer and Videographer
Let me just start by saying if we could give more than 5 stars we absolutely would. Hands down the best experience we’ve ever had working with a team. Mackenzie and Lex are PHENOMENAL, from our engagement photos to our wedding, they absolutely captured our vision from start to finish and even went the extra mile without us even asking. They made our wedding that much more enjoyable just by having them around. They’re just the nicest and most amazing people and anyone would be lucky to have them as their photographer and videographer, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! -
![Benjamin]()
Benjamin Sent on 04/04/2024Wonderful Experience
Mackenzie did an excellent job with our engagement pictures and the wedding. She is easy to work with, responsive, and really fun. She made us feel entirely comfortable and captured so many amazing moments! She was also punctual and delivered the completed photos in a timely manner. Thank you, Mackenzie! I highly recommend her! 5 Stars! -
![Hailey]()
Hailey Sent on 08/22/2023Absolutely amazing
Mackenzie and Lex were absolutely amazing. I used them for our wedding. Not only did they work with us due to Covid but they did an amazing job capturing every moment. They are so personable and just good humans. Their talent is unreal !! -
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Emily Sent on 01/10/2022
Couldn't be happier!
Mackenzie and her team did an amazing job! She was always friendly, professional, and flexible. Our video is PERFECT! Our pictures look great. I couldn't be happier with Mackenzie and the beautiful work she does! -
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Kelsey Sent on 01/07/2022
The Perfect Team
I truly cannot recommend Mackenzie and her team enough. Mackenzie and Lex captured my wedding on 8/29/2021, and those are pictures that I will value forever. Not only are Mackenzie and Lex great at what they do, but they better people. You will have 0 regrets when you hire them! -
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![Jessica]()
Jessica Sent on 10/26/2021Wait There Was a Cigar Bar
The guys were awesome! They were able to capture our reception night without getting in the way of people having a good time. The took pictures of all the little details I had taken so long to create, and I cannot wait to see the pictures. -
Shannon Sent on 01/29/2021
Perfect Photos and So Much Fun!
Mackenzie and her now hubby Lex were a dream to work with for our wedding. Mackenize was prompt to get back to us with initial information including pricing, flexible to set up our engagement photo shoot time, and even traveled from IL to KY to be our wedding photographers. There was a chance of rain for our wedding and she had umbrella and back up plans in place for pictures when that wasn't even on my radar with all the other wedding planning things. Additionally, Mackenzie and Lex are amazing at capturing candid moments as well as the traditional smiling photos so you get everything you want and need in your gallery. We had such a wonderful experience that a couple of years later when we wanted some candid outdoor family photos with toddlers, Mackenzie was the first and only person we wanted to capture our crew. Seriously, she is the best. -
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Tracy Sent on 01/07/2021
The memories captured at our wedding will be treasured forever
We are eternally grateful that we got to work with Mackenzie and Lex for our wedding! They were SO kind, welcoming and accommodating each step of the way.
We worked with Mackenzie and Lex pre-COVID with planning and for our engagement session. As two people who don’t have many “good” pictures together, Mackenzie made us feel comfortable and natural during our session and we ended up using our engagement pictures for our Save the Dates!!
It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how wonderful and accommodating Mackenzie and Lex were once COVID began impacting the world around us. We appreciated their positive and realistic outlook at a time when news was literally changing by the minute. We even had to change the date of our wedding because of logistics and Mackenzie and Lex were ready to make it happen and supported our choices no matter what!
In the end, we absolutely treasure the memories that Mackenzie and Lex captured on our perfectly imperfect wedding day. We’re so grateful for their kindness and talent - if you need a photographer who will be on your side through it all (literally!), Mackenzie and Lex are your people! -
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![Laura]()
Laura Sent on 08/07/2020They captured to perfection my brand
I wanted to capture the experience of what it would be like to enter my Pop Up Gallery since Covid hit all of them were cancelled. It was crucial that the photos and the video captured my brand experience to make the audience feel like they are attending the event. I can't wait to use the video and photos to promote my upcoming virtual events. They captured it perfectly. -
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Nicole Sent on 03/18/2020
Best engagement session EVER!
We are OBSESSED with our engagement photos! Mackenzie's style and care for her couples is outstanding. She took the time to get to know us as a couple and made our photos so unique! She does an excellent job of capturing the moment and made us feel so comfortable during our shoot. I can’t wait for her to photograph our wedding!! -
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![Lawson]()
Lawson Sent on 03/17/2020Look No Further
My wife and I met Mackenzie and Lex during a winter photo shoot they did prior to our wedding in the fall of 2018. We were in search for a wedding photographer and Annemarie found Mackenzie on Instagram. From the moment they started taking our pictures for "Sneak Peaks" and speaking with them after, my fiancee (now wife) and I knew they were something special; little did I know where this would lead. Our wedding photos exceeded our expectations and we still are amazed on how spectacular the photos turned out. The video of the wedding was amazing as well and my wife and I still watch it to remind ourselves how great that day was for us. Mackenzie and Lex surpassed our expectations with the photos and videos. My wife and I agreed that day, we truly lucked out with this wonderful team and would be using them any time we would need a photographer.
The greatest part of working with them for the past 2 years is developing a great friendship. Today, Mackenzie and Lex, are 2 of our dearest and kindest friends. Their professionalism and care for their clients is unmatched. They ensure photos and videos are unique for every client and they are always receptive to clients requests. The are always true to their deadlines, which is remarkable considering how many photos are edited and enhanced. Best of all, they are the kindest people you will ever meet. Recently, they did a shoot for our newborn daughter, and needless to say it went amazing! If you are looking for someone to do your wedding look no further. They will capture beautiful moments you will never forget. Mackenzie and Lex, I want to say thank you for everything you have done for my wife and I. You are the best in the business! -
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Kelly Sent on 03/17/2020
Spent valuable time with my high school senior not just taking photos but having great conversations!
I would highly recommend. I have now seen Mackenzie’s work at a wedding and then taking senior pictures! Both have been excellent! -
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![Rebekah]()
Rebekah Sent on 02/18/2020Fun, professional, and talented
We had so much fun with Mackenzie, and she made us feel so comfortable during our engagement shoot. She got our pictures back quickly, and they are gorgeous!! -
![FutureMrsVega]()
Carly Sent on 10/30/2019The best of the best
Mackenzie Maeder and her team were a dream come true- they capture every moment perfectly. In the midst of wedding planning working with her was a highlight and so easy! Her photos are So authentic and real. I am lucky enough get to relive my wedding through her photos and video. Every detail was documented beautifully. ON TOP OF ALL THAT, They’re awesome people! So lucky to have found them! ❤️ -
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![Gretchen]()
Gretchen Sent on 10/30/2019Best Wedding Pictures Ever
Mackenzie and her assistant, Lex, took our wedding photos in July 2015. They are gorgeous pictures and Mackenzie was the most easy going photographer to work with.
She makes you look like the best version of yourself while still looking like you. The photography was unobtrusive and captured some of the most beautiful candid moments as well.
I regularly have people ask who took our wedding photos so they can contact her as well. In fact, she's so good I only hire her to take our family photos. They are some of my most treasured possessions.
She's worth every penny, and really it's a reasonable cost at that! -
Mark Sent on 07/16/2019
Mackenzie went above and beyond expectations.
My wife Kaitlyn and I hired Mackenzie and her team to take photos and video of our wedding and I can not say enough good things about her, her husband Lex, and their team. Everyone was personable, polite, and friendly. They did a phenomenal job capturing all the special moments, and we LOVED the sneak peeks she posts to social media while editing the photos.
Neither Kaitlyn or I are very artistic so taking couples photos can be awkward at times. Where should I stand? Does my face look weird? What do I do with my hands? Mackenzie did an incredible job of guiding us through all of our painfully basic questions and made us feel extremely comfortable during our engagement and wedding photos.
It was soooooooo much fun working with them!!!!! I HIGHLY recommend Mackenzie and her team to anyone who is looking for a fun, friendly, and highly professional photographer to capture any and all of the special moments in their life. -
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![Michal]()
Michal Sent on 07/15/2019Highly Recommend Mackenzie!
I had the privilege of working with Mackenzie Maeder Photography at a beautiful wedding in June. The photos are absolutely gorgeous! Everything about the day is just perfect. She was prompt, professional, and super nice in our correspondence, answering all of my questions in a personable and approachable way. Her enthusiasm and talent for her craft shows in every one of her photos, from the posed and elegant portraits to more spontaneous candid shots. Highly recommend! -
![Kaitlyn]()
Kaitlyn Sent on 07/02/2019Couldn't imagine better photographers
Mackenzie, Lex, and Zach were AMAZING. They traveled to Galena for our wedding. They were super friendly and professional. They are personal and spend time to get to know their clients, their interests and their personalities. They make sure you are comfortable all day, they make you laugh. I honestly CANNOT say better things about Mackenzie! -
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![Asif]()
Asif Sent on 07/02/2019Great work by this site
That is so amizing i like and best wishes -
Mollie Sent on 06/29/2019
The happiest moments of my life captured
Mackenzie is insanely talented. She makes you feel so comfortable in front of a camera and you start to feel like it’s not even there and that your just hanging out with a good friend.
I was so happy that she was available to do my small wedding in June. She got every special moment and memory of the ceremony. It was so special to be able to sit down with my family over coffee and go through each picture and be able to talk and share what we were thinking and the precious memory attached with each photo that Mackenzie took.
She is an amazing person and an amazing photographer. She will capture all the special and natural moments of your day or engagement shoot. I will treasure these photographs for years and be able to look back and feel what I was feeling just from looking at her pictures.
So incredibly happy to have Mackenzie as my photographer! :) -
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Cierra Sent on 06/03/2019
Mackenzie Maeder Photo + Video is a must have!
We could not have imagined our wedding without Mackenzie, Lex, and Zach. She makes you feel so comfortable during the day and is the perfect balance of fun and professionalism. Not to mention she emailed me back with lightning speed whenever I had a question! When she sent us our photos back we had the biggest smiles on our faces. You can quite literally feel and relive the day just through looking through all of the photos. They are so vivid and beautiful. I cannot wait to get our video footage back! I know it will be just as amazing. We received so many compliments on how great of a job she did. You cannot go wrong with Mackenzie Maeder and her team. Thank you SO much for being such a special part of our wedding day. ❤️ The Benckendorfs -
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![Caleen]()
Caleen Sent on 02/04/2019Amazing Team To Work With
It is hard to explain just how amazing Mackenzie, Lex, and Zach are! I found them through a wedding website, and am so glad I reached out because working with them has been amazing! One thing you should know is that my husband and I are not exactly the most natural in front of the camera (read SO awkward), yet they made us feel instantly comfortable and we LOVE our photos! From our engagement shoot to the wedding day it felt like I was emailing with a friend and I was so grateful for the suggestions and the detailed planning Mackenzie did. There was never a moment of feeling like we didn’t know what to do. She is also always up for any ideas! From having our incredibly squirrly dog involved in the pictures to being outside in sub-zero weather, they were down! I often read reviews looking for someone to affirm my choice, and if you are reading looking for that, this is it! Seriously, I researched a ton and am SO glad we chose Mackenzie and her team. They made our wedding day that much more special, and we will be forever grateful to them. I will absolutely use them for all future celebrations and moments we want to remember -
Nina Sent on 01/04/2019
A m a z i n g
Mackenzie and her husband made our wedding day photography fun and easy. We can’t wait to have them photograph other big events! -
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Annemarie Sent on 11/04/2018
Our September Wedding
Oh my gosh where do I begin with saying how much we are in LOVE with our photos and video from our wedding. From the start we knew we chose the right people for the job, Mackenzie & her husband Lex got to know us as friends and we built a friendship as we embarked in our photography journey together. You want her because she does ALL the candid shots, in the best moments. Of course you will get the best posed pictures but those candid moments you want on camera...it is all covered. I teared up when recieving the video and grinned ear to ear for days as my husband and I looked through our pictures. They are responsive and proffesional as well. You truly can’t go wrong. Thank you so much you guys. ♥️ The Barters -
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Laura Sent on 07/08/2018Mackenzie is a phenomenal person and an extremely talented photographer! She truly loves her craft and you can really tell by her work. She puts so much of her personal time and energy into making everyone happy and that’s why she’s been a great person to work with! I did a bridal shoot with her (i was the hairstylist) and she was so accomading to the specific shots i wanted as well as coming up with ideas on how/where to shoot. She has done my personal portraits, photos of my salon, my dog and I, and my family. I will continue to use her as my photographer forever! She is so up to date and modern so if your looking for someone like that she’s your girl! Super caring, fun and gentle natured. Highly recommend!
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![Emily]()
Emily Sent on 06/21/2018Mackenzie is amazing to work with! Me and my fiancé are super indecisive so she really took the reigns of our mini shoot and helped us with getting some amazing photos! We booked her already for our engagement photos and our wedding photos and video! I can’t wait to work with her again!!! -
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![Marissa]()
Marissa Sent on 06/04/2018Mackenzie did an amazing job with taking my Illinois State graduation pictures. Her combination of clothing changes, champagne bottle toasts, and smoke bombs created the perfect photos that my friends and I will cherish forever. We ventured all around campus to get the best shots and had a great time doing it. What I liked the most about the shoot was that she did not try to make all of the photos posed and stiff. She captured real moments between my friends and I by making us laugh and having a great time during the photo shoot. Mackenzie was full of creative ideas that made the pictures unique and unlike any that my friend group had taken together. I know we will look back on those photos and be reminded of how great the 4 years were together at Illinois State and how much fun we had. I would highly recommend her for any type of photography you are looking for! -
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Ariel Sent on 04/23/2018Mackenzie's work is flawless! She makes every picture look incredibly special through her unique perspective and editing skills! Mackenzie has captured every life changing event in mine and my husbands life together and we have loved and felt very comfortable during every session with her. Mackenzie is very down to earth, listens to what is most important to you, and brings such a fun energy to your special day! You will not be disappointed! :)
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![Sarah]()
Sarah Sent on 04/16/2018Mackenzie is such an amazing photographer. Not only is she so talented, she makes you feel such at ease when she is photographing you. She did our 1st wedding anniversary shoot and I could not have been happier with the photos. Mackenzie did a great job at directing us into natural poses and capturing those moments of pure happiness. Her lighting and colors are a dream. I love how she photographs and will definitely be using her again in the future. -
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Jillian Sent on 04/16/2018Working with Mackenzie and Lex was absolutely awesome. Not only did they work with our crazy schedule (and our 3 crazy children) but they perfectly captured our love and family in their photos. They volunteered to include our girls in the engagement shoot, which I really appreciated. Our kids are our entire life and they were so great with them! The day of the wedding they were there to help everything run smoothly. They coordinated our bridal party, family and even guests to get the most awesome shots (again my favorites were the photos of our girls!) They are friendly, professional and SO helpful and easy going! It is hard to even come up with words to describe how in love I am with the video as well. The artfulness of it combined with the perfect music choice helps us re-live our magical day over and over. I would recommend Mackenzie (and her team and lovely fiancé) to anyone looking for a reliable, quality photographer/videographer!
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Annemarie Sent on 04/16/2018My Fiance & I hired Mackenzie for photos & videography for our wedding this coming September. She has been amazing since we first spoke, & we decided to take some engagement photos with her. In the snowstorm of Chicago she still tended to make our photos look amazing & she truly captures the love & expressions of the couple. In any type of weather she comes prepared. The way she brings out the colors in the photos are truly amazing. She made us feel so comfortable with our first photoshoot & we cannot wait to see what she captures on our wedding day. ♥️♥️♥️
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![Nicole]()
Nicole Sent on 06/23/2017Mackenzie is always a blast to work with for all my photo needs! From family shoots, couples photos, or just a fun mini session, Mackenzie always delivers a awesome product. She is personable and cares about her customers interests and ideas. Every shoot I've had with her is an adventure and I'm always excited to see the pictures! It's a photo experience unlike any other. I highly recommend Mackenzie for any event or special occasion. She's fantastic!
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