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Lifestyle portrait in BW of Chicago wedding photographer Madi Ellis
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Madi Ellis

Madi Ellis Photography | Chicago, IL Weddings

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Capturing the Unforgettable Love of Unconditional Couples

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.

17 Awards for Documentary Wedding Photography

In this beautiful wedding day photo captured in Chicago, Illinois, the bride and her father are the focal point as they watch the heartwarming mother/son dance, a moment of love and joy.
2023 v06 Photography Competition
In a joyful Chicago wedding reception, an excited tattooed bride reacts to a heartfelt speech from her maid of honor. This image has been recognized and awarded by the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA).
2023 v06 Photography Competition
A talented wedding photographer captured this award-winning photo during a reception in Chicago, Illinois. The image shows the couple happily dancing to the music before going inside to celebrate their special day.
2023 v03 Photography Competition
In Chicago, Illinois, during their heartfelt ceremony, the bride tenderly consoles the groom, lightly touching his cheek, showcasing their deep love and emotional connection
2023 v03 Photography Competition
At the Chicago Athletic Association, the newlyweds signed the ketubah as their parents cheered, with the echelon of their heads forming leading lines in the background
2023 v02 Photography Competition
Groom cries as he dances with his aunt, as his mother had unexpectedly passed away a few months before, so this dance should have been with her - Wedding Reception Venue of the University Club of Chicago
2022 v04 Photography Competition
The bride and groom were laughing uncontrollably with their officiant in Chicago, Illinois during their ceremony after the groom read a funny story
2022 v04 Photography Competition
The bride on the dance floor with her terminally ill father, creating an emotional moment for all at the Chicago, Illinois reception
2022 v04 Photography Competition
Chicago contest award winning documentary wedding photography of the bride and groom cheers with their guests during their reception
2022 v02 Photography Competition
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30 Diamond Awards for Engagement Portraits

The couple posed on the grand stairs of the Art Institute of Chicago in anticipation of their upcoming wedding
Diamond Awards 2023 v60
A Ping Tom Park, Chicago couple embraces with the sun setting behind them
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
In Avondale, Chicago, an urban couple walks in front of their favorite mural
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
In Downtown Chicago, a couple holds hands and looks at each other on a bridge
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
At North Avenue Beach, a man picks up his fiancé and spins her in front of the Chicago Skyline
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
On the North Avenue Beach, a Chicago couple runs together with a purple sunset behind them
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
At the Wrigley Building, Chicago, a couple spins while one person holds the other in downtown
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
An Illinois couple pops champagne in front of the Chicago Skyline at North Avenue Beach
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
At Salvage One, Chicago, a couple kisses in an antique furniture store
Diamond Awards 2022 v56
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4 Awards from the Artistic Guild of Wedding Photojournalists

Modern, stylish, and contemporary, this award-winning wedding day portrait captures a couple in Chicago, surrounded by autumn leaves, about to share a loving kiss with joyous smiles.
2023 v04 Artistic Guild
Award-winning wedding photographer captures the modern and stylish essence of the bride and groom's rings, arranged in a straight line on a clean white background, adorned with a delicate oval of white flowers.
2023 v04 Artistic Guild
Chicago, Illinois-based wedding photographer captures a stunning and modern image during a bride's preparation at home. The photograph showcases the bride's dress hanging in the background, creating a stylistic composition with dual mirror reflections.
2023 v04 Artistic Guild
In their wedding portrait, the couple proudly showcases their shoes, capturing their vibrant personalities and adding a unique touch to their special day
2023 v02 Artistic Guild
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2 TOP Wedding Photographer Titles

The WPJA proudly recognizes Madi Ellis as a TOP International Wedding Photographer. Members holding the most contest points at the end of each year are ranked as TOP Wedding Photographers or, in some cases POY - Photographer of the Year.

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.