Black and white photo of a bride in a white gown and groom in a tuxedo walking hand in hand on a brick path.
Business logo for Maggie Whitesell Photography.

wedding investment guide

by maggie whitesell

Below you’ll discover thoughtfully designed collections and a clear view of what the photography experience entails, helping you select the offering that best complements your celebration.

For the Couple Who Values Art Over Perfection

Bride and groom walking hand in hand through a mountain meadow with evergreen trees and misty peaks in the background.
A bride in a white lace gown sits on a vintage sofa in a rustic sunlit room with brick walls.

What matters most to me is creating work that could only belong to you. I want the trust to see your day for what it truly is and the creative space to interpret it in a way that feels alive. I’m not here to capture perfect poses or repeat trends. I’m here to make something lasting and specific: art you’ll hang in your home, hold in your hands, and return to for years because it still makes you feel something.


Every image is crafted with intention, guided by the way your story moves, the way your people connect, and the way your day unfolds naturally. My goal is for you to look back and think not just that was beautiful, but that was us.

Woman in white sweater and teal wide-leg jeans sits on stool holding cameras in a studio setting.

meet maggie

nc-based film & Digital photographer / AVailable worldwide

I have been a professional photographer for three years, but in many ways, it feels like a lifetime. I have had a camera in my hand since I was fifteen, always drawn to the challenge of turning a fleeting moment into something that lasts. Photography has never been just a profession for me. It is a craft I am deeply devoted to, one that continues to teach me how to see light, emotion, and connection in new ways.


Last year, I discovered film, and it changed everything. The process slowed me down, inviting me to create with more intention. It is the part of my work that truly ignites my creativity and keeps me inspired.


Outside of photography, I am usually found with my partner, Dylan, and my golden retriever, Remi. Some of my favorite ways to relax is to spend time at the beach, hosting reality TV watch parties for my friends, or finding a new hobby to hyperfixate on for the week.

Two grooms in tuxedos pose in a grand hall with white marble sculptures and high wooden ceilings.

 

my approach

 

My process is built on creativity, collaboration, and trust. I see your wedding weekend as one complete story, not a series of separate moments. It’s about capturing the full arc of your weekend and the people who made it meaningful. I approach every wedding with a balance of structure and spontaneity, ensuring that nothing is missed while leaving room for the moments that make your story feel alive. I take the time to understand your vision and the energy of your celebration so that on the day of, I can move with confidence, responding instinctively to whatever unfolds.


I thrive on variety. I chase interesting light, seek out fresh perspectives, and use a mix of compositions to create a gallery that feels dynamic and alive. Film is an essential part of that process. I love the texture, light leaks, and richness it brings to the story, giving every image a sense of permanence and artistry. Combined with digital, it allows me to create a body of work that feels timeless yet full of depth.


I believe every wedding is an opportunity for collaboration. I love brainstorming ideas with my couples and finding ways to bring their vision to life in ways they didn’t expect. My favorite images often come from taking creative risks, embracing imperfections, and letting the day unfold as it was meant to.

CORE VALUES

My work is shaped by a deep respect for connection, honesty, and care. These values guide everything from how I photograph to how I communicate with my couples. Every part of how I work is meant to help you stay present in the moment while knowing your memories are being cared for with intention. These values are the core of Maggie Whitesell Photography and how I serve my clients.

creativity

I approach each wedding as a chance to create something timeless and expressive using light, movement, film, and instinct. My work isn’t about replicating trends, it’s about crafting something timeless, bespoke, and deeply personal.

TRUST

I believe trust is the most valuable thing you can give a photographer and I hold that with deep respect. From first inquiry to final gallery, I work with intention, sensitivity, and care, so you feel seen, understood, and confident.

INCLUSION

My heart to serve shapes everything I do, which includes anyone and everyone - regardless of who you love. Your wedding is not "content" for me, it's capturing the most special moments on your wedding day.

ADAPTABILITY

Exceptional service starts with clear, proactive, and kind communication. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next. I anticipate needs, offer guidance, and ensure your experience feels seamless.

Black and white photo of a bride in a white gown standing at a dresser with mirror, getting ready on her wedding day.

"She truly captured our love in such a genuine,

beautiful way"

"We had such an amazing experience! She made us feel so comfortable from the start, and our photos turned out even better than we imagined. She truly captured our love in such a genuine, beautiful way.

We couldn’t be happier and highly recommend Maggie! <3"

ABIGAIL G.

PORTFOLIO

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MY PROCESS

This overview walks you through what to expect from the moment you inquire to the delivery of your final gallery. Every part of the process is designed to feel seamless and supportive so you can enjoy the experience from start to finish.

1) Secure your date

Once you’ve chosen your collection, booking is simple. Your date is officially reserved once the agreement is signed and the retainer is submitted.

2) Plan & Prepare

From there, I’ll guide you through preparation with detailed resources, questionnaires, and planning calls to make sure I understand your priorities, timeline, and the atmosphere you want your photos to reflect.

3) the wedding experience

On the wedding day, we create together. I love experimenting with light, movement, and perspective to make something that feels completely your own. I’ll guide you when needed but allow moments to unfold naturally so you can stay present in your celebration.

4) delivery & beyond

Afterward, you’ll first receive a preview gallery with a selection of highlights from the day. Your full gallery will follow within the delivery timeframe, carefully curated to tell the full story of your wedding. You’ll have the option to order prints and design your album.

WHAT SETS YOUR EXPERIENCE APART


Your experience is designed to feel creative and effortless from the very beginning. From inquiry to gallery delivery, every step is shaped with care so you feel supported and inspired throughout the process. My approach blends professionalism with artistry, creating space to explore light, texture, and emotion in a way that feels distinctive to you. It isn’t about perfection or repetition but about creating something that feels alive — images that carry depth, movement, and a sense of place. Couples often tell me the process feels just as meaningful as the photographs themselves, a balance of trust, creativity, and refinement that turns documentation into art.

Black and white photo of a sliced wedding cake on a table with a bride in a white dress standing nearby.
Two grooms in black tuxedos with floral boutonnieres pose outdoors on their wedding day.

WHAT THIS INVESTMENT REPRESENTS


I believe wedding photography is more than documentation. It is a way to translate feeling into something lasting and tangible. What matters most to me is that your images carry depth and presence, allowing you to remember not just how it looked, but what it felt like to be there.


Each collection is designed to preserve both the story and emotion of your wedding. Using a mix of film and digital, I approach every celebration with curiosity and care, shaping imagery that feels intentional and distinct to you.


This investment represents the trust you place in me to create something artful and enduring. I bring attention and thoughtfulness to every part of the process so you always feel supported and confident in how your story is being told.


Every celebration is different, and your collection can be shaped to reflect the flow and atmosphere of your day.

Black and white photo of a bride putting on pearl-embellished heels while seated on a velvet chair.

THE SIGNATURE

COLLECTIONS

Photography isn’t just another line item, it’s the one thing that remains after the celebration ends. These collections were created for couples who value presence, aesthetic, and emotional depth and who want their wedding documented with the same care they’ve poured into designing it.


Whether you're hosting a one-day event or a multi-day wedding weekend, each collection offers a seamless, full-service experience blending editorial beauty with genuine, documentary storytelling.


You’ll also find à la carte additions to further personalize your experience. Each collection is designed to feel complete from the start, allowing you to be fully present while I preserve the story unfolding around you. If you're envisioning something more tailored, I’d be honored to create a custom offering.


Take your time exploring what’s ahead and know you’re in trusted hands.


 

the weekender

 

FULL-SERVICE 2-DAY EXPERIENCE

This full-service collection is designed for couples who want their entire wedding weekend documented from start to finish. It includes two consecutive days of photography, covering everything from your rehearsal dinner and welcome party to your full wedding day. Every event is photographed with care and artistry so the full story of your weekend feels complete and connected.


Perfect for destination weddings and multi-day celebrations, this collection allows you to be fully present while knowing every part of your experience is being captured. With a dedicated team, organized communication, and thoughtful direction, the process is seamless and personal from beginning to end. This is the full weekend experience created for couples who want their wedding story preserved as one cohesive, intentional narrative.

 

Inclusions:

 

  • 2 Days Wedding Coverage
  • 14 Hours of Photography Coverage
  • Team of Two Photographers
  • Digital + film imagery
  • Drone Photos (dependent on venue & weather)
  • 72 hour Preview Photos
  • High Resolution & Web-Sized Photos + Print Release
  • Custom Wedding Day Timeline Creation
  • MWP Wedding Day Guide + Curated Pinterest Boards
  • Travel Included (No Additional Fees)

MOST POPULAR

the classic collection

FULL WEDDING DAY EXPERIENCE

This collection is designed for couples who want a full day of photography that captures both the anticipation and the celebration of their wedding. It offers complete coverage of your full wedding day, giving you a cohesive story that reflects the entire experience.


With Maggie as your lead photographer and a trusted second photographer by her side, every meaningful moment is documented with care and precision. Both film and digital photography are included, creating a gallery that feels artisan and full of depth. This collection is ideal for couples who value quality, artistry, and an effortless process. From start to finish, everything is handled seamlessly so you can stay focused on celebrating while knowing your story is being captured beautifully.

 

Inclusions:

 

  • Up to 10 Hours of Photography Coverage
  • Team of Two Photographers
  • Digital + film imagery
  • Drone Photos (dependent on venue & weather)
  • 72 hour Preview Photos
  • High Resolution & Web-Sized Photos + Print Release
  • Custom Wedding Day Timeline Creation
  • MWP Wedding Day Guide + Curated Pinterest Boards
  • Travel Included (No Additional Fees)

the intimate collection

HALF-DAY COVERAGE

For smaller weddings or celebrations where simplicity speaks loudest.

Perfect for micro-weddings, intimate ceremonies, or couples who only need part of their day documented. This collection focuses on your ceremony, portraits, and the key moments you’ll want to remember most.

 

Inclusions:

 

  • Up to 6 Hours of Photography Coverage
  • Team of Two Photographers
  • Digital + film imagery
  • Drone Photos (dependent on venue & weather)
  • 72 hour Preview Photos

 

  • High Resolution & Web-Sized Photos + Print Release
  • Custom Wedding Day Timeline Creation
  • MWP Wedding Day Guide + Curated Pinterest Boards
  • Travel Included (No Additional Fees)

 

 

 

 

 

Securing your date

STEP 01

 

meet over video call

We’ll start with a video call via Google Meet to discuss the collections, answer any questions, and ensure we’re the perfect fit for your wedding. It’s a great opportunity to connect, talk through your vision, and get the details right.

Black and white photo of a bride in lace wedding dress standing by a window with natural light.
STEP 02

after the call

Once we’ve had our call, I’ll send over an agreement and invoice for you to review. This step helps us confirm all the specifics and move forward in the process.

Bride in white halter gown and long veil holds colorful bouquet on green lawn with tall grasses and trees behind her.
STEP 03

reserve your date

To officially reserve your wedding date, simply pay retainer fee (40% of your investment) and sign the agreement. Once this is complete, your date is locked in, and we can begin planning your wedding photography experience.

Bride walking down outdoor aisle in white gown with veil, flanked by bridesmaids in blue dresses at garden wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of joyful couple dancing at wedding reception wearing sunglasses under string lights.

your next step

 

Please select a time and date for a video call so we can connect and discuss your vision together.

 

FAQ

 

How much access do I get to you as my photographer?

I will be there for you throughout the entire process. You are able to schedule meetings and phone calls as needed, although I will be regularly checking in to ensure that everything is going smoothly.

How far in advance should we book?

Most couples reserve their date 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for destination or peak-season weddings. I take on a limited number of events each year to ensure every couple receives my full attention, so the earlier you inquire, the better chance we have to align our calendars.

How will we receive our images?

Your digital and film images will be delivered through a personalized online gallery, giving you quick and easy access with just one click! From there, you'll be able to download, share, and even print your photos directly from the gallery.

What happens if I book a collection but want to upgrade?

You’re welcome to upgrade to a more comprehensive package if you realize that you require more coverage or enhance your collection with add-ons up until 90 days prior to your wedding date.

Bride and groom embracing outside the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar at night with neon signs glowing.

THANK YOU <3

Thank you so much for considering me to document such an important part of your story. If you have any questions or want help choosing the best fit for your celebration, I’m here and happy to walk you through every step. When you’re ready, we can schedule a video call to start planning together. I can’t wait to connect and begin creating something beautiful for you.