I specialize in photographing weddings and newborns from an organic, documentary perspective. Houseplant killer, pizza lover, avid tea drinker. Dog mom to the most amazing Shepherd mix, Mosby, I love exploring my little corner of Chicago, staying home on Friday nights, and all things cozy. Weddings, engagements, and newborns.
A selection of Chicago's finest love stories, sweetest new parents, and the cutest wrinkly little fingers and toes. Get the skinny - pricing and kind words, what I love about shooting newborns, and my style and approach to wedding photography. Maddie absolutely made our wedding planning experience seamless.
A selection of Chicago's finest love stories, sweetest new parents, and the cutest wrinkly little fingers and toes. Get the skinny - pricing and kind words, what I love about shooting newborns, and my style and approach to wedding photography. Maddie absolutely made our wedding planning experience seamless.
Services
Most of my days start with a snuggle from my pup, a cup of coffee and a few Avett Brothers tracks as I dive into editing my latest photos. I currently live in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago with my boyfriend (Ben) and my Shepherd Mix (Mosby), and there are few things I love more than a Friday night in with those two.
I think that in order to appreciate everything in your life, you need to stop and take a few minutes to soak it all in. There are going to be stressors and imperfections in the every day (your wedding day included!). Scattered between those imperfect moments though, will be some really astonishing moments that could easily be missed if you're not paying attention.
Reviews (20)
Nic H.
Jun 22, 2021
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Sara G.
Jan 02, 2021
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SIMPLY. AMAZING. The amount of photographers to chose from feels infinite because it is. And to be honest, a lot of them are pretty fricken amazing. But we can tell you with full confidence that Maddie Blecha is a rare unicorn. She is a kind and beautiful soul that can only exude love and happiness. She's professional, organized, optimistic, focused, TALENTED, and more than a photographer. We found her by chance of searching for Chicago Wedding photographers and I am so grateful we stumbled upon her name. We were also lucky she was only the 2nd photographer we met with because I immediately
Dustin M.
Nov 04, 2020
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To put it simply, Maddie is an absolute joy to work with! She is extremely talented and professional with a quick and sharp eye to capture the exact right moment every time. We worked with Maddie on our engagement photos and on our wedding day. She went above and beyond in so many ways, she even helped us pick awesome locations for our wedding day photos. She knows so many great spots in Chicago and in her free time sets out to find even more interesting locations.
Each time we worked with her she came prepared and added zero stress to the day. If anything she adds more joy to each room. At times
Each time we worked with her she came prepared and added zero stress to the day. If anything she adds more joy to each room. At times
G. C.
Oct 21, 2020
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Gorgeous photos, and a wonderful experience--hire her!
After an exhausting search for a photographer (so many options, and it feels so high stakes), we are so grateful that we finally landed with Maddie. Hiring her to photograph our wedding (February 2020) and engagement shoot was one of the best decisions we made during the entire wedding planning process. Our experience was exceptional and her work is simply stunning. The bottom line: do not agonize over this decision. Hire her ASAP!
First, Maddie is friendly and approachable--completely easy to be around. A caterer told us early in the process
After an exhausting search for a photographer (so many options, and it feels so high stakes), we are so grateful that we finally landed with Maddie. Hiring her to photograph our wedding (February 2020) and engagement shoot was one of the best decisions we made during the entire wedding planning process. Our experience was exceptional and her work is simply stunning. The bottom line: do not agonize over this decision. Hire her ASAP!
First, Maddie is friendly and approachable--completely easy to be around. A caterer told us early in the process
Ian F.
Oct 18, 2020
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5 stars isn't enough! Maddie is such a joy to work with. Having professional photos taken can be fussy and uncomfortable, but not with Maddie. She is so funny and easy going, and puts everyone around her at ease. She has amazing style and puts so much time and care into the photos she delivers. Such professional and thoughtful work.
Daniel N.
Oct 08, 2020
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We weren't able to get newborn photography at the hospital when our son was born, so we looked into a photographer coming to our home. We found Maddie on Instagram and her photos matched the vibe we were going for.
She was the best, everything she did was so professional. She took all the necessary precautions, making sure we were comfortable with her touching items in our home and she wore a mask the entire time.
She was great with handling our son, and she even taught us a few tricks to soothe him!
She made the entire experience fun for our whole family. I appreciated that she took
She was the best, everything she did was so professional. She took all the necessary precautions, making sure we were comfortable with her touching items in our home and she wore a mask the entire time.
She was great with handling our son, and she even taught us a few tricks to soothe him!
She made the entire experience fun for our whole family. I appreciated that she took
Maureen S.
Oct 07, 2019
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We didn't realize how important engagement and wedding photos were to us until we met Maddie. Between her gorgeous photos and professional yet calm demeanor, we knew we had to have her. She made us feel so comfortable during our engagement session, which is always a little weird at first unless you're an actual model. Many of our friends have told us our wedding photos are the best they've ever seen. They truly look like film! Maddie is all the best things: talented, warm, calm, genuinely kind, etc. She helped us plan our day-of schedule, think of back-up locations in the event of
Sara D.
Aug 06, 2019
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Although Maddie was referred to me by a friend as being the best photographer, I still reached out to roughly 10 other Chicagoland photographers. Among my search, Maddie made an impression from her overall photography style and that I could tell she really cared for each of her clients individually. We decided to go with Maddie for our wedding this past June and would highly recommend her!
She includes engagement photos in her pricing, which was helpful to get a sense for how it feels to be photographed and what you prefer as far as "poses", but her approach is mostly "in the moment
She includes engagement photos in her pricing, which was helpful to get a sense for how it feels to be photographed and what you prefer as far as "poses", but her approach is mostly "in the moment
Alyssa H.
Jul 10, 2019
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We booked Maddie for our wedding and she far exceeded our expectations! (Which were already set high based on her portfolio)
Maddie has the expertise, artistic eye, and temperament that you'd want in a wedding photographer. She's fun and easygoing, but she's also great at taking the lead and keeping you on schedule. Maddie will do everything possible to make the day perfect for you. Case in point: We noticed one of our bridesmaid's bouquets was missing right before taking bridal party photos. Maddie was quick to position the girls in certain ways so she could Photoshop the
Maddie has the expertise, artistic eye, and temperament that you'd want in a wedding photographer. She's fun and easygoing, but she's also great at taking the lead and keeping you on schedule. Maddie will do everything possible to make the day perfect for you. Case in point: We noticed one of our bridesmaid's bouquets was missing right before taking bridal party photos. Maddie was quick to position the girls in certain ways so she could Photoshop the
Charley C.
May 19, 2019
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Phenomenal. Maddie did our engagement and wedding photos, and truly went above and beyond. She listened to us, helped make us feel comfortable, and ultimately delivered a set of wedding photos that we will cherish and proudly share with friends and family. Our wedding day featured quite a bit of rain, and Maddie was unfazed. She was out in the rain, camera gear and all, without an umbrella! The pictures came out extraordinary and we are so thankful for everything.
Brian P.
Mar 21, 2019
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Maddie took the time to get to know us when we first reached out to her. We felt much more comfortable with her than with any of the other photographers we considered. Our engagement photo session produced lovely results. And we couldn't be happier with our wedding photographs! Maddie captured the mood of every moment, from the formal posed shots to the most impromptu candids. We'll cherish these images for a lifetime. Thank you, Maddie!
Nick R.
Nov 17, 2018
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We could not have been any happier with the photos Maddie captured on our wedding day. Everything from planning process, to the day of could not have gone any smoother. Her unique way of capturing the moments and her artistic approach to photography really spoke to us when looking for a wedding photographer. She was there to keep us organized and to answer any questions we had, even if it wasn't about pictures!. We would absolutely recommend Maddie to anyone looking capture incredible, one of a kind photos.
S. B.
Mar 23, 2018
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Maddie is amazing! E-mail her - you will be so happy!
We were searching for someone to photograph our family (with two young children) and found Maddie, recommended by another professional photographer. We could not be happier. Maddie has been wonderful to work with, from beginning to end. Maddie is professional, extremely personable and kind (even our kids asked to see her again after our shoot), very patient, and she got GREAT pictures!
We were searching for someone to photograph our family (with two young children) and found Maddie, recommended by another professional photographer. We could not be happier. Maddie has been wonderful to work with, from beginning to end. Maddie is professional, extremely personable and kind (even our kids asked to see her again after our shoot), very patient, and she got GREAT pictures!
Laura C.
Feb 08, 2018
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Maddie is as phenomenal as they come. Not only are the photos she takes absolutely beautiful, she's a wonderful human -- inside and out. She truly cares about her clients and delivers exceptional service with a kindness and sincerity that will put even the most camera shy at ease. She makes her clients feel important and gives them her full focus -- even in the case of our near-Christmas baby that had Maddie at our house shooting photos on New Year's Even without complaint.
I can't say enough good things about Maddie. Our newborn photos are ones we will treasure always, and I know
I can't say enough good things about Maddie. Our newborn photos are ones we will treasure always, and I know
Tatiana M.
Jan 17, 2018
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Stop looking and book Maddie.
I've searched high and low, went through spurts of stress/anxiety to breakouts on my face, all thanks to wedding planning. And finding the perfect photographer (within budget) was a definite stressor! We've met with several photographers and at the end of the day, we felt most comfortable with Maddie. And not to mention, all of her photos felt natural and light, NOT full of your typical prom poses of "stand here, put your hand here, look in this direction."
She offers a free engagement session which we originally thought we wouldn't do.
I've searched high and low, went through spurts of stress/anxiety to breakouts on my face, all thanks to wedding planning. And finding the perfect photographer (within budget) was a definite stressor! We've met with several photographers and at the end of the day, we felt most comfortable with Maddie. And not to mention, all of her photos felt natural and light, NOT full of your typical prom poses of "stand here, put your hand here, look in this direction."
She offers a free engagement session which we originally thought we wouldn't do.
Kate M.
Oct 16, 2017
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My husband and I chose Maddie as our wedding photographer, and we couldn't be more thrilled with her work. Maddie is responsive, organized, professional, and passionate about her work. She gave us great advice on the timing and locations of photos during the planning stages. On the day of the event, she and her assistant kept everything on track, while remaining an upbeat presence. Maddie managed to beautifully capture each moment of our wedding day, and the photos that she produced are of outstanding quality. We have received so many compliments on the photos from our family and friends.
Gina Z.
Sep 09, 2017
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Maddie recently shot our wedding and engagement session. All of her photos were absolutely great. She has a natural style and capturing the emotion of the moment is one of her greatest skills. We loved working with Maddie because she is friendly, calm, helpful and prompt in answering questions, and just naturally felt like she should be a part of our wedding. I cannot wait to recommend Maddie to anyone looking for a photographer.
Leah G.
Aug 30, 2017
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I am so glad that my husband and I chose Maddie to shoot our engagement session and our wedding - I honestly couldn't have imagined a more amazing photographer for both occasions. She is super easy to communicate with (responds to emails, questions, etc. right away), warm, friendly, and a true professional. We had a blast shooting with her and her photos were beautiful and candid, just like we had hoped. She went above and beyond to help us with everything from creating a day-of schedule to giving us ideas for shooting locations. Maddie is the absolute best!
Amanda G.
Aug 26, 2016
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One of my best decisions for my wedding day was having Maddie as our photographer. Every aspect of the planning, engagement shoot and wedding was perfect. From the moment I met Maddie I felt like she completely understood our vision. She was quick to respond to my questions and went above and beyond to even give me suggestions and help when I needed it. I still cannot get over how wonderfully she has captured our day! Since our wedding she has done two of our friends and I cannot wait to see the pictures!
Jenny K.
Mar 03, 2016
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Maddie did my son's new born shoot and she was fantastic!!! I got her information from a gal I work with and the day of the shoot was the first time I met her. She was prompt, professional and totally sweet. When our photos came back, my husband and I couldn't have been more happier with them.
I've already started to recommend her to friends and family. I cannot say enough about how great I think she did and I get compliments on the pictures all the time.
I've already started to recommend her to friends and family. I cannot say enough about how great I think she did and I get compliments on the pictures all the time.
