Hi, I’m Elly.

A bride and groom stand in a desert landscape with cacti and mountains in the background, during a wedding photoshoot.

The MacKenzies

Brett, Elly, Baby MacKenzie & Max

I love Jesus, and I’m so thankful for the grace of the Gospel. I’m married to my best friend, Brett, who leads worship at our church. We get to serve in high school ministry together, and it’s just the best!

We also have a 65lb English sheepdog named Max, who is so cuddly and chaotic. We are big foodies and love trying out a new restaurant on date night! One of our faves in Phoenix is Cibo – you HAVE to try it if you love pizza!! You can find us making a cup of coffee, going on a hike, playing a round of disc golf, or watching one of our favorite shows.

We welcomed a baby girl into our family May 2026, and she’s quickly become our favorite human!! I’m so grateful that photography is my job, because it allows me the flexibility to stay home with her. Going through our own engagement, planning our wedding, and now building our little family has reminded me just how special all the little things are, and how important it is to remember all the details.

One day, I can’t wait to show my grandkids photos of the life we lived—and that’s what I love most about photography. It gives us a glimpse into our legacy. I hope the photos we create together become more than just pictures, but little pieces of your story—framed on your walls, tucked into albums, and passed down for generations to come.

A couple smiling and hugging outdoors at sunset, with the man holding an ultrasound photo.
A young man smiling at a restaurant table at night, with food including quesadillas, chips, salsa, and drinks, in an outdoor setting with string lights and other diners in the background.
A woman with glasses and long hair sitting in a car, smiling with eyes closed, holding a large iced coffee in her right hand, taking a selfie.
A fluffy white and gray poodle mix dog lying on a wooden deck, looking at the camera with its tongue slightly out, surrounded by outdoor furniture.
A young woman with glasses smiling and a man with sunglasses sitting close together inside a car.
A woman with sunglasses smiling while standing on a dirt trail with her dog, in a desert landscape with hills and city in the background.

FAQs

  • A new outfit can be fun and confidence-boosting, but comfort always comes first. Neutrals photograph beautifully together, especially in natural, desert backgrounds. (Black can sometimes photograph a little harsh out here.)

    I’m always happy to help you choose and coordinate outfits that feel true to your style and look great together — just send me photos and I’ll help you pick!

  • Absolutely! That’s a huge part of my job.
    I’ll guide you the entire time with natural, easy prompts that create movement and help you relax. You don’t need to know any poses — I’ll direct you in a way that brings out genuine smiles!

  • My typical turnaround time is 2–3 weeks. Full wedding galleries are delivered within 6–8 weeks.

  • Absolutely! I have a full location guide and can recommend some of my favorite spots around Phoenix based on the look and vibe you’re going for.

  • After you send an inquiry, I’ll follow up with your personal client portal based on your session type.
    In there, you’ll find your contract, retainer invoice, and questionnaire. Once the retainer is paid and your date is secured, we’ll choose your location and I can help with any outfit inspo you need!

    When session day arrives, we’ll have the best time capturing your memories. Your full gallery will be delivered in your client portal within 2–3 weeks.