All About Makaela Thomas Photography
When it comes to wedding photography, couples want more than just pretty pictures, they want images that feel alive, that capture the heart of their day, and that tell their story in a way that feels authentic. That’s exactly what Makaela Thomas of Makaela Thomas Photography is known for: a style that blends documentary storytelling with gentle direction, resulting in timeless, emotion-filled images that couples will treasure forever!
A Philosophy: “Documentary Meets Direction”
At the heart of Makaela’s work is a belief that the best photos come from real, unfiltered moments. “The small glances. The belly laughs. The in-between stuff that you don’t always notice happening, but that says everything about your relationships and your story,” she explains.
Her approach is rooted in documentary-style photography — quietly observing and capturing the day as it naturally unfolds. But she also knows that most couples aren’t used to being in front of a camera. “Let’s be honest, ‘What do I do with my hands?’ is a very real question!” Makaela explains. That’s where her natural prompts and light guidance come in. Rather than stiff poses, she creates space for couples to relax, connect, and be themselves.
Think fun cues like, “Walk toward me like you’re coming back from your first date,” or “Tell her something that always makes her smile.” Those small nudges lead to genuine reactions and real emotion — nothing forced, nothing awkward.
A Style That Feels Like You
Makaela’s photography style is defined by warm and soft tones, true-to-life colors, and light contrast. The result? Romantic, authentic, and timeless imagery.
She captures the big moments, walking down the aisle, the first kiss, the grand exit — but she also pays close attention to the fleeting ones: “The nervous laugh before the ceremony. The way your partner looks at you during the vows. That quick squeeze of the hand from a parent. These are the moments I live to capture,” she shares. And don’t worry, she still makes sure to deliver those classic, smiling-at-the-camera shots for parents and grandparents too.
What Sets Her Apart
For Makaela, wedding photography isn’t just about the pictures, it’s about the people. “This isn’t just a job to me. I care deeply about the people I work with, and I’m invested in your day from start to finish,” she says.
She approaches every wedding with the same care and artistry, no matter the size, budget, or location. “You deserve to feel celebrated and seen, whether you’re getting married in a backyard with 20 guests or hosting a black-tie affair at a mountaintop venue.”
Makaela describes her definition of luxury in a way that feels refreshing: “I believe luxury isn’t about being fancy, it’s about feeling fully taken care of. And that’s exactly how I treat my couples: with intention, warmth, and a whole lot of heart.”
Her role goes far beyond being “just” the photographer. On a wedding day, she becomes a calming presence, a cheerleader, and, in her words, “your emotional support human in comfy shoes.” Couples often leave not only with beautiful images, but with a new friend who just happens to be really good with a camera.
The Story Behind the Lens
Makaela didn’t set out to be a wedding photographer. In fact, she swore she never would. Growing up in a small town a couple of hours outside Savannah, she married her high school sweetheart, and it was actually her husband who bought her first camera. “He got it when we were engaged so we’d have it for vacations and trips. I took some photos of my sister, who was a senior in high school at the time, and long story short, that snowballed into starting a business,” Makaela recalls.
What began as a hobby quickly grew into a calling. Now, weddings are not only her specialty but her hidden passion. She loves the mix of emotion, beauty, and unpredictability that each celebration brings. “Weddings are full of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments,” she says. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Outside of photography, Makaela describes herself as an old soul. She loves being outdoors with her family, spending time with her daughter, and getting lost in a good book.
A Photographer with Heart
Makaela Thomas Photography is more than a wedding vendor, it’s an experience rooted in care, artistry, and connection. She’s there to document your love story in a way that feels true to who you are, blending candid authenticity with timeless elegance.
Or as Makaela herself sums it up best: “I want you to feel like you’ve made a new best friend who also just happens to be good with a camera.”
