Markfortography

01/05/2025

I have you all to thank for choosing and voting for me the last two years. Because of you I was chosen as the Saint Croix Valleys best wedding photographer for two consecutive years. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to have your support for a 3rd year?

It’s time to celebrate the best that the St. Croix Valley area has to offer! Our Best of St. Croix Valley 2025 annual readers’ poll offers a fill-in-the-blank voting system, […]

12/19/2024

Can we talk about how classic cars and classic love are just meant to go together?

Four years ago, I spotted this beauty in the parking lot and had to make it part of the story. I mean, how perfect is this shot?

I love finding little surprises like this on wedding days and turning them into something unforgettable. Anyone else obsessed with old cars, or is it just me?

12/18/2024

Diamonds and legacies 💎

The way these rings catch the light on this vintage Thunderbird feels like a love story - delicate yet fierce, classic with an edge that takes your breath away.

These rings aren’t just promises; they’re precious markers of a family’s journey, gleaming against a car that’s witnessed decades of celebrations and shared moments.

When I capture a photo like this, I’m not just preserving a wedding day - I’m archiving a family’s living history.

Each reflection, each chrome curve tells a story deeper than any single moment, connecting past to present in a single, breathtaking frame. 💍

12/16/2024

✨ Want Your Sparkler Sendoff to Be Pure Magic? Let’s Make It Happen! ✨

There’s something so magical about a sparkler exit—the glow, the laughter, the celebration. It’s one of those moments you’ll look back on and just feel the joy. But here’s the thing: a little organization makes all the difference in keeping it smooth, stress-free, and absolutely stunning.

Here’s how we can make it perfect:

1. Keep the Flow Easy and Fun
When everyone knows where to go and what to do, the moment feels effortless. Having a couple of friends or your coordinator help hand out sparklers, light them (torch lighters are a lifesaver), and guide guests into two lines keeps everything moving and relaxed. No chaos—just excitement and good vibes!

2. Why This Matters for Photos
A little planning makes it SO much easier for me to capture the magic:
• The Perfect Glow: Sparklers burn bright, but not for long. When everyone lights up together, the lighting is amazing, and we can make the most of those few glowing moments.
• You Get to Shine: A clear deaignated area means you two can walk (or run, or twirl!) through the sparklers without worrying about bumping into anyone. You get to just enjoy it while I capture the glowing magic all around you.

3. Keep It Simple & Safe
Buckets of sand or water for sparkler disposal are a quick win. Easy, done, stress-free!

Trust me, when the sparklers are glowing, you’re grinning ear to ear, and the energy is just right—that’s when we get the dreamiest photos.

I’m here to help you make it all seamless and stress-free so you can focus on soaking in every second. Want to plan your dream sendoff? Whether it’s sparklers, bubbles, or something else that fits your vibe, let’s make it perfect. 💫

What kind of exit are you dreaming of? Tell me below—I’d love to hear!

11/08/2024

The result of the challenge at my workshop
(Emotion) ten minutes allowed.

While I was at dinner last night, Michal sat next to me. We quickly connected like sisters do. We talked about modeling, fashion, Hollywood drama, careers and how while even being at your peak you can feel tired of the hustle. Never the dream, but the hustle.

I knew exactly what to say from our previous conversation, which was allowing her the space to feel that emotion and heard. That emotion was feeling tired.

I said to her “ take your shoes off, close your eyes, and just feel the sun on your face.” Take that break!

And when she opened her eyes they were fierce.

A beautiful soul .elizabeth

10/31/2024

✨ Introducing Diana and Mike Hurd! ✨

Their September wedding unfolded in the sweetest of settings, making for an unforgettable day and an album as stunning as their story. With three unique spaces for getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, each moment found its perfect backdrop. Having an 8-hour coverage meant we captured it all, from the first look to the last dance!

While digital portraits are wonderful, the real magic lives in a printed album A heirloom that brings every moment to life. Each Markfortography album is custom-designed with luxury materials and personalized cover options, resulting in a timeless keepsake from start to finish.

Are you ready to bring your love story to life? Let’s make it unforgettable!

Limited 2025 weddings available 💫

10/25/2024

Created some beautiful masterpieces for my sister and her family. These statement pieces were shot with intention and for hanging all over their home. My husband was helpful on lighting and humor this day. Most of the smiles were from us laughing at him almost literally taking flight from the wind while basically holding a sail. Although you can’t see me In the masterpieces I was loving all these memories just as much as they will forever.

Photographing family is a whole different kind of fun.

10/18/2024

Let’s talk wedding day magic!

The little details that can make a big difference in your wedding portraits. Let’s make sure you’re all set up for flawless, stunning photos.


1. Lighting is everything!

When choosing your ceremony spot, think about the direction of the sun. Are you in the shadow of your arch? Squinting into the light? Or is there something distracting in the background? Don’t be afraid to move things around—small adjustments can make a world of difference.

2. Make sure all your guests are seated.

There’s always that one person who thinks they’re being sneaky, hanging back—unintentionally photobombing at just the wrong moment. Trust me, it happens!

3. Set boundaries with family photos.

While family pictures are important, the day is about you. Kindly let them know that while there will be time for group shots, the focus is on capturing the special moments. For more family portraits, they can always book a session later!

4. Photographers and Videographers:

Timing is Everything. If you’re planning to have both a photographer and a videographer on your wedding day, it’s important to know that the process can take a little longer. They’ll need to work together to ensure they both capture the key moments, which means they often have to take turns or adjust their positions for different shots.

Be clear from the start about what you want from each of them. For example, discuss how the videographer will position themselves during the ceremony—especially for moments like the kiss, the first look, or your grand exit. If your videographer is standing directly in the aisle, it could block your photographer from getting that picture-perfect shot.

Consider having a conversation with both your photographer and videographer before the big day, so they can coordinate their movements and make sure everyone gets the shots they need without stepping on each other’s toes—literally! When they work together seamlessly, you’ll end up with both incredible video and stunning photos without any missed moments.

10/09/2024

Can we have a moment for this Love shoot. This session was such a blast! One of my absolute favorite things is getting couples to really let loose and just go for it. You know, when you toss all the stiff poses out the window and let the magic just unfold naturally—it’s honestly the most fun. This shoot was full of that spontaneous energy, and let me tell you, it made for some unforgettable memories. We didn’t even know that canoeing would be an option. But the second I seen it my eyes lit up and I was like Yep this is what we have to do.

I had so much fun capturing everything from all kinds of angles—like, we’re talking aerial shots, first-person views, and that perfectly timed, spotlight moment that just pulls everything together. And I have to say, there was a point where it felt like we were living out the scene “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid—all we needed were a few frogs on the oars!

So, if you’re looking for an experience that’s all about making memories while creating the most incredible photos, you’ve got to come do this with me. It’s all about having fun, making each other laugh, and capturing every bit of that love in the air. Let’s make some magic happen!

Mary and Pete wedding to follow in 2025 💍📸


titus.12

09/27/2024

The Sutherland’s in a perfect sunset
2024 🫶🏽

09/14/2024

A cathedral style wedding.

Did you know Catholic services are about roughly an hour long? It is something to consider when you are deciding on how much time you should be booking your photographer for.

A couple of other things to consider when deciding on your time

-Is there driving in between the ceremony and reception?
- Are you doing a first look?
-does your venue have multiple floors? (If so, this may take more time)

some Catholic churches have very strict rules on what they will allow a photographer to use as far as equipment. Make sure you discuss this with the church as well as your photographer with your photography expectations.

Some of us out there are rule breakers 👋🏽 IYKYN

And lastly who loves a long veil? ME

08/22/2024

Simple senior…

Sometimes they just do it for mom

08/07/2024

All new client information magazines are being finalized

Addy made Markfortography’s cover for this season.

Everything you need to know about your investment to picking your photographer to what it’s like to work with Becky upon inquiry.

Making your decision easier and answering many questions you have.

08/04/2024

Celebrating with the guests as Mr & Mrs. FOSS

07/26/2024

Some FAQ for senior sessions are …
#1. How many outfits can I wear?
(This depends on the locations booked)
#2. Can we do separate dates/seasons?
Yes, I call these album adds! You can add on seasonal snaps of sunflower fields, snow or summer.
#3. Can I wear stuff I see on your instagram?
Yes! Anything that is in the client closet you are welcome to use.
#4. Parents: my son doesn’t care about senior pictures, should he do them anyways.
YES YES YES! This time of life is special and graduating happens once. You deserve this moment as much as they do.

Think about what season is your favorite and plan ahead!

07/12/2024

A good way to have fun at the carnival as an adult is to capture unique portraits with all of the colors and lights. It’s such a fun upbeat setting. If you’re anxious around crowds, don’t let this stop you. You will experience a feeling so fulfilled and happy once you see the final product. I specialize in making my clients feel comfortable. What are you waiting for? Let’s go to the carnival together.

06/28/2024

Fair Photo sessions are now booking!

06/25/2024

Directing multiple people and communicating in a way that they understand how to move their body and facial expression, really creates a trust between myself and the client. They trust that I know what I am doing and will direct them to result in the most flattering and expressive way.

Shot this in Mexico on my Nikon z8 using my 24-70mm