I’m Ellie, of McKenzie studios, and I am your wedding and portrait photographer. I am originally from a small village outside of Hull in East Yorkshire, England, but now live and travel in the southeastern US with my husband Luigi and my dog Bentley. My experience growing up as a brit, finding myself in America, and now traveling the world for my photography has shaped everything about my world and my art.
I grew up in a small rural town in England, where most of my childhood was spent running through fields with my brother and our dog, keeping ourselves busy building dens and rafts making everyday a creative adventure. Growing up my mum was a florist, so I was always surrounded by flowers and art. I spent hours in her shop, making arrangements (and a mess), and looking back, this is where my love for all this natural and beautiful really started and would one day manifest into photography.
Some of my favorite memories are of family trips to Scotland—exploring old castles, wandering through breathtaking landscapes, and soaking in all the history. Those moments felt small at the time, but now I see how they shaped my love for documenting life as it happens—capturing the little details that one day become the memories you’ll cherish most.
I moved to the Southeast United States in my young adulthood, where I met my Puerto Rican husband, Luigi, and adopted our dogs, Bentley and Max. Our experience being a mixed-cultural marriage living away from both of our homes has shaped so much of our marriage and our passions. We travel as much as we can, and I draw inspiration from all the places, people, and love stories I get to experience along the way.
I am now based in Miami, where Luigi, Bentley, and I enjoy the blend of cultures that make such it a vibrant city. With easy access to travel and frequent trips to see them, I feel closer to my own family in the UK and my husband's home in Puerto Rico, too. I live for love and travel, so I will follow you anywhere in the world to celebrate your love story with you.
People in love. Travel. Watching others do what they’re passionate about. Being outdoors. History. All of these things influence how I capture weddings—not as posed, scripted moments, but as a real, unfolding story full of emotion.
When searching for photographers for my wedding, i was devastated that my original photographer fell through. however, i came across ellie and her unique and mesmerizing portfolio/website and i am so blessed that the universe led me to her. she was very patient with me when i was unable to make a decision or when i was being painfully awkward. not to mention, she was so very patient with the toddlers and my unstable family... she captured a very important day for my husband and i and we could not be more grateful. i will always think of her for when i need any pictures done.
We cannot recommend Ellie McKenzie enough! From the moment she arrived, she brought such a calming, positive presence to our wedding day. She handled every bit of chaos with incredible grace and professionalism, capturing each moment so beautifully. But beyond her immense talent, what truly sets Ellie apart is her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond…She even got down and helped me with my shoes during a wedding game when I was struggling to get them off!! So incredibly kind.
Ellie is literally incredible!! She made my fiancée and I feel so comfortable when we had never taken professional photos before. She took my Pinterest board and brought it to life! I couldn’t be more obsessed with our engagement photos and I am so so excited for her to capture our wedding!! Can’t say enough kind things about her!
Ellie is AMAZING! Not only is she incredibly talented, but she is also very kind. Aa a fellow creative, working with her is an absolute joy because she is always willing to go above & beyond to capture our vision (& then some)! I have NEVER been disappointed with any of her work and would be more than happy to hire her for all of my life moments forever. You’re the best!