HEY I'M Kara!
Photography, for me, is about noticing the connections between people. I observe how moments unfold and capture them with care and intention. Over time, I’ve realized that what makes an image meaningful isn’t just what it shows, but the emotion it holds.
My goal is to create photographs that are enduring, so years from now, your images bring you back to the feeling of your day.
Your michigan wedding photographer
THE BEGINNING OF Kara Marie Photography
About two years ago, I came across my grandparents’ wedding album from 1954. Their joy was tangible in every photo, and I could feel how fully present they were in the moments unfolding around them. The love that carried them through 65 years of marriage was still palpable decades later. Seeing those images reminded me why I love photography: it isn’t about perfection or trends, it’s about capturing what it feels like to truly be there.
I unwrapped my first digital camera for Christmas at age ten and completely lost it (there’s video proof of me squealing and rolling around on the floor). I photographed my first wedding in high school and officially started my business in 2016. Photography became my creative outlet while studying speech-language pathology in graduate school, and it has been a part of my life ever since.
Getting married in 2025 showed me what it really means to be present. The day flew by, full of fleeting moments I wanted to hold onto forever. Being in the middle of it all reminded me why presence matters most, both for living the day and for capturing it.
Today, I approach every wedding with the inspiration I found in my grandparents’ photos. The way their connection and presence filled their day is what I aim to bring to each wedding I photograph. I observe carefully, guide when needed, and capture the moments that tell the story of your day.
I want you to feel your day, not perform it. Generations from now, when your family members stumble across your wedding photo album, they won’t just see what your wedding looked like, they’ll experience exactly how it felt.
“Working with Kara was an absolute DREAM."
"From the second I reached out to her about a proposal and engagement shoot, to the very end of the process and getting the wonderful pictures, she is one of the best photographers and people I’ve encountered.”
When I’m not taking pictures:
I’m usually diving into a new hobby. I love slow, mindful days spent baking, reading, embroidering, journaling, or experimenting with a new craft (lately, watercolor painting has been my favorite). Anything that keeps me present fills my cup.
what i value most:
Quality time with my friends and family. I’m incredibly lucky to have people who have supported me from the beginning, and being with them is what I enjoy most. Whether it’s a quiet walk around the neighborhood or a long conversation over a meal, those moments mean everything to me.
My favorite part of a wedding day:
That moment right after the ceremony, when it finally hits that you’re actually married. It’s such a simple, pure kind of happiness and was my favorite part of my wedding day, too. First looks come in a close second, whether they’re shared with each other, family, or friends. Those honest, vulnerable reactions are always so meaningful.
my kitchen-aid stand mixer
fresh flowers
dogs
beach days on lake michigan
Traveling (Iceland and Greece are at the top of my bucket list!)
desserts (mostly ice cream)
How you feel shapes what’s captured.
This is why I value genuine, personal connection with every single one of my clients. When you feel at ease, your photos reflect it.
Color and emotion should remain authentic. I don’t chase trends that pull your photos away from how the day actually looked or felt. Your images stay true to the light, the atmosphere, and the emotion in the room. I want you to be able to experience your day, years from now.
Presence matters more than perfection. The best photographs happen when you are fully present. I create space for the day to be felt, not staged.
