the journal
There’s something so special about weddings that take place at home. Eli and Elizabeth’s wedding day began in the bride’s own backyard, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The intimate ceremony was filled with laughter, happy tears, and the kind of joy that only comes when you’re gathered in a place that already feels […]
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared here, but this session deserves its spotlight. As summer fades and fall picks up steam, I’m easing back into the rhythm of photographing families against the wild, golden backdrop of the Black Hills. When Emma reached out about a session at their family cabin near Keystone—complete with her […]
Aaron and Breanne’s intimate wedding just outside of Spearfish, South Dakota was everything a laid-back, heartfelt celebration should be. The June sunshine showed up in all the best ways—warm but not too hot, with the kind of golden light that photographers (and romantics) dream about. Their ceremony took place in a quiet meadow tucked into […]
I romanticize our daily life and rituals—the way the light hits the breakfast table, the muddy boots by the door, the quiet hum of togetherness. I try to bottle up the ordinary in a way that feels honest and a little magical. Because taking pictures? It’s not really the thing we’re doing. Sure, technically, I’m […]
I'm Michaela mader Tully
The Michaela you'll find making beautiful images of your family.
I’m a storytelling photographer based in the Black Hills of South Dakota, specializing in family connections, intimate weddings, and elopements.
My style? Think warm evening light, authentic moments, and a dash of Mary Oliver poetry—because life’s best stories are a little wild, a little soft, and always real.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably chasing my kids, hiking trails that smell of Ponderosa pine, or sipping coffee that’s gone lukewarm because, well, #momlife.
Let's create something beautiful and real together.
The kind of photos that feel like home, like belly laughs and evening light, like the fleeting moments you never want to forget. Ready to tell your story? Let’s do this.
