Meet MaggieAnn Otto | Your Elopement Guide & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with MaggieAnn Otto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MaggieAnn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, weddings are a pain! So, I went searching for an answer to the problem and found elopements. Hear me out… I have been a wedding photographer for the last 6 or so years and have seen a lot of the struggles and issues that weddings propose. Such as the lack of uniqueness, every wedding has the same characteristics, I want to help my couples stand out. The social pressure of pleasing everyone, I want to help my couples plan the wedding they envision without stressing over the table settings and guest lists, etc. And that’s ultimately how I came to find my passion for helping couples experience unique, freeing, meaningful wedding experience full of intentionality and adventure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about the adventure and freedom love gives us. I specialize in helping couples craft a day that resonates with their story and then capture those moments that make your heart skip a beat and your eyes well up with happy tears. From big, extravagant mountain top moments to the smallest of kiss, I’m all about freezing those special elopement memories.

What makes me stand out is how much I value cultivating real relationships with my clients. I don’t want to just be the girl behind the camera. I’m going to go above and beyond in order to make everyone I get to work with feel understood, special and celebrated. I’m known to go above and beyond just to put a smile on my clients’ faces. There was one time I took my camera and waded waist high in a river just to capture the perfect photo. Really, getting my camera down close to the water, sky reflecting off the surface and my couple totally lost in the moment was a moment I’ll never forget.

Starting a career in a very niche market hasn’t always been a walk in the park, it’s been quite the adventure! Shifting gears from traditional weddings to championing elopements definitely had its hurdles, but I tackled them with head-on determination and shear passion. I learned to find mentors, ask the right questions and keep on swimming even when the inquiries stopped flowing in. It’s an ever-changing game, running a business, I’ve had to learn to be up for each twist and curve, letting creativity and genuine care be my guide.

My brand isn’t just about snapping pretty pictures—it’s about spreading joy, celebrating love, and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. I’m all about empowering couples to ditch the stress and pressure of cookie-cutter, traditional weddings and create something truly special. So, if you’re ready to inject some fun and personality into your big day, I’m your go-to gal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: You fly into Memphis’s airport. I’d pick you up and we’d spend the day coffee shop hopping, The first on the list would be The Hub. (Best drinks and service in Memphis. It is a must!), Then we would head to Shelby Farms for a walk as the sun sets over the lake. Day 2: We’d spend the day in downtown Memphis. I’d take you to all the historical locations such as the Loraine Motel and Sun Studios. We’d eat at a cafe on Beale St, see the Bass Pro Pyramid, and of course, we would watch the ducks march at the Peabody Hotel at 5:00. FYI, the rooftop of the Peabody or Bass Pro Pyramid have THE best views in Memphis. And we can’t miss hearing some Memphis Blues, I’d have to see what live music was going on.
Day 3: The real reason you came to town… Nashville. We’d spend our first day just sightseeing in Nashville. We’d stretch our legs at Centennial Park and then get spruced up for a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
Day 4-6: I’m a hiking enthusiast so after our first day in Nashville we’d spend most of our time in the surrounding areas hiking and enjoying the beauty that mid Tennessee has to offer. First day trip outside of Nashville would be Fall Creek Falls State Park. With several stunning waterfalls and a scenic drive, I would be happy to never leave! Second, we would head to Cookville Tn, an hour and a half outside of Nashville for the beautiful Cummins Falls. Lastly, we would see Rutledge Falls or go to Franklin Tn for some fine dining and more history. Whenever you’re in the Nashville area I would highly recommend the Frothy Monkey. Good food and good coffee. Plus, they do a great job of working with people who have allergies such as Gluten and Dairy.
Day 7: Head back to Memphis for a tearful goodbye.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not have gotten to where I am today if it were not for Maddie Mae from Adventure Instead Photography. Her class courses and guidance has been a huge help and inspiration. She has helped me find structure in this wild dream of mine. Maddie, if you’re reading this, thank you so much for everything you do for the people who look up to you.

Website: https://www.photosbymaggieann.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photos_by_maggieann?igsh=MTZyMHRkdWt2anI4Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaggieAnnOtto

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/photosbymaggieann/