Maggie Medema Photography

Midwest Nice
& Always
A Good Time

We were 16 years old when we met in the beer tent of a Knights of Columbus 4th of July festival.

Isn’t that more fun than saying “We grew up in rural Illinois?”

Gets the same point across though, doesn’t it?

A handful of years later, the cute guy from the beer tent bought me a few things: my first digital camera, a tent and a wedding ring.

Twenty-plus years have passed and while so much of our lives would shock our younger selves, it makes complete sense that we photograph couples for a living and take our three young kids camping whenever we can. Our cameras are much nicer, I think that first one was 3 megapixels. Our tent is quite a bit bigger, too. But as life has gotten larger and more complicated all around, the most important and simple things are still true…

We love adventure, celebration, making each other laugh, dogs, babies, blue lakes and wooden boardwalks through pine forests.We geek out over the same things – board games, self-help (we prefer “personal development”) podcasts, digging into why we are who we are and planning road trips.

We’re trying to raise kids who are Midwest Nice but with values and priorities like a brick wall. We drag them all around the country exposing them to as much nature and wonder as we can, because we think that’s where God is hiding and where personalities are grown.

We’re a part of this industry because for all its over-priced, consumerist ick, it’s the most incredible opportunity to see people connect and celebrate and honor what matters most to them. Getting to witness and capture that is quite an education and an opportunity we’re so grateful for.

See the little ones in these photos? Those are our babies. When schedules and locations allow, they love tagging along to engagement sessions. (Never weddings. Never ever. I am not insane.) They’ve had so many cool experiences, met so many cool people, and seen love in every variety it comes in. They often bring their own cameras along. I think that says just about everything about us. So, if that makes you cringe… you’re in the wrong place ;)

She

She

  • Loud One

  • Says the f word a lot

  • Grows dozens of cut flower varieties.

  • Loves to gift people bouquets.

  • Narrates the dog's thoughts.

  • Talks so much crap during family game night.

  • Always ready to pivot. Unflappable.

He

He

  • Quiet one

  • Says sir and ma'am

  • Grows dozens of hot pepper varieties.

  • Loves to gift people hot sauce.

  • Respond's to dog's narrated thoughts.

  • Frequently says, "Not a school word." during family game night.

  • Always the first to help. Anyone. With anything.