Mckenzie Brayley, Calgary Wedding Photographer
Bold, Sarcastic, and Full of Dogs: How One Calgary Photographer Turned Chaos Into a Thriving Wedding Business
Before she was a wedding photographer, Mckenzie Brayley was the girl with the camera. Not in a metaphorical sense—literally, she was never seen without it. From junior high hallway candids to blurry racquetball tournament shots across Canada, her obsession with freezing time started early. But it wasn’t until she discovered the editing power of Photoshop during her graphic design studies that photography moved from casual hobby to serious passion.
Today, Mckenzie Brayley Photography is a Calgary-based wedding brand known for its bold editing, cheeky energy, and fiercely personal approach. In a local market crowded with light and airy aesthetics, her vivid tones and sarcastic charm cut through the noise. “If the sky is blue, I want it to look blue,” she says unapologetically.
Building a Business, Not a Persona
Unlike many photographers who cautiously ease into weddings through second shooting, Mckenzie dove in headfirst. A wedding workshop in Edmonton led to her first booking—and then another, and another. She skipped the gatekeeping ladder and built her own. “There’s no one right way to do this,” she says. “I never second shot before I started. I just kind of… started.”
And it worked. In just four years, she’s built a thriving wedding photography business while still working full-time at a Calgary print shop that produces large-format installations and fine art reproductions. “It actually makes me a better photographer,” she explains. “Most people don’t understand how printing works, but I do. I’m thinking about crop ratios and wall art while I’m shooting.”
Weddings Are the Goal, Not a Stepping Stone
Some photographers fall into weddings reluctantly. Not Mckenzie. She owns her love for cheesy Hallmark movies and confesses she gets teary during speeches and vows. “Weddings are the one kind of shoot I don’t get nervous for. There’s so much spontaneity, and then I get to create these polished, beautiful portraits. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Her couples agree. Many cite her personality as the deciding factor in hiring her—not her years of experience or portfolio polish, but her ability to be human, funny, and calm under pressure. “I’m sarcastic. I joke around. I want you to know exactly who I’ll be on your wedding day, so you’re not surprised.”
Five Dogs, Zero Pretenses
At home, she’s not just a photographer—she’s a full-time dog mom. Five dogs, to be exact. “Bring your dog to the wedding and I’ll love you forever,” she laughs. Her social media presence reflects this mix of honesty and absurdity. One fun fact on her site confessed to a love of Twilight, which once helped her bond instantly with a bride. “We were best friends by the end of that Zoom call.”
A Gallery Delivery System That Feels Like Christmas
Mckenzie does things her own way, and her editing process is no exception. Rather than making couples wait 6–10 weeks for a full gallery drop, she uploads completed photos to the gallery as she edits—often within 48 hours of the wedding. “It’s like Christmas every week,” one client told her.
It’s not just a stylistic choice—it’s a strategic one. “I get anxious thinking my clients are sitting there waiting. So if they can see photos as they’re being added, it takes the pressure off both of us.” The result? A steady drip of joy, excitement, and shareable moments that help keep post-wedding buzz alive.
Local Focus, Big Personality
While many Calgary photographers chase the mountain wedding scene, Mckenzie prefers to keep it local. The reason? “The permit system for Banff and Canmore is a nightmare,” she says bluntly. “And honestly, there are so many amazing photographers out there who know those spaces way better than I do.”
Instead, she’s found a niche in Calgary itself. This year, she’s booked four weddings at the Calgary Zoo—just five minutes from home. It’s practical, yes, but it’s also a testament to her ability to attract couples who care more about connection and experience than chasing epic backdrops.
The Bottom Line
Mckenzie Brayley isn’t trying to be all things to all people. She’s not light and airy. She’s not trying to fill 30 weekends a year. She’s not pretending to be anything other than what she is: a bold, dog-loving, Hallmark-watching photographer with a love of storytelling and a no-nonsense approach to building trust.
And in a saturated industry where everyone is fighting to be the most polished version of themselves, that kind of honesty might just be her biggest strength.
Website: mckenziebrayley.com
Instagram: @mckenziebrayley_photography