as seen in
as seen in
Preserving your most meaningful moments as they unfold like scenes from a movie
I want you to without-a-doubt love the person who is spending 6+ hours photographing you on the most important day of your life.
When I’m not working (which is hardly ever, I’m a workaholic) I enjoy streaming movies and TV shows, along with traveling. Some of my favorite places are Sedona, Portland, and Seattle–I know what are the chances a desert dweller would love the cold and rain.
I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of what it’s like to have me as your wedding photographer.
I’m driven by making connections, that’s why I spend my time getting to know you and your partner.
A little bit about me, I’m an Arizona Native (yes, one of the rare ones) who’s been fortunate enough to have lived here my whole life. I majored in Digital Film in college with the intention of being the next Spielberg, but after I photographed my first wedding in 2014 I realized what my true calling is. I’ve been photographing weddings ever since.
I can’t wait to get to know more about you both, and talk more about how we can make you and your partner look straight out of a movie on your wedding day!
weddings are a movie in real life
weddings are a movie in real life
weddings are a movie in real life
I focus on capturing all the reactions in the room. Your wedding party crying during your vows, your parents holding hands during your ceremony, even your baby cousins. All of it, so you don’t have to worry about what your community felt on your wedding, you’ll be able to see it.
I completely understand how important families gathering together can be. Weddings are momentous occasions, not just for you, but also the community you invite to celebrate with you. That’s why I spend extra special attention to your guests, so you can see the impact you have on your community.
Each step along the process I work with you, giving advice and suggestions, all while respecting the vision you have for your wedding day. And don’t worry if you feel you might be awkward in photos, because while we’re taking photos, I will make sure to direct you and your partner (you won’t ever have to worry about “What do I do with my hands?”)
That’s why I strive to create an stress-free experience. Because of my experience as a director, I’m involved with you from the planning stage (pre-production), your wedding day (principal photography), and delivery of your wedding galleries (post production).
Payton Chadwick
From meeting her at the vendor open house we knew she would be a perfect vendor for our wedding. She was so responsive throughout the entire process, made sure we always had questions answered, and made the whole wedding planning journey a breeze. All of our wedding party, family, and friends commented on how FUN and personable she was. She makes you feel like you’ve known each other for years and makes everyone so comfortable in front of the camera. She is so talented at what she does. We absolutely adore all of our photos and feel like we’re reliving the day every time we look at them!
I will never have enough good things to say about Maya!
Leslie Kastanes
Not only does she have the BEST personality, with an amazing attitude with a contagious cheerfulness but she is also punctual, flexible, easy going, and willing to adjust to help make the day as amazing as possible. That aside she is also an INCREDIBLE photographer! She has an amazing eye, and all of our photos were absolutely stunning! Everyone at our wedding loved her, and we got so many compliments on our photos as well. She is truly one of the most gifted photographers I have ever met and seen, and what an honor it was to get to have her for our wedding. I cannot recommend her enough.
We could not have asked for a more wonderful, amazing photographer for our wedding.
Abigail Jimenez
I cannot stress enough how much I love every photo/video she has taken for us. Not only is she amazing at what she does but she also is an amazing person! She truly cares for you, as she made me feel comfortable and would check up on how I was feeling; weddings can be stressful and overwhelming but not with Maya there! She helped make the wedding day go smooth and she gets all the guests/family members comfortable just by being herself! Cannot recommend her enough! Thank you for all your kindness, patience and hard work!
Maya did such an AMAZING job photographing our engagement and an even better job with our wedding photos!
Cortney Riesberg
We knew from the moment we had a zoom call with her that she was going to be the perfect fit for our wedding. We don't live in AZ so had to do a lot of zoom calls and she was so helpful and informative to ease my mind. Maya did amazing with assiting in the timelines, dealing with family/friends, and ensuring all of our hopes and dreams for our special day came true. We will truly cherish these photos for the rest of our lives. I would highly highly recommend having Maya capture your event any day! We truly feel like we walked away with a friend and plan to continue to have Maya capture more life events for us in the future!
I can't say enough good things about Maya.
Madalyn
Throughout planning Maya really took the time to get to know us and was here to answer literally any question we had so quickly. On the wedding day, Maya was full of the most amazing and contagious energy. She really brings people to life. When she saw our energy running low she would make time to let us cool down which was very needed. She kept the day moving on time and was so helpful throughout. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for photography. I'd hire her a million times again. Her works honestly speaks for itself, but her attitude and personality made or day extra special.
Maya and her team are the absolute best!
This package is perfect for the couple that wants all the perks. Add-options like rehearsal dinner coverage or a photo booth are also available.
• 8 hours of Coverage with Maya
• Videography Services Included
• Second Photographer Included
• Complimentary Engagement Session • 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
• 1000 Images Delivered
• Print Release
• Wedding Planning Assistance
Starting at $9000
the Whole enchilada
My most popular package! This is for couple who are having a more traditional wedding with less than 100 guests attending. Coverage starts during the last hour of getting ready and last through open dancing. An add-on option is also available.
• 8 Hours Of Coverage with Maya
• Complimentary Engagement Session • 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
• 800 Images Delivered
• Print Release
• Wedding Planning Assistance
• Second Photographer Optional
Starting at $4700
traditional weddings
This package is perfect couples having intimate weddings, with less than 50 guests. You’ll receive photos from the last hour of getting ready and through the beginning of the reception.
• Up to 6 Hours of Coverage with Maya • 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
• 600 Images Delivered
• Print Release
• Wedding Planning Assistance
• Second Photographer Optional
Starting at $3500
intimate weddings
This package is perfect couples having intimate weddings, with less than 10 guests. Package includes photos from ceremony to couples portraits.
• Up to 4 Hours of Coverage with Maya
• 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
• 400 Images Delivered
• Print Release
• Wedding Planning Assistance
• Travel up to 2 hours away.
starting at $2750
elopements
wedding photography packages & Pricing
- Additional photographer provides support on your wedding day
$750
second photographer
- The perfect Add-On for your reception. Your guests will be sent photos straight to their phone and you will receive a full image gallery.
$1000
PhotoBooth
- Includes 2 hours of
photography coverage (not including travel) - Portraits with Family and Friends (The ones you don’t want formal photos with)
- 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
$750
rehearsal dinner coverage
learn more →
- Additional coverage added to your wedding timeline
$600/hour photo only
$850/hour with video
additional time
- Epic portraits in a location of your choice
- Travel Included up to 2 hours away
- 2 Hours of Photography Coverage • 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
starting at $1000
adventure sessions
- 1.5 Hour of Photography Coverage
- One Outfit Change
- Optional Travel Outside of Phoenix Starting at $200
- 100 Images Delivered
- 24 Hour Sneak Peek + Online Gallery
$600
Engagement session
Add-ons
- 10 Videography Services
- Highlight Film (8-10 minutes)
- Ceremony Edit
starting at $7000
whole enchilada
- 8 Hours of Videography Services
- Highlight Film (3-5 minutes)
- Ceremony Edit
starting at $4800
traditional weddings
- 4 Hours of Videography Services
- Highlight Teaser (1 Minute Social Media)
- Ceremony Edit
starting at $3100
elopements
Videography Add-Ons
amara m.
She was very professional (but super fun) punctual, and her and her teammate Bailey dealt with our unruly groomsmen SO WELL. She got our shy guests to open up and have a genuine good time. I was very worried about us having 45 relatives for family pictures but she made it a BREEZE. She made us feel comfortable and we had multiple guests and family members mention her by name and how impressed they were with her team. I would recommend to her to anyone
and everyone.
We were recommended MayaPapayaPictures through our inclusive venue Aldea (Weddings in the Woods).
Tayler Williamson
If you know anything about Maya, she tackles anything with her full heart. Not shortly after my inquiry, she reached out with video responses full of her amazing energy, ready to conquer anything we had in mind. She was such a constant support throughout our wedding planning and we went from business partners to great friends very early on in the process. 30 minute consults turned into 2 hour phone calls. At our wedding, her and her team caught every moment with perfection, but we’re stealth enough for me to even forget they were sometimes there. Maya was my first hug after I said “I do” and was one of the last people busting out dance moves on the dance floor next to me. I would get married a million times over just to get to continue to experience her work and love for what she does. Thank you isn’t enough Maya, we love you!!!!!!
When looking for a wedding photographer, my husband and I knew we needed to find someone special; unique, outgoing, but relaxed enough to roll with the punches.
Vanessa Costello
Maya is a true joy to work with, she takes the awkwardness out of taking photos...she is your hype person during the session truly making you feel like magic is being captured. As a disabled bride, it was important for me to work with someone who understood. At our engagement session I suggest taking photos with my mobility device, which wasn't a discussion beforehand. She handled it with grace and understanding and took flawless photos that highlighted us, not my equipment. I cannot speak more highly of her and can just say HIRE HER!
A dream come true.
Michelle Sellers
I mean RUN do not walk!! Maya puts her all into your sessions. So far we've had our engagement session with her (we'll have our wedding on Oct '23) and oh. my. gosh. Is she a one in a million photographer. She keeps you happy and moving and never ever makes you feel awkward. my fiancé hates pictures with a passion so I was stressing but he has so much fun and we had an absolute blast with Maya. She is the kindest, sweetest, most genuine human and I am so happy with how our pictures turned out. We cannot wait for our wedding with her as well, true goddess behind the lens.
Get you a Maya Papaya IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Kristy Gossen
Our daughter got married at Aldea 6/23/23 and when Miss Maya showed up, she was a force to be reckoned with!! That energy! I knew she was exactly what we needed! She was energetic & professional. Artistic & organized! She's everything my daughter had hoped for in a photographer. Maya even humored our family request to recreate a "Cousin Picture" of the bride and her siblings and cousins taken 7 years prior. I would recommend Maya to anyone looking to add joy to an occasion.
Miss Maya rocked it!
Gillian
As Mother and Father of the bride we were absolutely thrilled with you being the photographer of choice! In fact you are welcome to any future family gatherings we may have - you were such a joy to have with us! Your energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage even the most reluctant of 'models' was amazing. As we watched you arrange the photo groups your creativity shone through and I found myself already excited to see the final results. I didn't have to wait long! Within just a couple of days Lottie and Matt were able to share a link to their sneak peek from you. The photos are stunning!! Thank you so much for capturing such a wonderful, joy filled day in such a beautiful way. you contributed to making the day such an upbeat, anxiety free day. Thank you for everything.
Don't hesitate! Choose Maya!
Frequently asked questions
HELL YEAH! My business is a safe space for LGBTQ couples.
On average, most couples book a photographer a year in advance. The closer we get to your wedding date, the higher the chance I might already be booked, so I encourage you to try and make sure you’re booking 6-12 months out from your date.
Of course! It's personally one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning process. I book downtime into your day so you don't feel rushed. I'm available to you as a resource whenever you need it
I will send you an online gallery with a sneak peek of your images within 24 hours of your session. Remaining engagement session images will be delivered within 4 weeks. and weddings are delivered within 6-8 weeks.
A retainer is the portion of the payment that locks in your vendor. If you book any add-ons 50% is due upfront. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding.
The next step is to schedule a call where we will make sure you have all of your questions answered. From there, we will decide on the best package for your specific wedding, and have you sign your contract and pay the retainer – both contract and retainer are required to consider your date locked on my calendar.
If you have any questions or concerns, I’m only an email away. Don’t feel shy, I understand that this is your first time getting married and you may not know everything. That’s why I’m an open book, ready with open ears to hear what you’re dreaming up and transform that dream into a cinematic reality.
Maya Papaya
I can’t wait to talk more, and I feel honored that you are considering me as the photographer of your wedding day! I know you might have multiple photographers you’re looking at, and I’m honored to be among them. Hopefully you get a sense of what it’s like to work with me, and how magical your wedding could be with me on your team.
