Meet Magdalena Stefanek Photography — Your Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Hi! I’m Magdalena—though friends and clients call me Maggie. I’m the heart and lens behind Magdalena Stefanek Photography, a Raleigh wedding photographer specializing in timeless, editorial, and documentary-style wedding photography. Your love story deserves to be told with authenticity, elegance, and heart—and I’m here to help you do exactly that. I hope this blog helps you to get to know me and learn about the experience of working with Magdalena Stefanek Photography.

I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Poland, where I first discovered my love for photography. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of everyday life and the way a photograph can preserve a fleeting moment forever. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion and eventually evolved into a fulfilling career.

My journey as a wedding photographer began in California’s stunning Wine Country. For nearly a decade, I had the honor of documenting weddings among the vineyards, valleys, and sun-drenched hills. In 2021, I relocated to Wake Forest, North Carolina with my family and brought my business to the Raleigh-Durham area. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the charming Southern venues, beautiful Carolina light, and—most of all—the incredible couples I’ve been privileged to work with.

My Wedding Photography Style: Timeless, Editorial, and Documentary

When I photograph weddings, I strive to create images that are clean, true to color, and emotionally resonant. My style is a blend of editorial elegance and documentary storytelling. That means I approach your wedding day with a photojournalist’s eye—capturing real moments, raw emotions, and unscripted beauty as it unfolds, while also giving you naturally posed portraits that feel elevated and refined.

I don’t believe in stiff poses or fake smiles. Instead, I focus on making you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. I want your photographs to feel like you—joyful, natural, and full of love.

Whether I’m photographing a large, traditional celebration in a grand ballroom or a cozy, intimate elopement in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I bring the same level of passion, professionalism, and attention to detail to every wedding I document.

“Choosing Maggie as our photographer was one of the best wedding planning decisions I made!”

~Brianna

Why I Love Being a Raleigh Wedding Photographer

There is something incredibly special about photographing weddings in Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding areas like Durham, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Cary, and Wake Forest. From historic estates and elegant mansions to rustic barns and romantic gardens, this region offers an amazing variety of wedding venues—and I’ve had the pleasure of working at many of them. Some of my favorite venues so far include: Merrimon-Wynne House, the Bradford, Carolina Grove, the Maxwell, the Upchurch, the Sutherland, Prestonwood Country Club, Landon Estate, Donovan Manor, Millbrook Manor, Carolina Inn, Museum of Art, Market Hall, All Saints Chapel, Duke Chapel, Angus Barn, the Heights House just to name a few.

But more than just the beautiful backdrops, it’s the people who make this work so rewarding. I feel deeply honored to be invited into one of the most important days in a couple’s life. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. My mission is to document your day with care, intention, and heart, so that years from now, when you look at your photos, you’ll feel all the same emotions you did on your wedding day.

Wedding Photography Packages

I offer two comprehensive wedding photography packages designed to meet the needs of modern couples looking for high-quality, stress-free wedding photography in Raleigh and beyond.

8-Hour Wedding Photography Package

Perfect for most traditional wedding timelines, this package includes:

• Pre-wedding consultation
• Engagement session
• Professional editing of all final images
• Password-protected online gallery
• High-resolution digital downloads

10-Hour Wedding Photography Package

Ideal for couples wanting full-day coverage and a luxurious keepsake. Includes everything in the 8-hour package plus a custom-designed wedding album—the perfect way to preserve your memories in print.

All packages can be customized to best fit your wedding day vision.

I also offer à la carte add-ons, including:

• Rehearsal dinner coverage
• Bridal portrait sessions
• Post-wedding brunch coverage
• Post-wedding couple’s adventure session, aka “Trash the Dress”

Wedding photography packages begin at $4,000. Additionally, I’m happy to create a custom quote based on your unique needs and wedding day plans.

“Maggie has a calming presence which is wonderful for any bride on her wedding day!”

~Taylor

The Process of Working with MSP

I believe the experience you have working with your wedding photographer should be just as memorable and stress-free as the photos themselves. Here’s what you can expect when you choose me as your Raleigh wedding photographer:

1. Get in Touch

The first step is reaching out! Whether you contact me via my website, social media, or phone, I’ll respond quickly to confirm my availability for your wedding date.

2. Let’s Connect

If I’m available, we’ll set up a time to chat—via phone, FaceTime, or in person. This conversation is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about your wedding vision, and go over my services.

3. Booking

If everything feels right and you’re ready to make things official, I’ll send over a contract and invoice for the retainer. Once signed and paid, your date is locked in and you officially become an MSP couple!

4. Engagement Session

We’ll schedule your engagement session in a location that fits your style and personalities. I have a list of favorite spots around Raleigh, but I’m always open to new ideas and meaningful places. You’ll receive your edited engagement gallery within 1–2 weeks.

5. Wedding Planning Support

About a month before the wedding, I’ll send you a pre-wedding questionnaire and checklist to gather all the details. A week before the wedding, we’ll review your timeline to make sure we have plenty of time to capture all the moments that matter most.

6. The Big Day

On your wedding day, I work quietly and attentively—capturing both the big moments and the subtle ones. I’ll offer light direction when needed (for family formals or portraits) but mostly let the day unfold naturally so I can document it with honesty and grace.

7. Delivery

You’ll receive a sneak peek within 48 hours, and your full gallery within 4–6 weeks. If you’ve selected a wedding album, we’ll begin the design process after you’ve had time to select your favorite images.

Sample Wedding Timeline

Below is a sample wedding timeline from the photographer’s perspective. This sample timeline doesn’t include all the events that will take place on the wedding day, but solely the most important events to be captured. Additionally, please keep in mind this is only a sample, and there are countless options to modify it to better fit your vision.

Let’s Tell Your Story Together

If you’re looking for a Raleigh wedding photographer who blends editorial beauty with authentic storytelling, I would love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning a classic church wedding, a garden celebration, a modern downtown soirée, or a quiet mountain elopement, I’m here to help you preserve your love story with intention and artistry.

Not getting married in the Raleigh, NC area? No problem! I also travel for weddings!

I hope you enjoyed reading about working with Magdalena Stefanek Photography. Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make in the planning process—and I’m so honored you’re considering me. Let’s connect and talk about how we can create something beautiful together.

📩 Ready to check “photographer” off your to-do list? Contact me through my website or email me directly at info@mstefanek.com. I can’t wait to hear more about your wedding day plans and how I can help make your memories last a lifetime.