Meet the Team

A compact team ready to tackle your wedding, elopement, family, or adventurous shoot. Based in Houghton Michigan but eager to travel throughout Michigan or beyond.

Founder & Lead Photographer
My journey as a photographer began in 2014 with a DSLR camera. The path unfolded as I joined Pfiefer Photography LLC, capturing the magic of weddings. Over time, my lens extended to seniors and families, leading me to take the entrepreneurial leap in 2019 to establish my own business. For the past five years, I've found immense joy in portraying the beauty of Lake Superior and Michigan, my proud home.
Beyond my lens, I wear multiple professional hats. As a Sustainability Manager, my expertise spans entrepreneurship, economics, and technical writing. My educational journey across three universities has equipped me to seamlessly adapt to the diverse tapestry of Michigan's wedding scene. In the winter sports industry, I'm acknowledged as an expert and dedicated customer service representative. I contribute technical pieces and articles to enrich the industry's knowledge base, supported by my roles as a sponsored skier and surfer for brands close to my heart.
My engagement transcends professional commitments. Actively participating in organizations like Protect Our Winters, Surf Rider Northern Michigan, and National Ski Patrol aligns with my passion for winter sports and environmental advocacy. Proudly serving as an ambassador for Plein Air Social, Shred Optics, and Curated, I collaborate with like-minded entities to advance shared goals. The diversity of my pursuits sometimes leads me to whimsically ponder if I could also be considered a metaphorical blacksmith, given the eclectic array of roles in my career.
Outside my professional life, I find solace in skiing, sailing, surfing, reading, knitting, and the art of cooking. My minimal yogi practices and a maximalist love for the cold reflect my multifaceted personality.
Neenah, Wisconsin, is my hometown, and my upbringing in a Catholic household and school significantly shaped my values and aspirations. My passion for sustainability and social responsibility was ignited by my father, while my mother's desire to be a photographer resonates warmly with me, as I've inherited a blend of both their skill sets.
For a detailed breakdown of my professional journey, please visit my LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ahles-52b964168/

Associate Photographer
Since joining M/K Studios in March 2021, Kyle has infused our team with his unique strengths. While he tends to lean towards the introverted side, his true mastery emerges when he captures those candid moments that enrich weddings and sessions. He also is an expert at photo storage, management, and organization. Thanks to him, all our photos are safely stored, a few times and in a few places.
Beyond his expertise behind the camera, Kyle is a committed full-time Mechanical Engineer at G.S. Engineering in Houghton, Michigan. His background in the event rental industry during both college and high school has equipped him with knowledge unexpectedly useful on wedding days.
Outside of his professional life, Kyle is truly passionate about everything related to the Great Lakes, which holds a special place in his heart. Whether it's the thrill of sailing, the exhilaration of surfing, or the excitement of skiing on the lake-effect snow, he wholeheartedly embraces every opportunity the lakes have to offer. His hometowns are Boyne City and Suttons Bay.
Kyle's parents have played a pivotal role in fostering his deep connection with the Great Lakes. They are a driving force for the mission of the Inland Seas Great Lakes Education Association. This commitment to education, stewardship, and conservation has been a strong family tradition that Kyle and I both take immense pride in upholding and continuing.

wedding day details baby breath copper harbor mi

372a14_6f1fcabe4f904867b720a14a0fdff2c7~mv2.jpg

Neenah Wi wedding dog detail bride and groom

An overview of the process

To initiate the booking process, please submit an inquiry containing basic shoot details. For significant events, a preliminary consultation call is typically necessary. To begin this process, click the link below.
For every project, I provide a proposal featuring different packages along with optional add-ons such as film, aerial or extra photographers. Once you've reviewed the options and selected a package that suits your budget, you can access the contract, invoice, and questionnaire to help me gain a better understanding of who you are!
To secure your booking, all you need to do is pay the 15% fee through the provided invoice and sign the contract. This action confirms your date with me and officially reserves me as your photographer. This is nonrefundable.
While we can certainly handle this through email or text, I genuinely appreciate the value of an official phone call or video chat. This allows us to discuss your shoot's expectations, visions, location, rain plan, and more in detail. 90 Days out, 30 Days out, and a week out with a weather check are all a part of the consultation and wedding planning services.
This day signifies the arrival of your event or photoshoot. As a customary practice, I'll send you a text to let you know I'm on my way to our agreed-upon location. If your chosen package offers a preview or sneak peek, anticipate receiving it within 24-48 hours following this phase.
For weddings and events where a dedicated planner isn't present, rest assured that we gladly step into that role on the actual day. From organizing people to ensuring the timeline flows smoothly and even taking on the role of the "bad guy" when necessary – consider us your dependable support for the day. We've got you covered!
Every package includes an online gallery, typically delivered within one month of the event date, unless otherwise specified. Delivery times for physical USBs and prints may vary. If you're awaiting any specific items, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
While this isn't a mandatory step in the booking process, we genuinely appreciate clients who take the time to share their reviews. We're equally thrilled when clients reach out to plan future hangouts – it shows that we're more than just photographers for a single occasion. We're here to be a lasting connection in your journey through northern Michigan, forming a new friendship that goes beyond the camera.