Daily Inspiration: Meet Kaylee Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Johnson.

Hi Kaylee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Madly & Co. during a season of my life when I was still figuring out what I wanted to do and who I felt called to serve. I had always been drawn to photography and learned so much from my grandpa growing up, but it really became something I loved in high school. After graduating, I moved to Orange County and decided to pursue photography full force, focusing on capturing meaningful moments for all types of clients. Once I began photographing couples, it quickly became about more than just taking photos.

As I worked more weddings, I realized couples needed more than beautiful images. They needed someone who could bring calm to a busy, emotional day and help everything run smoothly. That realization pushed me to step into wedding planning and coordination alongside photography so I could support my couples in a more intentional way.

Madly & Co. grew very organically. It was built through relationships, referrals, and a lot of learning along the way. Each wedding taught me something new, not just about photography or planning, but about people and how important it is to feel supported during big moments.

Today, Madly & Co. allows me to combine creativity, organization, and genuine connection. I get to serve couples throughout Southern California and walk alongside them during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives, and I’m incredibly grateful for how it’s grown and where it’s headed.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but the biggest challenge has always been time and availability. I’ve built Madly & Co. alongside full-time jobs, working in hair salons, at a gym, and now as a full-time treatment coordinator at Sons and Daughters Orthodontics. Balancing a full-time schedule while growing a business on the side hasn’t always been easy, but it’s also been one of the biggest blessings.

Working in people-focused environments has allowed me to build genuine relationships, and so much of my growth has come from word-of-mouth referrals through former coworkers and even current patients. That balance is what’s helped Madly & Co. grow steadily and organically over the years, and I’m really grateful for that journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in wedding photography, planning, and coordination, with a big focus on capturing unprompted, real moments while also creating a calm, supported experience for my couples. I’m known for being very hands-on and intentional, whether that’s documenting a wedding day or helping couples navigate the planning process so they can actually enjoy it.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my couples place in me. A lot of my work comes from referrals, and that means everything to me. What sets Madly & Co. apart is that I care deeply about the experience and the relationships with my clients just as much as the final outcome, whether that’s through photography or planning and coordinating. I show up as someone who’s invested, organized, and fully present, not just as a vendor, and I think that’s what people remember most.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest piece of advice is to connect and work with other local vendors as much as possible. With a good work ethic and a positive attitude, you’ll naturally build a circle of vendors you can collaborate with consistently, which can also lead to referrals. It’s also important to build up your portfolio for your website or social media. Ask friends to model for a shoot or attend styled shoots. Be open to learning from others and willing to collaborate, and you’ll see your skills and your business grow faster than you might expect.

Pricing:

• Lifestyle Sessions – $500/hr
• Wedding Photography – Ranges between $2500-4500 depending on how we customize the package
• Coordinating – Ranges between $1500-$2500
• Planning – Ranges between $4,000-12,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madlyandco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthemadlyinlove

Image Credits
Madly & Co.