Jake Stein

Jake is the peanut butter to my jelly, the butter to my waffles, and the husband half of Markie Jones Photography, LLC. He didn’t start out planning to work weddings with me, but once he stepped into this world, he never really left. (Kinda how our whole life together has been… story coming soon!)

He’s the kiddos favorite Santa, laughing, playing and making memories they’ll cherish for years. And he’s every groom’s most trusted wedding day sidekick, turning the one thing they’re likely dreading (photos) into a fun filled adventure on their wedding day.

He’s our PNW Videographer and the key player in your wedding day highlight videos.

Machinist, Wedding Videographer, Photographer, Santa…
he’s kinda our “Jake of all Trades”

Back in the 2017 wedding season, Jake officially joined me as my assistant and self-appointed “pack mule,” hauling gear when I physically couldn’t carry it all myself. What started as support quickly turned into partnership. By the time we entered the wedding show scene in 2019, Jake had become the first face couples met and at one point the only face they met in person. He ran our entire Fall 2019 wedding show solo while I was in the hospital after Evan’s birth. If that doesn’t tell you who he is, I don’t know what does.

The Calm in the Chaos

On wedding days, Jake is my grounding force. When I disappear into my documentary-photo tunnel vision, he’s the one offering a fresh perspective, cracking a perfectly timed dad joke, or stepping in to make sure everyone’s still breathing. Stress doesn’t stand a chance around him.

Jake has a gift for diffusing awkward moments and making people feel instantly comfortable. He connects especially well with grooms and the guys; especially the ones who proudly announce they’re “not the photo type.” Somehow, five minutes later, they’re laughing, relaxed, and fully invested. While you’re having fun with your girls, Jake makes sure your partner and his crew are having just as much fun and yes, all the shenanigans are being photographed.

Jake believes that laughter is the best medicine, and if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. That philosophy shows up in everything he does. He brings humor, heart, and humanity into spaces that can sometimes feel stiff or overwhelming.

More than anything, though, he loves people. Like, really loves people. He’ll talk to anyone, take the time to get to know them, and make them feel seen. And his ability to genuinely connect is exactly why he’s so good at what he does.


Things Jake is in Charge of at your Wedding

Guys Wedding Prep

All the shenanigans, cigars and drinks pre-wedding. He’ll keep them on track!

Official Snack Guy

He makes sure we all have snacks: beef sticks, crackers, whatever he’s carrying in that fanny pack.

Party Hype Guy

No one on the dance floor? Grab Jake and people will quickly join in!

Wedding Day Support

Whether you’re in need of an officiant or just someone to hang the fairy lights, he’s your guy.

He Brings the Balance

Together, we balance each other perfectly. I bring the quiet, behind-the-scenes storytelling. Jake brings the energy, humor, and warmth that keeps everything moving smoothly. Our couples get the best of both worlds: images that feel honest and timeless, and an experience that feels effortless, joyful, and real.

Because at the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about posing perfectly, it’s about living fully. And Jake makes sure you do exactly that.

Why Groom’s love Jake (maybe as much as I do):

  • He makes photos feel effortless, even if you’re not thrilled to take them.
  • He kills the awkward fast with perfectly timed dad jokes.
  • He actually gets along with the guys and can find common ground.
  • He’s got your back all day. He’ll hold your beer without drinking it. 😉
  • He believes that weddings should be enjoyed, not endured.

Not a “photo person”? You’re not alone.

Jake’s specialty is making the entire process feel easy, natural, and low-pressure. No stiff poses, no awkward moments. Just real laughs, real connection, and photos that actually feel like you. If you’re having fun, you’re doing it right and Jake makes sure you do.