
Get fully booked every season
photographing your dream elopements &
unique weddings that inspire & fulfill you
while making your dream income
Enrollment CLOSES in
Ever wonder how some photographers have a thriving business and a lifestyle they love?
a calendar full of amazing clients they can’t wait to meet, and even getting flown around the world for their art?
MEANWHILE back in your daily reality, you stuggle with

Woof… I feel you, and trust me,
these are all common issues—even among
the most talented and passionate photographers.
The good news is…
it doesn’t have to be that way.
Imagine having a
reliable, thriving, full-time career photographing unique weddings & elopements
where you can burn your backup plans.

What if you stopped chasing bookings that don’t actually fulfill you, and instead spent your days photographing weddings as unique as you:

Two-person elopements in stunning national parks

Intimate backyard weddings with only the closest friends & family

High-energy rooftop weddings overlooking city skylines

DREAMY destination weddings on Mediterranean islands

Chic & creative weddings at art galleries and museums

Luxurious modern weddings in vineyards and castles

Spontaneous big-city courthouse elopements
There’s a space in this industry that’s all yours.
And will give you the lifestyle you love.
Here’s what’s really possible:
You can become the go-to specialist for the dream elopements & unique weddings you dream of photographing
You can rise above the competition—and carve your own unique path to being a FULL TIME, FULLY booked photographer with the financial stability & lifestyle you seek

Korey increased her inquiry volume by 2.5x and booked more weddings in the first 5 months of 2024 than she booked in all of 2023.
She’s now getting 45% of her inquiries from Google (SEO)


Millie doubled her average booking from $4000 to $8000 in the year since since joining THRIVE.
She feels genuinely fulfilled by her business, lovers her connection to her couples and her photos were also featured in the New York Times.


Sierra has nailed down her branding, has confidence in her workflow and has raised her rates since reaching page ONE on Google for Alaska since joining THRIVE and using all the resources available in the course.

WONDERING WHY IT HASN’T HAPPENED FOR YOU YET?
Fact is, there are only 3 reasons you aren’t getting enough inquiries & bookings to sustain your dream
1
Your branding looks & sounds too similar to everyone else
If couples can’t identify a meaningful difference between you and your competitors, they will always default to the cheapest option




2
Your business isn’t being found by enough of your dream couples
You can be the most talented photographer in the world, but if your brand isn’t consistently getting in front of the right people (your dream couples) at the right time (before they’ve hired someone else) with the right message (that draws them in and positions YOU as the expert they need)…
…they won’t know how amazing you are, and will hire someone else.
3
You aren’t communicating your value in your inquiry-to-booking process
Even if you are getting inquiries, if you don’t know how to clearly and confidently explain the value of your services (in a way that matters to inquiring couples)—clients end up ghosting or going with someone else.
Both you and them deserve more.


So, if you’re not booked out right now—
it’s not because of:

Your Experience
So many photographers think it’s their experience holding them back, but the truth is you already have plenty of photography experience to be successful.

Your Photography
Your work is good. And to be honest most couples can’t tell the difference between a good photo and a great photo. It’s not your skills.

Your Popularity
You don’t need thousands of followers, awards, or any other vanity metric to attract your dream clients. Truth is, that’s not what clients care about.
If you’ve been reading this and nodding your head, you’re in the right place.
What you need to get more inquiries & bookings is a proven plan
One that is designed to help you create a stand-out brand, attract your dream clients on autopilot, and empower you to confidently book out your season with the “perfect fit” clients having the unique wedding days you really want to photograph.
Yes, proven. See the real results
from THRIVE program members

After a year of trying to figure it out on their own, Leticia and her partner have used the roadmap THRIVE provided for them to get in the top 5 google search positions for ‘Utah Elopement Photographer’, doubled their inquiries and raised their prices.


Six months after joining THRIVE Sarah had updated her website, improved her pricing and while bookings in her area are down – her revenue is up, she is booking dream couples and couples are ready to book straight away!


Vanessa used THRIVE to revitalize her marketing, and a year later is still seeing growth she didn’t imagine possible. She’s fully booked for the year with couples she is excited to work with – with an average package price of over $7,000 and almost all 8+ hour packages.

INTRODUCING


Learn how to become fully booked photographing dream unique elopements & non-traditional weddings that inspire & fulfill you—while making a six-figure salary

This self-paced course and results-driven mentorship experience is the only comprehensive online program that shows you how to:

All in a way that is so true to who you are that it can’t be replicated by anyone else, effectively competition-proofing your business
(And you can do all of this in just 90 days. Yep, 90 days.)
WONDERING IF THIS COULD REALLY WORK FOR YOU?
If you’re struggling with one or more of the 3 reasons that photographers don’t get enough bookings…
Guess what? It’s not your fault.
and THRIVE is intentionally designed to solve them all
1
If you are tired of blending in, and getting lost in the sea of sameness…
THRIVE shows you exactly how to differentiate your photography business and brand, so you attract clients that “have to have” YOU




2
If you’re struggling to get enough clients or get the right ones to find you…
THRIVE gives you proven, results-oriented marketing strategies that supercharge your reach and will bring you dream inquiries on autopilot
3
If you’re over getting ghosted or hearing “we went with someone else”…
THRIVE helps you discover the unique value you have to offer and how to persuasively communicate it so you get booked at highly profitable rates.



BOTTOM LINE
The problem isn’t you.
You HAVE what it takes.

All you need is:
an easy-to-follow, proven plan from someone who can guide you to success.
And that’s why I created THRIVE—it’s your guided plan with proven results so you can overcome any business & marketing hurdles in your way and become fully booked with your dream weddings.

Real results of THRIVE
from THRIVE program members



READY SEE WHAT’S INSIDE OF THRIVE?
Welcome to the
Thrive System™

These 7 series of masterclasses guide you through the
7 steps to becoming a thriving unconventional wedding & elopement photographer
STEP 01
FOCUS
Define your vision and align your business to your dream life
STEP 02
BRAND
Craft a unique brand that irresistibly attracts your perfect-fit couples
STEP 03
PRICE
Maximize your profits with strategic pricing and irresistible packages
STEP 04
MARKET
Utilize powerful and efficient marketing strategies to get inquiries consistently
STEP 05
BOOK
Turn your inquiries into highly profitable bookings with authentic selling
STEP 06
CREATE
Master expert skills, deliver amazing client experiences, earn 5-star reviews
STEP 07
GROW
Streamline your business with efficient systems for sustainable success
LET’S DEEP DIVE INTO EACH STEP
Step 1: Focus
Step 2: Brand
Step 3: Price
Step 4: Market
Step 5: Book
Step 6: Create
Step 7: Grow
READY FOR A REAL GAME-CHANGER?
This isn’t a just a course
it’s a results-driven mentorship experience
Say goodbye to the usual overwhelm
THRIVE is your all-in-one blueprint for a successful business packed with the hands-on support, resources, community, and motivation you need to achieve real-world life changing results
Including

1 Year of Monthly Group Mentoring Calls
For an entire year, you can join monthly live group mentoring calls with Maddie Mae and fellow THRIVE members to ask all your questions, get direct feedback on what you’re working on, troubleshoot any struggles and ensure your success.

90-Day “Fast-Track to Success” Plan
This is your adhd-friendly customized plan to get through THRIVE in 90-days, with a roadmap emailed to you weekly with a video from me that tells you exactly what’s most important to watch and do that week to get you more high-paying bookings, the fastest.

24/7 access to the THRIVE VIP Community
This is where you’ll get direct support from me between the group mentoring calls and gain a close-knit, private community of fellow thriving photographers, where you can crowdsource advice, share challenges, celebrate successes—24/7 for a whole year.

Time-Saving Templates, Tools, & Tutorials
You’ll save countless hours with all of the ready-to-use resources in THRIVE including: pricing calculators, phone call scripts, email templates, website copywriting guides, SEO & blogging templates & more—so you can take action and see results, fast.

Digital & Printable Workbook – for visual learners
Your success is the only thing that matters to me—which is why the masterclasses in THRIVE go hand-in-hand with a comprehensive workbook where you can easily visualize concepts, retain what you’re learning, write down your ideas, and put your plans into action.

Unlimited Lifetime Access
THRIVE works for you and with your schedule. Unlike other programs, your access to all of the masterclass videos, workbook, & resources never expires. You can watch, rewatch, get re-inspired, and re-motivated whenever suits your schedule. It’s yours, forever.
Invest in Thrive before October 28th

*LIMITED-TIME* EXCLUSIVE BONUS – EXPIRES 10/28 AT 11:59PM PT
Personal Review of your Pricing Page
(or Pricing Guide) by Maddie Mae
($500 value)
Imagine having me personally look at your pricing page or guide showing exactly where you can improve your pricing structure, strategy, or copy to help you get BOOKED more this season!
This isn’t just about tweaking numbers—it’s about transforming how your clients perceive your value—which can get you booked instead of ghosted and massively increase your average booked package price.
The results of my personal recommendations (booking one more client or a higher package) could very easily pay for your investment in THRIVE.
Plus, you’ll get the benefit of a few select other photographers giving you even more game-changing feedback on your pricing guide, as I’ll be doing your personal review on a private extremely small group zoom call (15 students at most). There will be 5 different days & times from November 6-13, 2024, so you can pick what’s most convenient for you.

This is your chance to get personalized advice tailored specifically to you, your business, so you can crush your financial goals for 2025!
PLUS, THERE’S EVEN MORE INSIDE
BONUSES to help you Thrive
OVER $7,500 OF ADDITIONAL VALUE INCLUDED WHEN YOU ENROLL
12 Months of Live Mentoring Calls
with Maddie Mae
Get live support and highly-personalized solutions for your business with monthly live mentoring calls—designed to be a transformative, interactive experience where your questions guide the conversation.
I’m there to give you direct feedback, and your fellow course peers offer their insights, too. This safe, supportive space is perfect for learning and growing.
And if you miss one, calls will be privately recorded, transcribed and searchable, giving you an invaluable resource you can tap into again and again


Exclusive Membership to the AIA VIP
THRIVE™ Community
Thrive isn’t a course you have to figure out all on your own with no way to get evolving or updated information—because the Adventure Instead Academy VIP THRIVE community will be there to support you for a minimum of one year after you enroll in Thrive.

Ready-for-Action
Templates, Tools, & Resources
Saving time is just the start—this is your backstage pass to a toolbox filled with powerful resources to fast-track your success.
Download customizable templates and resources to help jumpstart all areas of your business, including:
- pricing calculator
- price guide template
- inquiry response email templates + follow-ups
- inquiry consultation call scripts
- branding guidelines template
- client questionnaires
- location list library & timeline templates
- client packing lists
- website copywriting guided outlines
- content calendar
- content idea bank
- market research email template
- model call wording examples
- asking for a review email template
and so much more!
Supercharge Your Sales in 14-Days
Customized Success Plan
Your fast-track to more bookings at higher rates
If you’re struggling to convert your inquiries into highly profitable bookings, this step-by-step plan guides you through overhauling your pricing and sales process with specific masterclasses in the course and action steps to take.
In 14 days or less, this plan will help you maximize your profits with strategic pricing and irresistible packages and revolutionize your inquiry-to-booking workflow so you can turn your inquiries into highly profitable bookings with authentic (non-sleazy) selling.


Get More Inquiries in 90-Days
Customized Success Plan
Your fast-track to a flooded inbox
This step-by-step marketing success plan guides you through exactly which masterclasses in the course and action steps to take will result in the most inquiries from your dream clients as quickly as possible.
In 90 days or less you’ll use this structured, easy-to-follow plan to design your own powerful marketing strategy, create dream-client magnetizing content, and transform your inbox from deserted to busy.
Craft an Irresistible Brand in 30-Days
Customized Success Plan
Your fast-track to stand out from the crowd
In 30 days or less you’ll go from “blending in” to one-of-a-kind with a distinctive unique brand that will magnetize your dream clients.
Using specific masterclasses in the course, you’ll pinpoint your unique differentiators (what sets you apart from your competition) and utilize the 9 elements of branding strategy to complete a revolutionized brand guide for your business that puts you in a category all of your own.


Become part of the solution with
How to Leave No Trace
for Wedding & Elopement Photographers
FREE BONUS COURSE
A portion of your Thrive enrollment will be donated to the great earth-loving, land-protecting, Leave No Trace Organization and grant you access the How to Leave No Trace – for Wedding & Elopement Photographers course— created by the Leave No Trace Organization, Maddie Mae, Anni Graham, and Gabi & Brandon Fox, for free.
With this course, you’ll:
Ready to create the business and lifestyle you love?
Real life THRIVE transformations

Alli had never booked a wedding before and had a “non-existent portfolio” and used THRIVE to build her website from scratch and then she instantly received her first inquiry and used the THRIVE consultation call script to confidently and easily book them at a higher price point than she could have imagined!


– Alli Nash
British Columbia, Canada
I fully believe in what the
THRIVE System™ can do for you
Because I know what it has done for me
Hey there—
I’m Maddie Mae
Founder of Adventure Instead
a thriving seven-figure luxury elopement
photography business
When I first started my photography business, I found myself in a race to the bottom. I charged below-average rates, mimicked others, and lost time & money on ineffective marketing. I was photographing weddings I didn’t love, feeling undervalued, and on the verge of burnout.


That all changed when I went to business school, discovered the secrets and proven methods to success (the basis for the THRIVE System™) and after implementing it…
I made 6-figures in my FIRST year as a full-time photographer, documenting unreal elopements across 13 countries.
SINCE THEN, I’VE:
- traveled to all 7 continents and photographed high-end elopements in 20
countries - been recognized by Forbes magazine as “the woman who helped spark the
adventure elopement trend”
today:
- My current average booking price is $14,000 per elopement
- and with 50-100 organic inquiries per month, I have the luxury of being
selective about what bookings I take on









Bottom line:
I’m not any different than you.
Hundreds of photographers have implemented my approach, and seen similar results: a flood of inquires, better clients, higher prices, and a stronger, competition-proof brand.
All you are missing is the THRIVE System™
With THRIVE, you’ll be able to:
understand and leverage what sets you apart (because there is genuinely no one like you)—so you never blend in again
navigate economic and market fluctuations with resilience—because you’ve built a strong, competition-proof brand
experience financial freedom and attain the lifestyle you dream of because you have consistent inquiries and profitable bookings
prioritize your time on the kind of marketing that actually results in your dream bookings with a clear marketing plan you are able to adjust & adapt
have the luxury to be selective about who you work with and know you have enough inquiries to still comfortably sustain yourself
confidently raise your prices and know exactly when it’s time to raise them again—so you’re not missing out on potential profit
break free from the “have to’s” and comparison game that’s holding you back and experience your own definition of wild success
never doubt yourself or your dreams—knowing that the life you have intentionally designed for yourself is better than any boring 9-to-5
So what if I told you that you are only 90 days away from living the life you are dreaming of?

My 30-Day *Life-Changing*
Guarantee or Your Money Back
Take the plunge & learn to THRIVE—risk-free
I guarantee your business & life will never be the same.
Here’s the deal: If you watch every video within 30 days of joining and decide it wasn’t
helpful, just email me and I’ll send you a full refund, no questions asked.
We’re in this together. I want you to have full confidence this course will help you reach
your dreams and trust in yourself you have what it takes.
Here’s everything you gain
when you enroll in Thrive:
$6400 Value
Thrive System™ – 7 Series of Masterclass Videos
Instant & lifetime access to the series of 7 core modules (45 videos) that guide you through the 7 necessary areas to becoming a thriving photographer
$4000 Value
90-Day “Fast-Track to Success” Coaching Intensive
Weekly live group coaching calls for 3 months to keep you motivated & accountable as I personally guide you through THRIVE’s proven 7-step process (reminders, replays, and community support included).
$4200 Value
1 Year of Monthly Group Mentoring Calls with me, Maddie Mae
A whole year of continued access to monthly live mentoring calls (and replay access) so you’ll never be left on your own to figure out how to succeed
$1200 Value
24/7 Access to the THRIVE™ VIP Community
A private group where you can always get direct support from me between the mentoring calls and connect with your fellow THRIVE members for a whole year
$295 Value
Supercharge Your Sales in 14-Days - Customized Success Plan
Your fast-track to converting more inquiries into bookings and maximizing your your profits in 14 days or less
$595 Value
90-Day “Fast-Track to Success” Plan
Your adhd-friendly plan that will guide you through the program with weekly walk-through videos and emails to fast-track you to more, higher-priced bookings in 90 days or less
$395 Value
Craft an Irresistible Brand in 30-Days - Customized Success Plan
Your fast-track to stand out from the crowd with a unique and magnetizing brand in 30 days or less
$495 Value
Digital & Printable THRIVE™ Workbook
Spanning 150+ pages—perfect for visual learners and full of tangible action-steps that allow you see your dreams become reality
$995 Value
Ready-for-Action Templates, Tools, & Resources
Save countless hours with THRIVE’s ready-to-use pricing calculator, phone call scripts, email templates, website copywriting guide, SEO & blogging template & so much more
$95 Value
How to Leave No Trace for Wedding & Elopement Photographers Course
A donation will be made to the Leave No Trace organization on your behalf to grant you access to this non-profit course
12 monthly payments of
$297
or
one payment of
$2997
Here’s everything you gain
when you enroll in Thrive:
$6400 Value
$4000 Value
$3200 Value
$1200 Value
$6400 Value
$595 Value
$6400 Value
$495 Value
$995 Value
$95 Value
12 monthly payments of
$297
or
one payment of
$2997
And don’t just take my word for it
Emilee, Oregon
vanessa, Colorado
TRACI, Washington
Shannon, California
MARK, South carolina
HILLARY, Canada
aIMEE, ARIZONA
Jessica, North Carolina
MALACHI, COLORADO
Just “a few more” #THRIVEWINS
from THRIVE program members










Whether you’re new to photography or have been in the industry for a decade
Thrive will meet you where you are at—and give you the knowledge and actionable steps you need to grow
If you…
THRIVE will...
are brand new and don’t have a photography business yet or don’t know where to start
have been in business for a while but still struggle to get bookings
want to travel and book unique destination weddings & elopements
don’t want to travel or solely do hiking or adventure elopements
have only done big, traditional weddings but want to book more elopements or smaller events
have been getting ghosted or experiencing a lull in inquiries
feel “blah” about your brand and don’t align with the client’s you’re attracting
Whether you’re new to photography or have been in the industry for a decade
Thrive will meet you where you are at—and give you the knowledge and actionable steps you need to grow
If you…
THRIVE will...
are brand new and don’t have a photography business yet or don’t know where to start
have been in business for a while but still struggle to get bookings
want to travel and book unique destination weddings & elopements
don’t want to travel or solely do hiking or adventure elopements
have only done big, traditional weddings but want to book more elopements or smaller events
have been
getting ghosted or experiencing a lull in inquiries
feel “blah” about your brand and don’t align with the client’s you’re attracting
Still have a burning question or two?
Ask away. I’ve got you covered.
You can also message me directly below.
Need more information to make your decision?
Send your question directly to me here
and I’ll personally reply with an audio
or video message just for you!
xx Maddie Mae
Worried You Don’t Have What it Takes? Guess what?
You are already enough
You are a good enough photographer—there’s nothing wrong with your work
You don’t need to have a huge following or win photography awards to turn your photography into a successful career
You have useful knowledge and irreplicable value to offer to the couples that work with you
All you need is someone to help you discover and communicate your uniqueness so you can build a brand that deeply, meaningfully connects with the couples you want to work with
So even though the struggles of running your own photography business might feel like they are getting in your way right now…
You are meant for so much more
No matter how resilient you are, you have struggled enough, and you don’t have to be stuck in survival mode anymore.
It’s time for you to thrive and this course will show you how




























































