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Category Archives: Weddings

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Omaha Wedding Fun | After The Fact

Posted in Weddings

My cousin, Jen, humored me and put her wedding dress on. I didn’t take their wedding photos when they got married, my talented cousin, Bill did. But when they were in town last April for my gramp’s 90th birthday, Jen mentioned how fun a trash the dress type session would be…not really trashing a dress, but just having some fun in a downtown setting. So, I said, let’s do it! I love doing fun, off-the-wall stuff that I don’t normally get hired to shoot. It’s fun to do, and it’s fun to put in my portfolio. I love.

So, we met in Omaha…for a wedding mind you…and opted to hit downtown for some non-traditional rockin’ shots. They have been married for some time, but they still look like newly weds in love. P.S. I LOVE Omaha! Jen and Alan, thanks for letting me work my magic with you guys! THIS WAS FUN! Now, can’t wait to do more TTD type shoots. Who is next?

Look how awesome her hubby looks in this shot? LOVE IT!

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I didn’t use off-camera flash, but it looks like it here. I wish I had brought that gear with me! I got lucky in this shot to get the sky exposed this way.

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Dirty, smelly alleys are the best.

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I think we circled a block about five times before we finally came back to these chairs. Score. I wanted to take the teal and green ones home with me. Wonder why.

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Posted in Weddings Tags: downtown, holly mccaig, missouri, omaha, photographer, portraits, st. louis, trash the dress, urban, wedding

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Weddings | A lot of Work | And a Lot of Fun

Posted in Business and Branding, Weddings

I book about five weddings a year. I’m trying to keep it at that. I love weddings. I just don’t want to use up every weekend in my calendar. So, I committed to stick with a limit and am now doing just one a month. They are a lot of work. It’s a full day of hustling and bustling. It’s a full day of laughter and tears. Not everyone is cut out to be part of the wedding business. It can test you and it can break you, if you let it.

Keeping cool and composed while under stress at times can be difficult. But, when it’s over, you marvel in the joy of the memories you created for someone’s special day. Nothing else compares. However, in the midst of those stressful moments I love looking back at the fun times my team has at weddings. Yes, we sneak a few shots in for our own reminders that life is about having a great time.

These are photos of my team from Lynette & Kent’s wedding in June. Audra Little was in town from Phoenix second shooting for me. These make me smile.

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I rarely have photos of me, taking photos. Thanks Audra!

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The photo booth team is sometimes REALLY busy, and sometimes, they are just hanging out waiting on the next fun-loving subject to throw on a boa! Or, getting me a piece of cake!

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Fisheye lens gives us a chance make faces.

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Strike a pose!

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Audra was a little scared of the boy on the bike outside SLU.

Have a little fun on the job, k?

Posted in Business and Branding, Weddings Tags: audra little, holly mccaig, missouri, photography, portraits, slu, st. louis university, Weddings

Thursday, July 1, 2010

St. Louis Wedding Photographer | Lynette & Kent Say I Do

Posted in Weddings

Where do I begin with this amazingly compassionate and fun-loving couple? Lynette & Kent hired me, last year, to photograph their wedding this year. While our conversations initially started over the phone, eventually we managed to meet in person at my open house in January. I gave them huge hugs when I saw them. I knew right away this was going to be a great couple to work with. Since then, we met for drinks and Kent managed to talk me into my iPad 3G purchase. Thanks Kent!

After I learned about how they met, I knew that sharing their story with you would be a lot of fun!

Kent has always had a passion for his Maker’s Mark. Fine bourbon, his drink of choice…or his “favorite red head.” When Kent finally was introduced to Lynette at a Mardi Gras party, the stars were aligned. So much so that even though Lynette was attached to someone else, it would eventually prove to be fate. Both sat outside, chatting it up at this event. Having a great time, Kent was living in the moment. He didn’t think he’d ever see her again.

Fast forward to an engagement party for a mutual friend nearly six months later. Kent was quite excited to find that Lynette was there, by herself. Now, one might think this was the fate that brought them together. But, I think the best part is still to come. Both were enjoying each other so much. Each had finished the beer that they had brought when all of a sudden, Lynette reaches into her cooler and pulls out a bottle of Maker’s Mark. She says to Kent, “I don’t mind sharing, if you don’t mind bourbon.”

I think the rest is now history. Tiny bottles of Maker’s Mark were given as favors as well as a yummy Maker’s Mark drink for their toast:

Summer Breeze

2 Parts Maker’s Mark
1 Part Orange Curacao
Ginger Ale

Special thanks to Audra Little for being my second shooter, all the way from Phoenix. And, to my photo booth operators, my mom (Cyndi) and my aunt Judy. It was blazing hot that day, but we all survived. Below are some of my favorite images from the couple’s wedding day that both Audra and I shot. Be sure to watch the slide show after a few of my favorites!

Venue: St. Francis Xavier College Church

Reception: Bartolinos Osteria

Band: Paint the Earth

Flowers: Botanicals Design Studio

Cake: unknown

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No, this is NOT HDR! I took this with natural light using my Canon Fisheye lens. No editing or color correcting. Straight from camera. GORGEOUS, right?

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Lynette & Kent | Say I Do from Holly McCaig Designs on Vimeo.

That’s our last wedding till October! See you then for more wedded bliss!

Posted in Weddings Tags: audra, bartolinos, bourbon, kent, lynette, makers mark, paint the earth, photographer, photography, st. francis xavier college church, st. louis, wedding

Thursday, June 17, 2010

St. Louis Wedding Photographer | Kirsten & Andy Say I Do!

Posted in Weddings

Kirstin (or KK as her friends call her) and Andy first met while the two attended Mizzou. They met while a group of students were playing sand volleyball after a function with the BSU. However, the two really had the opportunity to get to know one another when they were both part of a road trip to San Antonio, to take in a Big 12 Football Championship game between Mizzou and Oklahoma. After nearly 24 hours in a car together, the rest was history.

The couple chose to do a first look together at a park in West County. Being part of this moment is like no other. I wish every couple did this. The private, shared moment between the two of them when they get to see each other is so indescribable. Andy’s face and nervousness was adorable as he and I walked down a path. We talked about how excited he was and couldn’t wait when they would be leaving for their honeymoon. Then, Kirstin made her way to us, with Andy’s back turned away from her. Of course, I had to do a quick fix of some stray hairs and get them just ready. The anxiousness was there.

As Andy turned around to face Kirstin, it was beautiful. All anxieties and stresses of the day were gone. They shared a private moment seeing each other. Just for them. The rest of the day was now stress-free and enjoyable for them both. Everything went off perfectly. We took the rest of their photos with their party and then I laughed and giggled as I watched her guests have the time of their lives dancing that evening.

To Kirstin and Andy, may your lives be blessed with happiness forever. Enjoy some of the photographer favorite photos below. And, don’t forget to come watch the slideshow if you are on a cell phone!

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Kirstin & Andy | Wedded Bliss from Holly McCaig Designs on Vimeo.

Posted in Weddings Tags: andy, bride, groom, kirstin, missouri, st. louis, wedding

Monday, June 14, 2010

St. Louis Weddings | E & E’s Photo Booth

Posted in Weddings

Part of our wedding package is that we set up a fun backdrop, bring out the silly props, and let your guests come snap funny pictures in our “mock” photo booth setup at your reception. It’s always a good laugh and we love when people ham it up and make the most of it. Some of my favorites from Elizabeth & Eric’s Photo booth at their reception!