St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

Melissa pointed something out at her workshop the other day when she showed us a photo with the bluest sky. I had read this before, here. See Myth #2 – I never tried it before. But, I know now that I can achieve this result, as it’s more aware to me. Hey, look at that? I did it without even knowing it at the wedding I shot with Megan Morgan in Ohio this summer! The stringed lights above were mesmerizing me the entire time. I only had wished that all the guests would have been able to dance outside, under the lights. Unfortunately, it got rainy and cold. The festivities moved inside the yacht club instead. Me? I stood outside and kept playing.

Being that I’m slightly crafty, I enjoy a good idea that involves doing it yourself. I especially love a lot of the new, DIY ideas from Martha Stewart and weddings. I’m REALLY into details. I love photographing them, so when I see that a couple has put a lot of fun, unique ideas into place for their big day, that makes me giddy!

This weekend, I’m doing a little DIY stuff for my studio props: painting, sanding, crackling, drilling…ya know, normal stuff (ha). And, I figured I could dedicate a little blog post to some of my “Martha” loves on her site. Never underestimate how much fun a lot of cute, fun, details that cost so little can bring so much to your big day!

Place cards: I think these are remarkable. I wish more people did these to help you find your seat. I know for me, I’ve been to weddings where you’re walking around the tables, looking for where you’re supposed to sit. These can be at the front door, and then you can go RIGHT to your table. These are some of my most favs:

This ribbon idea for the board is cute!

I love that these are so out of the norm. And, your guests can take them with them!

And, what a CUTE idea! Costs so little with lots of scrap papers or fabrics!

Photo Ideas: I LOVE doing these types of cute, snapshots! I’m working on a fun little, self-shooting box setup to take to wedding receptions with me. Doing fun things like this gets your guests really involved and having more fun. Plus, you get some great memories from your big day.

And, for more awesome ideas, check out Style Me Pretty’s blog and their DIY category! LOTS of yummy, crafty, DIY goodness!

Not as much as I would have liked to share, but it’s a busy day! Thought you’d like these little inspiring tidbits on a Sunday! ENJOY!

Today, I attended the Bridal Show downtown with my assistant (and pal), Hollie. We went to do some double-duty. You might remember the engagement photos of Nate and Carrie that we shared a few weeks ago? But, just in case you forgot, be sure to go back and see Part 1 and Part 2. Hollie was looking at some things for their reception next year and I was scoping out the location, booths, etc. We’ve been planning to have a booth at a bridal show for 2010 and wanted to see how this one was set up. I’m so spoiled and used to the CHA shows. The grandeur booths and creativity at CHA will blow anyone away! I didn’t see much of this at this show, so I am excited to put a personal touch on the future Holly McCaig booth!

But, seeing and meeting wedding vendors, it got me thinking about the new traditions at wedding receptions. Photo booths! I love this idea so much. Our Lollipop Smiles is another fun way to bring something different and creative to your wedding receptions. Obviously, both ideas are probably not going to be at the more conservative event, but it’s a great way to liven up your crowd and show off personalities. I love that the bride and groom get something extra to remember by doing these.

Lollipop Smiles is such a fun, wacky-style photography. We’ve been experiencing shooting groups and individuals, but are now catering to the event and parties world. We work a lot like a photo booth with hour coverage and inclusions, but the process is something unique and extensive that images aren’t instant. We have to go back to our digital labs and create the slick looks you see in the images. Wouldn’t it be fun to have this set up at your wedding reception? We’ve booked a few events already and are happy to talk to you about doing the same for your event!

We bring a prop box with lots of fun things to use for your popped photos!

A few things about Lollipop Smiles in the news: We’re going to be at the LOT Music Festival on August 29th. We’ll be in the Art Tent, so come by and meet us and talk to us more about bringing us into your event. We won’t be shooting Lollipops there because of the lighting set up. The outdoor experience changes a lot of that so why not schedule your own, individual Lollipop shot at September 13th! For just $35, you can come into our studio, get your Lollipops taken and then get a high resolution digital image emailed to you! Be sure to complete the Lollipop Smiles contact form to schedule your appointments…walk-ins are not accepted.

If you’re looking for something quick and instant, the photo booth is certainly the way to go! My friend, Cherie, owns CI Photo Booth here in St. Louis. And, you cannot miss this company! They are booked constantly. What I love about what they offer is the fun, modern backdrop choices and the hipster style that Cherie possesses makes the experience above all others (image below by www.ciphotobooth.com). Tell her that Holly sent you!

I wanted to say before I start this post…if you ever comment and ask a question in the blog, just come back to the comments and I should have replies within the comments sections for you! I think it might be easier that way for me to keep track of responding!

Okay, now, onto part 2 of Allison & Dave’s wedding at the Yacht Club in Ohio!

During the ceremony, there was a rainbow! Wonder how much that one set them back? LOL Such a beautiful thing!

As we played with some of the kids, I saw this sign…I LOVE IT! Time to make a tile necklace with it, don’t ya think?

A bit of wedding ring overload, but I LOVE breaking out my 100mm f2.8 macro lens on rings!

The reception started off outdoors, but it got really chilly and wet out there so it moved in after a bit. I really wish I could have captured more of the guests dancing outside with the gorgeous lights!

Here, the kids were being taught the Cha-Cha Slide by one of the staff members.

It really was a pretty location and I was so thrilled to be able to shoot this wedding with Megan. Hope you enjoyed!

I mentioned last week about my trip out to Delaware, Ohio – north of Columbus – where I shot a wedding with my dear friend, Megan Morgan. Her cousin, Allison, married Dave. The night before, we thought we were going to have THE perfect weather. High of about 82. No rain. Then, Saturday morning, we woke up to rain! All day and just showers here and there. No real way to tell if it would end, or if we’d have to move things indoors. The plans to shoot before the wedding with the bridal party at the Arboretum were up in the air. But, then, a break came and we scurried out! We got so lucky. Because, on the way back in to the Yacht Club, it starting pouring. No worries…it let up in time for the beautiful outdoor ceremony.

Here is part one of Allison & Dave’s wedding that I shot with Megan. Gorgeous bride!