THE GREAT TREE HUNT OF 2013

After a Thanksgiving filled with family time and the best comfort food, the day presented itself to us. It was nearly 40 degrees, a light dusting of snow brightened the neighborhood, the sun was shining, and we knew that it was THE day to go Christmas tree hunting!! This is easily one of our very favorite parts of the year, and it probably didn't hurt that we had JUST watched Christmas Vacation the night before (note: Butch's Bears hat). Especially with Parker along, he makes everything so much more fun and meaningful!! As we wandered through rows of perfectly imperfect trees of all varietals, Parker was blissfully busy doing super-sprints up and down each aisle with the most joyful look on his little face. :) A few polaroids and Parker photo shoots later, we crossed over into Frasier Fir land and found "the one"! The evening that followed included: spinning records, sipping wine, singing, playing frisbee in the house, and letting Parker sniff each ornament before it went onto the tree. Just our kind of night :)

We hope your holiday season is off to a festive start as well!!

Love | Kelsy & Butch

A DAY TO APPRECIATE

It seems that with how fast the daysweeksmonths seem to be flying by, Thanksgiving takes on an even greater meaning each year. You might feel just the same! Of course we should be thankful and express gratitude every single day because each day is a gift, but we're hoping that this holiday brings you time spent enjoying the company of family & friends. We'll be doing exactly that as well, and we wish you & yours a very blessed Thanksgiving!! :)

Love | Kelsy & Butch

Images captured with Contax 645 on Portra 400 during one of our favorite fall days.

DOOR COUNTY LAKESIDE EDITORIAL WITH A.STYLED EVENT!!

Where do we begin with the excitement, planning & FUN that went into this styled shoot? :) It's no secret that we McCartneys are lovers of everything Door County. :) Not to mention the wonderful friendship that we're so blessed to have with A.Styled Event!! Pull those elements together, along with a crazy-talented team of vendors, and you can only imagine how excited we were to collaborate on this little labor of love!

With Anna leading the way and bringing endless creative direction, we dreamed up an intimate rehearsal dinner set along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay, just behind the bride's childhood home. For those of you who aren't familiar, Door County is an absolute GEM!! As the peninsula of Wisconsin, Door County is surrounded by Green Bay & Lake Michigan, and it truly feels like the charming New England area – Wisconsin's own little slice of paradise. :) It's filled with gorgeous views, countless art galleries, and impeccable dining options, the best of which are to be found when tipped off by one of the locals!

Buds 'n Bloom designed stunning centerpieces to compliment a soft & romantic tablescape, along with the bride's bouquet, floral crown, and teepee adornments! The most charming custom letterpress invitations from Monograham were sent to the couple's immediate family, and Flourgirl Patissier created a sweet ombre cake for the occasion. Door County Olive Oil shared a selection of their favorite oils to be enjoyed with fresh Washington Island Bread, which was followed by a traditional Door County Fish Boil dinner! Guests were welcomed into the county with a basket filled with Door County goodies including cider, specialty oils & seasonings, and bread from Madison Avenue Wine Shop (a must-visit if you're in the area!).

We had an absolute BLAST photographing this beautiful setting, complete with our sweet models who happen to be a real-life couple! Aren't they adorable!! We're so excited to share these images with you – you may have seen some of them featured on Style Me Pretty earlier this fall, too :) Truly, the team that brought this shoot to life is so full of passion & love for what they do that each one of them is an inspiration!! Capturing their designs & creations was an absolute honor... and SO MUCH FUN!!! Can't wait to play again soon ;)

Lots of Love!! | Kelsy & Butch

All images captured on film with Contax 645 or Hasselblad 500cm on Fuji 400H. 

Floral Design: Buds ‘n Bloom | Creative Direction + Event Styling: A.Styled Event | Invitations: Monograham | Olive Oil for Tasting: Door County Olive Oil | Cake: Flourgirl Patissier | Welcome Basket Goodies: Madison Avenue Wine Shop | Hair + Makeup: Jessica of Clipper’s Mate | Bride’s Dress: Victoria’s Secret | Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic

DOOR COUNTY WEEKEND!!

We absolutely love Door County weekends! Whether it's time visiting Butch's family or spending a weekend away with friends, the memories we create in the County are some of our favorites. There's a sense of freedom that comes with exploring this charming & breathtaking part of our beautiful home state!! Even though it's just two hours from our humble abode, we always feel like we're on vacation while visiting Door County. Maybe it's because we have next to zero cell service while we're there, or because it's where Butch grew up and "there's no place like home", or just maybe it's because the GIANT smile we see creep across Parker's face as he runs countless laps and lives the life of a "wilder-pup" is the best thing ever? :) Whatever the reason, we always feel the need to capture our time spent exploring! If you've never been to Door County, GO. And shoot us a message before you do!! We'll tell you all of our favorite places, maybe we'll even clue you in on the super private, tucked-away trail we hiked on with our dear friends Anna & Paul on this fall's Door County weekend ;)

Love | Kelsy & Butch

All images captured on film with Contax 645 or Hasselblad 500cm on Fuji 400H. 

WISCONSIN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | THE WOLTERS

On a bright & crisp afternoon we spent time with Danielle, Keith and Paige for their mini family session. We first met Danielle during Paige's newborn photos in 2012 and were so excited to plan another session with the entire family!! From the moment we arrived Paige was already doing work on our hearts. She is an absolute DOLL! Paige gave us countless cute looks and we couldn't get enough of her little smile & giggle! She loved kisses from her Mom & Dad, and had the cutest wiggle-run before getting scooped up in their arms. SO grateful to have captured this adorable little family! :)

Love | Kelsy & Butch

All images captured on film with Contax 645 on Fuji 400H.