Farewell Blogspot...the Carly McCray Photography Blog has moved!

In the words of Tim Gunn, I've made it work here on Blogspot for 4 years now and am overdue for an upgrade. Please update your bookmarks + RSS feeds to my new blog!

www.carlymccrayphotography.com/blog

Come visit me at my new home to see Caty + Pete's lovely Madison wedding...

Snippets { L + P } wedding book

{ i heart...}

...blue mason jars...

{ Oh summer! }

I came across these gems today...two gorgeous brides on two amazing summer days.
(And I actually did a double-take since there isn't a giant watermelon on my front-half!)

2009 thank yous, among other things...

I don't even really know where to begin writing this post. In the past year, my business has boomed exponentially along with all of the incredible people, emotions + love I've been able to photograph. In a time where so many people are experiencing hardship, I've had to turn business away time and again because I simply can't fit it in. It's a humbling feeling to receive that kind of response to my work; I know a simple 'thank you' isn't quite enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you to my clients who continue to gush to friends, and to all of you for valuing my point of view and trusting me with your memories and moments. I love you all!

Now for the 'among other things' part of this post! If you've been on my website or referred a wedding to me for next year, you know that I am no longer taking on new weddings for 2010. This is with good reason. (I am not getting lax!) Being a professional photographer entails a lot more than what most people believe you actually spend time doing. { This is a perfect breakdown of the common misconceptions of a photographer's life vs. what we actually do to run a successful business! } I've lightened my workload for next year because Zac and I found out some amazing news this fall...

We are having a baby!!!!!!!!!!!

We are SO excited (to say the least), and I want to be able to give my family 100%  while giving my clients 100% as well. So even though my passions have not changed toward photography, I feel a slowdown is necessary for me to find a balance in my new life.

As of this past Thursday, this balance has become of even higher importance. Zac and I went in for our 5-month ultrasound to see how everything was progressing with Baby and were hit yet again with some pretty crazy news...

We are having TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This came as a TOTAL and complete shock! We had no inkling, no idea, no anything that there could possibly be two little ones in there. I never showed signs of carrying multiples either, or had any test results that indicated anything differently. We've been on a wild ride since getting this news but we could not be happier and we feel so, so blessed! So without further ado, meet our babies + check out their first grainy black and white image! P.S. Baby B is a boy, and Baby A is a girl!!!! One of each!!!!!!! :)

I hope everyone's holidays are as wonderful as our holidays have been so far! I will try to keep my blog on the professional side, but I'm pretty over the moon about having twins so I will definitely be sharing more of them in 2010. :)  Merry Christmas + Happy New Year!

Chrissie + Riley {engagement}

I've got so much in the queue to share...there is lots more blog-love on the way and to come through the winter, both professionally and personally. (Wink-wink!)  :)

Meet Chrissie + Riley...another one of my great 2010 couples! We had so much fun shooting at Lapham Peak + in { downtown Delafield }. Chrissie rocked some bright colors that were a great contrast with the landscape, and I think I even got Riley to pull a bit from his prior professional experience as one of those cute kids modeling in the Sunday sale papers. Hehe! (Sorry if I outed a secret, Riley!) We had a great time swapping dog stories and laughing at our animals' expense, among other things. Thanks again you two! You were a treat to photograph! :)

Erin + Isaac {engagement}

This time of year always makes me laugh. I have these fantastic visions of kicking up my feet after a long wedding season, baking cookies + listening to Christmas music while sipping hot cider on the couch. Hah! I always manage to underestimate the amount of things on my to-do list before the holidays, but isn't that everyone? Needless to say, I've wanted to share Erin + Isaac's engagement session for a few weeks now. Forgive me! :)

I've known Erin since college and was so excited when she and Isaac chose me to photograph their day! (Madison, next July...can't wait!) She and Isaac are super-cute together, and we laughed almost the entire time we were shooting. My cheeks hurt for a good day later. Thanks again for a great day, guys!! You were awesome! :)

Caty + Pete {engagement}

Caty + Pete had a beautiful day for a fall engagement session last month in Caty's hometown of { Lake Mills }...so cute! I love shooting in new places, and we found quite a few great spots. These two met in college where Pete played football, and he actually went on to play for the { Washington Redskins }! How cool is that!? They also wanted to include their new puppy Lambeau in a few shots, so do enjoy his adorable appearance. Thanks again for a fun shoot guys--I had a great time and am looking forward to the wedding!! :)

Heidi + Hyden {wedding}

Heidi + Hyden had a beautiful wedding on the top of Rib Mountain a few weeks ago. What a day! Heidi + Hyden were awesome, and taking pictures on and around the 'mountain' was a fresh setting and perfect for fall. They are also huge dog lovers, so their chocolate lab Tilly was along to join in the festivities of the day! Congratulations again, Heidi + Hyden! I hope you enjoyed your day to the fullest--I had a lovely time! :)

A few details before favorites - gown { Anjolique }, bridesmaids dresses { Jim Hjelm }, cake { Sweet Nothings Cakes }, venue { Granite Peak }