Melisa McKolay Photography

The Knot Magazine Spring/Summer 2008

2008-03-10T13:42:00.005-04:00

My friend, Chile, called to say, "Heyyyy, I saw your pictures in the Knot Magazine!" And then it dawned on me that "Heyyyy" I didn't blog about that. So, here I am. Blogging. About it.

Right now, in the Knot Michigan Magazine Spring/Summer 2008 you will find a lil feature on Wendy and Wyatt. You may remember their slideshow from this post.

WPJA Top 100 Wedding Photojounalists 2007

2008-03-08T14:39:00.003-05:00

Today, I am so very pleased to announce that I was listed among WPJA's Top 100 Wedding Photojournalists. #1 in Michigan! While any association/contest is subjective in nature, I am truly honored to be placed among so many amazing and inspiring talents in my profession. Rock On!

Guess who got a haircut?

2008-02-07T11:22:00.000-05:00

Yeah, big surprise. It's me, it's me.

You may know from previous posts that it's always a special day when I get my hair cut, because I get my hair straightened. I can't do it, I'd end up in a rubber room. Cai Trojanek of Grace Salon is to thank for taming the wild beast that is my hair. And, I must apologize to the lovely lady who had her appointment bumped because of said beast.

**side note: I work w/ Grace Salon quite often on wedding days. If you're needing or wanting makeup/hair at your location, check them out, they will come right to you and they do beautiful work!

OK, here we go.

Wait for it.....

Crazy Eyes...

I think that I look like Beck in this shot. Hee.
(he's a singer in case you were wondering)

Intense Missy...

Smaht and cheesy Missy

Sassy Missy

I'd like to thank my bathroom lighting and my exceptionally long arms for these self portraits.

Gift Certificates & Registry!

2008-01-28T15:50:00.000-05:00

There's a new link on the website to purchase Gift Certificates right online. How cool is that?
Great gift for the newlyweds, the new family, high school seniors, anyone really.

And they are pretty, just love 'em...tri-fold cards, printed on fine art watercolor paper.

I'm having registry cards printed as we speak, so if you're interested in some of those for your bridal and baby shower invitations, please let me know and we'll get some off to you.

A Couple Photos in the Northern Express.

2008-01-26T11:33:00.000-05:00

I hear I have a couple photos inside this week's Northern Express (jan 21-27). Awesome. OK, so, I haven't actually seen the layout, but I'm betting it's pretty cool. **Sidenote: I've been sick all week and trapped in my house since Leigh's going away party(next post down). Boo.

The photos I took are from a Newlywed Session I shot for my friends Chandra Demers and Bart Wheeler. These two are my muses, always up for anything, gorgeous; I would shoot them here or there, I would shoot them anywhere. If you keep up w/ the blog, you have certainly heard me rave about Chandra. She is not only a dear friend, but an amazing photographer and a brilliant wedding coordinator, check her work out here. I always enjoy shooting a wedding that Chandra has coordinated. And Bart, what can I say about Bart, coolest guy ever and a boy-genius (doctor).

So, of course, this wedding rocked! So many special touches. The best part? I got to be a guest!!! Amy Prutch of AJ Studios, super friend and colleague, made the long journey from Vancouver, Washington to join in the fun. OMG, Amy and I had such a great weekend together. I showed her Traverse City, took her shopping and stuffed her full of fudge...secretly trying to get Traverse City into heart so she would want to come back again soon!

So, after all that long-winded-ness, here's a slideshow of my favorites from the weekend w/ Amy and the Wheeler's.

We're Gonna Miss You, Leigh!

2008-01-22T10:49:00.003-05:00

Sweet Leigh left for a new life in Oregon today. I'm trying to be only a little sad about it, because this is an exciting time for her and I just want her to be happy. Leigh is one amazing lady and anyone that meets her, loves her. Gosh, you probably know her too, she's the Goddess that has been tending bar at the Top of the Park Place for the last like 8 years.

So, here's a little slideshow of some pics I took at her going away party this past Sunday night. We cocktailed and sang it up. On piano, Tom Kaufman. On guitar, Mitchell McKolay, a future star for sure. It was a bittersweet moment in time.

Oh, and I LOVE Carrot Cake Martinis.

Holiday Fun!

2007-12-20T11:12:00.001-05:00

A few pictures to share....

Me and my Will-de-Beast at Thanksgiving in the car.

Will has lost 3 teeth since his birthday (Sept).
I call this photo Crazy Teeth.

Will's putting the angel on the Christmas tree.
The angel is a crocheted craft made by my mommy (and Will's Mee-Maw).

I love the red beads on our Christmas tree...

A lil slice of the living room, so homey.

High School Seniors

2007-06-18T15:02:00.000-04:00

I've been getting some inquiries for high school seniors and I would love to do more.

As you know, my style is a little more lifestyle based and dramatic...so here's a slideshow of 4 sassy senior girls that I had such a great time with.

Thank you Erin, Amanda, Margo and Courtney for being such an inspiration and being so brave with my ideas.

Senior Sessions are $500 w/ a $250 credit toward prints and product for a Traverse City location. Prints start at $20.

Check out the latest Knot Magazine!

2007-06-11T17:31:00.000-04:00

I was given the wonderful opportunity to participate in and photograph the Knot Marketplace Party at the VanAndel Museum in Grand Rapids for the Knot Magazine's Fall/Winter issue. This party is given by the Knot to show appreciation for the area wedding artists and vendors. What a wonderful time!

Chandra Demers of Weddings, Inc. put together yet another classy, cool event featuring local vendors from Traverse City. She is truly amazing at what she does and you should definitely hire her if you want a stress free and unique wedding day!

Here's the entire slideshow:
http://www.mckolayphoto.com/slideshows/theknot/index.html

Terre Design Gorgeous Caligraphy
Blue Stone Catering They did a Potato Bar...Yummy!!
Flowers by Marla C. Wood The centerpieces were literally glowing! Marla rocks!
Sugar Delight the cakes looked like shoes and handbags! LOVED IT
Mac Daddy If you want a band, MacDaddy is the band!
Parking Solutions - Brandon Marnett (is the nicest guy w/ a great crew) - 231-883-9176 - Valet parking
Grocers Daughter The perfect favor, amazing chocolates.
Weddings, Inc. Wedding coordinator & terrific friend!

We Are Family!

2007-06-06T10:17:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm totally a child of the 80's...anywho...

Hey, it's that time of year again! Woohoo! Summer is here!
I'm getting tons of requests for family sessions,
so I thought I'd take a little time to share some info and a little bit about my style.

Here is a slideshow that best describes my laid back style and the fun that can be had.
This is from one of my favorite 2006 sessions at one of my favorite summer rentals to work at, Roby's Retreat in Omena, MI. Why is it a favorite? The light was great, the location ideal and this large family looks terrif all dressed to put focus on the face and not the clothes.
Not to mention, they were a total blast and I want to have fun.

I do beach sessions one hour before sunset Monday through Friday.

Sessions start at
$500 w/ a $250 credit
Retouched art prints start at $20.
Albums & all sorts of other goodies also available.

Everyone Raved about the Guest Book!

2007-06-04T12:47:00.001-04:00

Remember the sassy winter engagement with Rita and Dave?
Well, I designed a guestbook for their guests to sign on their wedding day.
Everyone LOVED it!

There are so many awesome things about these books.
1) The quality & presentation are truly impressive...the perfect coffee table book.
2) You now have a pretty place to put all those engagement shots you wanted.
3) The catty girls are going to be soooooooo jealous. :)
4) You might actually look at your guest book from time to time...it's a Keepsake!
5) They're just wicked cool.

Here's a look at the entire design

http://www.mckolayphoto.com/design/index.htm

Here's the book in action.

Cameron

2007-06-01T16:22:00.000-04:00

Check out Baby Cameron...isn't he just an angel?

Totally makes me want another bambino.

And it wouldn't be me without a lil something different. :) I love this!

It's A Boy!!

2007-04-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

Congratulations, Joe and Nichole!!

I wish you all the joys that come with parenthood.
Cherish every moment! Take lots of pictures!!!!

And a little tidbit for down the road...
Raising kids is part joy and part guerilla warfare. :)
--Ed Asner

Love you! Miss

American Gothic-esque - I love this shot!

Nothing more beautiful!

WPPI Accolades of Excellence

2007-04-15T16:02:00.000-04:00

Another nod!
This image was awarded by the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International for a high standard of professional skill, creativity and technique.

I Won An Award!!

2007-04-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association or [AG]WPJA is a group of international wedding photojournalists, who capture unscripted wedding moments as they happen, and excel in the art of post-production image processing. The [AG]WPJA is a division within the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA); one which specifically promotes Fine Art Wedding Photojournalism.

I entered my first professional photography contest thinking it would be cool to be recognized, but I wasn't really expecting to win anything. But, whatdaya know? I took a first place in Details and an 8th place in Ceremony. AND, I placed #4 overall!!

I'm really excited.

From Jack & Julie Csernits wedding, this detail shot jumped out at me. Julie was chatting with friends, enjoying a sunny October day by the water and everything was working...the angle of the sun, the cut of the dress, the shadow & color of her wine glass and all that beautiful bling. I LOVE that bracelet...Tiffany's. Yummy. :)

1st Place: [AG]WPJA 2006 Winter - Details

And, this photo from Nicole & Kevin Senko's wedding at St Francis Church took an 8th place in the Ceremony category. I love photographing ritual and the faithful and being Catholic myself, this moment meant so much to me. I could feel it then and knowing the power of this faith, I can still feel it now. There is so much love and support being bestowed upon this couple at this moment.

8th Place: [AG]WPJA 2006 Winter - Ceremony

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

2007-04-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a year so far!

I have officially shut down the calendar on all photography coverages for Saturday or Sunday from May 19th to Oct 6th.

Dates Booked:
March 17, 2007
May 19, 2007
May 25, 2007
May 26, 2007
June 02, 2007
June 09, 2007
June 16, 2007
June 23, 2007
June 30, 2007
July 14, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 21, 2007
July 22, 2007
July 28, 2007
August 04, 2007
August 11, 2007
August 17, 2007
August 18, 2007
August 25, 2007
September 01, 2007
September 08, 2007
September 15, 2007
September 22, 2007
September 29, 2007
October 06, 2007
October 29, 2007
November 16, 2007

2008 Dates Already Booked
June 21, 2008
June 28, 2008
July 19, 2008
Sept 06, 2008

A Winter Engagement

2007-03-23T09:24:00.000-04:00

I love this session!!!

Finally, someone took me up on a winter engagement and I have to say, it's one of my new favorite backgrounds. Of course, our session started just as a blizzard rolled into town, but what can I say, I'm a better photographer than a meteorologist. :)

Next time I'll wear better boots, but I'll always take one for the team if we can have this kind of outcome.

Thank you Rita and Dave for an awesome time!

Happy Anniversary Angela & Michael!!

2007-02-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

Last February 17th, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Michael, Angela, and Angela's beautiful daughter, Sylvia. Michael and Angela had dated earlier in their lives, but as it turned out, it just wouldn't be the right time for them. Their journey back to one another would take years and heartache, Angela had married and then suffered one of the greatest losses imagineable, the death of her husband and father to her baby girl. Michael and Angela met again some time after that and as it turns out they would really click.

Michael & Angela traveled north to marry at the Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast in Traverse City in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. Only one day prior, a blizzard had ripped through the county shutting down all the roads in the area, but the skies cleared, the plows...well, they plowed and the Dusseau's were married on a perfect winter's day. Seeing this couple so happy together and the love they share for Sylvia...well, it just gets me all misty again! I'm such a sap.

Happy Anniversary my friends!
Melisa

I love musician's hands!

A Shout Out to Pastor Dan Herlein (he's the coolest!)

You'll never see this again!

2007-02-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday I had a fabulous experience at Pavlova European Salon & Spa in Traverse City where I received outstanding treatment from hair designer, Sherri Lynn Ricard. Poor Sherri, she worked her butt off! Actually, most hair stylists do not realize what they're up against when I walk through the door and I always tell them when I make my appointment that I will probably need more time than most because I have a ridiculous amount of hair. Seriously people, I have hair so big that I have zero peripheral vision when it's down.

Now, anyone that knows me is well aware that I've been struggling w/ finding a stylist since my best friend and kickin' hairstylist, Sarah Chile moved to Grand Rapids...5 years ago!! In fact, I've been so stubborn about the whole thing that I refuse to cut my hair until I plan a trip to Grand Rapids so Chile can make me over at her sexy salon, Design One Studios. But, I have this Girl Photographer's Get Together coming up in a few days and we are appropriately called the Hotties, so I must look hot, right? Right!

I wish I had taken one of those sweet "before" shots...you know, the sad face w/ mangled hair...but, alas I did not. Though, it must have not been all that bad, because Neil Morrison & Molly Hubbell booked their August 25th wedding with me just prior my appointment. I'm sooooo excited to work w/ them and come to find out I babysat Neil when he was a little dude...that was weird & cool all at the same time. I'm sure they would not even recognize me today as Sherri took on the great challenge of straightening the madness that is my hair. One hour and the strength of...well, a hair stylist, (she must have THE BEST arms)... well, just check out the hotness!!

Oh, and you will never see this again as I would surely end up in a rubber room from straightening my own hair and my family really needs me.

Thank you, Sherri! You rock!

Wendy & Wyatt's Wedding Slideshow

2007-01-26T10:38:00.000-05:00

The Wedding of Wendy Gardner & Wyatt Courtney
Date: Sept 30, 2006
Wedding: Leland Country Club
Reception: The family's summer home on the shores of Lake Michigan. Gill's Pier, Northport, MI
Catering: The Riveside Inn
Dress: Vera Wang

Flowers: Distinctive Florals

Cake: The Underground Cheesecake Factory

Band: The Tom Taylor Band, Detroit

Welcome To My Blog!

2007-01-19T12:09:00.000-05:00

WooHoo!! I'm so excited to unveil my new website and blog!

Welcome!

So, you might be wondering, "What is a blog and why am I here?"

Well, it's kind of like a diary.
If you check in periodically, you'll get the latest news and
the opportunity to see what I'm working on.
I'll be sharing some older work to start, then, as the year
progresses, you'll see sneak peeks of all the cool people and places I'm shooting. You'll definitely see some personal work too and probably be able to get a good idea of what I'm all about.

My goal is to post at least weekly, but I can't make any promises,
I am a busy woman, ya know?
SuperMom, wife, photographer...eat your heart out Martha!

So, without further ado...

Welcome & Enjoy!
Melisa

Friends call me Missy, but if you don't like my work you can call me Melisa. :) (hee)