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November 24, 2016

2016 Christmas Card Photo Shoot with McCray Photography

Happy Thanksgiving from Knake 5 to all of you!  I am so grateful and counting my blessings today.  I thought I would give you something to browse.  I am thankful for being able to schedule posts, because more than likely I am elbow deep in last minute preparations.  We are in charge of the big bird this year! And if you don’t get to this until tomorrow, that’s ok too, that’s when the real shopping fun begins, right?!

First thing Glenn said when I announced that we were having our Christmas card photos taken was, “What?! Already?? Seems like we just had photos taken.”  Insert eye roll…  He is speaking of the snap shots I took on the beach this summer, NOT anywhere close to professional, insert another eye roll.  He’s a good sport though, I’ll give him that <3

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We were lucky enough to snag one of our favorite photographers after finding out she would be in town for the weekend.  If you all don’t know Michelle, McCray Photography, let me introduce her amazing photography talents to you.  She has snapped us several times, and seems to capture Knake 5 perfectly each time.

Who’s another family photo session lover?  I am big on having our family photos taken every year.  I believe in documenting big and subtle changes.   There is nothing I love more than a photographer talented enough to capture our family.   Besides the necessity of refreshing my gallery wall, it’s a Christmas card must!  That’s how I sell it to Glenn 😉

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So, let’s be honest, planning for a photo shoot with your sweet and sassy family can be a bit stressful.  On top of praying everyone is in a good enough mood, feeling well, and has their calendar free; what to wear is probably the biggest headache.  Finding something for everyone can be tricky, and if you have teenage girls, it’s even more heightened.   Good thing the hubby just goes with whatever I pick out for him <3

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I knew we would be outside, and the way the Midwest has fluctuated with weather temps this fall, I had NO idea what kind of day we would get.   It was brisk… 40° brisk, and the wind was sharp.  Our eyes were all tearing from the cold, but you can’t tell, can you?! 😀  That’s how good Michelle is 😉

It was pretty easy to choose the color scheme this year, deep purple seems to be on trend and was readily available at my girl’s favorite spot to shop in a pinch.

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I love the flannel I chose for Glenn, not only is it warm, it’s soft and cozy.  But it’s not as soft as the cardigan I am wearing.  It is Ahhh-mazing!!

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I like to mix in a little pattern and subtle color changes.  I basically want everyone to coordinate but not be matchy-matchy.  And I think it’s important to incorporate each individual’s personal style.  We have never been a fru fru family, we are pretty simple, yet charming 😉  But we all have our likes and major dislikes when it comes to clothing.  You know me, I prefer to shop home decor instead of clothes, so you will always find me in a cardigan when the temps are cool outdoors.

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Lexi’s body style is different than Lauren and, Mikayla is in the tween stage.  What looks good on one of them, may not look good on the other.  I fell in love with this soft flannel on the hanger at the store, but it just didn’t look right on myself, Lauren, or MJ.   I almost took it back, one try on by Lex, and it was her favorite!!  SUPER cute on her!


Many of you know I have been designing photo Christmas cards for, hmmm, right around 13 years.  It used to be a gigantic passion of mine, and where it isn’t so much anymore, I still love pooling my creativity together for that special holiday card.  Even though this snow was fake, our card will be so fun to design because of these cute shots.

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This next photo is my favorite from the session, and the b/w filter is perfect.  I can’t wait to order this for our gallery wall.  Now to decide on what size.

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I hope you enjoyed viewing our family photo session, and I hope I’m not alone when it comes to insisting they are taken each year.  I have linked our outfits; there are so many amazing sales going on this week!!  You will be able to snag my finds and much more for less!

Author:  Martha Knake

Amazing Photography – Michelle McCray – McCray Photography

Chief Editor:  Emily Schunke

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Small Shop Support Tagged With: Christmas card photos, fall photos, family photo shoot, family pictures, holiday photos, ootd

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welcome to simple cozy charm

I’m Martha, welcome to my blog!  I am a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful daughters. Making our home pretty is one of my favorite hobbies and I get so inspired by changes and events that happen in every day life.  Simple and cozy is a must around our house; I want family and friends to feel right at home.  My roots are farm grown, so I love adding sweet charm from my parents’ homestead, cozy decorating ideas, and simple diy tutorials.  So please, stay awhile, browse a bit, and let me know what inspires you!

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