Hello, sweet friends. It’s been quite some time since you’ve heard from me, and while my little Summer respite was wonderful, I’m thrilled to be back and to finally introduce you to my new website/blog/brand. I don’t even know where to begin! Those closest to me have questioned my decision to rebrand (again) throughout this long process, and I completely understand their confusion.

“Why fix something that isn’t broken?”

The answer is simple. While is wasn’t broken, it wasn’t me. Yes, we booked many weddings under the Max and Poppy brand. Yes, Scott is my Max and I am his Poppy. We are still a husband/wife team. However, hiding behind a name that wasn’t my own had started to make me feel uncomfortable. I also knew that to some extent, I wasn’t able to reach the types of brides that I wanted to work with…brides that were drawn to film photography, and a more fine art aesthetic. While Max and Poppy had a great thing going for it, I knew that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that brand when I turn 35, 40, 50 ECT. Change is hard, but it’s necessary for growth, and I’ve learned to embrace it.

Enter Lara Casey, Emily Ley, and Making Brands Happen. I’d like to say that going through this process is not for the faint of heart! These ladies gave me a swift kick in the pants. Lara helped me dig to the core of my soul, identify what fires me up, where I want to go with my business, what type of client I want to attract and how to achieve my goals. She also helped me create a pricing structure that made sense for my business and the type of work that I do. She held me accountable when I wanted to curl up and hide, and loved me from the other side of the country (care packages with preggie pops and chocolate included). I can not thank her enough for helping me get to the core of what matters most, and helping me see my worth as an artist. Together, we’ve laid out a beautiful vision for Katie McGihon, and the future has never looked so lovely.  Here we go…

One of my favorite things about my new brand is the logo. Lindsay Letters hand lettered my name for me, and get this, I was her last custom commission. For real. I could stare at this gorgeous logo for hours!  I knew that having someone letter my name was an absolute, no questions asked “must”. You cannot purchase this font. Anywhere. Ever. This logo, this name, is mine, and it’s good. So good. I’m forever grateful to her for giving me a logo that absolutely melts my heart! Lindsay also lettered this adorable monogram for stickers, stamps, blog posts ECT. I basically want to have it embroidered into our bathroom towels. Lindsay’s shop is full of goodies for your home/event, so head over there and take a peek. I may or may not be giving away on of her gorgeous prints this month…

Emily created a color palette and collateral that just about put me over the edge! It’s all so light, bright, feminine, clean, lovely…I could go on and on. Letter pressed, gold foiled business cards and note cards…a girl could get used to this! She also designed a glorious look book with information regarding all of our offerings for potential brides. I can’t wait to send the look book out when new couples contact us. Emily’s talent as a designer is remarkable. She knew exactly how to take the work that Lara and I had done together and translate it into pieces that would speak to both myself, and my ideal bride. Emily has a heart for family, helping women live a simplified life and being true to who you are. You’ll find tools (and fun goodies!) in her shop to help you simplify your home/business/life.

Cathy Olson of Love Inspired took on the tall task of designing this type-A, perfectionists’ website and blog. When she showed me her initial concept for the home page, I cried. I just cried. Finally, after 5 years, I had a website that was me. It was like a heavy weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and I could breath, knowing that someone got me. Cathy has been so patient while I’ve badgered her with questions…what if’s, when’s and how’s. She created galleries that I absolutely love! if you haven’t already, go take a peek at the portfolio and drag your mouse around to see the cool motion of the images for yourself. Le sigh. If you’re a creative professional in need of some website help, Cathy’s your girl! Here’s a before and after shot of my website. The difference is just night and day!

Lara, Emily, Cathy and Lindsay-I can’t thank you enough for walking this journey with me. Your work in helping me find myself is so appreciated, and will never be forgotten. I can’t believe we’ve finally done it!

Scott-your patience and love never cease to amaze me. You’ve stood by my side and supported me in this business for the last 5 years, always believing that I could be great, that I had found it. For that, I’m grateful. For that, I love you.