Photographer Spotlight: Joey Kennedy Weddings

Today I wanted to feature Joey Kennedy, an upcoming wedding photographer here in the Pittsburgh area that I had the privilege of working with several months back at Jessica & Brian's August wedding. A few weeks ago, I featured one of their images in this post and wanted to share more of Joey's work with our readers. Joey was kind enough to sit down with us and share more information about himself...check out our interview below and stop by his blog to see more of his work!

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself:

I know, for sure, that I was born into the right time period of history because even as a child, I was very visual. Visual media is my forum because I am an extremely creative person. Images have always inspired and influenced me and small, obscure details do not escape my notice. That is why I am an artist, and I am very active in the Pittsburgh art scene.

I produced a fine-art-photography exhibit called “Exposure” that ran for two years here in Pittsburgh. Eventually, more “Exposure” exhibits were opened in Cleveland, Detroit and Dallas, and those in Cleveland and Detroit are still being presented today.

In 2005-Present, I began teaching photography in Cranberry for the Butler Community College – both for credit and non-credit classes.

2. How did you get started in photography?

Believe it or not, I began my career in painting and sculpting because I have always been creative and artistic. But since painting and sculpting were very laborious and consumed a lot of time, I often lost interest before completion. However, nothing has changed my life more than the camera. It was an exciting revelation for me to discover that my creativity absolutely exploded when I picked up a camera. The camera has allowed me greater creativity, but in a faster forum. Photography is such a powerful tool for documenting life experiences and telling people’s stories.

3. Describe your wedding photography approach and style.

When I think of a wedding, it is a magical day when two people become one. It is “a dream come true” to find a mate in this life, and it is the day that every woman dreams endlessly about. I like the “vintage,” “dreamy,” “storybook-style” because it is so timeless and romantic. I love to capture and document those special moments of the wedding day, unobtrusively, without my clients knowing that I am there. It is pure excitement when they return and view the memories that are represented in the final images. Finally, I love to make my work look professionally much like the work exhibited in magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair.

4. What do you like best about your job?

Without a doubt, I love working with the wedding couple! It is my job to learn their individual tastes. I love meeting the families of the bride and groom and listening to stories about them. I start off the day as an acquaintance to the families, and by the end of the wedding, they invite me to the next family reunion. I enjoy documenting and being part of every special occasion in a family’s life experiences. It is a great tradition!

5. What is your all time favorite photo that you have taken?

“A Kiss to Build a Dream On!” It is the story of Brian and Jessica.

6. What makes your business unique and why should we hire you as our wedding photographer?

I am that person that sees something completed in my mind before the process has begun. I create aesthetically pleasing images that documents and tells my clients story. I love to provide interesting, powerful imagery that creates curiosity and interest for all my photography projects.
I am that professional wedding photographer that will document your wedding day with exquisite creativity and old-fashioned romanticism. Each wedding is special and unique to you, as a couple, and that inspiration always helps me to create one-of-a-kind memories just for you.

You, as the wedding couple, provide the details of the pictorial documentation that you desire, and I provide the creativity and inspiration to accomplish your dream.

7. Where can we reach you?

I just released a new wedding blog at http://joeykennedyweddings.blogspot.com/
I can also be reached at email joey.kennedy@gmail.com and cell 814.547.1096

8. Anything else we should know?

Don’t let the 814 number fool you, I currently live in Seven Fields (Cranberry). I am willing to travel anywhere and have applied for a passport.

Thanks for chatting with us, Joey! We look forward to seeing more of your beautiful images in the future!

All images courtesy of Joey Kennedy Weddings.

Happy Halloween

Check out this delicious (& really easy) caramel-dipped apple recipe from Kraft Foods. Try this recipe out for your Halloween parties this weekend, or even use these as guest favors for your wedding this Fall.

{This recipe makes 5 caramel-dipped apples}

Ingredients

5 medium apples, washed, well dried
1 bag (14 oz.) KRAFT Caramels (about 50)
2 Tbsp. water

Directions

INSERT wooden pop sticks (from bag of caramels) into stem end of each apple. Cover large plate with waxed paper; grease paper with butter. Set aside.

PLACE caramels in large saucepan. Add water; cook on medium-low heat until caramels are completely melted, stirring constantly.

DIP apples into melted caramel until evenly coated, spooning caramel over apples if necessary. Allow excess caramel to drip off. Scrape bottoms of apples, then place on prepared plate. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 15 min. before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Extra Tips

Prepare as directed, rolling bottom of each freshly dipped apple into one of the following: 10 coarsely chopped OREO Cookies; 1-1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows mixed with 1/4 cup sprinkles; or 1/2 cup PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, chopped. Or, drizzle dipped apples with 2 melted squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate.

Happy Halloween from Simply Perfect Weddings!!

Photo courtesy of Kraft Foods.

Rag & Bone Bindery

I recently received an email introducing me to this stationary company and immediately fell in love with their products. Rag & Bone Bindery is a producer of high quality, hand-made photo books, albums, journals, wedding guestbooks, and other stationary items. All of their hand-made books can be personalized with one of their 30+ cover options, and custom calligraphy is also available for photo albums and guestbooks. So, whether you're looking for gift ideas for your bridesmaids or want a personalized photo album to display your wedding snapshots, I guarantee you'll find something that fits your needs! Check out their official website, here!

Photo courtesy of Rag & Bone Bindery.

Satin Hangers

With all the craziness in the days leading up to your wedding, the last thing you'll probably think about is what type of hanger you'll use for your gown. However, believe it or not this is actually an important detail you don't want to miss. Most likely your photographer will want to take several pictures of just your gown...usually hanging from a door or in front of a window; therefore, you'll probably want to use something other than the typical wire or plastic hanger. So, invest in a set of satin hangers like the ones pictured above and when your photos come back, you'll be glad you did!

Hangers pictured above from Bed Bath & Beyond [Set of 10 bone colored satin hangers - $12.99]

Anniversary Dance

This past weekend we had the privilege of coordinating Carol & Cameron's wedding and was particularly touched by Carol's Uncle Joe, who we came to find out has been married to his wife for over 50 years. Carol & Cameron incorporated the anniversary wedding dance into their reception and I wanted to share how this dance works with our readers.

The anniversary dance begins with all married couples out on the dance floor...one by one couples are called off the dance floor based upon how long they've been married, starting with couples who have been married less than 1 day (aka the bride & groom). The MC continues calling out couples who have been married 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, etc... until the couple that has been married the longest remains on the dance floor. The couples danced to "At Last" by Etta James, which I think, is the perfect song for this great tradition!

Trend Watch: Tea Length Wedding Gowns

Tea length wedding gowns have been popping up around the country for some time now, but have yet to make a big impact here in Pittsburgh. However, I feel that's all going to change in 2009. Tea length gowns are quite versatile and don't necessarily have to be worn only for outdoor weddings. Maybe you don't envision the typical 'princess bride' gown and want to opt for something a little more modern or maybe you're having a Spring/Summer wedding and don't want to wear a traditional gown in the heat. Whatever your reason, I say go for it! Being a bride is about being unique and having a wedding that fits your personality, regardless of what anyone says!

Gown pictured above from Anne Barge - La Fleur Collection. Photo courtesy of NY City Weddings.

Wedding Planning Stress Busters

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed about your upcoming wedding? Check out our top 5 stress busters to get you back feeling like your fabulous self:

Tip # 1: Exercise - Exercising releases endorphins, which naturally help to improve your mood and fight stress. Even if you're just hitting the treadmill, make it a point to find time to work out at least 2-3 times per week. Beating stress and losing those last 5lbs before the wedding is a great motivator!

Tip # 2: Maintain your "me" time - Take an hour every night to focus on YOU. Whether it's taking a relaxing bubble bath, reading a good book, or watching your favorite episode of "Sex and the City", it's important to maintain your alone time. Everyone needs a little time to themselves each day...especially in the months leading up to your big day!

Tip # 3: Schedule a spa day - Gather your bridesmaids and MOH and head to a spa for the day. Indulge on massages, pedicures, and manicures...after all, nothing is more relaxing than being pampered, right?!

Tip #4: Get a hobby - Now I know it's hard to set aside time for a hobby when you feel like you have 1,001 things to do for the wedding, but it's important to do something you love when you're feeling stressed. Take a few hours out of your week to do something that you enjoy...maybe it's taking a yoga class, scrapbooking, or even brushing up on your cooking skills for your husband-to-be!

Tip # 5: Take a vacation - As Fall is settling in on Western Pennsylvania, head south with your fiance for a few days of R&R. If you can't get the time off from work, then take a weekend road trip for just the two of you...even if you only travel a few hours away, it will be refreshing to get away and focus on each other, rather than the wedding.