…these two should look familiar, yes?!

Life; it’s a BEAUTIFUL thing! Congratulations Maria and Brandon!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer | www.joannebartone.com

…my Pooh, my kitty with many names, including, Pud, Puddy, Pudding, Puddels, no.1, Wash, Mushdapuddapudpie, Kiki, Monkey-kitty and her original name, Cleo. She’s was a doll and would have been twenty years old this coming June (’09), but she got a bit tired, sick and weak and so today was her last day with me. Nearly twenty years together…she was a big part of my life; she was my “family”…an angel and an all-around great cat. She was a blessing and a gift and a source of great comfort and joy. I remember every moment with her from the beginning until just a little bit ago at Dr. Bebko’s Cat Clinic in Bloomfield (love the people there; so compassionate, kind and knowledgeable) and I will cherish each memory always.

Pooh is pictured here with her best friend (besides her momma) Eeyore, whom she has had since she was smaller than Eeyore was! Eeyore has been Puddy’s baby from the early weeks of her life, and every night since Pooh was a baby, she would pick Eeyore up in her mouth and carry him around the house meowing the whole time; it was priceless to see and hear!

She loved to eat because she was deprived of food in the early weeks of her life, so at one point her weight equaled her age - I think that was around age 16! And, as you can see, despite the many cushy beds she had, she preferred to cuddle up in the tops of or in actual boxes. She was a free thinker, unlike many people!

In her youth she was mischievous and full of energy, but sleeping was always a favorite pastime. Up until about two weeks ago she still loved to go on “adventures” with her momma even if they were supervised and only onto the porch. She was a great mouser, a cuddle-bug, easy-going and always happy! She had the most beautiful peacock-feather-looking green eyes and she was an angel; my heart aches right now and I miss her already.

Notice the “M” on her forehead. Legend has it that the “M” was placed on Tabby cat’s heads by The Madonna when a Tabby cat climbed into the manger to keep the Christ-child warm. The mark of the “M” was Mary’s way of blessing kitties for their service to her child. Sweet, huh.

I love her dearly; there are so many things about her I will miss always, but I will keep her safe and close in my heart always remembering her, and I will trust that she is in a better place with all the food, warm beds and catnip a kitty might want. Perhaps each of you might offer a tender thought today for my Puddy…she was an angel. Thanks.

Whose the bigcat, bigcat, bigcat?! Puddy is, that’s who and always will be!

June 1989 to November 2008.

BIG love for my BIG cat, Joanne Bartone, Photographer | www.joannebartone.com

So, as a business owner, I am always looking to network and cross-promote my business within our industry; that’s what businesses do, right?!

Well, myself and a few other select Wedding Vendors from our local Pittsburgh area are planning a little suaré and the “skinny” is in the formal press release below. This first party for Event Planners will be held in Pittsburgh and I have another specifically to promote my business planned for the Spring in New England. AND I’ve got an “Tying the Knot” Party tentatively scheduled within the next few months, where I hope to have brides/couples who are looking for select vendors come out to meet us all in one location; kind of a mini Bride Show! Stay tuned; we are cooking over here!

———————————-FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE————————————–

PARTNERSHIP of SEVERAL LEADING BUSINESSES to HOST an EVENT PLANNERS APPRECIATION PARTY

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) November 06, 2008 – An evening of high-energy club music, hors d’oeuvres, prizes, cocktails, cupcakes, conversation and merriment is set to kick off the first of what hopefully will become an annual Event Planners Appreciation Party on Thursday, November 6, 2008.

Nearly two-hundred Eco-friendly e-invitations were sent out to all the notable Event Planners from event venues across Pittsburgh and the surrounding area inviting them downtown to SPACE Gallery for an evening of entertainment, networking, relaxation and fun. A unique endeavor, this event may be one of the first occasions held specifically for Event Planners as they neared the end of yet another hectic season of planning, detailing and executing hundreds of successful events for their Corporate and Wedding clients.

Planners from some of the top local venues will be in attendance, such as the Frick Art Center, Falling Water, Carnegie Museum/Music Hall, Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Renaissance Downtown, Soldiers & Sailors, Armstrong Farms, Bella Sera by Greco, the Airport Marriott, Station Square Marriott and Highland Park Country Club. Some of the top independent event planners in Pittsburgh were also planning to attend, such as Simone Hudson of 5Senses Events Design, Katherine Shaw of Trends to Traditions, Patti Lifson of Pittsburgh Party Planners, and Carolyn Fairley of Premier Wedding Planning.

The party is to be hosted by several of the leaders in the Pittsburgh wedding industry: Joanne Bartone Photographer, event deejay Jeremy Ganss of Jeremy Ganss Productions, James Gray of Pittsburgh’s destination for deserts, Dozen Bake Shop/Dozen Cupcakes, Michael Jacobs of Blooms Florist who has provided Couture Wedding Services since 1985, Jeanne Baseman of Table Talk Linens and the popular and creative husband and wife Cinematography team of Marco and Jenny Giordani of Cana Films.

The concept for the Event Planners Appreciation Party originated as the marketing brain-child of Karen Wainwright, Business Development Manager for Joanne Bartone, an International Award-winning Photographer based in Pittsburgh. Ms. Wainwright shared that “the event was initially intended to solely promote Ms. Bartone’s creative talents then grew into a co-operative effort of networking and cross-promotion between these wedding industry leaders and friends after Joanne and I thought, ‘why not promote some of the other highly regarded vendors that we recommend to host the party with us.’” “It’s really a great opportunity for all of us,” said Joanne Bartone Photographer. “It’s great to get together with old friends, make some new friends over drinks, food and confections; it’s an occasion for us to network and learn from each other while promoting our services in a festive atmosphere!”

Held at one of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s premier Galleries, SPACE Gallery will also be hosting the Then and Now photo exhibit, curated by noted artist and community leader Deryck Tines. The exhibit is based on the THEN photographs in Pittsburgh’s Hill District as found in the Carnegie Museum¹s Teenie Harris Archives. It will also feature the NOW photographs of today’s community as seen through the lens of fifteen current Pittsburgh photographers.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact or visit Joanne Bartone: http://www.joannebartoneblog.com , Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: http://www.pgharts.org/ SPACE Gallery: http://www.spacepittsburgh.org , Teenie Harris Archives: http://www.cmoa.org/teenie/info.asp

About Joanne Bartone, Photographer: An International Award-winning photographer based in Pittsburgh PA who provides contemporary, boutique-style photography for discerning clients.

More information can be found on Ms. Bartone and the other Hosts of the event at the following World Wide Web addresses: http://www.joannebartone.com tele: 412.418.8075 http://www.jeremyganss.com tele: 814.221.0737 http://www.dozenbakeshop.com tele: 412.621.4770 http://www.bloomsflorist.com tele: 412.281.8110 http://www.canafilms.com tele: 724.869.1015

Here’s what I consider to be THE most important “formula” for successful wedding photography:

beautiful settings + planning ample TIME for photos + subjects who understand and value the importance of their photographs + subjects willing to work with their TALENTED and EXPERIENCED photographer = beautiful images EVERY time!

I cannot stress enough to everyone who is interested in hiring me just how important it is to budget enough time for the photography on your wedding day. Fortunately, Marissa and Derek valued their photography and photographer enough to plan to have enough time with me between the ceremony and celebration so I could create beautiful images for them. I think it’s fair to say we were ALL successful, and now they will have beautiful images that will last their lifetime!

Look at the light falling on Marissa; it was simply wonderful…warm, delicious… and it made her glow (photo is enhanced too), even though it was cold and windy. This field of weeds sits behind Shakespeare’s Restaurant, where the celebration was held. Now really, have you ever seen weeds look so good? I think not! I’ve chosen to show a number of images from the patch of weeds and I think you’ll agree, it’s a wise decision…

Marissa was absolutely stunning, and it helped that she is in the fashion industry, so she knew how to work that camera! You go GORGEOUS!

And Derek’s done a little modeling himself…! BUT that doesn’t mean that other’s can’t “model” just like Marissa and Derek. All it takes is a little observation, a little interest, maybe a little drink before hand, and experienced guidance from your photographer, if she knows how to work you in front of her camera!! …and this one clearly does!

Just look at the love they share…so sweet, so much fun and so natural!

…and just look at this LIGHT! It was stunning, just like my subjects!

…and then there is more love, more beauty…

…and all this sexiness!

What fun! Every wedding is a different blessing; another opportunity for me to create beautiful imagery for my clients that will “wow” them and make them happy.  I have gratitude in abundance that I get to do this for me and for you!  It’s all a beautiful gift…

It was a pure delight to be with you both, Marissa and Derek, and to meet your families, your friends (that’d be you, oh wonderful wedding party!) and to hang with my people at dinner! It was a great day; thanks for that.  And a great way to end my season of photographing weddings; I am grateful.

Now, back to work… Just because my shooting season is over it doesn’t mean my “work” is done!  I hear that whip cracking from that boss of mine…she just won’t let me rest…  ;-)  !

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer | www.joannebartone.com

Kristin and Paul’s wedding was picturesquely beautiful! Heinz Chapel and The Carnegie were the backdrops for their ceremony and celebration; everything was perfect…well, except for that little snafu with the maid of honor’s zipper in her dress! But, as with all snafus, everything worked out perfectly and the day was joyful and fun.

Beautiful day + beautiful details + beautiful settings ALWAYS = beautiful photographs!

Hopefully the few images posted will help everyone hold on a bit longer while the remaining images are being processed. I am confident you will love them when you see them!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer / www. joannebartone.com

PS…I heard that “bigger was better,” thus the new look to the images I’m posting on the blog! Enjoy!

So, coming off of my first “interview” with Simone Hudson of 5Senses Events Design, I got to thinking…’why not!’

I’ve decided that I’ll do some simple interviews with various wedding vendors so you, my actual and potential clients can get a sense about who the various vendors around town are, what their philosophies are and what makes them so special!

Right now I’ve decided to call it “the BUZZ with JB; interviews” but, if anyone has any suggestions on the category name, I’m happy to consider them! Perhaps…”the beat with JB” or “JB on the streets” …hmmmmm…that’s not sounding too good…how about “INSPIRED interviews by JB,” in keeping with my “BE INSPIRED” theme, or “INSPIRED conversations with JB.” Again, I’m open to ideas, clearly! Feel free to suggest via comments here on the blog!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone, Photographer / www.joannebartone.com

So, I had a little lunch earlier in the week at Lydia’s with one of Pittsburgh’s wonderful Event Planners: Simone Hudson of 5Senses Events Design. Simone has been helping couples with their weddings for the past three years now here in Pittsburgh and I have only one thing to say about her - she is a pure DELIGHT to be around! Ok, two things: her energy is wonderful; Ok, three things!: her spirit is beautiful; Ok, many, many more wonderful things: Simone is interesting, interested, invested in her clients and thoroughly enjoys her work! I could go on and on, but I think you should just get to know this sweet soul yourselves by hiring her to help you on your wedding day!

I did a little “interview” with Simone about her work and asked her the following questions:

JB: What are your top three bits of advice for wedding clients?

SH: 1. Begin to work with me even before you’ve chosen your venue; it’ll make the world of difference as I help you make your vision of your wedding into a dream come true, 2. Relax; when in my “hands” you can be confident of my abilities to plan and execute your day perfectly, and 3. Have FUN; it’s all about your party and you should enjoy your wedding day like no other day!

JB: What is your favorite part about planning events?

SH: Watching couples have a wonderful time at their party with their family and friends is complete satisfaction for me!

It turns out that you’ll probably find Simone dancing off to the side with a smile on her face as she watches you enjoy yourselves - I say get her on the floor!

Here’s a little composite photo I created capturing Simone’s beautiful, fun and wonderful energy - well, ‘CHA!;’ of course I took my camera with me to lunch!!! ENJOY!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer / www.joannebartone.com

Maggie and Jason…a lovely couple from two warm, loving and lovely families, gathered with hundreds of lovely friends, on a lovely special day. They had a lovely ceremony and one of THE most fun celebrations I’ve seen this year! Who could ask for anything more..lots of smiles, love, warm and wonderful people and FUN, which translates into many, many, MANY beautiful images! In fact, so many images that this little slide show doesn’t even do the many fun and beautiful images “justice,” but I hope you’ll enjoy it anyway - I know I did! Here’s a sneak peek at a few in their slide show - ENJOY!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer / www.joannebartone.com

Gown: Anne Gregory ~ Celebration: Butler Country Club ~ Wedding Planning and all things sweet (you’ll see a few of the many beautiful goodies in the show): Erika Stamets of SweetHouse Bake Shop ~ Burnt Almond Torte Wedding Cake: Prantl’s Bakery (of course!) ~ Flowers: The Butler Florist, with special thanks to Ed, Jeff and Karen -the flowers were spectacular! ~ Photobooth: Art Campbell, the Photobooth Guy, email him at: katana@the-kastle.com

I had a great time photographing last month with some good friends: photographer Kimberly Reed, deejay Jeremy Ganss and his lovely wife, Heather Wingard-Ganss during a Trash The Dress shoot where Jeremy and Heather were the models! We had a blast and Jeremy and Heather were perfect models! It’s obvious why they got married; they are simply crazy about one another!

I believe Kimberly Reed has been the industry leader in the TTD trend here in Pittsburgh, and she does it fabulously with her fashionable talents as a photographer and her warm, engaging and fun-loving personality. It was truly a delight to spend the day with Kim, Jeremy and Heather. Ahhhhhhhhhh, we ought to take more field trips and relax like this more often…! This was my first TTD shoot - don’t forget to comment on it to let me know if I did an “okay” job…LOL!

Enjoy a few photos from the session:

BIG love, Joanne Bartone photographer / www.joannebartone.com

Two “bellisimos” CRAZY in love with one another: Angela and Donato (aka: Danny)! I’m the lucky one who gets to photograph their wedding in 2009 - I can’t WAIT! - but for now…here’s a couple of sneak-peek images from our session…

bacci per entrambi…e GRANDE amore! ~ Gianna