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