Guest Interview- Week 4 Photography

We took a couple of weeks off from Guest Interviews while we did The Knot party. We are back in the swing of things, and this week we feature Kelly Park, a photographer, and owner of Kelly Park Photography. I recently met Kelly at an industry networking event. It wasn't long before I realized how talented and how adorable Kelly is. She is not only a very gifted photographer but just a sweet person. I asked Kelly to help me with the Knot Industry Party and she agreed without hesitation. You can see how much Kelly loves what she does in all of her work. I find her style to be so fresh, modern,chic,and stylish. Now I know what makes her one of the most sought after photographers in the St.Louis Area and beyond.


Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and KP= Kelly Park

LBE: Tell us a little bit about your style of photography?

KP: My approach to photography is to capture real emotion. Throughout our session I talk with my clients and in the process it enables them to relax, laugh and be themselves.

LBE: What do you feel are some important questions couples should ask when they meet with potential Photographers for their Wedding Day?

KP: I think it is important for the photographer and couple to share the same vision. Couples should verify that the photographer they are meeting with is the same photographer who will be shooting their wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask about the photographer’s equipment. I use a Canon Mark ii and prime lens and continue to upgrade. I love to chat about the technical side.


LBE: Have you seen any shift or trend changes in Wedding Photography as of late?

KP: It depends of the type of style of photography you are interested in. I love looking through fashion magazines and seeing what the latest trends are. I am inspired with people, for me, each wedding is unique and I love to see each couple create their own trend.


LBE: What are three points you would like people to know when shopping around for a Photographer? Are all Photographers created equal?

KP: No, I do not think all photographers are the same.

I think it is important to find the right fit for a bride and groom.
1. Style: Traditional or Photojournalism? What type of photographer is the bride and groom looking for?
2. Photo Image Consistency: Ask to see an entire wedding gallery from a wedding day, are the photos consistent?
3. Personality: Enjoy your photographer!

LBE: What is your favorite part of shooting the Wedding Day?

KP: I have several favorites, I’ll share three:

1. When the bride puts her wedding dress on. I love the excitement that lights up her eyes and I love to see the mother of the bride’s expression!
2. When the bride and groom walk down the aisle as a married couple and exit the ceremony site. I love to see their excitement as the groom gushes over his new bride.
3. When the father of the bride shares a speech at the reception. Tears always fill my eyes when I hear a dad talk about his daughter.

LBE: What would you say if someone told you that they were trying to save overall costs by letting "a family friend" shoot their Wedding?

KP: I would say save in another area. People always tell me, “I wish we had gotten a better photographer”. Photographs are priceless, capture it well!



Thanks for the great tips Kelly!!
www.kellyparkphotography.com

The Knot Industry Party Post 2 of 2

Here are some additional pictures showing more of the beautiful linens. (compliments of BBJ Linen) I was inspired by the metallic shag when I first saw it in their showroom. I could not think of a more fun and hip fabric for the ultra lounge area. We used cobalt blue, and fuschia pink metallic table linen. We then complimented the Chavari Barstool pads with lime green covers. Thanks to The Aries Company for providing the stools.

Photos of these tables by Von Devore Photography

On the cake table we used BBJ's Purple Dahlia sheer over a teal bengaline. It really popped!



Our friends at Two Blue Doors tied in the peacock theme all the way to the table top thank you signs. They were fab! Photo courtesy of 683 Photography



This is a picture of the very talented Tami Scott of Tami Scott Studios applying my makeup.

Last but certainly not least, had the spool wall. Compliments of The Aries Company. I loved this unique way to serve appetizers.

Thanks again to all of the very very generous companies who donated their time and their services to make this event a huge success!

The Knot STL Industry Event.. 8/12/09 Post 1 of 2

The Lacy Branch Events Team


We are back in the office today after a very busy but exciting week. We were preparing for The Knot STL Industry Event. Since most of you would not know what this means, it is simply a networking event hosted by The Knot for the best of the best in the Wedding industry to come out and network. We as industry professionals see each other in passing at your weddings or events but don't often get to hang out and enjoy the company. It felt a little like the All Star Game that was recently here in St Louis, because all of the top vendors came together to play together in one event.

The event was held at Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis. This venue was perfect for our party. It is restored 1930 police station that is now a art gallery and event venue.

The best of the best vendors worked with me to bring my vision of peacocks to life. All of the images provided on this blog are courtesy of the very talented Von Devore and Kelly Park. Tracy Lee from Six Eighty Three Photography was also there, and I will have her pics in the next post.



Kelly Park captured all of our design elements here (above)!


This cake was my inspiration for the entire event design. I saw this cake when I was at an event in California, and I took a picture. When I came back I sent the picture to Stephanie Welty from Stephanie's Bakery. She thought I was a little crazy, but she was up for the challenge. She changed the overall color and modified the design to her style and produced this amazing cake!




The flowers were over the top perfect! Lisa Gallagher of Belli Fiori





BBJ Linen just came out with this new Lime Twist linen and I had to use it for this event. It looked great. The bar stools were provided by The Aires Company



Some images of the gorgeous ultra lounge that Exclusive Events, Inc created on the patio.






Makeup and Hair Stylist extraordinare Tami Scott from Tami Scott Studio. She made all of my team ultra peacock glam.





Parties & Props, Ltd. went all out and created the peacock entrance way to die for. They also did all the crystal curtains on the stage and behind the cake.


Stay tuned to our next blog post for BBJ Linen, more Parties & Props, as well as The Aires Company, and more candid fun shots! Thanks again to all who made this possible.