Just a few of my favorites from their lovely day:

One of our favorite places to photograph a wedding!

Lovely details!

Emily's bridal gown was fabulous!

And her complexion was flawless...

A moment with dad...

Sassy!

And the bridesmaids wore the most fabulous faux fur shrugs!

Our handsome groom, Richelin...

The weather was great, so we went on the roof-there was still snow!

Married by dramatic candlelight...

Emily's parents are the best! So wonderful and warm!

And although Richelin's parents couldn't come (they live in Haiti and our hearts are with them), Richelin had his wonderful siblings!

Fabulous bridal party!

Love it!

The most wonderful sweets table, courtesy of the Kentucky Candy Buffet!

The most adorable flower girl and ring bearer EVER!

Loved the color combination!

The top-notch staff at Frazier--Emily is part of HR there! Thanks, girls!

Going for the garter!

Just a sweet candid portrait...

And then we took a quick trip to the rooftop for some night shots--check out that fabulous fur cape!

Congrats to Emily and Richelin! Hope Las Vegas treated you to a wonderful honeymoon!

Please take the time to check out the article we are having published–we truly believe that print competitions, seminar attendance, and tons of classes really help us to give our clients the best images possible! It boosts our creativity, helps us to further develop our skill-set, and really makes us better artists! Feel free to leave us some blog-love! Thanks to everyone for their support! We love you all!

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Monarch Photography Receives Prestigious Awards for 2009-2010

Jonathan Brown and Rosemary Cundiff-Brown, co-owners of Monarch Photography LLC in Crestwood, Kentucky, have garnered several awards on the state, national, and international levels over the past few months. Jonathan and Rosemary are a husband-and-wife photography team with a studio located just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. They specialize in wedding events and high school senior portraits, but also enjoy photographing families, children, and fine art/nature subjects. They truly believe in constant education in order to further develop their skills and business. Entering their images in print competitions have not only helped them to win awards, but also to receive recognition among their peers and client base. They are members of the Professional Photographers of America, Kentucky Professional Photographers Association, and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International organizations. Jonathan currently serves on the board of directors with the KPPA, while Rosemary is part of the KPPA Print Competition Crew and Committee.

In January of 2009, Rosemary received a Blue Ribbon Merit Award at the Mid-East States Photography Convention, which was held in Covington and hosted by the Kentucky Professional Photographers Association. Her couture bridal image, “Happily Never After,” also won the Fuji Masterpiece Award for Portraits. The couple also took several advanced photographic seminars and brought new ideas and products back to their studio to better serve their clients.

One month later, Rosemary and Jonathan traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the 29th Annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention. The convention drew nearly 15,000 attendees and 365 exhibitors to its new convention space, the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Both image-makers of Monarch Photography LLC entered the 16×20 print competition. Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las on February 14 and 15, 2009. The Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition awards are presented each year at the largest trade show, educational platform and convention in the United States for professional photographers. The 2009 competition included 2,717 prints in 19 different categories submitted by photographers from all over the world.

Jonathan received the Accolade of Excellence in the Nature/Animals category for his underwater jellyfish image titled “Ocean’s Blaze.” Rosemary received the Accolade of Excellence in the Individual Portrait category for her couture bridal image titled “Happily Never After.” Jonathan and Rosemary both competed against an international field of photographers to win such honors. They also took many advanced photographic seminars under the direction of some of the most well-known international photographers in the field today.

Last summer, Rosemary and Jonathan each entered a portfolio of 16×20 images in the Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition. PPA, an international non-profit association for professional photographers, exists to assist its more than 21,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic, and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science, and a visual recorder of history. From a field of over 4,300 entries, a team of jurors selected almost 1,700 images for the General Exhibit. From that group, just over 500 images were chosen for the prestigious Loan Collection, an annual compilation of what is considered to be the highest quality work from around the world. A panel of over 40 eminent jurors carefully trained to evaluate images based on stringent guidelines for technique, composition and creativity spent four days combing through the images, which are judged against the International Print Competition’s 12 elements, not against one another. This standard of excellence is a point of pride with PPA members, not only as a form of recognition, but also as an opportunity to have their work evaluated, improve their craftsmanship and strengthen their business.

Rosemary and Jonathan were two of only eighteen total photographers from the state of Kentucky to receive PPA international print awards for 2009. Three of Rosemary’s images were accepted into the PPA General Collection. “Happily Never After” was accepted, as was her portrait titled “Meerkat Mugshot” and her bridal image titled “Softness and Steel.”

Jonathan received the highest PPA honor given–his fine art image, “Appalachian Sunrise,” was accepted into the Loan Collection through the Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition. Loan Collection images are published each year in the Loan Collection commemorative book. Both collections were on display this past January at PPA’s Imaging USA, one of the photographic industry’s largest annual tradeshows and educational events. It was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. While attending advanced photography seminars at Imaging USA, Rosemary and Jonathan were thrilled to see their images hanging in the PPA International Print Collection gallery. Jonathan’s Loan Collection image will also be on display throughout the year at PPA headquarters in Atlanta, and various events worldwide.

“Viewing the exhibit is a moving experience. It gives you such a sense of appreciation for the artistry and skill that go into the creation of an exhibit-quality image,” says Jim Dingwell, International Print Competition coordinator. “With the advances in digital cameras, just about anyone can take pictures, but when you see the heirloom quality of the exhibit images, you can visually understand the difference. These professional photographers are truly experts at their craft—the best of the best.”

This past January, Rosemary and Jonathan traveled again toThe Kentucky Professional Photographers Association (KPPA) State Convention in Covington. Jonathan participated in various meetings and activities with the Board of Directors. Both Rosemary and Jonathan served as part of the KPPA Print Crew and Committee. At the awards ceremony, KPPA named Jonathan as the 2010 Wedding Specialist/Photographer of the Year. Jonathan also received the prestigious “Best of Show” Award and Kodak Gallery Award for his fine art image, “Appalachian Sunrise,” and the Fuji Masterpiece Award for Weddings with his image titled, “Romance Among the Ruins.” This is the third year in a row that Monarch Photography LLC has brought home a KPPA Fuji Masterpiece Award. Jonathan also received blue ribbon merits for his wedding image, “Lovescape” and his fine art image, “Morning Mist.” As a result of his four blue ribbon merits, Jonathan was also honored with the Kentucky 4 Award for Photographic Excellence.

Rosemary and Jonathan take great pride in their technique, creativity, and customer service. They truly believe that a professional photographer who approaches every client image as if it’s an entry for the International Print Competition will consistently produce better images, and that will translate into more clients. From the off-camera lighting to the finest in customer care, it’s what they call the Monarch Difference.

As well as being an active member and board member of the Kentucky Professional Photographers Association, Jonathan will serve as the Print Committee Chairman in 2011. Rosemary will continue to serve as part of the KPPA Print Committee. The couple has plans to begin teaching photographic seminars on the local and state levels within the next year. Jonathan and Rosemary are available for client consultations by appointment and can be reached at 502-641-0744 or via their website at: www.monarch-photography.com. The studio’s fine art and nature photography prints are also available for purchase.

And here are the award-winning images–we strive to make ALL of our images pieces of art!

"Romance Among the Ruins"

"Softness and Steel"

"Ocean's Blaze"

"Morning Mist"

"Meerkat Mugshot"

"Lovescape"

"Happily Never After"

"Appalachian Sunrise"

Oh, what a gorgeous day it was up in Illinois for Ashley and Cody’s beautiful wedding!

We loved every minute of it–just beautiful, blessed, and fun from start to finish!

Wedding Day Details:

Color Theme:  Cornflower blue and chocolate

Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids’ Dresses:  A Special Occasion

Ceremony:  Herrin First Baptist Church in Herrin, IL

Reception:  Carter Community Center

DJ/Emcee:  Chase Abner

Florist:  Sandy’s Flowers

Cake:  Sophrona’s Bakery

Catering:  Dyel’s

Videographer:  Keith Kingery Productions

Make-Up:  Diane Sconce

Ashley and Cody’s day was filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments of spirituality.  It was just so lovely to be a part of it!

To view their beautiful image music video, click on the screen below:

Here is a fun image panel to view some favorites–just click on the panel two times to see it in full size:

Perfect day!

Details.

And a gorgeous bouquet!

Ashley was stunningly beautiful...

Just such an angelic bride...

And Cody was ready for the big day!

Out with the guys...

The rings were placed on a very special Bible verse to the couple...

Ashley and Cody actually saw one another before the ceremony and it was so cute!

Yes, that would be choreography to Beyonce's "Single Ladies!"

One of our fun guest book designs!

Down the aisle with dad...

Love this image!

This image is perhaps my favorite moment...

The ceremony was filled with such power and emotion!

Husband and wife!

After the wedding, we went over to the local park with a great bridge!

And then the bridal party had some fun on the playground!

These are just so romantic...

A little vintage texture...

A great place for beautiful relaxed portraits...

So pretty...

Then we headed to the reception--check out the confetti with the engagement images!

Great first dance!

And what a fun evening!

Emily really wanted that bouquet!

And we closed the night with some beautiful outdoor shots--Congrats to Cody and Ashley!

We really believe that we give every wedding couple the images of their dreams–with a creative and professional touch. We invite you to come by our booth this coming Sunday–see what we have to offer that truly is above the rest!

BOTH parking and admission are complimentary–there will be food to sample, cake to taste, and lots of things to see!

Check out the site for more information–The Gillespie Bridal Show

Hope to see you there!

Brandon is a great senior, both academically-minded and an awesome soccer player! I love his images!

To view his image music video, just click on the screen–you know the drill!

And here is Brandon’s entire session in a collage panel–just click on it two times to see it larger!

We give our seniors lots of variety!

Great fall colors!

The camera loves Brandon! We also hit the RR tracks!

A classic in-studio portrait--timeless!

Love this one, too!

The nature preserve is perfect for our outdoor fans!

We also use a different type of lighting than other studios...

Thanks to Brandon for an awesome session--call today to be a Monarch HS Senior!

We go out of our way to give our HS seniors an editorial photographic experience. Not only do we do a combination of edgy and classic styles (to please both our seniors AND their parents), but we re-touch every single image and make sure that our seniors look their absolute best!

Bri is gorgeous and is an incredible singer, too! We were so honored to photograph her HS senior portraits, and we knew that she would love a combination of urban downtown shots, as well as classic in-studio images! We love the results!

Check out Bri’s image music video below–love it!

And here is her image collage–click on the image two times to see it at larger size:

I really love all of her images!

We started out with some downtown locations...

We bring off-camera lighting to all of our sessions--gorgeous!

Isn't she just beautiful?

Downtown is a perfect place for a trendy portrait!

On the Belvedere...

Love the lighted wall behind her!

This was actually a test shot, but we love it!

Then we went to the studio for some simple classic images!

A little fun with text...

I said before that Bri was an awesome singer, so we decided to emulate the vintage images of Ella, Billie, etc.

And I love her in high contrast BW! Thanks, Bri! You are gorgeous!

I will also need to share Kristin and Erik’s wedding images, but for now let’s check out their engagement session that we had a historic Locust Grove!

To view their image music video, click on the screen below–I love the song we used for it!

To see the collage panel, just click on the image two times to enlarge it–

Click on the image two times to see it in full-size!

They started out in nice dressy clothes--so lovely!

And then they changed into casual clothes...cute!

Locust Grove is a great place for engagement sessions and weddings!

Fun!

Aren't they a beautiful couple?

Love this one!

Definitely a fave!

I adore this one.

Classic B&W

And the summer flowers were gorgeous!

So pretty!

Taking advantage of the sunset. Congrats to Kristin and Erik!

They are tying the knot in just a few months and we are really looking forward to it!  Check out their image music video and a few of our favorite images from the session:

Kasey has fabulous style, doesn't she?

The foliage was beautiful...

Sweet...

This is at the awesome bridge that overlooks the forest...

They are a lovely couple!

And that tree was incredible!

Adorable...

Kasey has the cutest dimples--she and Mark were so great!

By the lake, super-relaxed...

We saved all the silly stuff for the end of the session...

Love the movement in this one...

One of my absolute favorites.

A fun collage--click on it two times to make it larger to see!

I will share the wedding images once they tie the knot this Spring!

Wedding Day Details:

Color Theme:  Reds, Golds, Purples, and Ivory
Ceremony and Reception:  St. John the Apostle in Brandenburg
Floral Details:  By the bride and her mother
DJ:  R&B Productions
Cake:  Donna French
Caterer:  Jackie Latondress
Wedding Coordinator:  Pam Adkisson
Videographer:  Jerry Greenwell
Hair and Make-Up:  Mother of the Bride
Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids’ Dresses:  Rebecca’s Bridal Boutique

To view their wonderful image music video that highlights their day, click on the screen below:

And here are some of my favorites from their big day!

Christy's gown was a gorgeous warm ivory!

The church's stained glass really went with the theme!

Christy was movie-star gorgeous with that light coming in the window!

Clay is the cutest little ring bearer ever!

Fabulous girls!

Shea was quite the handsome groom...

The guys had a pretty good time!

A quick hug from mom before the ceremony...

The flower girl was so cute!

A perfect kiss

Fun with the bridal party!

A classic portrait...

How gorgeous is Christy?

Love this one...

We actually got this shot out in the parking lot...

Christy and her mom used these old doors to showcase their engagement images!

Fabulous cake!

A heartfelt toast...

And a great first dance!

I love the closeness of this one...

And it was quite a party!

Click on the panel above two times to see this collage bigger–congrats to Christy and Shea! Your album will be here soon!

Dana and Matt tied the knot on October 3, 2009.  The wedding was spectacular!

Here are a few wedding day details:

Wedding Color Theme: Aubergine, Chocolate, and a splash of Lime Green
Ceremony: Saint Paul Catholic Church in Louisville
Reception: Incarnation Hall
DJ: Stephen Crandall of Sound Specialists
Florist: B.J. O’Daniel
Cake: Christi’s Cakes
Caterer: Connie Strange
Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: Rebecca’s Bridal Boutique

Check out their lovely music video!  I love the song in it–so sweet and romantic!

And a few of my favorites from the day…

Dana works for a beauty salon, so I love this detail!

Gorgeous gown

I love the expression on her face here...

Details.

Heading to the church...

Dana is GORGEOUS!

A little "Charlie's Angels" pose on request...

The handsome boys!

The floral details were lovely...

A few tears before the ceremony...

The church was beautiful!

Father Dismas performed a wonderful ceremony...

We pride ourselves in our family portraiture--a great keepsake!

A nice portrait to have years from now...

Sweet...

A little vintage texture...

Father Dismas was ready to relax after the ceremony!

It pays to have a photographer who is 6'5"!

The crystal details were fabulous!

Fun during the first dance...

Fun with the girls!

If you look above Dana, you can see the wine getting ready to fall on her! Oops!

Love this one.

This is Nikki and Matt--we photographed their wedding a few years ago!

I love when Stephen turns on the bright lights! It makes for an awesome image!

Click on this panel two times to see a large view! Congrats, you two!