Wow! This is one incredible engagement party! Kristen has out done herself with the details, and I loved them all. I had no clue her party would be so grand when she asked me to be her photographer. I think I am becoming a member of the Katsourakis family as I am at many of their family functions and enjoying every minute of it. I have photographed Billy’s brother, Nick’s wedding and his sister, “Zoe’s engagement party”. The parents, Mr and Mrs Katsourakis are amazing people and Kristen’s mother Mrs Valva is sweet person and I am glad to say a big fan of my work! Please take a look at this sneak peak of their amazing party.
How elegant and grand is the Power’s Auditorium in Youngstown? I love the warm caramels and golds in Kristen’s color pallet. Kristen wanted to throw a special party for friends and family as their wedding in 2012 will be on a private beach in the islands.
In the Greek culture, men also wear an engagement band (which is separate from the wedding ring). There is a brief ceremony where the woman places the ring on the fiancee and the priest prays a blessing on the ring’s and the couple. Speaking of RINGS!!!!!!!!!! WOWIE!!!!! Billy and Kristen’s sister, Maria picked out the ring and had it custom designed by a jeweler in New York City.
Then Billy planned a trip to Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda. It was actually on the side of a cliff and very private and romantic, says Kristen, when Billy asked her to marry him. When Kristen saw the size of the ring, she was in complete shock! The entire moment was a total surprise as she just thought it was a vacation. Billy choose a custom pear cut design that is flanked with two triangular diamonds. Gorgeous!
Billy got Kristen her Black gown which is by Aidan Mattox for the engagement party. What a classy guy!
Billy and Kristen are desert fanatics to say the least and Kristen held nothing back when choosing these desserts! THe candies are both old fashion and ones they loved! She ordered most of them from NYC. She had the suckers personalized with their date and even personalized fortune cookies which were so tasty. I love the window treatments with their initials, the pastries! I love the vintage pastries and the baby cupcakes are Billy’s favorite when he goes to Manhattan, so Kristen had them shipped in from his favorite bakery, Melissa’s.
On the other side of Power’s Audiotorium is the Deyor Performing Arts Center. This space is more modern and Kristen chose a color palet of black, pink and white. She wanted one side to be romantic and very old world-style, while the Deyor Performing Arts Center next door would be more of a youthful party spot.
Finally, a party isn’t party without music and dancing. Kristen had the Greecian Keys perform traditional greek wedding music, and DJ Richie mixed up excellent dance beats for the modern bride. Congrats to Billy and Kristen, your party was amazing and thank you for having me!
*Special thanks goes out Maria for helping with the photography!
Venue: Powers Auditorium
Deyor Center for Performing Arts
Band: Greecian Keys
DJ: Richie
kristin valva - Joey i love everything its looks soo goood pretty you did an amazing job i cant wait to c all the pictures thanks for the sneak peak!!
Nicole - WOW ABSOLUTLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!! What a unreal party and UNREAL PHOTOGRAPHER!!!!
Evelyn Katsourakis - I don’t even recall how many times I’ve used the adjective “stunning” to describe your work, but I can’t think of a more perfect way to express what a wonderful job you do. Billy and Kristin couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for their engagement party, and you truly did Power’s Auditorium the justice it rightfully deserves. Your photos are amazing as always and I love that we’ve been able to stay in touch since January! Go Browns!
kelly pascarella - Gorgeous, Joey! I love the candy pictures and the ring pictures
MARIA VALVA - Joey your work it absolutely amazing!!! You did a wonderful job capturing this party the pictures show just how much Kristin and Billy love each other and also how much fun everyone had at this party. These pictures truly do this party justice, and I have to say my sister did a beautiful job decorating this venue. Best of luck with everything.