The Ky Derby Post Position Drawing 2012 at Churchill Downs

Hello everyone! This post is long overdue, as I have been getting so busy lately that it has been hard to keep up! But I will try harder, I promise... and better late than never right?!


 A huge highlight from last month was having huge honor of participating in the 2012 KY Derby Post Position Drawing at Churchill Downs. This is the moment when the number of each horse is randomly drawn from a cup and the horses are giving their starting gate for the big race on Derby Day! If you don't know much about horse racing, all gates aren't created equal, and some horses do better in different areas, so it can be an intense event! After the number is drawn, a replica of the horses silks is hung (traditionally, by the owners) on a wall under the gate number that was chosen. The event is national and is broadcast on NBC Sports as well as other news stations everywhere! 






This year, I had the fantastic job of hanging the silks for the drawing. It was my first experience with national television, and when I arrived to get ready I was completely blinded by all the lights! I could hardly contain my excitement as I saw every incredible news anchors and esteemed horse trainers that I had ever wanted to meet - all right there in one place! It was such fun learning how live television works on a national level. 


 While I was somewhat anxious about what to expect before we went live, once we went on air I fell extremely calm and had so much fun! I would look out at the thousands of people and see the many familiar faces of people I knew looking back at me. Even though I may have been a stranger to them, they were no strangers to me. I grew up watching them on television and listening to all the latest news. It made smile and feel very comfortable to be surrounded by individuals who have made such an impact throughout all of our lives, and a lot of them have made history throughout the years!


Kentucky is an wonderful state. We have so much pride for our horse industry. It is a part of all of us and is in our blood from the time we are children. It was an honor to have such amazing roles in this year's Derby events. Modeling for the 2012 Derby Ad campaign and hanging the Silks during the Post Position Drawing has been a dream for this proud KY girl, and I hope that the future holds more. Thank you so much to Churchill Downs, I love you guys!

Photos courtesy of Allie Filley for Andrew Kung Photography

Sophisticated Living Magazine: Cover and Fashion Spread!

Those who know me, know that one of my absolute favorite publications is Sophisticated Living Magazine. It is full of gorgeous homes, breathtaking places to visit, events around the world, interesting art and finds... and of course, fantastic fashions.

I was ecstatic when I was asked to model in their March/April edition fashion spread! It was shot on a cool day in early February, and thank goodness mother nature was cooperative and gave us a somewhat warm, and sunny day! Nick Carter was my hairstylist/makeup artist and gave my long locks the look of a short vintage bob! I adored it. For those of you who got worried, you'll be happy to know that I did NOT cut my hair... though it is often tempting! (I have actually worn it this way a few times since then - thanks for the trick Mr. Carter!)





My fellow models for the shoot were the beautiful Amanda Christine Ross from New View Model Management in Cincinnati and a fine gentleman named Allie Filley. Our photographer was Andrew Kung, so it was guaranteed to be an awesome, successful day!

The clothing was almost excessive. There were racks of Dolce & Gabbana, Rodarte, Manolo Blahnik, Ferragamo... the list goes on. I was in heaven with sparkling diamonds and accessories galore, and of COURSE we cannot forget the Derby hats. Tis the season after all! We shot SO many looks throughout the course of that long day, one right after the other. My favorite of which has got to be the floral Dolce & Gabbana number that I wore in a shot with Allie. It was perfection... until I saw the tag. Le sigh. A girl can dream.

Here are shots from the spread as well as the cover for the Lexington edition with Amanda Ross - which was a huge shock to me! I am incredibly honored to have been able to work with such an inspiring group of people for an incredible magazine.Thank you so much to everyone involved and for all of your constant help and great ideas! I had SO much fun!

To see the full fashion spread, and all the other fascinating things that this wonderful publication has to offer, you can pick up Sophisticated Living Magazine at Barnes & Noble in the following cities: Louisville KY, Lexington KY, Cincinnati OH, and Indianapolis IN. Or check out www.slmag.net for the digital versions.

MANGO Photography - Savor Life's Sweetest Moments!

LOVE is in the air... and I don't know if you've noticed, but it seems like this holiday season was filled with triple the engagements than usual! I'm not really sure what is considered 'normal', but SO many couples chose recently - and especially New Years Eve - to get engaged! Congratulations to all of you lucky lovebirds! And if you're not one, then odds are that you know a few! Now comes the super fun part... PLANNING!! (No worries, it really CAN be fun!)

The great news is that all angles of your photography & video needs are under control - in every single way. Promise.

MANGO Photography specializes in covering every important event and moment leading up to the most beautiful day of your life and everything thereafter. But FIRST things first: You need engagement photos. And these aren't your parent's portraits anymore. Nor are they the unfocused & lifeless shots that are soon forgotten. These are striking and sharp, true-to-life moments that will last forever just the way you remember them.
Engagement sessions are fun and quirky, sweet and adoring, and sometimes downright ridiculous! They can be a simple reflection of your love - or you can really get creative and reenact your favorite movie scene! There is also a full time hair and makeup stylist to make you look you absolute best for all of your memorable moments.



MANGO creates timeless Bridal portraits that will capture the bride to be as the glowing celebrity she is, flawless and complete wedding coverage (including epic documentary videos by Visionspire) and fun family photos for everyone to love. Book a memory-making day for yourself and your family soon!

Check out www.youwantmango.com and watch for new moments and sessions - they are posted regularly on the website and especially on our Facebook Fanpage HERE! Check it out and LIKE us!




The MANGO Photography Crew!
Andrew Kung, Principle Photographer
Allie Filley, Photographer
Jordan Cox, Photographer
Catherine Jones, Makeup & Styling










Mango Wedding Photography www.youwantmango.com
Blog and newsletter coming soon!

Questions about booking your Bridal Portrait Session or Engagement Session? Email Mango Photography at info@youwantmango.com

The ROSE ISLAND PHOTO-VENTURE!

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to take advantage of one of the most beautiful days ever in the best way possible! I climbed aboard The Sarah Marie and Cap'n Steve Fante took our motley crew on a fantastic excursion up the Ohio River to a place with an awesome history that has been forgotten for years and has almost entirely disappeared: Rose Island.

This 'photoventure' included photographers Andrew Kung, Allie Filley and Jordan Cox. We frolicked through the woods and ruins, witnessed a breathtaking sunset and the brave donned a HUGE rope swing into the river (video coming soon!). While on the island We did a magical photoshoot in some beautiful historical areas.

Here is a brief video that is the intro of the full length one coming soon. Enjoy and stay posted for the full length feature!

Belle of Rose (Rose Island) from Andrew Kung on Vimeo.