WINNER of the 2012 Derby Week Death by Chocolate Cake Battle!

So many fun things have happened over the last two months, that I fear I will be catching up  writing about them all summer! And while it may be old news to some, it still deserves cyberspace documentation, no?!


The week before Derby, Sophisticated Living Magazine hosted a "Death by Chocolate Cake Competition" to kick off the 2012 Derby! My entry was a Chocolate Espresso Torte... and the competition was fierce! But magically (by one point!) I managed to steal the title for 2012 - complete with chef's jacket and the coveted GOLDEN WHISK! 


Check out the video below documenting the event it all of it's glory, and with all of it's characters.You will be searching for a Hershey Bar when it is over guaranteed!



Death by Chocolate Cake Competition 2012 from Andrew Kung on Vimeo.


Derby Week - Death by Chocolate Cake Competition 2012
Hosted by Sophisticated Living Magazine
Produced in conjunction with Visionspire and Andrew Kung Photography
Filmed by Andrew Kung and Jordan Cox

Want the recipe?  Hahahaahaa. No.

2012 Sophisticated Living Polo Series

It's that time of year again! Yes, it is time for pool parties and cook outs... but MOST IMPORTANTLY - it's almost time for the 2012 Sophisticated Living Polo Series!

The Sophisticated Living Polo series Kickoff Party was on June 16th and was held at the beautiful, historic Selema Hall. The Official uniforms were unveiled for the four teams - as was the incredible trophy and artwork by artist David Schuster!  Last year was an absolute blast and if you weren't there, then you truly missed out!

Be sure to come out to the three wonderful events coming up SOON! Mark them on your calendar - the games are fun for the whole family.

The first game is June 30th at Oxmoor Farm. Gates open at 3pm, and the first match is at 4pm. See you there!

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

Spring Lookbook for VICIOUS THREADS by Jennie Vee

Hello. My name is Catherine and I love clothes. (I'm sure this is an extreme understatement.)

I especially adore handmade one-of-a-kind pieces and snazzy items in very small limited quantities that are feminine yet fierce, and fit like a dream! It is for ALL of these reasons that I am obsessed with Nashville based designer Jennie Vee and her appropriately named clothing line VICIOUS THREADS.



If any of you saw or remember my silver, one shoulder New Years Eve Dress that I made such a fuss about - yep, well that was designed by her! She is a rocker, blonde bombshell bassist from the band Vicious Guns and her clothing reflects both her edge and sweetness. They are very mix and matchable, making them very fun to collect and wear dressed up and down. Her spring designs have a slight vintage flair with sheer fabrics and of course a few with her trademark sweetheart collar.



I modeled for her Spring 2012 Lookbook during the beginning of March and had a fantastic time with the 9 looks total that were shot that day. Here are just a few looks from the photoshoot with Andrew Kung Photography. The rest can be seen on her website and will be available for purchase before too long!

Stay posted to VICIOUS THREADS for more unique, haute fashions and buy them up while they last! This girl has great things coming her way, so be sure to keep your ears and eyes open.



Click photo to enlarge

Vicious Threads Spring 2012 Lookbook by 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.

Churchill Downs Derby 2012 National Ad Campaign

It was a frigid morning in December that the sunny, faux-spring Derby ad photoshoot was scheduled at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville KY. I arrived before the sun had risen between the twin spires and frost was still covering the rooftops. I was concerned as I got my first look at the cute little silk dress that I would be wearing throughout the entire day in different sets throughout the park. I knew that I was going to freeze for hours and that there was absolutely nothing I could do to get around it. And most importantly, I had to look HAPPY about it. (One of those moments when you would just about punch anyone who makes fun of modeling as an occupation! Haha)

We shot the first scene in the paddock just as the sun was rising above the rooftops. I was able to work with the beautiful racehorse "Terror Me Slew" (get it? Say it all together!) who was in love with my Derby hat and kept nuzzling it the whole time as I held on tight to her reigns. It was adorable. She was breathtaking, and surprisingly... cooperative! Oh, how I love the unpredictability of working with

animals! Andrew Kung Photography and crew knocked those shots out of the park despite numb toes and fingertips.


The second scene was shot out on the racetrack in a similar style. Unfortunately for me, I had no idea that the cold I had experienced in the paddock was only amplified by wind gusts out on the track! The wind hit my bare skin like needles. My hat kept flying off of my head and the new racehorse used for that set was ready to RUN! I can't blame him!

The fantastic ladies at Churchill Downs were awesome and kept throwing blankets on me between takes. Their entire staff was so wonderful and thoughtful. I am incredibly indebted to them for my survival without getting pneumonia! Even despite the temperatures, I had a blast! I am realizing that I enjoy challenges. :)

Andrew Kung Photography did an impeccable job. Working with them is an outstanding experience. I wish everyone could be so professional! www.andrewkung.com

The ad has recently appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2012 as well as the back cover of

Bloodhorse Magazine and will appear in People Magazine in April, so keep an eye out for it!

It was an honor to be part of such a beautiful, national ad campaign which embodied the spirit of Derby and the pride of Kentucky. I feel so lucky and

very blessed!
Thank you to Churchill Downs, Andrew Kung Photography and Creative Alliance for making it a great experience! I can't wait to see even more exciting things that get released from that day's production.

Stay tuned for more news soon!

Happy moment: Enjoying a sucker during a break while awaiting my second frigid set out on the track

A Study in Colour by Andrew Kung Photography

Recently I was delighted when I was asked to model in part of a high energy photoshoot which featured lots of color and textures... as well as the expertise of talented makeup artist Galvin Mason. It was so creative and all the looks were incredible! Here is my shot by photographer Andrew Kung.

Click to view full size


A Study in Colour
Shot in the AKP Studio
Model: Catherine Jones
Hair: Amanda Fiehrer
Makeup: Galvin Mason
Manicurist: Veniece Hughes Manicurist
Photography: Andrew Kung Photography (www.andrewkung.com)

To see more from this day and other awesome photoshoots check out Andrew Kung's album here: Studio and Agency Work

Battle of the Sexes on WHAS11 Great Day Live!

OH, the random fun things I get to do sometimes...!! Today on WHAS11's show Great Day LIVE, Angie Fenton hosted a video game 'Battle of the Sexes'. And this battle went down in a giant mobile video game theater called Rolling Video Games! I have to admit - it was WAY cool. There were four flat screens and you could choose any kind of game you wanted! Luckily, my girlfriends Morgan Hancock and Kasey Blackford were awesome enough to duke it out with me, and I met some new friends along the way!

I had some difficulty warming back up to the simple concept of video games. Growing up, my sisters and I weren't allowed to have them and I am pretty sure the last time I tried was back in '95 or thereabouts!! Since then, things have gotten much more complicated, and even require your entire body participation. I found my niche in "The Michael Jackson Experience" on Wii and FINALLY (better late than never!)learned the dance for Thriller, which you will be able to see in the video below! My mom will be so proud ;-)

As far as the actual battle was concerned, I think it is safe to say that the boys can keep their racing games. I nearly made myself motion sick on Mario Cart!! I will take the dancing any day.

Here is the full video of TV segment that was aired live without commercials! Enjoy and don't judge my moooooves!


Here is the silly promo that Ankur Gopal and I filmed for the show the day prior. I love having fun with things!






Thanks girls! You are awesome!

Photoshoot with Miss KY USA 2011 KIA HAMPTON & Miss KY Teen USA STEPHANIE JONES

Over the past month, I have been so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to work with some truly amazing women! Andrew Kung Photography was named the Official Photography of the Miss KY USA Pageant and we are all so very excited!

Earlier this month we held the photoshoot for the cover of the Miss KY USA Pageant Magazine with last year's beautiful titleholders at the historic and breathtaking Seelbach Hilton in downtown Louisville KY. It was an all day affair! We shot so many gorgeous gowns provided by Miss Priss in Lexington Kentucky in several lovely locations throughout the building. Every corner in the historic hotel was a perfect backdrop for stunning shot! And watching these lovely ladies float around all day in all these rhinestone detailed dresses really brought out the girlie girl in me. I just couldn't help it! I couldn't stop myself from squealing and jumping up and down every time they would put on a new gown! It was hard to narrow down the choices... but we managed to capture exactly what we envisioned for the covers and interior fashion shots, and then some.


My responsibilities included creative direction as well as makeup & hair styling, so as you can imagine, I was running all over the place! Miss KY USA 2011 Kia Hampton and Miss KY Teen USA Stephanie Jones were awesome to work with. Not only were they exquisite models, but they were great fun and such an inspiration to get to know! I am so thankful to have met them and I know the state of KY is so proud to have had them represent us this entire past year! Thank you so much ladies for you hard work that day and I hope I get to see you both again soon!

If you or anyone you know loves competing in pageants, be sure to check out wwww.AndrewKung.com or email him at info@andrewkung.com for more information on working with him and his team!

Here are some snapshots of the of the photos included in the interior of the magazine! Click on the image to enlarge.

A Fashion Photoshoot - With Your PET!

Recently, photographer Andrew Kung has done some work seems to be inspired by times long, long ago. And I have to admit, I am a real sucker for it! Especially with this portrait of me and my fur-child Jenni.

Everyone should have a portrait made with their pet! And if you looove style and fashion photography, WHY NOT make it a high-fashion one!!? Andrew Kung's studio is super pet friendly and we LOVE creative concepts - especially involving furry friends. So contact him at andrewkungphoto@hotmail.com to schedule a session and check out more of his work at www.andrewkung.com for fashion concepts and www.youwantmango.com for family portraits!

(Maybe it would even be a super fun gift idea! Oh, the possibilities!)


Photography: Andrew Kung Photography
Models: Jenni Bear & Catherine Jones
Hair and Makeup: Catherine Jones Beaute