Christina Kennedy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Christina , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Honestly, all three are important, but if I had to choose one, it would be integrity. I think without integrity, intelligence and energy can actually become a liability. You can be the smartest or most driven person in the room, but if people can’t trust you, it doesn’t matter. Integrity is what keeps you grounded—it’s about doing the right thing even when no one’s looking. It builds trust, and in any role or team, trust is everything. I’d rather work with someone who’s honest and dependable than someone who’s brilliant but cuts corners.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Christina Kennedy, owner and lead photographer at Black Tie Weddings & Events. I’ve been a wedding photographer for the past 10 years, and over time, I’ve expanded my business to also offer professional DJ and photo booth services—creating a one-stop experience for couples on their big day.
What sets our brand apart is our commitment to putting our clients first. Our motto has always been to make every couple feel genuinely cared for and completely taken care of. Weddings can be overwhelming, and we make it our mission to be the calm in the chaos—providing not just beautiful photos and great entertainment, but true support throughout the planning process and wedding day.
Our style is classic, formal, and timeless—without the intimidating price tag. I’ve worked hard to create a luxury experience that remains affordable because I believe everyone deserves to have the wedding of their dreams, no matter their budget.
I come from humble beginnings. Building this business from the ground up has been both the hardest and most rewarding journey of my life. That experience taught me the value of hard work, compassion, and service—core values that I’ve poured into every aspect of my business.
Right now, we’re continuing to grow and looking for even more ways to elevate our client experience. Whether it’s capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, setting the perfect soundtrack, or bringing joy through a photo booth, our team is here to help couples celebrate their love in a way that’s meaningful and memorable.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Honestly, I don’t think I ever let the world tell me who I had to be. From the start, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative—something that lit me up inside. And while choosing an artistic career path often comes with a lot of doubt and second-guessing, especially when it comes to financial stability, I never let that fear define me. I refused to believe that I had to pick between doing what I love and making a living. I was determined to build a life where I could have both—and that’s exactly what I’ve done. I followed my passion, stayed focused, and turned my dream into a career that supports me and my family.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me a kind of motivation and resilience that success never could. When you grow up without basic necessities and have no way to change your situation as a child, it leaves a deep imprint. That kind of hardship lights a fire in you—it makes you determined to create a different future. For me, it instilled a drive to work harder, to never take anything for granted, and to make sure I never end up in that position again. I truly believe that coming from a place of struggle gives you a level of grit and hunger that’s hard to replicate. It pushes you to keep going, even when things get hard, because you’ve already been through worse—and you’re not going back.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the wedding photography industry is this idea that you have to charge premium, luxury-level prices to be taken seriously or considered successful. It’s a toxic mindset that tells photographers their worth is tied to how high their price tag is—and frankly, it’s nonsense.
What this really does is push most photographers into a saturated, hyper-competitive space, all chasing the same small group of high-end clients. Meanwhile, there’s a massive part of the market—real couples with real budgets—being completely ignored. The industry doesn’t like to talk about that. But the truth is, you can run a thriving, profitable, and highly respected business without pricing out the majority of people. There’s power in accessibility, and success isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I absolutely could—and I do. Validation has never been what drives me. I’m not in this industry for applause, likes, or recognition. What matters most to me is how my work makes people feel—especially my clients. If they feel seen, supported, cared for, and genuinely happy with what I’ve delivered, that’s all the validation I need.
Photography, especially in the wedding world, is deeply personal. You’re capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, and often, you’re one of the few people who gets to witness both the chaos and the calm of a couple’s biggest day. It’s a privilege, and I take it seriously. I don’t need external praise to give 100%—because I know what my work means to the people I serve.
Coming from a background where I had to work hard for everything, I learned early on that the reward isn’t always public. Sometimes it’s a quiet ‘thank you,’ a teary hug, or just knowing someone can look back on their memories with joy because of what I did. That’s more fulfilling than any award or social media recognition.
So yes, I will always give my best—even if no one ever claps for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blacktieweddingsandevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacktieweddingsandevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacktiewedding
