Here’s the press release I sent to the newspaper:

Gloucester, MA, September 20, 2009 — As many as 8 recently married women will don their wedding gowns once again for a “trash the dress” group portrait session with Kevin Jacobus Photography Sunday, Sept. 20 on Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park. The trend of bridal portraits with a dramatic twist is gaining popularity as brides seek portraits with the fun and excitement of reliving a part of their wedding day without worrying about getting their dress dirty.

Brides will be photographed by the NH-based wedding and portrait photographer in a variety of themed sessions concluding with 8 women jumping into the ocean in their wedding gowns for a dramatic and unusual photograph.

Half Moon Beach was chosen as a location for its combination of sandy beach and rocky outcroppings that provide a beautiful backdrop for a set of photographs that will emcompass fun and fashion.

Some of our new faces: 

Read their biographies on the about us page.

In this gloomy economic environment, it gives me satisfaction to make an announcement that we’re actually growing.  It is my belief that our service and attentiveness to our clients, consistently beautiful photography, ability to meet and exceed customer expectations as well as referrals by happy clients have allowed Kevin Jacobus Photography to add services and options in what is certainly the worst economic downturn most of us have ever experienced.

I am grateful to be in this position, and it is largely the combination of hard work, dedication, and my past clients that I owe a great deal of my success to.

Looking ahead, our mission for 2009 is to bring amazing wedding photojournalism, portraiture, maternity, and baby photography to more people throughout New England combined with a focus on flexibility, value, superior customer service and attentiveness to our clients needs.

I have also created value packages so we can bring our creative visual arts talent to more people.  I have met many potential clients lately and I’ve heard stories of layoffs and worries about the future.  We are doing our part by offering many package options including completely customized packages, a gift registry to help with wedding photography costs, and expanded products like high definition video.

We are happy to have the opportunity to regularly use our talent for your benefit, and my message to people considering our services - know that your are taking part in the real and tangible part of our local economy where you receive something of true and lasting value at a price point that makes sense for your wallet.  The photographers and videographer at Kevin Jacobus Photography will work hard as we always have to earn your business, your confidence, and your future referrals for a job well done!

Help give the gift of safety for women and teenage girls and receive something of value in return. Preserve your family history in photographs with location and lifestyle portraiture by Kevin Jacobus. Professional headshots, family, baby, and maternity sessions are available and he will travel to the location of your choosing.

About IMPACT

IMPACT is a unique personal safety and self-defense curriculum that teaches students effective strategies to resist threats, intimidation and violence perpetrated by both strangers and people known to them. Classes are taught by a team of two instructors. One is a coach for the student. The other plays the role of a perpetrator and wears a full suit of body armor so students can safely defend themselves using the same force needed in a real attack.

Classes for Children and Teens

Age-appropriate classes teach children and teens to call attention to threatening situations, distinguish between safe and unsafe adults, physically and verbally protect themselves, and report potential danger to a safe adult.

Teen classes focus on personal safety, boundary-setting in dating relationships, and managing increasing independence.

IMPACT offers age-appropriate programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, including classes specifically for boys, as well as girls’ and co-ed classes. School-based personal safety programs range from 2 to 20 hours, and can be taught during or after the school day.

Building Confidence: Healing from Abuse and Trauma

Nearly half of IMPACT’s students are survivors of abuse and trauma. Instructors create a supportive environment and openly acknowledge the fears and struggles associated with learning self-defense. IMPACT classes give students the experience of being powerful in their bodies, which offers many survivors a unique opportunity for healing.

Success Story

Amanda Hoeg is a graduate of the Project SAFE Internship Program at IMPACT. Amanda did such a wonderful job with her internship that IMPACT hired her for a permanent position. She now works as IMPACT’s Administrative and Enrollment Coordinator, and she and her children recently moved out of the shelter and into an apartment of their own.

“When I was a child, I grew up in a home where there was a lot of domestic violence. I watched my mother be brutally abused by my stepfather every day.

I was in a shelter for about 15 months when the staff came to us and said that we had a class that we had to take called IMPACT. They said that it was this self-defense course and I was so aggravated. I really did not want to take this class at all. I said, “I know how to fight — what can they teach me?” I was so negative about it.

Then after the first two classes I loved it. I did not want it to end. The instructors were great. I felt empowered and felt so good to be me for once in my life. It felt so good to know how much stronger I felt within myself and know that no one can take me down and destroy me as a woman and as a mother.”

For Further Information

Call 603-759-3864 to book a portrait session with Kevin Jacobus Photography for Images with IMPACT by March 31st and mention that you want to have a portion of the proceeds benefit IMPACT.

IMPACT Boston

420 Pearl Street
Malden, MA 02148
781-321-3900
On the web: www.impactboston.com
Blog: http://impactboston.typepad.com/

Hey just for fun, check out this story about a wingwalking UK couple exchanging vows 1000 feet up in the air while strapped into biplanes! They were interviewed for the Today show on NBC with video here.

I’ve flown in a biplane before with pilot Rob Holland of Aerial Advantage at the Nashua Airport. I was working on a business news story on him when I was with the Nashua Telegraph. He’s now with Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows. This stuff can be rough on the stomach. I think I’d hold off on the wedding cake if I had been the photographer for the wingwalker wedding!