When wedding photographer Joey Kennedy began lovingly crafting this 50th birthday celebration for his partner, Fadoua Loudiy, he intended for the beautiful gesture to be a surprise.

A friend accidentally let the details slip to the birthday girl, but no matter. By including Fadoua in the planning, Joey was able to add more of her friends to the guest list. “It was a blessing,” he says.

A veteran of the Pittsburgh wedding industry, Joey Kennedy reached out to his many friends and contacts to bring everything together in a little over a month—in the midst of his busy season.

About that would-be surprise: there were still plenty more awaiting Fadoua, even before the festivities began. The day of the party, Joey arranged a glam session for her with hair and makeup artist, Patty Bell.

The event was hosted at Cory Bonnet Studio, and walking through the doors, “I was just stunned. That’s the only way to describe it,” says Fadoua.

The atmosphere seamlessly blended Fadoua’s Moroccan heritage with Joey’s Pittsburgh roots. Amidst the studio’s industrial art pieces and contemporary oil paintings, guests were immersed into a total sensory experience, complete with scented candles reminiscent of Morocco. “He really created a mood that captured the essence of Moroccan hospitality and culture,” says Fadoua. “What was really beautiful about the party is there was a spirit of friendship that transcended culture and age and professions and all of that. It felt like a home.”

Joey partnered with Susie Perelman of Mosaic and Cindy Scott of All Occasions Party Rental to dream up the design. Two tableaus welcomed guests: a Moroccan-themed room and a safari-inspired room, each lushly appointed with rich blends of color and textures. Fresh ferns and trees from The Plant Lady & Associates and floral arrangements and lanterns from Fox and the Fleur completed the inviting setting.

Partygoer and friend Courtney Gokmen says, “I was blown away when I first entered each room with all the amazing details. It was like I stepped into a magazine cover. Joey really put his heart and soul into every detail as a way of expressing his admiration and love for Fadoua.”

Guests gathered on Moroccan poofs around a low, stunning table for a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern, North African, and American cuisines.

They dined on a Mediterranean appetizer platter, sweet and spicy heirloom carrots, build-your-own lamb sliders, and vegan lemon-herb quinoa salad prepared by The Common Plea, along with a chicken shawarma platter from Pitaland. “The coolest thing was everybody sitting down and having a meal together with people from all over the world. We didn’t realize that would be one of the best parts [of the night],” says Joey.

They sipped on the Marrakesh Express, a summery strawberry basil lemonade, and sparkling pineapple jalapeño mocktails, and finished the meal with cupcakes from Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique.

Guest and friend Randie Snow, who also designed the invitations, says, “Every detail was exquisite! It easily tops any party I could ever imagine. It was the party to end all parties."

After the meal, guests lounged on a cozy cognac leather sofa bank arranged by Marbella Rentals and danced to tunes spun by DJ Kerem Gokmen and DJ Disco Dan.

Just when Fadoua thought the evening couldn’t be topped, Joey unveiled more surprises for her: a live djembe drum circle led by Dante L. Mitchell of Ibeji Drum Ensemble and flamenco dancing presented by Flamenco Pittsburgh—complete with a lesson for the guest of honor.

“I literally watched Fadoua’s jaw fall open when the flamenco dancers appeared!” says Snow.

There was also a special performance a featuring North African and Andalusian music and lyrics prepared just for Fadoua, which hold special meaning for her.

“Joey went to great lengths for this party,” she says. “I don’t think anyone has ever told me ‘I love you’ in that way before!”

Event Contributors

Event Design by Mosaic

Rentals by Marbella Rental and All Occasions Party Rental

Floral Design by Fox and the Fleur

Plant Rentals from The Plant Lady & Associates, Inc.

Food Service by Prezentacja

Bar Service by With a Twist Bartending Service

Catering by The Common Plea Catering and Pitaland

Desserts by Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique

Flamenco Dancers María Núñez, Rachel Klipa, and Susan Engelbert, Flamenco Pittsburgh

Drums by Dante L. Mitchell, Ibeji Drum Ensemble

Music Entertainment by DJ Kerem Gokmen of Dubmission-WYEP and DJ Disco Dan

Lighting by Ryan McGrogan of Every Event AV

Hair and Makeup by Patty Bell Makeup

Invitations by Randie Snow Design

Story by Nicole Barley / Photography by Derek Chase, Justin Merriman, and Joey Kennedy