David, Jim & Tiffany

Bart and Krista Married!

2010-06-30

I was really excited for Krista and Bart’s big day because of the location they chose. Although it was a bit of a hike for me to get there and a few minor road blocks and detours, it was well worth it when I arrived at the Brown family farm. The landscape was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and the love that Krista and Bart had for each other was more than beautiful. The ceremony was one of the most unique weddings I’ve been to because it was located on a hillside just on the edge of a small pond. This made for some really neat shots since I was able to shoot some beautiful landscapes from all different directions. Some of my favorite shots were taken during the reception when the wedding party and Jim and I were able to sneak away for a bit to take pictures in front of the hay bales. The sun was setting and the colors were just absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have asked God for a better day! I remember Jim remarking that he took some of the best ring shots ever, and looking through them later at the studio, he was right! They were so very unique and absolutely gorgeous! Krista and Bart’s love for each other, along with the love from their families and friends, was so evident that day. I was so grateful to have been a part of their beautiful day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bart and Krista Brown!

Tags: Finest Moments Wedding Photography

Mat Crawford

Tony and Shannon - Married!

2010-06-29

Shannon and Tony were married a couple of weeks ago in an amazing outdoor ceremony.  Tiffany (our second shooter and office manager) was able to shoot with me so that Kristin could be at home with the boys for the day.  It was toasty outside, but with plenty of shade and happy guests it was ideal.  The aspect of their wedding that most presented itself to everyone there was a sense of fun.  Tony was the life of the party and Shannon was joyfully sharing that fun with him. It was a great time as you shall see.

From my experience with Tony he seemed like a humorous fellow, as well as a tough individual - so to catch him crying as his bride approached was certainly a delight.  When I am able to "catch the moment" like that I like to think of myself as a mighty hunter in our digital age...only for a minute though.

The location was the best!

The ringbearers actually stood up front for the whole ceremony - I was impressed - and Tiffany and I got to catch them at some great times.

Although Tony was the primary football fan of the couple - Shannon was all about showing her skills.

To say that Tony was a funny guy would be an understatement - you can see in Shannon's face how he makes her laugh along with most everyone else around.

This is the first time I have witnessed the best man carrying the groom.

I love this next one.

I wanted everyone to notice the shoes to the bottom left.  At the beginning of the day they were spotless and here they had a few scuffs on them.  I could have cleaned them up in photoshop, but they reminded me of how marriage actually is.  I have been married for 8 years now - I found that you will get your "shoes dirty" with the activities of life, but if you still remember "I do" the scuffs will not matter.

This next guy was just too nutty not to include.

There was a little bit of a Martini theme - so everyone was having a bit of fun with it.

But when you mix a martini theme with actual martinis the results can be dangerous!

Tags: wedding cleveland outdoor wedding golf course willoughby wedding martini reception

Mat Crawford

Rainbow

2010-06-28

It was Judah's birthday party on Sunday and this was the view from our back porch.  I looked out the window and was amazed at the color everywhere.  It was a tone that I only half-captured here.  It was amazing.  I spend hours in photoshop trying to recreate the lighting I witnessed that day, and then on top of that there was a perfect rainbow.  One cannot complain about being a photographer when capturing this.

Tags: rainbow

Mat Crawford

Robert and Sarah - Married!

2010-06-25

Robert and Sarah were married a couple weeks back, and we were there to take a few pictures (well, a lot of pictures).  The forecast called for thunderstorms, and the clouds were ominous.  However, we managed to shoot outside just enough to "enjoy" the heat as well as get some beautiful pics in both Oberlin and Cleveland.  The reception was at the courthouse and it looked beautiful.  Though I have shot at the courthouse before, this was my first reception and I would love to shoot one again.  Robert and Sarah were a pleasure to work with and the day was truly a joy.

This next shot was Kristin's idea - it is one of my favs of the day.

Sarah was not a total goofball during our time with them, but when she did get silly it was good stuff.  This next one is great!

Kristin always get great angles (like this next shot) while I am shooting from a different perspective.  After the wedding I always wish I had some of these shots myself - but having both of us together shooting produces so much more.  It is nice having both.

This ivy-covered wall was superb.

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Mat Crawford

Ravi and Nina Engaged

2010-06-24

I had an engagement shoot the other day that was something special.  I find my self shooting doctors and nurses more and more lately, it is probably due to the fact that this part of Ohio might not have a lot going for it, but we appear to be top notch in the medical realm (but I digress).  This particular couple (Nina and Ravi) were  not only doctors - they were also attractive enough to be models.  For me, photography is about beauty - but not in the way you might think.  If I wanted to capture attractiveness, I would pursue fashion photography, or if I wanted to capture an image that is simply breathtaking to all who view it, I might take up landscape photography.  I, on the other hand, love to capture emotion.  I believe that relationships are the greatest gift humankind has been given.  To capture the love between a couple or even a child's look toward a parent is more meaningful  than shooting a photo that appears on the cover of Vogue.  The reason why shooting Ravi and Nina was so special was not because they were attractive and easy to photograph (though they were to the point that if I could not produce a great photo with them I would need to find another job), but because they showed a love that was not only playful, but also possessed a deepness that can be felt in the shots.  I can't express how much I am looking forward to shooting their wedding.  The day is fast approaching. 

Tags: engagement coe lake berea ohio amazing best wedding photographer cleveland ohio north east ohio north-east ohio red wedding dress