Photo Art Workshop Coming Soon! Stay tuned for details
Mat Crawford
Jen and Chad - Married!
2010-08-29I must confess something. I have for a while thought of photography as a form of art somewhat below other forms like painting or songwriting. This might be a bit weird coming form someone who is a photographer and could not paint his way out of a box, but in another way it makes sense. Most people I assume are like me, always drawn to envy what someone else can do. Yet it is important to recognize each person has his own talents - and they need not be compared to one another. So here is the art that Tiffany and I have created. Art that is centered around the greatest of subjects - two people in love committing their lives in marriage - Jen and Chad. As you will see in the photographs there are times of laughter and great joy - times of silliness - and times of great passion. To Jen and Chad - we do not simply wish you years of this love - but more importantly, we wish you every moment of live embraced by this love.


The ring bearer would only agree to walk the aisle if he could go as a superhero - so he was the coolest ring bearer I have ever seen. His cape is below.



I love the pic to the bottom right. Kristin did a great job editing.






You can't tell from these photographs outside, but this was the hottest most humid day I have ever photographed. It was literally like a sauna. That being said, everything went well and Jen and Chad had a great time.



The bracelets and the rings were a gift from Jen and they are terrific.



The girls were cooling off Jen and I caught them!



Jen took me to this next location and I was so into it. Pillars are the best!

One of my favorite shots of the day.


I love this next group shot.





I think this actually is my favorite of the day. Jen was not posing for this picture, she was simply loving her time dancing with her husband. I was super lucky!



These next shots have a story. Jen's best friend since childhood caught the bouquet, and what turned out to be a nutty affair - Jen's dad caught the garter....so you can imagine that it made for a humorous remounting of the garter.


Lyndsey:
Just Fabulous!!!!!!!! I love love love the pictures! I can't wait to see the rest! BEAUTIFUL!
Nelli:
My fav is the group shot in the columns. I REALLY want to know how you processed the bridesmaid dresses/superhero shot... I love it. The reception shots are awesome too, I like the swagging lights that were on the ceiling, that added such a great element for the photos!
MOM and MICK:
The photos are awesome, can't wait to see the rest. Finest Moments did a great job, memories last forever and the photos will be cherished with the memories.
Colleen Sadie:
looove your photos! they are absolutely fabulous!!
Jen Jurisch:
I LOVE the pics!!!!!! I can
Jesse Boone
Rob + Cathy Married!
2010-08-27Rob and Cathy were married at the beautiful Lantern Court of Holden Arboretum. Their wedding was a really special display of two people who found their perfect match. When I first met Rob and Cathy I knew this would be a great experience.

This is one of the few weddings I've got to shoot with Nelli this year. We both had different ideas for a nice ring shot. Can you guess who took the 1st shot and who took the second?






Rob and Cathy made the decision to see each other before the wedding. It was one of the best first sights I've witnessed. Nelli and I both had different angles, but the true quality of these pictures is seen in the joy of these two joining each other for this special day.






But Rob and Cathy weren't the only ones who celebrated this day. Sophie was a big part of the day.









These are a few of my favorites from a relaxing stroll through the grounds of Holden.


We couldn't forget some pictures on the goofy side. These kids sparked it.



I love these portraits from the Lantern Court library.


One important aspect of the day was the weather. Cathy really wanted an outdoor wedding, but it began raining about an hour before the ceremony, just after we finished most of the pictures. I was really hoping we could do it outside, because I knew it was important to Rob and Cathy. The best man went and check for us a few minutes before and it didn't look all that optimistic.

The rain stopped for just enough time to give us an outdoor ceremony at exactly the time the ceremony was to begin.





We couldn't start the reception without getting a few more pics of these cute kids.




So Nelli talked me into this one, and I was a bit hesitant, but I don't think Rob and Cathy minded getting away for a few minutes and venturing into the depths of the forest at night. I really think they never stopped smiling the whole day. It was a blessing to witness a couple so captivated by each other. I hope you like our experiment.

Rob and Cathy, thank you for having us be a part of this wonderful wedding. Your kindness was remarkable and we loved capturing these memories for you.
Carol S:
There are some really nice poses, and some very creative shots. A gorgeous couple!!
Dan & Karla Algeri:
Quite possibly the most beautiful wedding pictures ever, which is only fitting for one of the most beautiful weddings ever. Thank you for sharing.
Kelly Dzik:
These are so beautiful and romantic just like your wedding!!!!!
Marlene:
The pictures are beautiful, Rob and Cathy look soooo happy! Congratulations!
Betty King:
Really good pictures, captured the love this couple has for each other.
DG:
Our best to the loving couple. The kids pics added a lot.
Patricia Guiff:
Thanks Pat K. for sharing, what a beautiful coule and a beautiful wedding. I wish them much love and many blessings.
Pat Koczn:
Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing with us in Texs!!
Sue Brady:
Thank you Pat for sharing Rob's wedding pix. I'm sure it was a beautiful event. God Bless them.
Patrick M. Papp:
Cathy and Rob: God Bless You Both. August 14th was a Great Start! Great day for Photos and all your hard work showed.
Love,
Dad
Dave:
Awesome pictures and glad I got to see my cousin get married! Congrats Rob & Cathy!!
Michael and Christina Tyna:
Very nice pictures. Congratulations you two.
Chuck:
Rob and Cathy the pics are great. Thanks for sharing them with us. I am happy for the both of you. Congratulations again.
Michele:
WOW! These are amazing...brought tears to my eyes again. The love Cathy and Rob have for each other is just beautiful. :.)
Shannon:
Wow - what beautiful wedding photos! And Rob and Kathy, you can see the love between the 2 of you! Congrats again!!
Jenny:
These pictures are absolutely amazing!!! I was so honored to be part of Rob and Cathy's special day... they are the kind of couple who help you believe dreams can and really do come true.
David:
I love the photo of her picking the fruit off the tree and him walking in the distance. It reminds me of Adam and Eve. Beautiful!
Cathy, Rob and Sophie:
Dear Jesse and Nellie: We love the pictures and can't wait to see the rest! As we knew from the moment we met you, your artistic ability and talent and more importantly your warmth and compassion as individuals shines through. Coming from a family of camera shy people, you both make everyone feel comfortable in front of the lens. We continue to receive compliments from our guests on how wonderful, fun, and creative you both are. Words can't express how appreciative we are to have had you both present on our special day. As we expressed to you in our initial meeting, we hoped to find someone who could capture the spirit of the day and us as a couple and family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We feel very fortunate to have been able to have both of you shooting our wedding. The chemistry and energy between you both is highly contagious! Fondly, Cathy, Rob and Sophie!
Jennifer:
The pictures from Rob & Cathy's wedding are absolutely beautiful. You did a wonderful job capturing all the magic between them that day!! Can't wait to see the rest!
Mat Crawford
Hillary + Kevin * Married!
2010-08-24Reflecting back on Hillary and Kevin's wedding, I am reminded how much they were a perfect fit for each other. The day was, like most weddings, a bit stressful at times. Not more than usual or anything and Hillary and Kevin didn't seemed phased in the least, but the point I wanted to bring out here is how happy they were once they were together. If you look at the photographs there is an obvious sense of joy in their faces when they look in the other's eyes. It does not get old for me to capture these thing for each couple. As the years go by, we wish Kevin and Hillary many more moments like this.





Kristin edited this next pic (actually she edited a lot of these) and I must say she did an outstanding job.

The bottle to the bottom right contains a poem that Kevin wrote for Hillary.








Kevin is in the Coast Guard and we were able (for a moment until the sirens started blaring) to get some shots at the Cleveland station. The boat closest in the pics was the boat that Kevin was trained on and has, as you might imagine, special significance to him.





It was right when everyone was on the boat here that we had to hurry off because there was an alarm. It all worked out fine though.





I love this next shot.



You have to love Elvis and his bride.







Noreen:
Absolutly gorgeous pictures that truly captured the joy of the day!
Diane:
Pictures are beautiful, just like the ceremony,and Kevin and Hillary
Miranda:
These photos are absolutely beautiful just like the whole occasion was, I can
Jean Gartner:
Your pictures are beautiful and I wish you a life of joy and happiness.
Kevin:
Mat & Kristin, you guys were AMAZING the entire day. We are so happy with how these pictures turned out! You guys truly captured all of our happiness and love and now we will have these memories in photos for the rest of our lives!! Thank you so much, your art is BEAUTIFUL!
Audrey :
What beautiful pictures! Dennis and I had such a nice time at your wedding. It was so beautiful, and it was a perfect date for us. You are a beautiful couple. These pictures truly capture your love for each other.
Beryl Morron:
Beautiful wedding - beautiful people - beautiful photos - you
Tinasha:
Breath taking!! Hillary you were beautiful!!! Congratulations!!
Gloria aljabouri:
Very beautiful pics and good closeups. Love the changes of scenery and the pic of the cake and flowers. Good job and much happiness to the couple.
Patrick:
Sorry I was late! What a great day! Congratulations!!
Kristen:
Unbelievable pictures... made me relive all the loving moments that we all were able to share!
Arlene:
Beautiful photos. Love the photo with Hillary laying her head on the back of Kevins shoulder under the tree.
Nicole:
What a perfect day and the photos show that!!! ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! :)
Amy Woody:
Those pictures were AMAZING. So beautiful, they brought tears to my eyes. Except for the one where Kevin is posing like Captain Morgan. That one made me giggle :P
Linda:
Mat and Kristin amazing pictures. Very beautiful bride and very handsome groom. You captured the love these two have for each other in these pictures. I love these pictures!!!!
Kyra:
These pictures are really beautiful! I think you picked the perfect photographer. Congratulations on your new life together!
Hillary:
Kevin and I absolutely love all of these pictures. They are perfect! We had an unbelievable day. Mat and Kristen were so great to work with, very wonderful people. Thank you so much for contributing in making our day one of the most unforgettable days of our lives.
And thank you to everyone who has posted all the kind words!
Greg Porter:
Wow!! Fantastic pictures. Great memories of a wonderful day!
Pat Joyce-Deegan:
AWESOME, Beautiful children!! Beautiful photographs, as a portrait artist, I really appreciate your photos, composition and lighting.
Caitlin:
These pictures are so beautiful! Excellent job!
Meghan Furlong:
Wow these pictures are awesome they should be in a magazine since the couple are so photogenic they should both be models.Congrats to Hillary and Kevin. Thank you for let us share your special day with you
Scott:
Nice photographs! I was very impressed by Matt's professionalism and dedication. There are some fantastic shots in here! Made me tear up a couple of times, and I didn't even do that at the wedding.
Larissa:
Very pretty wedding. Congrats:)
christie:
how beautiful. I really wish I had been there to see it all. The pictures are great.
Lynn:
These pictures are beautiful! I love all the effects. Great work!
Amy:
These came out soooo well! Perfect pictures for a perfect couple :)
Nelli:
Super job Mat and Kristin. I love the textured pictures, especially the message in a bottle picture. I love the shots with the sun rays, so dreamy! And the shot with them in the bottom right and the willow tree in the background might be my favorite. I think I always like that shot that you guys do :)
jboone:
Love the bubble shot and many others. Great looking wedding
Jesse Boone
James + Alexandra Married!
2010-08-19James and Alexandra's wedding was such a classy event. We did most of the photos at her parents' home in Vermilion. It was beautiful sunny day, and the location was great. It also has more of a sentimental feel to it, when you do photos at the family property. I'm sure each place we chose had some memories attached.


Yes, that's right - a beautiful wedding dress with pockets.











After an emotion-filled ceremony, we went back out to Alex's parent's house for some more shots after the ceremony.

When we first arrived, David, myself and the girls went out by the lake. It was really bright out, but there were hardly any other people around. It was quite the contrast to the beaches near Cleveland on Saturdays. It was fun and peaceful. The guys were hanging back at the house relaxing for a while. I got the feeling that maybe they weren't sure about spending a bunch of time doing photos. I later learned that some of them had experienced some "cheesy" wedding photographers in the past. I hoped to shoot down that mantra with a cool guy shot as soon as they came out. I love photographing guys with their pals equally as much as girls. I know both guys and girls cherish good friendships and the memories that are attached. I hope the guys like this next one. I'm pretty sure they all had a good time.

and so did the girls







The time with James and Alexandra alone afterwards was great. I'm glad they got to take the moment in alone for a while.






Westwood Country Club was really nice. The reception featured some great appetizers during a nice long cocktail hour. Everyone was catching up and having a great time. We also had the privilege of enjoying the full Jerry Bruno orchestra, which I always enjoy.









Congrats Alex and James! It was great getting to know you on your special day.
Barbara Soeder:
These photos are absolutely dreamy! Thank you so much for sharing. Our best wishes to you for a lifetime of happy moments and countless blessings!
Those who love deeply never grow old.
-- Sir Arthur Wing Pinero
Erica:
Alex you look as though your floating on happiness if there is such a thing. Sorry to have missed your special day. Enjoy married life :0)
Shannon J.:
Aww this is super pretty!!! i love all the photos!! really beautiful wedding!! Congratulations!!!
Marie:
Woo! Congrats!
myrta:
A beautiful wedding! The photos are so picturesque. I'm so happy to have shared it with the two of you. Alex you looked stunning and James that smile!!!
myrta :
Loved all the colors!! Especially the bride
myrta :
Loved all the colors!! Especially the bride's bright deep pink shoes contrasting the white dress! Alex you looked just lovely, and James handsome as ever!!
Dan:
You guys look great!!!
Bunky:
What a beautiful bride.
Carol Young:
Alex, It looks as if you took a piece of the sky and wrapped it around each bridesmaid. What beautiful pictures.....what a beautiful wedding.
David:
Alex and James,
What a wonderful day the two of you chose to start your marriage. Mikie and I look forward to many happy and fun times ahead.
Cannot wait for our first grandchild(:
Love ya
Arlene Oley:
What an elegant wedding---everything was so top drawer---the locations, the food, the entertainment. What a memorable day and evening. Alex and James are radiant, a gorgeous couple. Thanks for including us. Bill and I had a wonderful time! Love, Arlene (Oley)
John:
Love the lake photos. Was a really nice day.
John Brummitt:
Beautiful pictures. Wonderful time.
Uncle John/Aunt Marlene
T H :
Great pics!
Brenda M:
Congrats to both of you. It looks like you had the perfect day and I'm so happy for you. Alex, you have your mother's smile and bubbly personality. Lucky you!
Dimbo:
What a great time and a wonderful wedding party. What a fine group of young people, and a wonderful day!!
Nelli:
What a classy wedding. And of course I love the fact that her wedding dress had pockets in it. My favorite would have to be the one of the two of together under the big tree with the texture. And I love how you can make guys shots look so cool.
Debbie Schabel:
Finally -- I got to see part of the wedding ceremony! Will look forward to the "popcorn" viewing at Hille's. Beautiful and FUN pictures. May the great party and celebration last for a lifetime!
Biz:
A beautiful bride, wedding and pictures!
Cassie Washburn:
Alex & James, Sorry we missed your special day! Alex, you look stunning and James, you too look so handsome! Great photos and you were truly blessed with a beautiful day. I can't wait to see the rest of the photos with your Mom soon! Congrats to you both and wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.
Cassie, Van & Taryn Washburn
Mikie (Mother of the Bride):
Jesse and David,
Great pictures! We are having so much fun looking at them and sharing them with family and friends! We are awaiting anxiously the remaining ones. Can
Jessica:
Congratulations!!! You two looked amazing and I'm so happy for you both! I wish you many years of love and happiness.
Allison:
Congratulations Alex & James! Such a beautiful weekend and absolutely gorgeous pictures!
Gail Davis:
Alex - You look absolutely beautiful. The dress is gorgeous including the pockets. The weather was perfect. You could not ask for a better day. God has blessed you both. Now go out and enjoy your new life as Husband and Wife.
Gail
jen:
congrats alex! wags sent me the link and i'm so glad she did. what a beautiful couple, beautiful day, beautiful pictures. best wishes for a wonderful life together!
Corinne:
Alex, you look so beautiful! It looks like it was an absolutely perfect day!
We miss you tons and congratulations!!
Corinne
Jill:
Congratulations Alex! You looks so beautiful and happy. I especially love the picture of James kissing your head at the front of the church right after you were married. So cute!
Best wishes,
Jill
Wags:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE... what a special day and what great pics! Everything was gorgeous and the pics are amazing! love you guys. :)
Mary:
I love the photos - beautiful!! Such a fun weekend and so happy to be part of it!
Ann Cliquet:
Alex and James, I love your pictures and can't wait to share them with my parents. What a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception --so happy for you two!
Nelli Boone
Lindsey and Kyle married
2010-08-18This is Kyle and his guys. They were up for just about anything, and had a really fun time. I had a hard time choosing which ones to blog because there were so many! They were hiding in bushes, hanging on monkey bars, sliding down slides, and doing crazy ninja moves. But these were a few of my faves from the morning.
We took a lot of just the guys shots and just the girls shots before the ceremony started.



This is Lindsey. I was so impressed by her. When I got home, I told this to Jesse too, that she totally expressed herself with how she dressed and presented herself on her wedding day. Every last detail from the dress to the veil, the shoes, her hair, the bracelet... everything just showed who she was. I loved it.



This is Jesse's favorite.


Jesse processed this for me. It's like she's running into the woods... looks like Alice in Wonderland to me!














Here is their reflection outside the reception hall of them looking at their cake.







This had the best dance I think I have ever been to! It was so fun, everybody dancing and having such a fun time.

Ok, so this is my favorite shot of the day.... I just loved everybody's expression.

Now is top hat was one of the main events at Lindsey and Kyle's wedding. We had Adam(a groomsman) get it for us in the reception hall. It was one of the decorations. We used it for a few props, and it somehow made it's way down to the dancefloor. It ended being in the middle of the dance floor for the entire evening, being passed from person to person. It was a blast.


I love it!


Thank you Lindsey and Kyle for having such a fun and awesome wedding. I enjoyed the day so much, and am so happy to have gotten to know you two. Enjoy the rest of your lives together!
holly:
absolutely amazing pictures! congrats kyle and lindsay!
Mrs Wendell:
Love these pictures. Lindsey the ones in the woods are great. Love ou both.
Brian :
AWESOME photos...some of the best ever
Marcia Harmych, Mom Hagedorns friend:
These are the most beautiful and creative photos I have seen. The snapshot moments, both staged and natural were just awesome. Lindsey and Kyle will cherish these forever.
Linden Coe:
I love Kyle & Lindseys pictures. There are so many unique ones. I dont even know which one to say is my favorite.
Carrie Cuomo:
These are beautiful. Congratulations to both of you. Looks like an evening nobody will forget!
Love Carrie C
Grandma Moore:
Love the pictures especially the guys on the bridge
melissa:
Pics are gorgeous! What a great day!!
Julee:
OMG! These pictures are soo amazing! I went from laughing to crying, but all the while I could not stop thinking about how happy you guys look and I know your life together is going to be indescribable...I don't know many people who are so lucky to marry their best friend and it is so apparent that is what you are to each other! I'm so happy for you both and wish you guys so much more than the best!!!
xoxo!!
Aryn:
I don't know how you guys will ever choose. All of these pictures are fantastic! She captured everything perfect.
Amanda:
These are great pictures! I love the one of Uncle Doug with the chair. Congrats again!
Matt:
Amazing. I knew when they had us doing those crazy creative shots you guys were going to have some really awesome pics...and that's what you've got- wow!
Derek:
Hey guys these are awesome. Beautiful pictures. Just really puts the day beautifully into pictures. One suggestion - maybe a little more of Derek! haha, boop







