Photo Art Workshop Coming Soon! Stay tuned for details
Mat Crawford
I 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
Mat Crawford
Reflecting 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
Mat Crawford
In the height of wedding season it is a challenge to get a family session fit into our schedule. I think most people assume that wedding photography is a one or two day a week affair. That could not be further from the truth. It is common for us to spend 12 hour days 6 days a week editing, answering emails/returning phone calls, blogging, and preparing for and shooting weddings during the busiest months. So for us to fit a family session in is like I said, a challenge. However, when Kaley asked us to shoot some pics of her son Isaac and her fiance Mike - we had to make time. We were there to photograph Kaley when Isaac was in her belly, and we were there to photograph Isaac when he was a tiny newborn. We were delighted to keep capturing memories of him (as well as his parents!) for his family to cherish for years to come.
kaley:
I love them all!!! but of course i would because he's my baby.. ha ha! My favorite is the one of all of us walking though!
Nelli:
I love the one of Isaac holding onto the parents hands! It is so precious, his face is adorable! It makes me want this same picture with me, Jesse, and Zoe when she walking...
jboone:
That one of Isaac walking on the road is amazing! I look forward to being a part of the future in photographing this family.
Mat Crawford
I think a lot about our careers as wedding photographers. I'm humbled to think that people choose us to spend so much time with them on one of the most special days of their lives. Not only do we get to meet great people, we are also blessed with the opportunity of preserving their memories for ages to come. If that was not enough, we are able to put our creative mark on this art like the portrait painters of old (I am not under the impression that we are Rembrandts or anything - but we are able to infuse our artistry into the remembrance of the day). Phil and Sarah's wedding was a beautiful example of a great couple allowing us to capture something so special for them and their families. Sarah looked great in her dress and both of them were beaming with joy. Each location was perfect (even if we got a little sprinkled on when the rain pushed us back into the limo). The details of each event were stunning. Phil and Sarah had such a wonderful day as you can see below.
Phil proposed under the stars - so this plaque has a special meaning.
This next shot if one of the many expressions Phil and Sarah made while watching the groomsmen perform with the girls sashes.
We went to the beach where Phil and Sarah had their first date - it means so much to them and it is an amazing place to shoot. They had a few engagement pics here with us last summer and it rained us out then. It was pretty funny because the exact same thing happened on their wedding - but we got some great stuff in nevertheless.
The reception was one of the nicest I have seen. There were two ice sculptures - more appetizers and desserts then I can remember - and as you can see everything was outstanding.
The live band was great and when I think of the dancing it still puts a smile on my face.
Sean:
Looks fantastic - I love the sashes. Congrats guys!
Jackie:
GREAT pictures! Congratulations to you both; It was a beautiful wedding!! :)
Cori Keller:
It was a beautiful wedding, Matt and I had an awesome time! :) Best wishes always :)
Jen and Jim:
Congratulations Phil and Sarah!
Sandy Dudek:
What a beautiful wedding!! So many memories are captured in these wonderful photos. Awesome!!
Susie Brindza:
The love you share ... for each other, your family and friends has been captured perfectly through these photographs ... they are simply stunning! Wishing you a lifetime that is truly "picture perfect" ... like these are!
Love,
Mrs. B
Theresa:
Just a perfect wedding - from start to finish. It is amazing how these pictures capture the true emotions of the day - they are the "icing" on the cake!
Gloria:
Wonderful collection of family and friends captured in time on your special day. Best of luck to you both.
Gloria:
Wonderful collection of family and friends captured in time on your special day. Best of luck to you both.
Annette Felton:
Awesome pictures! Awesome wedding! Awesome people! Thanks so much for the opportunity to be a part of your day and the opportunity to view the photos and the opportunity to wish you again all the very best for a lifetime of love and happiness!
Gary :
great photos, all the best
Joshua D.:
Amazing Wedding! Amazing Couple! Thanks for letting me take part in your big day! The photos are incredible! See you soon!
Christina Chevrier:
Sarah and Phil,
These pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!!!! What a fun night. I'm so glad we could all be there to celebrate your special day. A day we will never forget! Love you both!
Sue M:
Everything was so beautiful and we had a really good time at the preschool table. Too bad all the prep takes so long and the night goes by so quickly. Thanks for having us.
Sue M:
Everything was so beautiful and we had a really good time at the preschool table. Too bad all the prep takes so long and the night goes by so quickly. Thanks for having us.
Debbie Babicz:
What a great wedding!! We wish you both many years of happiness!!
Jennifer:
It looks like everyone had a great time! Photographs look amazing. It was a pleasure providing the decor for this event. Phil and Laura are wonderful people!
Kathy Stragisher:
Your wedding was truly fabulous!!!!! We really enjoyed ourselves!!!!
To a long and happy life!!!
Love,
Bob & Kathy Stragisher
melissa polcha:
Your wedding was beautiful and the reception was out if this world. I love the black and white photos.
Melissa
Mike V:
What an awesome wedding and a great group of people! The pictures look great, can't wait to see the rest of them.
The Groom:
Thanks Matt and Kristin! Exceeded my expectations which we high already! Great coverage of everything.
The Bride:
Wow! I have been looking at the pictures for over a week and I have been completely speechless! Mat and Kristin did a wonderful job taking our photos. We could not be more pleased with their work and artistry. There are so many great ones that we cannot choose for our album. Thanks to everyone for being a part of our very special day!
Jess Baron:
Sarah and Phil,
AMAZING photos to capture an AMAZING day for the two of you! I would expect nothing less from you Sarah. Great job planning such a memorable night for all who attended!
Amanda:
These pictures are incredible! Such amazing memories from your beautiful day!
rob cherry:
As always with the Hoj
rob cherry:
As always with the Hoj
Diane Rittenberger:
Sarah and Phil,
What an amazing, fairy tale wedding. I enjoyed everything about it and had a ton of fun. The pictures are simply beautiful and I wish you and Phil a lifetime of happy memories.
Michele:
What amazing photos of a beautiful day! Love the beach pictures!
Debbie Monroe:
Sarah & Phil,
I was so sorry Les and I were unable to be there on your special day but it is great to be able to view your beautiful pictures.
Keri Saari:
Sarah and Phil,
Your photos are absolutley beautiful and completely capture your wonderful wedding day. Both of you are blessed to have each other and I look forward to watching your marriage grow. Love you both!
Keri
Hoj:
Some fabulous shots here of a beautiful wedding and such a gorgeous couple. I really like the contrast of the blue dresses and the black tux of the whole bridal party in the woods. Is that the pricipal at Ledgeview school grinding with the bride on the dance floor. Also, I've never seen a "worm-off" but the dance brought down the house. Great job, Finest Moments
Kyle :
Awesome shot of the wedding party in the woods
Stacy Alcorso:
Congratulations on your wedding! Great photos of a beautiful couple.
SUE HOJNACKI:
These pictures are awesome. They show just how beautiful you are together, what a special day and night that it was, and will preserve these memories for the rest of your lives.
jboone:
whoa! that dance shot of the guy doing the butterfly stroke on the floor is out of this world.
Beautiful wedding
Nelli Boone:
So beautiful! I love the one of them standing in the field, in a vintage tone, with their noses touching. And the dance shots are great!
Mat Crawford
I met up with Katie and Dustin a few days back to shoot some engagement pics. They are getting married next summer. Engagement shoots are a great way for me as a photographer to get to know a couple before the wedding day as well as a great way to get shots that we often can't get during a wedding (like shot of the bride sitting on the a rock etc.). This shoot was no exception. Katie and Dustin met at Ashland where Dustin played football. I also discovered Dustin and his family are jewelers (so I tried to hook them up with some extra sweet pics of Katie's ring - which was amazing). Katie just finished her first year of law school and she was able to share with me a bit of what was going on in her life that made the evening extra special. I can't wait till next year when I get to be there when they tie the knot. Good luck with all the planning guys!
Dustin almost slipped on the algae here and some how busted out his athletic skills and made the greatest recovery I have witnessed. Since he was safe - the shot was certainly worth it.
Brenda:
Kate and Dust
I LOVE the pics! They turned out great! My favorites are the "family" photo with the dogs, and also the one up against the rock with your heads together looking at the camera! Soooo excited to call you my brother and sister in laws:-)
Katie:
Mat! These pictures are awesome! You are such a great photographer! I can't even pick a favorite!
Nelli:
I love the first shot with the dogs. So cute! I also like the tone of all of them... so modern vintage!