Hello Darlings, I am Joanie...

Catholic wedding photographer, storyteller, and joyful witness to the sacred beauty of marriage. My love for photography began with a simple gift from my grandmother when I was twelve, unknowingly stepping into the legacy of my grandfather, a WWII photographer. Born and rooted in Ohio, I find beauty both in quiet hometown parishes and grand cathedrals across the world. A traveler at heart, I seek the sacred wherever love reveals itself.

My Catholic faith shapes everything I do. Baptized Byzantine, raised in the Latin Mass, and now joyfully worshiping in the Novus Ordo, I’ve been deeply formed by the Church’s richness. My business is consecrated to St. Veronica—who in love and courage captured the face of Christ. That’s how I see photography: an act of presence, reverence, and remembering. If you’re seeking wedding photography that’s artistic, intimate, intentional, and deeply rooted in faith, I would be honored to serve you!

I was twelve when my grandmother gave me my first camera, unknowingly continuing a legacy—my grandfather was a photographer in WWII. That gift sparked a lifelong love for capturing truth and beauty.

I grew up in Ohio, where I still live, close to the family I love and always ready for my next travel adventure. Whether I’m photographing a local parish wedding or one across the ocean, I bring the same intention: to witness the grace of your sacrament with prayerful, artistic eyes.

Baptized in the Byzantine rite, the Latin Mass, and now the Novus Ordo, my faith is the foundation of everything I do. This business is consecrated to St. Veronica, and I see photography as she did—an act of love, presence, and devotion.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m reading, dreaming, or chasing around my six wonderful nephews.

If you're looking for wedding photography that's prayerful, personal, and full of beauty—I’d be honored to walk with you.

Let's have an Adventure...

Catholic Photographer, World Traveler, Enthusiast of Films and Food, Lover of all kinds of stories &Pursuer of the Path to Sainthood.

I have found the wonder of nature from a young age. I remember the first time I saw the snow-capped mountains of Glacier National Park, the beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico on Key West and the sunrise from the peak of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. From hiking the Tongoriro Alpine Pass in New Zealand to riding horses on the beaches of Hawaii, I try to embrace adventures wherever I go.

Did you know? I have a life goal of hiking all 63 National Parks. I have completed 5 so far.

Photo: Glacier National Park on 35mm Film

I am a HUGE film buff. I love discussing film, the power of film, the history of film, what films had the greatest impact and why DVDs helped make the greatest B-films of all time and how B-films are critical to the entire industry and our culture. My favorites by genre: Casablanca (Film Noir), Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Fantasy), Return to Me (Romance), Super 8 (Suspense/Thriller) and Snatch (Action).

Did you know? I studied filmmaking in college. I have a desire to make films and God-willing, one day, I will.

Photo: Glacier National Park on 35mm Film

Photo: Glacier National Park on 35mm Film

My favorite name is "Aunt Joanie". I have six nephews from my siblings, three Godsons from my best friends and many honorary nieces and nephews from some of my closest friends (several of which started as clients). I grew up believing that love is something there could never be enough of and this knowledge is something I share with each and every one of them any chance I get.

Did you know? I have always known that I would be a mother. But I am grateful that part of that vocation is loving these beautiful young souls as an Aunt.

Did you know? I have always known that I would be a mother. But I am grateful that part of that vocation is loving these beautiful young souls as an Aunt.

I LOVE to travel! It has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I love learning about history, culture, art and experiencing food from many different places! I believe that travel not only allows us to grow as a human, but also encourages personal growth as well. You find out what you are made of when traveling. 

Photo: The Roman Colosseum on 35mm Film

Fun Facts about Joanie

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Cheeseburgers! ALWAYS! But I love many foods including; Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican... in fact, the only food I do not like is sushi.

Cheeseburgers! ALWAYS! But I love many foods including; Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican... in fact, the only food I do not like is sushi.

Food

London Fog... in case you don't know what that is; it is lavender earl grey tea steeped in steamed milk (I do almond) and usually flavored with vanilla.

London Fog... in case you don't know what that is; it is lavender earl grey tea steeped in steamed milk (I do almond) and usually flavored with vanilla.

Drink

ITALY! Literally dream about Italia... especially the food. I highly recommend taking a pasta-making class in Florence. But my number one place I want to visit is Scotland.

ITALY! Literally dream about Italia... especially the food. I highly recommend taking a pasta-making class in Florence. But my number one place I want to visit is Scotland.

Place Visited

II do love Autumn... it is beautiful... but I am a complete SUMMER girl. I love the light, the color, the warmth and flowers (I LOVE FLOWERS)! Speaking of which...

I do love Autumn... it is beautiful... but I am a complete SUMMER girl. I love the light, the color, the warmth and flowers (I LOVE FLOWERS)! Speaking of which...

Season

Lilies... the simplicity, the beauty, but most importantly, the symbolism. They are the flowers of St. Joseph and St. Joan of Arc. 

Lilies... the simplicity, the beauty, but most importantly, the symbolism. They are the flowers of St. Joseph and St. Joan of Arc. 

Flower

If you haven't figured it out yet, I have always had a particular devotion to St. Joan of Arc. She has always inspired me to act with courage... 

If you haven't figured it out yet, I have always had a particular devotion to St. Joan of Arc. She has always inspired me to act with courage... 

Saint

Some of my favorite things...

"Lux Fiat" were the first two words of creation. They are the words that the True Artist used to create True Beauty. Every time I lift my camera, I want to be reminded of these words. If I remember these words, then I remember the true purpose of the art I am creating.

This gift was given me to me to magnify the Glory of the Lord. I am here to bring honor and glory to Him and Him alone. So it is my sincerest prayer that when the work of my heart, mind and hands are seen, the first words of Our Perfectly Loving Father will come to mind.

"Let there be Light."

Why "Lux Fiat"?

Let's have an adventure...

Inquire now

Artists of the World, may your many different paths lead to the Ocean of Beauty where Wonder becomes awe, exhilaration, inexhaustible joy.

St. John Paul the Great in his "Letter to Artists"

photography by joanie Crookston + design by joanie Crookston + Powered by Showit

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