I was twelve when my grandmother gave me my first camera. It wasn’t fancy, but it was mine—and it sparked something I couldn’t ignore. Soon, I was borrowing (and may or may not have permanently kept) my mom’s film camera, enthralled by the magic of light and timing. I was hooked on capturing truth and beauty. That love eventually led me to capturing weddings.
Because wedding photography isn’t just about images. It’s sacred promises and stolen glances. Church bells and packed dance floors. Covenant and quiet grace. It’s joy—big, teary-eyed, can’t-stop-smiling joy.
And I’ve been chasing these moments ever since.
Photographer, Adventurer, Nerd, Film Buff, Fantasy Enthusiast, Aunt
Hi, I’m Joanie Crookston
Catholic Wedding Photographer
The beauty and depth of the Church have shaped not only my faith, but my art.
I believe marriage is a sacrament worthy of reverence and wonder. That’s why I approach your wedding day with devotion and attentiveness—preserving the grace of the moment as it unfolds.
I was baptized in the Byzantine tradition, formed in the Latin Mass, and today worship in the Novus Ordo.
Sacred Work
The first words of creation. The words of the True Artist, spoken to bring forth beauty. Every time I lift my camera, I remember that art is more than aesthetics—it is a way to reflect the glory of what is good, true, and beautiful.
This gift of photography is not for self-glory, but for His. My prayer is that these images point beyond themselves—stirring remembrance of our perfectly loving Father, who first said, “Let there be light.”
Let there be light.
fun faves
Cheeseburgers
food
Tongariro Alpine Pass in New Zealand
Hike I’ve Taken
return to me
rom com
Rouen, France
Place I’ve Been
Black Raspberry Chocolate Chunk
ice cream
Summer 2026 Wedding
Andrew & Claire Ertle
She paid wonderful attention to detail, had beautiful ideas, and captured so many fun, spontaneous moments! She also did a wonderful job listening to our requests and ideas. We will treasure our pictures for years to come! Thank you so much, Joan! :)"
"Joan did Such an amazing Job on our engagement and wedding photos!
Spring 2026 Wedding
Hugo & Emily Medrano
From the beginning, she approached our wedding day with reverence and creativity. She was extremely professional in all of our communication and especially the day of our wedding. Her attention to detail and skill as a photographer is amazing. We were stunned and delighted by our wedding album when we received it. I cannot recommend her highly enough!"
"Joan was an absolute delight!
Spring 2026 Wedding
Justin & Annie Flack
She makes it fun and really captured all the meaningful moments!!! It means a lot to have a photographer who prays for you and with you (doing Lectio Divina with her was amazing!!!) Thank you for all your hard work, Joan!!!"
"Joan is the best!
Fall 2025 Wedding
Chase & Megan Gibson
She captured our proposal, engagement, AND wedding pictures and did a fantastic job! She is so kind and amazing to work with, which takes a huge weight off the shoulders when planning such a huge moments. She photographs from her heart with passion and conviction, which is evident in her work. I recommend her to anyone who wants an amazing Catholic photographer!"
"Joanie is the best!
Winter 2025 Wedding
Tom + kayla Barefield
Joanie was the best photographer we could have at our wedding! She was supportive, encouraging, and willing to do whatever it took to get the best photos. even if it meant laying on the ground to get us with the ceiling of the Church! Thank you Joanie!"
"I am so grateful we hired JOanie!
Summer 2022 Wedding
Dan + Erin Keller
Joanie photographed our wedding at the University of Notre Dame and we can't recommend her enough! The day of the wedding, she made sure we got all the pictures we wanted and made recommendations for poses and locations. Thank you, Joanie!"
"The final photos turned out beautiful and we love going back through them."
Summer 2023 Wedding
Sam + Hannah Smartnick
Our investment was more than worth it for the photos we received, and it was great to have Joanie share in the joyous celebration of our union. We wholeheartedly recommend Joanie to anyone who would like to hire a Catholic photographer that approaches Marriage with the reverence and joy that it deserves!"
"Joanie truly went above and beyond.
Summer 2024 Wedding
Trevor + Beth Mahoney
She is very respectful of the mass and it’s importance and loves capturing you in your element of celebrating your wedding."
"Joanie works diligently to make your wedding day a special day and let you focus on the important moments.
Autumn 2024 Wedding
Perry +Michaela Antalek
Excellent person to work with, her smile the whole time makes smiling in pictures too easy!"
"Joanie makes the whole picture taking process very fun!
Autumn 2024 Wedding
Tristan + Rachael Piatt
There is a great focus on God and spirituality which just adds to the artfulness of her craft. She did an especially good job on our photo album book. It was high quality and we will treasure it always!"
