Home - OkCrowe Photography

Bride and groom share a kiss under the sunset.

1 15

Hey hey,

MORE ABOUT ME

As Seen In...

https://www.weddingrule.com/wedding-photography/tennessee/chattanooga/#OkCrowePhotography

https://www.weddingrule.com/wedding-photography/tennessee/chattanooga/#OkCrowePhotography

https://www.tmz.com/2021/12/15/diamond-dallas-page-wedding-hotel-tennessee-wwe-wrestler/

Your wedding day is the start of the greatest adventure, it should be fun! And I want your photos to reflect that. If this sounds like your style too, we’re going to get along great.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FULL SESSIONS

MINI SESSIONS

VIDEOGRAPHY

LEARN MORE

View

Get ready for an inside look at Diane + Greg’s wedding at @thevenuechattanooga! 💒

Diane, Greg, their parents, and their close family members started the day with an intimate Korean Tea ceremony called a Pae Baek in The Venue’s bridal suite. This was supposed to happen during cocktail hour, but when rain unexpectedly poured down, we made a quick pivot to start indoors and move outside after the weather passed.

The Pae Baek was traditionally used as an entrance ceremony for the bride into the groom’s family. While historically, the ceremony only involved the groom’s family and the bride, it has been modernized a bit to honor both sides of the family and signify the blending of the families as one. 💕

Once the skies cleared, they had a separate traditional American ceremony in the garden. They exchanged their vows in front of the hand-stacked stone fireplace decorated simply with candles and flowing green florals while bistro lights twinkled overhead.

Their day ended with a grand reception inside the Venue where a delicious buffet was served, followed by a full night of dancing and fun.

Diane + Greg were such an amazing and fun couple to work with, and I loved learning a bit about Korean culture in the process! From everyone on the OkCrowe team, we wish these two nothing but the best in their life together. Cheers! 🥂

Venue: @thevenuechattanooga
Catering: @edleysbbq
Hair: @tenley.alexis
Pae Baek Rentals: @hanboktown

#chattanoogaweddingphotographer New York City wedding #weddingphotographer chattanooga photographer outdoor wedding venue

View

Film sneak peeks from a collaborative studio photo shoot I joined in Brooklyn! A group of photographers rented this studio and brought together models, props, and wardrobe to make funky art ☎️🎂 Thanks for organizing a creative night out @josemelgarejo.us and @rachelrodgersweddings

35mm film photos by me @okcrowe
Hosts: @josemelgarejo.us @rachelrodgersweddings
Models: @miamcclain @gabrielszajnert
Studio: @theboomboxroom
Wardrobe: @racheljrodgers
Film scanned by @bhphoto @bh.creators

#brooklynweddingphotographer nyc film photographer #manhattenwedding #nyc Brooklyn studio photography #nycelopementphotographer

View

Hi! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography!

It’s been a while since I introduced myself so I thought it’s about time for an updated “about me“ post and a few selfies.

I currently live in Chattanooga, Tennessee but I’m in the process of relocating to Manhattan in spring 2024.

I have been doing wedding photography full-time for 5 years and have documented 250+ couples vow their love to each other.

I shoot a hybrid of digital and film photography. The film camera featured in these photos is a 120mm Yashica Mat LM. It was made in the 1960s and is fully mechanical - there are no batteries or digital components.

I got into film photography about a year ago and it’s completely shifted my perspective on photography. Film forces me to slow down, carefully choose my subject, and methodically capture the moment before quickly moving on because I can’t review the shot in real time anyways.

I live in an apartment with my dog, Russel Crowe, and very fluffy cat named… Fluffy.

Lately I’ve been learning about AI, skin care, and animal psychology.

My current hyperfixation is Ryan Gosling as Ken in the Barbie Movie.

What about you?
Who are you?
What have you been up to lately?

#weddingphotographer #chattanooga #manhatten #brooklynweddingphotographer NYC elopement photography #nycwedding

View

I had a recap call today with Mary Bess and Jordan to premiere their wedding video and check in to see if they had any questions about their photo gallery. During the call, they said they love how many photos of their guests, friends, and family made it into the gallery. This photo of the groom’s nephew also came up as a favorite of both the couple and myself.

I remember looking around the room at their reception and spotting this kiddo in a far corner. He was nose deep in a Harry Potter book, completely unaware of the party happening around him.

These moments are my favorite to catch. The b-roll sideline story that no one else notices but is an equally important part of the day. While I also love gorgeous newlywed portraits and beautiful venue details, this is the kind of photo that will be remembered.

That’s why I like to say my photography is a blend of documentary style and editorial posing. I’ll make sure you have the classic newlywed portrait of you and your spouse posing and smiling for the camera, but I’ll also be documenting the candid moments between those smiles and poses.

It’s all important because it’s the combination of all of these moments that are unique to you and your loved ones that makes your day special. And I’m here for all of it 💜

- Rachael Crowe

Planner: Shaun Teague @cuethechampagne
Venues: @moxychattanooga @chattwhiskey
Stationary: @etsy, @Zazzle
Dessert: @milkandhoneychattanooga
Alcohol: @riverside_wine

#nycweddingplanning #nycweddinginspiration #nycweddingvenue #nycweddingphotographer #nycphotographer #brooklynweddingphotographer New York City engagement session inspiration #NewYorkCityweddingphotographer Manhattan wedding #manhattenweddingphotographer #chattanooga #tnweddingphotographer #cha #newyorkcitywedding #nyphotographer #chattanoogaweddingphotographer

View

This is your sign to plan a picnic date for your engagement photos 🧺🌾👟

If your engagement photos will be your first time being professionally photographed, it can seem pretty intimidating! One way to ease tension at the shoot can be picking an activity to enjoy in your photos. That could be a craft, a sport, or something sweet like a picnic. Bonus points if it’s an activity you and your partner already enjoy doing together!

Once you have the activity planned, then you can just enjoy yourselves and leave the rest of the work to me! I’ll guide you into a comfortable and photogenic experience to remember your engagement season.

#nycweddingplanning #nycweddinginspiration #nycweddingvenue #nycweddingphotographer #nycphotographer #brooklynweddingphotographer New York City engagement session inspiration #NewYorkCityweddingphotographer Manhattan wedding #manhattenweddingphotographer

View

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm moving to New York City in June 2024!

It's time for me to embark on a new adventure and spread my wings (pun intended, okCROWe style). While I will still be taking a limited number of Tennessee weddings after summer 2024, my main focus will be on booking in the New York area.

If you're interested in the longer story behind this decision...
In 2021, I felt like I had reached a plateau in Chattanooga. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore this city, but I sensed that I had tapped into all the personal and professional growth it had to offer. I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of where to go next. However, I had recently purchased a house in East Ridge and started my photo booth company, so I threw myself into those endeavors and temporarily ignored my feelings.

Then in March 2023, I decided to list my house for sale. There was a lot that lead to that decision, but truthfully the biggest factor was an awful neighbor who made living there unpleasant. Selling my house went surprisingly easy. Within 2 days on the market, I received a cash offer $11k over asking price. As soon as I signed the paperwork at the closing table, a wave of relief washed over me. Instead of feeling sad or regretful, I felt liberated. That's when I knew deep down that it was time for a change.

I must admit, I have entertained the idea of leaving Chattanooga before. But every time I had an opportunity, I procrastinated and second-guessed my decision until it was too late. This time, I'm determined to hold myself accountable by making a big, dramatic public announcement. It's time to take charge of my destiny.

I'm giving myself permission to not only embrace this new chapter but also to acknowledge that it might not be a perfect fit. If I find that NYC isn't everything I hoped for or my business doesn't transition locations, maybe I'll return to Chattanooga with my tail between my legs. But there's only one way to find out, and I'm ready to take that leap of faith with optimism and enthusiasm!

(Continued in comments)

View

I met Ranshitha and Josh through a model call in NYC. We decided to meet at the Central Park Conservatory for a stroll through the greenery and architecture of the area and a laidback engagement session.

As we walked through the gardens of Central Park, a stranger exclaimed “look at those shining smiles!” while pointing towards Ranshitha and Josh. She was right, their smiles were dazzling the whole engagement session! I’m so glad I got to meet them and document this special season of their lives 😍

#nycweddingplanning #nycweddinginspiration #nycweddingvenue #nycweddingphotographer #nycphotographer #brooklynweddingphotographer New York City engagement session inspiration #NewYorkCityweddingphotographer Manhattan wedding #manhattenweddingphotographer #nywedding #nywedding #nyweddings #nyweddingphotography #manhattanweddingphotographer

View

One thing Erica + Jacob mentioned while planning their photography schedule is how much they valued authenticity. There are so many different beliefs and traditions that surround weddings that it’s easy to get lost trying to figure out which ones will complement your love story.

For Erica + Jacob, planning a wedding that was true to their authentic selves - both individually and as a couple - meant that they deconstructed wedding traditions and instead picked or created ones that were more meaningful for them. The result of this was an intimate outdoor ceremony with just a handful of loved ones, followed by a reception filled with family and friends a week later.

Their ceremony was held in the scenic area at the top of Buck Bald Mountain, where the view was simply unmatched. 🥰

From where they stood, all around them were endless peaks and valleys of the surrounding mountains. Paired with a bright sun painting the sky and the clouds in various shades of orange, yellow, and pink as it began its descent toward the horizon, the couple was bathed in soft, natural light as they exchanged their vows.

Buck Bald Mountain was a truly magical space that was absolutely perfect for this beautiful couple’s ceremony.

- Team OkCrowe

Florals: @jolijardinfarm
Stationary: @jordanthomasdesign
Cake/Dessert: @publix
Wedding Dress: @oliazavozina
Bridal Jewlery: @gosscompanyjewelers
HMUA: @hairbybrookeann

#Chattanoogawedding #Chattanoogatnwedding #Chattanoogaweddingphotographer #Nashvillewedding #Nashvilleweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaphotographer #tennesseewedding #tennesseeweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaweddingplanner #theknotrealweddings #wedphotoinspiration #weddingphotoinspo #AtlantaWeddingphotographer #newyorkweddingphotographer #nycweddingphotographer #brooklynwedding #dumbowedding #georgiaweddingphotographer #atlwedding #atlantawedding

View

Here is a sneak peek at Rachel + Tyler’s wedding at the Moxy Chattanooga! 🌸

Rachel and Tyler are also wedding vendors and the two actually met while working on a wedding together. After messaging back and forth for about a month, they finally decided to hang out in person and have been inseparable ever since! Since then, they bonded over their shared love of outdoor adventure and, of course, fun!

On the morning of their wedding, Rachel, her bridesmaids, and her mom got ready in one of @moxynooga’s suites. Rachel looked radiant in her floral beaded gown, while Tyler was dressed in a handsome dark green suit. They chose to have their first look at Main Terrain Art Park on Chestnut Street to stay close to their venue and add some outdoor greenery to their photos.

I particularly love how these two chose to play with their wedding colors. Not only were their floral decorations full of colorful pink and pale purple flowers, and having their entire wedding party wear black was a perfect contrast!

Rachel + Tyler were so much fun to work with, and we wish them nothing but the best in all of the years to come! 🥂

- Team OkCrowe

Vendors:
Venue: @moxynooga
Planner: @heartpineplanning
Florals: @foxandfernstyle
DJ: @themilliondollaman
Catering + Ice Cream: @farmtoforkga
Hair: @vk_salon
Makeup: @cherithbrookebeauty
Stationary: @zola
Wedding Dress: @everafterbridaltn
Groom’s Suite: @giorgiomenswarehouse

#Chattanoogawedding #Chattanoogatnwedding #Chattanoogaweddingphotographer #Nashvillewedding #Nashvilleweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaphotographer #tennesseewedding #tennesseeweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaweddingplanner #theknotrealweddings #wedphotoinspiration #weddingphotoinspo #AtlantaWeddingphotographer #newyorkweddingphotographer #nycweddingphotographer #brooklynwedding #dumbowedding #georgiaweddingphotographer #atlwedding #atlantawedding

View

Mary Bess + Jordan have been in each other’s lives since way back when they were in grade school. Mary Bess’ mom was actually Jordan’s eighth grade teacher and would come home and tell her about him. But being only in sixth grade at the time, she had no interest. During their high school and college years, they had tons of mutual friends but never actually met until one of those friends got married, and they both went to the wedding.

Once they met, it was love at first sight. Flashing forward to now, they are so excited to finally be getting married! 💖

Mary Bess + Jordan chose to keep things simple and elegant and went with a full, classic black and white theme. Even their wedding party and all of their guests wore all black while they were the only two in white. By keeping things simple, they had more time and energy to spend on making sure they and everyone else were having a great time.

After a full night of partying, they ended with an exciting streamer send off. Their guests pulled a bunch of little poppers showering the two of them in whimsical, colorful streamers as they danced their way to their getaway trolley.

It was so much fun photographing Mary Bess + Jordan’s wedding. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your own wedding, be sure to head to the link in our bio to view our wedding packages! 👆

- Team OkCrowe
Planner: Shaun Teague @cuethechampagne
Venues: @moxychattanooga @chattwhiskey
Stationary: @etsy, @Zazzle
Dessert: @milkandhoneychattanooga
Alcohol: @riverside_wine

#Chattanoogawedding #Chattanoogatnwedding #Chattanoogaweddingphotographer #Nashvillewedding #Nashvilleweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaphotographer #tennesseewedding #tennesseeweddingphotographer #Chattanoogaweddingplanner #theknotrealweddings #wedphotoinspiration #weddingphotoinspo #AtlantaWeddingphotographer #newyorkweddingphotographer #nycweddingphotographer #brooklynwedding #dumbowedding #georgiaweddingphotographer #atlwedding #atlantawedding

View

The garden wedding inspo you’ve been searching for is here!🪴🌾🌼

I’m so excited to share this queer wedding styled shoot 🏳️‍🌈 I got to collaborate with a few amazing Chattanooga wedding vendors to dream up this mossy, low waste, forest lgbtq shoot.

On one groom we decided to showcase a 2023 hot trend - a floral lapel instead of the traditional floral boutonnière. For the other groom, we decided to go with an elegant and masculine greenery bouquet.

I thought it would be a neat idea to incorporate a spilled houseplant pot or floral arrangement, so @foxandfernstyle came up with the “deconstructed” centerpiece on the sweetheart table. I’ve never seen an arrangement like that and I think it’s such a neat idea to play with!

Gardens in the Gorge is one of my favorite lgbtqia+ affirming event venues in Tennessee - so to collaborate with them on a creative shoot really made this day a dream! Thank you so much for asking me to be a part.

Save this post as inspiration or share it with a friend who is planning a natural forest wedding 💌

- Rachael

Venue: @gardensinthegorge
In-House planning + concept: @mary_k_edwards
Florals + Design + Rentals: @foxandfernstyle
Photography: @okcrowe
Plant Rental: @thesecretgardenchatt
Furniture: @sittinprettyrentals
Linens + Chargers: @whitetable_specialtylinens
Calligraphy + Signage: @madsunstudio
Wardrobe Styling: @arnoldaruelas
Models: @nkettenbling @wow_itswill304

View

Enjoy a sneak peek at Elise + Will’s stunning wedding at the Turnbull Building 💐

Elise + Will met on a baseball field during a work event. For almost a year and a half since that fateful day, they spent their lunch hour together simply getting to know each other.

Finally, one evening, Will asked Elise if she wanted to hang out after work. After a lovely dinner that night, he then asked if she wanted to go on an actual date, and the rest is history! 💖

Now, four years later, they’re finally having the wedding of their dreams! They had their ceremony at the Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica, followed by an elegant reception at @the.turnbull.

The fourth floor of the Turnbull Building was beautifully decorated with wispy greens and pale flowers hung along the rafters. Pops of yellow and pink from the bright flowers in Elise and her bridesmaids' bouquets as well as from the centerpieces on each of the tables were a great way to bring a hint of spring into the sun-filled reception hall.

Elise and Will were a wonderful couple to work with, and from everyone here at OkCrowe, we wish you both a marriage filled with love, happiness, and laughter. 🥂

- Team OkCrowe

Reception Venue: @the.turnbull
Planner: @soireeseventplanning
Florals: @southerlyflowerfarm
Catering: @eventswithtaste
DJ: @deejayt3
Cake: @sweet_angel_cakes
Dress: @allaboutthebride_chatt
Tux: @JosABank
HMUA: @graceyoungb.mua

The Blog

TIPS I’VE LEARNED FROM PHOTOGRAPHING 200+ WEDDINGS

AND A PEEK INTO THE MOMENTS I'VE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO WITNESS.

Bride and groom's first look at the Common House Chattanooga. Photo by OkCrowe Photography.

8 Perfect Locations for Your

Engagement Session in

New York City

Dumbo Brooklyn
Engagement Session

Modern Wedding at the

Common House Chattanooga

How to Plan Your

Wedding Day Timeline

READ MORE

Ready to do the damn thing?

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOKING OKCROWE