Rivercrest Farm Wedding

Katie and Matt’s Rivercrest Farm wedding was animal filled fun!

Please enjoy, Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer

This was my first time for a Rivercrest Farm wedding and I was looking forward to it since we booked it.
I’d seen photos of the venue and knew it would make great photos.

Katie: “We chose Rivercrest because Matt and I both love being in the country and around animals. Matt grew
up in a small country town in Ohio with a barn, tractor, and chickens. I spent most of my childhood riding
horses and working at stables in order to fund horseback riding lessons.

“We thought the venue was so rustic yet beautiful and when we found out most of the animals were rescues
 we were sold! Being able to take photos with cows in a fancy dress was one of the highlights for me haha.
My dress got covered in slobber and the netting was filled with bugs but it was so worth it! The big Highland
bull we took pictures with was named Jack. The owners rehabbed him from a baby after they discovered him
abandoned by his mom right after birth.”

All of the farm animals were joined by some puppies during the ceremony from the Tuscarawas Humane Society.
“Matt and my relationship frequently involves us rescuing injured animals or adopting strays, so we wanted
to incorporate helping animals as much as possible. That was more important to us than holding boring flowers
plus a lot of the wedding party and guests are either dog lovers or current and former zookeepers.

“We had some guests who were interested and called the shelter a few days after the wedding and they said
they had all been adopted! I’m not sure if it was from wedding guests though.”

Matt played his guitar during the Father/Daughter dance and the song was “Sleepwalk” by Johnny Santo.
Katie: “Matt doesn’t want to write about himself so I will haha. He is an amazing guitarist skilled in both
acoustic and electric. He used to play in a rock band and briefly lived in LA to pursue music. He can play
just about any song he hears. He has also taught himself the piano and turned our spare bedroom into his
music and recording room.

“Matt brought his 1929 Martin guitar over to my apartment on our second date. I was unsure about a third
date with him until I heard him play it. I was blown away by how good he was and the rest is history! So
the guitar is partially responsible for our marriage.”

During the toasts Matt was given a framed crochet gift by his best man Brian. Matt:  “I grew up playing
music with a few guys in Brian’s basement. That sewn quote “Music is Love in Search of a Word” hung on the
wall behind the drumset and Brian’s mom made it.  We practiced in that basement for years even after being
signed to a small record label. Whenever I came home after moving away we always played music there. I think
I asked his mom every year for 20 some years if I could have that picture and it was always a “NO”.  I even got
the quote tattooed on my back.  Brian’s dad died this year and his mom went into a nursing home. I guess Brian
“Hobie” finally found it appropriate to give it to me. It meant a lot. So many memories.”  

Another personal touch in the wedding was Matt’s Jeep. “Our getaway Jeep was a 2004 Wrangler TJ and
completely rebuilt by Matt’s own two hands. He’s been under that thing on fire, crying, yelling, screaming, and
bleeding and says it’s worth it. He wanted it in the wedding so I told him only if we made it pretty! Thus
the flowers.”

This was the first wedding Summer appeared in.

Katie held Apple.

O’Shea and Apple and Matt and Katie kissed it up after the ceremony.

Katie’s dad, Jim, made the barn on the table which was used as the
card box. “He was going to make a Jeep themed wedding cake, but he loves
working with wood so he decided to make a barn instead! We plan to use it as a
hidey house for our cats.”

The tablecloths were from L’Nique Specialty Linen and the plates were from
Rivercrest. My mom and I thought that they complimented the barn and
gave it a touch of elegance.

Katie’s brother Nick gave a toast. “He’s my little brother and one of my
best friends! We’ve been close ever since childhood and share the same
interests and sense of humor.”

Matt played his guitar during the father/daughter dance.

Amanda, Katie and Allison danced it up all night.

Katie, Justin and Amanda tried to stay cool on the dance floor.

The sparkler ending was so fun they went through twice!

What a getaway!

Officiant: Fr. Mike Watson – Katie’s uncle
Ceremony and Reception: Rivercrest Farm
Catering: Barrio
Cupcake: french toast frosting, made by the matron of honor, Amanda Theobald
Florist: Countryside Florist
Music: Lea Marra and the Dreamcatchers
Dress: Designer Mori Lee, bought from La Blanca bridal boutique
Suit: Calvin Klein shirt and Target pants. LOL
Engagement rings: made of wood with green mountains painted on the side
Wedding band: groove rings with paw print and compass
Hair: Rig and Co
Makeup: Cleveland Bridal Makeup
Linens: L’Nique Specialty Linen
Wedding coordinator: Kaylee Porter
Assistant: Parker Shaw

Thank you for viewing this Rivercrest Farm wedding,

– Scott Shaw Photo | Cleveland Wedding Photographer