Shuttle Meadow Country Club Wedding Photos
Apollo Fields | Shuttle Meadow Country Club Wedding Photos | Connecticut Wedding Photographer | Best Wedding Photos
Kelly + Evan
One of the first things couples realize when planning a wedding is that their opinions on the event are not the only ones that matter. Whether it’s their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or extended family, someone has a monkey wrench to throw into the best laid plans! It can lead to difficult conversations and even harder decisions, but Kelly and Evan’s intimate wedding ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park followed by their reception at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Kensington, Connecticut, clearly echoed not only their own values, but also the ones they learned from their refreshingly supportive families.
Family Values
Marriage, like anything else, is an institution that is evolving over time. Heather and I have noticed how marriage preserves some generational values, while it distances itself from others. For example, just a generation ago, getting married in a church by a pastor or priest was the norm, but now couples are opting to get married in beautiful backyards (raises hand) and scenic parks by one of their closest friends or family members. Antiquated reasons for a father walking their daughter down the aisle have given way to a deeper emotional connection that is one of my favorite things to witness. Perhaps the most modern and honorable aspect of the evolution of marriage is when parents who have parted ways come together at the wedding to pay respect to one another as partners and parents while also acknowledging the newer partners and parents in their children’s lives. Emotional intelligence may not always seem like it’s on the rise, but believe me if you were at Kelly and Evan’s wedding in Connecticut you wouldn’t have had dry eyes either.
Family Tradition
Kelly’s grandparents belonged to the Shuttle Meadow Country Club before her parents did and it meant a lot to her family for her and Evan to host their reception there. I don’t typically think about deep family ties and emotions when speaking about country clubs but it was apparent in the way Kelly and her family interacted with the property and staff. Family traditions take many forms and whenever possible you should try to embrace them when planning for your wedding!
Apollo Fields Family Values & Traditions
After Heather and I had Capa it changed the way I looked at my childhood and the choices my parents made. My five siblings and I were pretty much free range chickens in our cluttered house, finding our way home for dinner after playing with neighborhood kids until dusk. The only problem was that I didn’t know that I had autonomy and power over my own decisions until I left for college, whereupon I learned of my lack of discipline and returned home shortly thereafter. I consider it one of the best things that ever happened to me because it made me really analyze what decisions I was making and why.
So when I saw Evan and Kelly’s families and the connection and respect that they all have for one another; it made me think of providing Capa the guiding hand that I did not have, while at the same time giving him the power of his own decisions as early as possible. For our families are the ones who show us our values, but it is up to us as individuals to choose the ones that we wish to celebrate.
Vendors
Apollo Fields | Photography
Venue | Shuttle Meadow Country Club | Kensington, CT
Floral | Kellie Rose Florals
Band | The Parachute Brigade
Dress | Lee-Ann Belter
Dress 2 | BHLDN
Suit | Bonobos
Rings | Traynham’s Jewelers
Hair and Makeup | Opal
Invitations | Minted
Misquamicut Club Wedding Photos
Apollo Fields | Rhode Island Wedding Photographers | Misquamicut Wedding Photos | Beach Wedding Photos | Best Wedding Photos
Liza + Jake
It’s not often that the MVP of a wedding is someone not attending the wedding, but we have to give credit to one of the members of Misquamicut Club who gave up his golf cart mid-round (!!) so Heather, Liza, and Jake could take it to the Rhode Island coastline for golden hour photos! About 15 minutes prior, we were told by the manager that all of the golf carts were locked up for the evening and were totally bummed when we realized we’d be missing out on beach golden hour photos. So kudos to the kind stranger for helping make Liza and Jake’s wedding day that much more special.
Rhode Island Wedding Photos
Up until last year, Rhode Island was merely a drive through state for my family’s summer trips up to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It always felt like we were only in Rhode Island for a few minutes as we cruised over Providence on the highway. But after staying in Newport, Little Compton, and Watch Hill, in the last couple years, it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite New England states. It’s the combination of historic architecture and culture combined with the beautiful coastline and beaches that does it for me.
North Carolina Engagement Photos
Liza and Jake currently reside in North Carolina, a state on the east coast that boasts the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. They both love camping and backpacking, although Liza’s sister said jokingly during her maid-of-honor speech that they never did that growing up. That they were more horseback than backpack, but it’s wonderful that Jake and Liza can grow into a hobby together. So when they found out that we were planning a trip to visit Heather’s family in Greenville, South Carolina, it opened the door to an awesome adventure engagement photo session in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I wasn’t there, but after seeing the pictures it reminded me of Heather and I’s exploration of the Colorado Rockies when we lived in a small suburb of Denver.
National Park Photos
After the wedding, Liza and Jake planned on heading up to Acadia National Park in Maine to do some hiking and relaxing. Heather and I caught the National Park bug when we journeyed out to Telluride, Colorado, stopping at The Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Funny enough, we found our favorite bagels in Colorado in a nearby small mountain called Montrose. Never have I ever backlinked a bagel shop in one of these posts but I hate to admit that Heather and I took down a dozen of their bagels without (!!) butter, cream cheese, or any condiment or topping. When traveling to far away destinations it’s best to load up on good food while you can.
Heather and I meant to hit Acadia when we were up in Maine for weddings but it never came to fruition. We take any and all excuses to explore the national park system, so feel free to reach out if you are thinking of hosting your wedding in one of our country’s beautiful national parks.
Vendors
Photography | Apollo Fields
Venue | Misquamicut Club | Westerly, Rhode Island
The Flagler Museum Wedding Photography in Palm Beach, FL
Apollo Fields | Palm Beach Island Wedding Photographers | Flagler Museum Wedding | Luxury Wedding Photographers | Wedding Photographers Near Me | Best Wedding Photos
Chase & Heather
I’ve never liked Florida. Ever. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a New Yorker or because of all the Florida man memes, but it’s never been my thing. But the idea of leaving New York for the beach while it’s starting to get cold-- that was an idea I could get behind. I’d never been to West Palm Beach and I try to keep an open mind. Heather, Capa, and I arrived around midnight and woke up to torrential rain the next morning. It was the kind of rain that makes you eat at the hotel rather than try out some local digs. Lucky for us I found a french bakery around the corner that I could sprint to and bring in some of the best baguettes we’ve ever had. We were off to a very good start.
Heather met Heather (the bride) when they were really young. They grew up riding horses together and Heather’s fiance, Chase, actually used to ride with them too. Capa and I are still learning to be comfortable around horses but it’s always a joy to see Heather talk about something she loves very deeply. Heather and Heather used to come down to West Palm for competitions so Heather knew that I was going to like West Palm. I still wasn’t so sure.
Heather and Chase hosted a welcome dinner at a local staple, E.R Bradleys, and after the party ended, the staff began clearing the tables and setting up a mechanical bull. We all had the same idea--I hope Heather and Chase ride the bull--but we also knew that maybe it wasn’t the best idea the night before their wedding. Well there’s a first time for everything, and sure enough, Heather and Chase were the first to hop on. They each showed off their strong legs and held on with muscles that probably don’t exist on my body. They went from riding bulls one day to getting married the next and their wedding weekend was officially in full swing.
Heather and Chase hosted their wedding at The Flagler Museum on Palm Beach Island and despite gusting winds the rain held off for most of the day. The grounds were absolutely stunning and the museum was immaculate. It felt like I was back at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Between the rowdiness of the night before and the class of the Flagler, Florida and Palm Beach were really starting to grow on me. The greenhouse where Heather and Chase held their reception was something out of The Great Gatsby or a movie. String lights in an open space with windows all around and the lights of the city in the distance. I can’t believe I’m saying take me back when speaking about Florida but I have to give credit where credit’s due.
Our final day in Palm Beach we spent most of it floating in a rooftop pool. I waded with Capa in the water, pretending like he was riding a dolphin in the Caribbean and he loved it. The Florida sun finally came out and it made it really hard to want to go back to 40-degree New York weather. I thought back to all of the times that I heard people complain about how cold it was when it was still 50 degrees outside but the first time I understood. Maybe Florida isn’t so bad after all.
Vendors
Photography | Apollo Fields
Venue | The Flagler Museum | Palm Beach Island
Welcome Party Venue | E.R. Bradleys
Long Island Winter Wedding at One10 Restaurant
Apollo Fields | Best Wedding Photos | New York Wedding Photographer | Long Island Wedding Photographer | One10 Wedding Photographer
Amanda + Bill
Looking for a Unique venue? Have Your Wedding at a Restaurant!
Amanda and Bill decided to have their wedding at One10 Restaurant on Long Island because they felt it represented who they are more than a venue could. Consider their amazing wedding a reminder that you can do whatever you want at your wedding! One10 serves up a delicious mix of elevated rustic Italian and classic steakhouse. The expansive, clean space is anchored by a huge white granite bar and has a door that separates the space for private events. The flow of the day was seamless and the windows at the back of the restaurant allowed plenty of natural light to pour in for stunning photos!
Personalize Your Wedding Details
Amanda has a ton of experience in the wedding industry as a florist so right off the bat she knew what she wanted. She loved the details of One10: the floral wall with neon sign that read “the dolce vita,” the modern stylish decor, customizable space and the unbeatable food. Amanda added her own personal touches in the place cards with fun games and obviously stunning florals. Little details can go a long way into helping your wedding feel more intimate—the work might be tedious or laborious but it is always worth it!
Have a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings come with low temperatures and early sunsets but don’t let those things deter you from planning a winter wedding! The winter months also allow for more flexibility, different attire like fur shawls, and the chance of getting some amazing photos in the snow. Amanda and Bill got a chilly day but still braved the cold for their first look photos outside, and even finished the day with a few shots on the back patio. It’s up to you to determine what is most important at your wedding, so if one of those things isn’t spring or summer weather, take a look at hosting your wedding in the colder months.
Long Island Wedding Photography
From Montauk to the city, Heather and I travel all throughout Long Island to document weddings. We personally love doing weddings like Amanda and Bill’s that clearly have been well-planned and executed with a personal touch. Amanda and Bill are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and their wedding reflected their personalities through-and-through. We wish them the best of luck and can’t wait to meet up to grab a slice or bagel in the coming years!
VENDOR TEAM:
Photography: Apollo Fields
Ceremony & Reception Venue: One10 Restaurant
Party Planner / Day-Of Coordinator: Audra Jones- The Day Of Company
Videographer : White Tie Video
Florist: Flowers by Manny
DJ / Band : High Voltage Entertainment
Cake / Bakery : CaseyCakes
Rings : The Karat Shop
Hair and Makeup: Sue Natale + Mel Polito
Transportation / Limo: Cruise Control Limousine
The whole squad!
It’s us with the dream team of vendors + Amanda and Bill!
Jackson Lake Lodge Wedding Photos at Grand Teton National Park
Apollo Fields | Grand Tetons Wedding | National Park Wedding Photos | Best Wedding Photos | Destination Wedding Photographer | Jackson Hole Wedding Photographer
Ross & MIchelle’s Wedding
Flying back from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I look over to see Capa pulling at Heather’s mask as she nurses him. When the mask snaps back it hits Heather in the face and she playfully whips her head back against the seat. Capa laughs. It’s his fourth flight in eight months and he’s been a doll through three of them: Falls asleep at takeoff, naps for two hours, then wakes up playing and trying to make friends. The one he struggled through we were taxi-ing for over an hour and a half. You learn to take the good times with the bad when you have a baby, and with Capa there’s been plenty more of the former.
We first met Ross and Michelle at Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington on Long Island. Heather was filling in for a bartender and I came in to keep her company with one of our favorite board games, Azul. Ross and Michelle sat right next to us and laughed at the way Heather and I talked smack to each other. We quickly invited them to play with us and we wound up laughing all night and closing the brewery down together.
Ross and Michelle are the kind of people you want to go on vacation with. They always bring a bunch of energy, love to goof around, and don’t take things too seriously. They know how to keep it loose while putting things in motion and they never lose sight of the big picture. When Heather and I met Ross and Michelle they weren’t sure what kind of wedding they wanted—actually—they weren’t even engaged yet. But once we told them about one of our couples eloping in Grand Teton National Park, their eyes lit up. “Now that’s something I can imagine us doing, Michelley” Ross said.
Ross and Michelle wound up holding an intimate wedding in Grand Teton National Park at the Jackson Lake Lodge. The morning of the wedding, Heather, Capa, Ross, Michelle and I piled into our rental car at sunrise and we headed for a few overlooks off the main road. Unfortunately, smoke from forest fires to the west clouded the atmosphere, hiding most of the national park’s dramatic peaks. We adjusted on the fly and hoped for a clearer afternoon.
The haze hung in the air through Ross and Michelle’s ceremony but we came up with a game plan to get them a view of the mountains. Once again we all piled into the car to head for Jenny Lake. Windows down, we blasted the radio as the mountains grew closer and closer. We all whooped and hollered as we climbed out of the car to get the shots that we all came here for. We then took Ross and Michelle to a secluded field to share their vows in private.
As we made our way back to their wedding at Jackson Lake Lodge, we all couldn’t believe that our connection came from a game of Azul. To share such a special time together in a place so far away from our homes. We were all riding high, enjoying an adventure with friends who decided to create a good time when the bad tried to cloud the experience. If Ross and Michelle’s wedding was any indication, there there will plenty more of the former rather than the latter. After all, another adventure awaits.
Enjoy these photos from Ross & Michelle’s Grand Teton microwedding:
Vendors
Photography | Apollo Fields
Venue | Jackson Lake Lodge | Moran, WY
The Carltun Wedding Photos on Long Island
Apollo Fields | Long Island Wedding Photographer | Best Wedding Photos | Photographers Near Me | Outdoor Wedding Photos | New York Wedding Photographer
Dmitri & Laura’s Wedding
When Heather and I walked into Dimitri’s parent’s house on the Great South Bay, the vibe was a lot like his and Laura’s intimate wedding last year. A bunch of family members wearing half-done ties around their necks, orange juice and bagels on the counter, and some EDM playing in the background. Dimitri was the only one fully dressed and was as relaxed as someone walking in from a beach on Mykonos. Laura was actually at the reception venue already, The Carltun, getting ready with her bridesmaids while sipping on a mimosa. Another date on the calendar and another beautiful Long Island summer day to celebrate their love.
Laura and Dimitri held another wedding this year to 1) host a ceremony in a Greek Orthodox Church, and 2) to do a big fat Greek wedding right. Holding the reception at the Carltun aptly fit Laura and Dimitri’s architectural backgrounds with: an ornate fountain, distinguished and specialized craftswork, and historical details aplenty. The large, partially-covered patio was perfect for a leisurely cocktail hour where their guests were happy to eat, share stories, and enjoy a drink or two.
I learned a lot about Laura and Dimitri at their wedding last year but even more from the questionnaire they submitted this year. I learned that for the first summer they were together as a couple Dimitri was in Greece and had to chase down places that offered WiFi to FaceTime Laura at all hours of the night. And that they have a love for visiting national parks and plan to hit Glacier and Yellowstone to kick off their honeymoon. I love the stories of them getting to know each other while doing studio work together, sneaking glances in between focused coursework. But most of all I enjoyed how Dimitri compared Laura to a hobbit or a rose; and Laura called Dimitri “definitely a bird.” You can see how their love has evolved over the years but is still so light and playful.
I’d like to say that Heather and I’s love is still light and playful-- and it is--but it definitely comes with a boatload of responsibilities at this point in time. We both knew before having Capa that we wanted to make a concerted effort for each other as individuals and as a couple after we had him. It’s one of those things that new parents tell you to look out for. But amid a crazy wedding season, our calendar has had other plans. The cliche “there just isn’t enough time in the day” comes to mind, and as humans we have a finite energy supply. We still find time to joke around in our long car rides and jogs through the airport, but the words light and playful aren’t the first words to describe our relationship right now.
I’d probably say dedicated, professional, and unrelenting. We both give all that we have everyday to our business, our beautiful baby Capa (nine months old already!), and whatever we have left we give to ourselves and each other. It is the life we chose and the life we love, but man what we would do to kick it on a beach in Greece right now. We have plans to plan an offseason for the ages but for right now we are gearing up for the last couple months of this grueling but unbelievable wedding season. So tie up your bowties, slip into your dresses, and get the toasts ready because we have more love to document and enjoy!
Enjoy Laura & Dimitri’s Wedding Photos:
vendors
Photography | Apollo Fields
Videography | ONPHILM
Venue | The Carltun | Westbury, NY
DJ | Bravo Sound
Floral | Garden World
Cake | Francesco’s Bakery
Dress | Essence of Australia | Paisley Bridal
Suit | Feldman Tuxedo
Rings | Kardesh Jewelers
Makeup | Adelyn’s Canvas
Hair | Ahern Beauty
Transportation | Broward Limo
It’s Busy Season!
And we’re loving it. Reach out for your own wedding photography!
The Maker Hotel Wedding Photography and Proposal
Apollo Fields | NY Wedding Photographer | Upstate NY Wedding Photos | The Maker Wedding Photos | Hudson Wedding Photographer | Hudson NY Wedding Photos | The Maker Hotel
Ricardo’s Proposal and Wedding at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, NY
After wrapping a wedding reception in Port Jefferson on Long Island, Capa and I made our way back home to Northport on a humid sunny afternoon. Heather, however, pressed on past our exit off the LIE en route to a surprise proposal at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, NY. I’m not sure if she listened to DMX, DMB, or podcasts but I’m sure that she was feeling a mixture of fatigue and excitement on the three-hour drive. That’s because The Maker Hotel isn’t just any hotel; and Ricardo and Michael aren’t just any couple.
The Maker Hotel was co-founded by Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, the creative minds behind the global beauty brand, Fresh, and nearby cafe and bakery, Bartlett House in Ghent, NY. A personalized aesthetic can be traced through all of their brands and nowhere is it more tangible than in the unique and authentic decor between the cozy walls of The Maker. Glazman and Roytberg’s hospitality expert, Damien Janowicz, was pivotal in the execution of the old-world-meets-new-world-vibe, providing both comfort and intrigue to restaurant diners and hotel guests alike.
Ricardo and Michael’s proposal and wedding seamlessly transitioned from a dimly-lit intimate dinner party to a beautifully sexy burlesque on Broadway show between toasts of champagne. Ricardo has a gentle, caring tone that makes him a warm and generous host. You could tell by the look on Michael’s face when Ricardo spoke just how deep their connection ran. By choosing The Maker Ricardo and Michael were able to share their story with their guests in a space that felt like home with a splash of the old world and a dash of bright lights.
Heather and I got to talking and realized that Apollo Fields is based on a lot of the same principles as The Maker and Ricardo and Michael’s relationship. At one point we even said that our motto should be “an old way to look at the new world” in regards to the artistic style we implement when we document weddings. Heather and I have an adoration for history and want to lift the best parts of it into the 21st century. We aim to build a future that celebrates humans in all of their many beautiful forms, and are always on the lookout for honest artistic expression. We appreciate style but don’t want to sacrifice comfort; we want to travel the world without leaving home.
A great relationship is like a great hotel, you feel comfortable anywhere you are. You want for nothing, you’re in great company, and all of your needs are met. You sink into the couch a little bit deeper, sip that hot coffee a little longer, and maybe even drift off into a daydream. You look over at your partner and lock eyes--oh how love can be so light in those beautiful moments. That is what we are all after--what a great partner, hotel, or brand can bring--those moments of deep love that somehow come so easy.
Vendors:
Venue: The Maker Hotel | Hudson NY
Photography: Apollo Fields
Barn Wedding in Lancaster at The Farm at Eagle's Ridge
Apollo Fields | Pennsylvania Wedding Photography | Farm Wedding Photographers in PA | Outdoor Wedding Photography | Lancaster Wedding Photographers | Wedding Photos at the Farm at Eagles Ridge
Kevin + Danielle
I’ve known Heather for seven years and I never knew she had a thing for the Amish. I’m not sure if it’s their tight community, hard work ethic, beautiful handmade furniture, or their simpler way of life, but I have to admit as we passed through Amish country I was pretty enamored as well. I couldn’t believe that people ride their horse-and-buggies right on the side of a highway with a 55mph speed limit but there they were, steadfast in their dedication to their way of life as cars and trucks zipped on by.
Heather, Capa, and I were on our way to Danielle and Kevin’s farm wedding in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at The Farm at Eagle’s Ridge. We were charmed by the old architecture of Lancaster, which reminded us of a combination of some of our favorite neighborhoods in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Just minutes outside the busy streets of the city we drove through rolling farmland and pulled into Kevin and Danielle’s gorgeous wedding venue.
The Farm at Eagle’s Ridge is a beautifully curated and cared for piece of property with a large barn, a spacious covered outdoor patio, a picturesque pond, and a 5+ bedroom updated and refurbished colonial home. Kevin and Danielle and their respective bridal parties lounged in the luxurious home, getting ready, playing games in the early afternoon. We eventually headed out to the lawn for Kevin and Danielle’s first look, followed by a few family formals and bridal shots. The mid-70’s overcast spring day was perfect for the outdoor ceremony by the dock at the pond as the live music floated in the air.
The proper planning combined with the design of the property and Kevin and Danielle’s laid-back vibe made the entire day a seamless experience. Nothing felt rushed, every detail was curated and executed to perfection, and Kevin and Danielle looked like a million bucks. I keep saying that I need to invent a word for when I see a couple look at each other and really mean it--the kind of look that speaks the words that your mouth can’t quite say--well whatever that word turns out to be--Kevin and Danielle embody it.
As day turned to night and cocktail hour gave way to the sit-down dinner, we stole Kevin and Danielle for some romantics around the property. We took them through the grass, around the pond, in front of a grove of beautiful cherry-blossom like blooming trees, and finally back to the stone wall that they walked by on their way to their ceremony site. Kevin and Danielle walked with an ease like they were combing back from a Sunday brunch and when we took a few individuals of each of them the other looked on with a sparkly-eyed admiration of their partner. At one point as Danielle was comfortably seated on the rock wall Kevin muttered under his breath, “wow.”
It’s this kind of admiration, this kind of connection that I’ve been missing during this past year. Documenting our couples connect this deeply is food for my soul and I’m growing more and more grateful with every wedding of 2021.
Enjoy these sneaks from Danielle and Kevin’s wedding:
The Vendor Team—
Photography: Apollo Fields
VENUE: The Farm at Eagles Ridge, Lancaster PA
PARTY PLANNER / DAY-OF COORDINATOR: Danielle Boyer at Planned Perfection
VIDEOGRAPHER: Cinema 440
OFFICIANT: Rachel Wade
FLORIST: JDK - Colton
DJ / BAND: Steve Johnson Band
CAKE / BAKERY: Cakes by Rosie
DECOR / PARTY RENTALS: Shumaker / Treasured
DRESS: Seng couture
SUIT: Black Tux
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Lea from Style Co
Hey! It’s us…
…team Apollo! Having a great time with Danielle & Kevin.