NYC Marriage Bureau Wedding at the City Clerk Hall

Apollo Fields | NYC Wedding Photographers | New York Wedding Photography | Long Island Wedding Photos | City Hall Wedding Photos | New York City Hall Wedding Photos

Jess + Yi

City hall weddings will always have a place in my heart for their simplicity. Some of the couples who choose this option still host a larger celebration, while others are just happy to get a couple handfuls of friends and family together to enjoy a night on the town. It doesn’t even have to be New York City to enjoy that kind of intimate celebration. It’s the same kind of vibe of hosting a dinner party at your home.

NEw York City Wedding Photographers

When Heather and I lived in New York we didn’t tap into our love of hosting yet. I guess we were too busy taking care of people at our respective bars while pursuing our college degrees. It wasn’t until we moved to Colorado that we started putting together curated dinners where we would invite people who didn’t know each other to meet and share a meal. There was something wonderfully simple about it. I know a lot of people who get anxious at the idea of company, but I remember one particular dinner of ours when we didn’t have enough silverware for everyone! Instead of feeling ashamed we just asked the couples at the table to share. That has since become the dinner our friends talk about the most often.

New Jersey Wedding Photographers

And that’s the beautiful thing about focusing on the people rather than the things—whether we’re talking about a wedding or a dinner party. The right people can make anything work, but the right things might not meet expectations. It takes a good partnership to arrive at good decisions, big and small, the first of which is commonly either a big move or planning a wedding. It’s kind of like the “take a road trip” test with someone you’ve been dating except times 1000. Ever since we hosted that first dinner party we’ve never looked back at any of our decisions—instead—we pass the fork back to one another when we share a meal. It brings us back to that party and always brings us closer together.

Harbor Club at Prime Wedding Photography in Huntington, NY

Harbor Club at Prime Wedding Photography in Huntington, NY | Waterfront Weddings at Yacht Club on Long Island New York | Apollo Fields Photographers

Shannon & Eric

Photography: Apollo Fields
Venue: Harbor Club at Prime

Dedragging: Mykel's Come As You Are Session

De-Dragging Portrait Session | Drag Queen Photography | Come As You Are Boudoir | Apollo Fields NYC Portraits

Dedragging: Mykel's Come As You Are Session

She has one rule, well actually She has a full list of rules because She is a boss like that, but the most important one is: “Never take off any drag until you are home and the door is closed. Serve the full fantasy and commit to the gag.”

The night is over and in the car back I am itching to regain control of my normal body functions. Since leaving the house six hours ago, all I've been thinking about is taking off the drag that has deprived me of these basic needs. My feet have lost all feeling in the spiked heel death traps I have fastened to them. I go to take them off and give myself the beginning feelings of freedom from the martyrdom that is drag, but She reminds me, “Bitch, you’ll be fine. No one wants to see a flat-footed drag queen hobbling into her building. Buck up buttercup, we’re almost home.”

After an awkward farewell from my Uber driver, who is clearly going to spend the rest of the night compartmentalizing his sexual desire for She, I grow more and more excited to de drag with every brittle step I take. I am so close to freedom I could cry. The elevator is empty. No one can see me. I go to peel off the wig and free my head from the giant band of torture elastic. “No, no, no, No. What if the sexy neighbor is in the hall? I’m not going to be a bald headed bitch.” She scolds.

The terrifying bounce of the old elevator arriving on my floor reminds me sharply that I’ve had to pee since leaving the house. Being that my penis is taped up my own ass, I have to just forget about all bathroom requirements entirely. On two dead feet and a piercingly full bladder, I full on run/wobble from the elevator down the hall, looking like a drunk freshly birthed giraffe. I unbutton her dress and let it fall to the ground, while savagely ripping off her thumb and index finger nails with my teeth.

“What are you...?” Ignoring her completely I dump out the contents of her purse, and squat like a monkey to frantically get the keys. Out of the corner of my eye I see that hot neighbor coming out of his apartment. “I fucking told you! Oh my God! Get inside right now!” I unlock the door and lunge into the entry hall while incomprehensibly stammering ‘great to see you, have a good night’.

Immediately I’m dodging my dog Tux, who has undoubtedly been sitting in the same spot since I left, plotting his triumphant fanfare of love and adoration upon my return. I leap over him and make it to the bathroom just in time to peel down five layers of Capezio tights, releasing my foam butt pads like coiled snakes in a can.

The downright emotional release that comes from ripping off the duct tape and allowing my penis to emerge into an oxygen filled environment is life changing to say the least. Also the terrifying sight of it slowly accordioning out from the cave of my pelvis is something directly from a sci-fi horror movie. “There ya go buddy! Sweet release.” She says with kindness and understanding.

There I am, suddenly a man in a beautiful wig and makeup, tights rolled down to my calves, a nude lace bra, adorned in diamonds and jewels, and fully bedazzled plastic nails on. There is nothing more powerful than straddling a toilet and peeing in six inch heels. I catch a glimpse of me, her, us in the mirror and can’t help but feel proud. “ I love being gay.”

I waddle into my bedroom while avoiding the land mines of toys, ropes, and balls lovingly set out by my dog. I pry off my heels and try to set my feet flat on the ground, but anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in heels knows that your feet are going to be frozen in place like Barbie’s plastic arches for the next few hours. “Also, good luck with your lower back pain for the rest of the week darling. You’re fucked.” She’s right. I’m fucked.

Whoever invented underwire should be burned at the stake. “For. Real. Though. Henny.” She says while taking the first deep breath of the night. The alarmingly red indent around my torso after taking off her bra is a mere battle scar. I wear it with begrudging pride. Now comes the most painful part of de-dragging, taking off the nails. There is no kind way to tear off your own cuticles. You have to find your numb happy place and just bite those claws off and spit them victoriously across the room. “Oh shit, look out, he’s butch all of a sudden.”

I stand back from the mirror, and take a good last look while blood and oxygen begin to freely flow through my body again. Even though I’m a naked man standing there, I still see the woman I made looking back at me. It’s strange to say the words “woman I made”, because in reality She is shaping me. She gives me the power to see society see me, and I am strengthened every time She takes over. She is softer in her inflections and gestures, yet She requires more physical and emotional strength that I just don’t have when I’m a man. She’s a brave boss.

We stare at each other for minute. The corner of her lip smirks, and the sassy sultry sound of her voice says, “Bitch, you look stunning.” We grab the wig, and for a moment the world is in slow motion. She gives me a final wink, and I snatch it off my head. She’s gone for now. She was fabulous tonight.

Talent: Mykel Vaughn
Photography: Apollo Fields
Location: The Denizen Co.

Here's to 30 and Quite Possibly The Best Days of My Life

30th Birthday Reflections | Third Trimester Pregnancy Blog | Long Island Wedding Photographers | Apollo Fields Photography

Here's to 30 and Quite Possibly The Best Days of My Life

I remember waking up on the morning of Terrence’s 30th birthday in a cabin we had rented on top of a mountain in Colorado.  He had woken up before me, and I went downstairs to find him sitting in a bay window, writing and drinking coffee.  He wrote a blog appropriately titled, “Turning 30– Am I Where I Expected Myself To Be?” and now that I am turning 30, I find myself asking the same question.  

Of course, my 30th birthday looks a little different than Terrence’s did a few years ago.  We celebrated his birthday by venturing out into the mountains, spending the day with a few friends, going to some breweries, and then driving up to a trailhead in the middle of the night to hike to our cabin.  We were guided by nothing more than our cell phone flashlights and good morale, but having the time of our lives. 

When I look back on pictures from then, I can’t help but think that we look like such babies.  We were engaged and planning our own wedding, living in Colorado, still figuring out each other’s place in Apollo Fields, and so full of adventure.  We could have never predicted how the next few years would turn out:  the ups and downs of moving back East, getting married, going through an ectopic pregnancy, traveling the country for weddings, running a small business during a pandemic, and eventually getting pregnant again.  

But here we are – in a totally different season of life – and yet just as happy and optimistic as ever.  We don’t look at things with the same carefree lens as we might have a few years ago, but we’re not jaded either.  We have a little babe who will be here in just a few weeks, and even as I sit here typing this out on my couch I can’t help but think that each squirmy little kick is a surreal reminder that shit’s about to get real real.  

So, as Terrence hashed out on his birthday, “am I where I expected myself to be” turning 30?  Literally speaking, probably not; but figuratively speaking I think I am.  I don’t think I would have imagined myself in a suburban Long Island home per se, but just about everything else adds up.  I love that we are able to sustain ourselves with a business built on creativity and authentic connection, and the fact that I am able to do it with my husband is beyond fulfilling.  

I feel a sense of pride for our marriage, for it is built on the pillars of open and honest communication but also contains a massive amount of silliness and zest for life.  I love our animals and the quirky little adventures that we all take and I can’t wait to bring this little baby into the mix.  

I will admit that I love this age for the gift to curate our circle of truest friends.  There is something freeing about understanding who is an acquaintance and who is a lifelong friend, and to not carry any guilt around that distinction is a wonderful part of adulthood that just doesn’t seem to exist in your early 20s.  

My relationship to family has evolved as well.  Of course, building a family of your own will put you on the fast track to developing that understanding, but I think this chapter of life has also been so conducive to realizing the role that family can play in your life if you nurture it.  Quarantine has brought a lot of us closer, especially Terrence’s siblings (all six of them!), and I feel especially grateful to have been able to bond more with both sides of our families during this year.  

I think many of us experienced a collective sense of both connection and loneliness during this pandemic, and as I look ahead to the winter and what postpartum life might resemble, I anticipate a lot of those same emotions coming up.  I’m not sure what the next few weeks, months, or years will look like, but I am looking forward to them.  

I think turning 30 can bring on a crisis of ‘I haven’t done enough with my life so far’ for a lot of people, and while my default is normally to shortchange my own accomplishments, I think I’ll shift that mode of thinking into feeling a sense of calm-- not for the things I have necessarily worked for or earned, but for the gifts of stability and connection that I have from the people around me.  

Cheers,
Heather

Photography: Cait McCarthy Photo

Heckscher Park Engagement Photos in Huntington, NY

Vince & Meredith’s Engagement Session | Heckscher Park Engagement Photos in Huntington, NY | Long Island Photographers | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography

We first met Merideth at her sister-in-law Sage’s wedding in September 2019 when we walked into Sage and John’s home on Long Island. Hair spray was in the air, bagels on the table, and mimosas in hand. Meredith and Sage made sure we had anything that we wanted and we really felt the warmth of their welcome. Their kind of hospitality never goes unnoticed on our end.

We met up with Merideth and Vince almost a year later in Huntington for their engagement photos at Heckscher Park. We walked and talked and laughed as the early autumn sun warmed us in the breeze. They spoke about how excited they are for us to become parents and how they’re in the process of moving. I’ve definitely noticed a pattern of families becoming closer both literally and figuratively during 2020, and it makes me grateful to come from a large family. We can bicker and fight each other all we want, but when it comes down to it, there is nothing more valuable in life than having people in your corner.

For me, part of the fun of doing engagement photos is seeing how a couple reacts to one another. Are they playful, does PDA come naturally, or is this whole experience an exercise in torture. Heather and I love to make the experience as light as possible because the vast majority of people have not been in front of a camera like this before. There are different strokes for different folks but we can guarantee by the end of it that we will capture the nature of your relationship because it will naturally pour out of you. There is no putting a lid on love.

Right from the get-go Merideth and Vince had their hands on each other, whispering things into each other's ears, and giggling. People think that engagement photos have to be something more than this but at Apollo Fields this is all we want--for you to be unabashedly yourselves. In a world where our social media lives are as curated as the art that hangs on museum walls, authenticity still reigns supreme. No photo will ever be as good as the one that you let yourself go and exist as naturally possible. That kind of peaceful confidence is the best outfit any of us could wear.    

It’s the kind of confidence that we have when we’re around our families, catching up in the living room on a holiday or summer vacation. It’s so easy for us to slip into the roles that we’ve been carving our whole lives and our egos wind up taking the back seat to the speed of a witty family back-and-forth. There is no time to wonder what we look like or where our hands are when a relative walks by and either physically or verbally jabs us. We just exist naturally. 

And that’s what I’ll remember from Merideth and Vince’s engagement photos. How they and we just walked in the park and took some pictures. It was as easy as a summer night and that’s all it had to be.

Newborn Photography in Hunterdon County, New Jersey

Ryder's Newborn Photography Session in Hunterdon County, New Jersey | Baby Photographer Apollo Fields | NJ Family Photographers

I got to spend an afternoon with Erren and her sweet new babe, Ryder, recently and just had the best time catching up with this mama and meeting her adorable new love. We had the best chats as we shot together and her words resonated with me so much that I wanted her to be able to tell her story and journey with motherhood in her own words. Enjoy this special narrative and sweet photos from such a great day!

“From the moment I saw those pink lines I had it all planned out in my head.

But you my love, had a different plan all along. You shocked us all and came earth side five weeks early, and for the past ten days you’ve taught me so much. 

Unimaginable strength during the craziest of times. Selflessness during your fast and furious birth and recovery. Love that I truly cannot put into words, and can only show you for the rest of your life. I didn’t know I was capable of any of this. I didn’t know my heart could be so full.

Ryder, you are so loved. You’re grandmothers cooked meals for us, and did the dishes we left in the sink. Your Aunt, and my rock of a bestfriend brought over bags of summer clothes for our supposed fall baby, and everything I needed to recover. Your tribe of aunties lit candles that burned for days to light your way into the world.

Everyone checked in on you, checked in on us. Anxiously awaiting your arrival. And your daddy...I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this lifetime and beyond. I could go on for hours about him, but you’ll find out. You’re already his world.

We experienced every emotion in those three days we were waiting on you in the hospital- and the days after you came. The same body that had housed you for the past seven and change months, that nourished you, kept you safe, kept you warm; was being pumped with bags of fluids, steroids, countless antibiotics, induction medication. With every needle stick, IV, and covid test, my focus was on you. I’d do it over a hundred times. Take the pain for you, take the meds, the pokes and prods. 

That same body responded. And it gave your little body the strength to come into the world swinging & absolutely perfect. 

Ryder James, you are our entire hearts”.

– Erren

Newborn Photography: Apollo Fields

Charles River Engagement Photos in Boston, MA

Kendall And Kevin’s Engagement Photos On The Charles River Esplanade in Boston | Massachusetts Wedding Photographers | Apollo Fields Photography

I find peace in conversation, in taking the time to really listen to the words that people choose to express themselves. Some decide to speak with a less-is-more attitude while others feel the need to explain. I love that conversation is such a human experience compared to the way other animals communicate. As we walked up the Charles River Esplanade in Boston last week, it became pretty clear that Kevin spoke the language of the trees, naming them as we walked past, making sure to touch a leaf or a branch along the way. Kendall was a bit more cerebral, almost like you could see the wheels turning as she told a story, giving us the mental space to imagine it ourselves. As we continued on and stopped to take their engagement photos in Boston on an idyllic summer night, I couldn’t help but appreciate the serenity their conversation offered.

Early in their relationship, Kendall and Kevin used to run together on the Charles River Esplanade, which provides bridges in two-mile intervals that act as guides for the city’s active dwellers. I’ve always been jealous of couples that exercise together—the only crossover Heather and I have athletically is mini-golf. In our conversation I learned that I’m more the Kendall-style runner, choosing to push rather than pace, and wind up running shorter distances. I’d compare Kevin and Heather’s running styles but Heather does most of her running on horseback and that’s not fair. I love the idea of Kendall and Kevin getting to know each other while jogging, swapping stories between breaths—it sounds like the beginning of rom-com with a happy ending.

In the last few months, Kevin has seen his tree-cutting business boom during Covid-19, as people are reallocating their vacation funds to projects they’ve been putting off. He said that he’s had a difficult time expanding his team in light of government unemployment, but Kendall being a team player pitched in. “Kendall can drag brush with the best of ‘em,” Kevin bragged as he laughed.

Kevin went on to explain that Kendall loves to talk at night before bed but that he often falls asleep too quickly. “Not that night,” he said, “that night she worked in the field she was out.” Kendall also helps on the administrative side of the business that can give Kevin a headache and it’s really wonderful for Heather and I to see another couple work so well together. A healthy relationship really can be the basis for a wonderful life.  

They will be getting married at our favorite venue in Maine, Granite Ridge Estate in June 2021. They are planning their wedding in much the same way that they communicated with us and each other during their engagement session. Kevin is the most excited about the flowers and maybe getting a keg of root beer while Kendall gave us a glance and a smile and I could see in a glint in her eye her imagining it all. Knowing the venue and now knowing these two, I know that they will find the same peace that I found in conversation with them that they will find in each other for years to come.

Long Wharf Boston Engagement Photographers

Jessica and Matt's Boston Engagement Session at Long Wharf and Somerville | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography | Massachusetts Engagement Photographer

The “Big Dig” I have against Boston, aside from my predisposition as a New Yorker, is that goddamned Callahan Tunnel. I say this knowing that 1) most Bostonites would agree with me, and 2) I haven't even driven there during rush hour. Other than that, the 3rd most walkable city in the U.S. was a dream to explore while donning a mask on a morning run through the Boston Commons and alongside the Charles River. My admiration continued when we met up with Jessica and Matt in the North End, popping into quirky alleyways and onto cobblestone streets as we captured their undeniably fun and playful vibe.

I’m not sure which I enjoyed more: learning Jessica and Matt’s origin story of how they got to know each other over countless lunches as they worked together; or stumbling across a location where they shot a scene in The Departed. Around every corner there seemed to be a cornerstone of the city’s history or a memory of their budding relationship, turning their entire engagement photo session in Boston into a beautifully light trip down memory lane. 

 Jessica and Matt then brought us north over the Tobin Bridge to Somerville, a quaint city adjacent to Cambridge where they spent a significant amount of their relationship. Just imagine if Boulder, Colorado came 2,000 miles east or Burlington, Vermont, came 200 miles south-- that’s Somerville. Jessica and Matt amusingly did their best to explain the Davis Square Statues, the strange non-Covid-related mask-donning bronze metal statues stationed around the cozy downtown area (apparently the masks were added after their creation as a result of vandalism). We then grabbed some ice cream and took a stroll by The Foundry on Elm to commemorate the place where they had their first date.

As we looked ahead to their wedding, Jessica and Matt sang their praises to their wedding planner, Liz with Elegant Aura, who is helping them with the fine details of their June 2021 wedding at Granite Ridge Estate in Maine. Lucky for them, Jessica and Matt both have families equipped with skills that will fit perfectly into their day. Jessica’s father runs a prominent catering company in Boston and can turn a skint cabinet into a delicious meal, and Matt’s mother is happy to crush the floral arrangements. It was really wonderful to hear how excited they were to see it all come together.

Whether it's learning a new city or about a new couple, Heather and I are just stoked to be (cautiously) back at it again. We thrive on new experiences and pull on the threads of the stories of our couples that give us goosebumps and bring smiles and laughter to the world. As we move through 2020 together my optimistic side continues to be fed by amazing people like Jessica and Matt who remind me to always keep it light. Here’s to a city I never thought I’d like, a couple whose doing it right, and all of the positive vibes we can send to anyone who has to drive in that god forsaken tunnel.

Harlem NYC Engagement Photography

Mike and Madelyn's NYC Engagement Photos in Harlem | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography

There’s always one moment during our engagement photo sessions—when I’m holding Heather’s backup camera lenses and am more-or-less a glorified coat rack—when a tingle goes up the top of my spine and out onto my shoulders. It is the same feeling you feel at the crescendo of a theatrical performance when you’re seated in the front row, or the first time as a kid when you walk up the tunnel of old Yankee Stadium to the bright lights and green grass; it is being witness to something spectacular. For us wedding photographers, it’s when you watch a couple look into each other’s eyes and really mean it.

As professional performers, Mike and Maddy were no strangers to the camera. It is almost literally in their job description to turn their facial expressions on and off like a light switch. But the first time we asked Mike and Maddy to bring their faces close and look into each other’s eyes it wasn’t a performance. It was real. It gave me that feeling that I’ve discovered that there’s actually a word for: frisson; a brief moment of emotional excitement. It is accessing that space and capturing that genuine connection between our couples that drives us. We just can never get enough.

Lucky for us, Mike and Maddy had moments like that on the ready as we moved through New York’s steamy summer streets. We started the photo session at the Hamilton Grange in Harlem, where they typically take their adorable dog, Millie, on a walk to a wonderfully secret local dog park. As the early evening golden light came through the trees, Mike and Maddy effortlessly showed us what it looks like to love someone. Turns out the fairytale vibes were just beginning. 

In a beautiful combination of Heather’s understanding of the way that light refracts off of water and New York being New York, we stumbled across a fire hydrant spraying into the street. Whereas I would just walk by and smile as the neighborhood kids played and cooled off, Heather stopped all of us in our tracks and shouted “hol’ up!” She then told Mike and Maddy to do what they do best and love up on one another with the mist in the background. This moment led to one of my favorite images that Heather has ever taken and I look forward to storing it in my memory bank for years to come.

Mike and Maddy have decided to have a small wedding to celebrate their love in a couple weeks and it will be the first wedding we get to document as an Apollo Fields team since Covid-19 happened. I’d be lying if I said getting through the uncertainty of 2020 has been easy, but its engagement photo sessions in New York like these that my optimistic side will choose to focus on. Frissons of happiness may’ve seemed to be in short supply for the last few months, but if these photos of Mike and Maddy are any indication, we’ve got plenty of 2020 to look forward to.

Enjoy these sneaks from Madelyn and Mike’s Engagement Session:

Photography: Apollo Fields

Planning a wedding can be stressful —especially if the cost is coming out of your own pockets

Planning a wedding can be stressful —especially if the cost is coming out of your own pockets!

Wedding etiquette used to be that the bride’s family shouldered the entire cost of the wedding and the groom’s family would cover the rehearsal dinner.  The couple was only expected to pay for the gifts that they would exchange with one another and their wedding party… Well, it’s 2019 and we happen to think that this uber-traditional arrangement is a bit antiquated and unrealistic.  According to WeddingWire, about 44% of modern couples are paying for the majority of their wedding themselves.  At Apollo Fields, we probably see an even higher percentage of our couples footing their own bills and honestly, we think that’s super rad!  We really “click” with the word hard / play hard kind of couples who are more focused on their weddings being a unique and sentimental experience rather than a trendy, over-the-top social affair.  

QUOTE FROM A PREVIOUS COUPLE

Planning a wedding can be stressful —especially if the cost is coming out of your own pockets.  Around every corner there seems to be an expense waiting for you; from bigger costs like renting a venue, catering, and stocking the bar, to unforeseen expenses like chair and table rentals, glassware and silverware rentals, and single-use items like decorations and stationery. That’s not even to mention services like a DJ or live band, the serving staff, and the totally unbiased, most important cost of your wedding: photography! Well, coming from a couple of industry-tested wedding photographers who have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, including the full planning and execution of our own wedding in October 2018, please heed our advice from one proud, professional couple to another!

Establish Your Priorities As A Couple

As soon as you post your engagement on social media, every aunt and uncle, sister and brother, mother and father, and friend will have an opinion on what your wedding should be like.  Where you should get married, who you need to invite, what food you should serve and what music should be played. As you will see (or already have seen), the planning of your wedding can quickly become less about you and more about the people who surround you.  Don’t forget that the biggest benefit of paying for your own wedding is that you don’t have to answer to anyone! It doesn’t have to be as cliché and rigid as “this is your day” or “this is the bride’s day,” of course you can listen to those closest to you for advice, but the fact of the matter is-- you’re paying for it--so don’t allow others to dictate the way you want to celebrate your love.  Your wedding day is just as much a romantic symbol of your relationship as it is an opportunity to showcase its strength by making important decisions together. So take the time to sit down and hash out what’s most important to each of you individually, that way each of you feels represented in the atmosphere of your wedding day, from the decorations to the guest list to the dance floor.

Apollo Fields List of Priorities:

1.       Location – Family hobby farm in Ramsey, NJ.

2.       Guest List – Immediate family and close friends (tough to keep <100 guests)

3.       Food and Beverage – Beer, wine, and N/A bev., whiskey/scotch room, homemade fresh pasta bar, salad, candy apple dessert bar.

4.       Photography – Associate/friend of Apollo Fields.

5.       Entertainment – Inexpensive but trusted DJ of family friend.

6.       Décor – Mainly rustic tools from farm’s history, table cloths from amazon, glassware, dishware, and silverware from second-hand stores.

7.       Rentals – Tables, chairs, portapotty.

QUOTES FROM PAST COUPLES?

Tackle One Thing At A Time

When you have to pay for your own wedding, you have to work the planning around your already busy schedule. The best way to do this is to start at the top of your list of priorities and work down one at a time. This way it is more manageable, enjoyable, and hopefully never becomes overwhelming. If a venue is at the top of your priority list, start there, and then determine your guest list as per different venue’s respective guest maximums; if the guest list is paramount, then start there and find which venues are best for your guest count. Leverage your priority list into the planning process. Take a weekend to hit a few venues, taste their food, and check out nearby towns and hotel accommodations. Over dinner at a restaurant, discuss who or what is not negotiable come wedding day. Let it be light and fun, it doesn’t have to be stressful! I still remember putting the playlist together for the DJ in our cottage in Colorado, laughing and singing to all of our favorite tunes. But bear in mind, get a start as far in advance as possible, as venues, DJs, and photographers become booked up as far as a year to two years in advance, and we all know the feeling of being in the mall the day before your significant other’s birthday, only to settle for a gift that doesn’t truly represent how much you care. Don’t let this happen for your wedding day.

Apollo Fields Planning Workflow:

1.       Location - Heather and I planned trips to New Jersey from Colorado in advance of the wedding, purchasing things that wouldn’t spoil, measuring space as per rental table dimensions, and helping set up the property as much as possible.

2.       Guest List - The guest list is a common battleground for couples. There are going to be those left behind. You can try to divide the count 50-50 but it’s never that cut and dry. For us, we began with what the space allowed, and then it was all about who was currently contributing something to our lives that made the difference.

3.       Food/Bev. - Getting a Costco membership can save you tons. We shopped around for the best prices for whiskey, beer, and wine, and grabbed a package or two of non-alcoholic beverages.

4.       Photography – This was obviously easy for us as it is right up our wheelhouse.

5.       Entertainment – We prioritized cost effectiveness on this one, and a family friend who had good reviews online came at the right price and delivered (literally and figuratively).

6.       Décor – We built these purchases into our trips to NJ from Colorado, and found things on Amazon that were much better quality and cheaper than renting from a wedding company.   

7.       Tables and Chairs – At first I wanted to build all of them. In the week leading up to the wedding. Yeah, I was over-ambitious.  We rented them at a great price from a company that dropped off and picked up at the location. We also rented a portapotty, which was a funny conundrum getting stressed about where people were going to use the restroom.

Tangible Items vs. Intangible Services

Similar to creating a pros-and-cons list to help make tough decisions, separating costs into tangible items and intangible services can help clarify where you should direct the bulk of your time and budget. It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of designing your wedding to be the perfect, dream-like experience, all the way down to the way the napkins are folded, but to be honest, the quicker you depart from that pipe dream, the better. The reality is that something always goes wrong at weddings and the more value you put into each small detail the more you risk that stress eventually coming back on you when/if it doesn’t pan out. If you do have your heart set on a lavish extensive wedding experience, it can pay to hire a wedding planner, but if not, or they’re too expensive, we say cut the corners on immaculately matching silverware, dishware, glassware, and single-use items like decorations, invitations, wedding favors and the like. It will drive you crazy and the pursuit of perfection will make everything else seem imperfect. Instead, consider hiring a Day-Of Coordinator to take the stress off without breaking the bank.  This is one of the biggest “I wish I had _____” feedback that we hear from past couples. Having a point of contact for the day to make sure things are running smoothly and on time will take the pressure off of you guys without maxing out your credit card.  

MAYBE GET A QUOTE FROM A LOCAL DAY OF COORDINATOR HERE?  

Invest in the things that people will remember: your beautiful ceremony in an historic barn, the tunes blaring from horns and reverberating from the strings of an electric guitar, and of course the photography that will capture all of these moments for you “to have and to hold” (see what I did there?).

(INDUSTRY SECRET:  You wouldn’t believe how much cake goes untouched (and often thrown away) while your guests are tearing it up the dance floor.  We say ditch the elaborate multi-tiered cake and direct the funds elsewhere. Dessert bars with cupcakes and cookies are great alternatives.  Or think outside the box-- we had an autumn wedding so we went with bite-sized pumpkin pie nibbles and caramel apples).

Apollo Fields Tangible Items vs. Intangible Services Cost Breakdown

1.       70% Services: DJ, photographers, venue, staff.

2.       30% Items: Rented tables and chairs, second-hand silverware, avoiding glassware via bottled beer and large stock of wine glasses.

Backyard COVID Elopement in Long Island

Roy and Randi's Backyard Elopement in Long Island | Intimate Wedding Photography | 2020 Weddings During Quarantine | Apollo Fields Eloping Photographers

Many couples are obviously having to postpone their big wedding celebrations this year due to the effects of coronavirus and subsequent travel bans. While this might mean obviously having to wait to have hundreds of people on a dance floor all hugging, drinking, and partying together, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot still get legally married and celebrate safely with your closest friends and family.

I have been so inspired by the resiliency of couples who are taking all of the current events in stride and prioritizing the health and wellness of their guests by moving their receptions to a later date but still focusing on the importance of honoring their marriages. One popular option has been backyard and otherwise private elopements where social distancing and staying outdoors are easy options. By taking the worry and stress off of health concerns, you’ll be able to focus more on celebrating one another and staying in the moment.

Roy and Randi were able to have a sweet backyard wedding with their closest family and friends in a very laid back and stress-free way. They each have children and even some grandchildren in the mix, so it was obviously imperative that they were able to be present, in addition to their matriarch of their family. We were able to use their landscaped yard for nice family formals, and even took advantage of their koi pond and waterfall out back.

The ceremony was sweet and intimate, with a chuppah even impromptu fashioned out of the garden terrace that they have on their fencing. The chuppah is one of my favorite elements of Jewish wedding ceremonies because it symbolizes the home with the four pillars, but intentionally keeping the sides open so visitors know that they are welcome. Roy and Randi made theirs out of Randi’s family tallit, which was another special touch. They were still able to exchange vows, rings, and break the glass even though a lot of the other wedding formalities had to be postponed.

After the wedding ceremony, we did a champagne toast outside and Roy surprised his newlywed wife with a brand new Audi— her dream car (black on black) that she has always wanted! Such a sweet touch to always remember the day by.

Photography: Apollo Fields

Lifestyle Engagement Session Photography

Edie and Christopher's Lifestyle Engagement Photos in Their Home in PA | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers

When Edie first called me, I almost didn’t answer the call. Not because I don’t love inquiries (duh) but because my cell number has apparently been sold to every telemarketer on Google, Yelp, Healthcare provider, and credit card company. It is almost unbelievable the amount of blocked calls and no-spam lists I have, but nothing seems to work. Sadly, as a result, I often let unknown numbers go to voicemail.

But for some reason when Edie called, I actually picked up and it was the best surprise! She is a close friend of my best friend’s mom, and it was her turn to get married!

We immediately clicked over our love of animals and spent most of our call chatting about our fur-families, so it only made sense to do their engagement session at their home with their four legged loves. They have two stunning black labs who compete in dog shows which also brought me back to my own childhood of being toted all over the country when my family showed Dobes.

They also have two cats (one indoor cat who is BEAUTIFUL, and one indoor/outdoor cat who is scrappy but adorable), and while I’m definitely #teamdog, both of these kitties were pretty awesome! It was so much fun to hang at their home in Pennsylvania, especially because they are located in one of the prospective areas that we’re looking in for our own farm.

In-home engagement sessions hold a special place in my heart. There’s something so unique about being in a shared space that holds so much meaning to a couple. Some of my favorite pictures of us were in our little cottage in CO because we put so much heart into that space. When I look back on those pics, it brings me to such a wonderful chapter in our lives.

We are so excited to shoot Edie and Christopher’s wedding in Blue Bell, PA next month! Enjoy these pics from their lifestyle in-home engagement session:

NYC Apollo Fields Date Night

NYC Date Night | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers | The Standard Hotel Grill NYC | Stomp New York City

Yesterday, Heather and I’s date night in Manhattan turned into a full-fledged celebration of the relationships we have with our couples and with each other. The night began with a delicious meal at The Standard Hotel compliments of Executive Chef Igor, one of our newest clients for 2020. From there we trekked across town to St. Marks Place to catch Stomp, a rhythm-centric musical production that featured Rob Brinkkmann, a groom from one of our 2019 couples. As we walked the wintry streets of New York City we couldn’t stop gushing about the friendships we’ve made at Apollo Fields, and how important it is to us that they don’t start or stop with a shutter click.

Many people believe that the relationship with their wedding photographer ends when their wedding day is over or when their final pictures are delivered. For most of the industry this is true—as wedding photographers we provide a service that has a definite end—but the connections we make don’t have to end with the cutting of the cake. Heather and I choose to look at our couples as friends, as people we would love to formally or informally grab a beer with before their wedding day to hash out worries and logistics, or eventually invite over for dinner after they’ve tied the knot. This enriches our lives, the relationship we have to our couples, and undoubtedly elevates the final products we deliver.

By getting to know our couples on a personal level we are introduced to them as individuals, as people rather than clients. We are brought into their personal and professional worlds, whether they are badass chefs, talented performers, techies, or accountants. Whatever industry they may be in or whatever hobbies they love, we get to know them for who they are rather than what they are to our business. We choose to celebrate them because cheerleaders in our lives are hard to come by; it’s not like anyone smiles and claps for us in our morning commutes. Heather and I recognize that we enter people’s worlds in very significant moments in their lives and we believe that the responsibility to document their love does not begin and end at the altar. We believe that love lives in our couples relationships’ to their families, to their occupations and hobbies, and most readily accessible, to their friends.

I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times Heather and I looked at one another yesterday and said how lucky we are to be in our position. To gallivant around New York City with connections and friends doing their thing behind bars, in kitchens, and on stages. The friends we’ve made through Apollo Fields are constant reminders to be grateful, but more importantly, building these relationships into our business is a practice that transcends the bottom line. We may run a business to make a living but without our relationship to one another and to our couples we wouldn’t really have a life at all. Here’s to all the people in our lives who make us laugh, feed us delicious food, or pour us our favorite brews. At Apollo Fields we will continue to document your love to the best of our abilities, celebrating your highs and embracing your lows, but most of all, honoring all of you for who you already are. 

DUMBO Brooklyn Engagement Photos

DUMBO Brooklyn Engagement Photos | NYC Wedding Photographer | Industrial Engagement Session in New York | Apollo Fields

I absolutely love shooting in DUMBO but unfortunately, the secret is out. This spot is incredibly popular for locals and tourists alike, and on a nice weekend during the summer, you can bet it is going to be flooded with people and cameras.

There are only a few ways to make DUMBO engagement sessions feel less crowded and that is either to pick an “off peak” time or to work around less-than-ideal weather conditions. Since Michelle and Rob only had weekend availability and I love to shoot during golden hour, we were braced for it to be SUPER busy down by the water, but ended up getting lucky when a flash rainstorm rolled in and cleared out my favorite spots!

However, most couples that want to shoot there, I do suggest either doing a sunrise session (especially if you want to hit the Brooklyn Bridge because DON’T EVEN TRY for sunset), or heading out during the weekday. Luckily, this spot has ideal light for both golden hours (sunrise and sunset) because of the way the light moves across the city skyline and then glistens over the river. I’m sure that this has leant to part of the popularity of this spot, besides the obvious jaw dropping NYC skyline as your background.

DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and has an interesting history. It wasn’t always the booming spot that it is now, and its seedy reputation does not actually date that far back and did not officially become known as DUMBO until the 1970s. The area was originally a ferry landing before it became a hotspot for the art scene and loft apartments.

Photography: Apollo Fields for Salzman and Ashley

Upstate NY Wedding Photographers

The Perks of Being Back East – Our Day Upstate

Day Trip Upstate | Cold Spring NY | Pound Ridge NY | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers | Family Photos | 6 Month Pictures

One of the perks of being back east is reconnecting with friends that I’ve known from different walks of life. After our blogs about the ectopic pregnancy, I had so many women reach out to me to share their own stories, check in, or just say hello. Watching those connections happen was one of the many reasons that speaking so openly about our situation was the right decision for us. One of the sweet messages that I received was from an old friend, Julia, who was a few years ahead of me at The Ethel Walker School. She extended an invite to her farmhouse in Pound Ridge, NY to share a meal and good conversation. Catching up with Julia Johnson, talented food stylist, was nothing short of a great day spent.

We had a crazy cold spell last week in NY and this day was at the threshold of those freezing days. It was that east coast kind of cold that goes straight to your bones and bites you right in the face. It makes cozy homes seem like a paradise which is exactly how Julia’s farmhouse felt. A few years ago, she and her husband purchased this old home that was in need of a lot more than a simple facelift. They did tons of work on the house to bring it back up to code and stay within the historical society’s legislation. The whole design was executed by them and you could see Julia’s vision throughout the whole home. One of my favorite features were the big front-facing windows that let the sunlight flood each room. Bright and airy walls with minimalist decor are a photographer’s dream! I kept thinking to myself that I couldn’t believe how immaculate everything was despite having a baby and an adorable dog, Miles!

We arrived to the cozy, warm home that smelled so so good – Julia had cooked up a few fresh loaves of focaccia, one for lunch and one for us to take home (we ate half of it on the drive back)! She had prepared a delicious and fresh salad, and we sat in the best company just catching up over a delicious meal and hot coffee. Her daughter, Eliza, had just turned six months and we quickly realized that she was not only a beautiful baby, but so easy going and full of life. We only snapped photos for a few minutes before it was time for her nap, but it was so great to be able to capture their little lives and be able to give them these photos of their joyful home.

Photography: Apollo FIelds

Location: Pound Ridge, NY

Grandparent Photography Ideas for Golden Anniversary Sessions

Betty & Hermann Wilckens | Grandparents Photo Session | Allendale, NJ | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography

66 years of marriage

We sat down with Mr. & Mrs. Wilckens to learn a little bit about life and love.

Elizabeth “Betty”, 94 years old

“He was polite, he had good manners.”

Hermann “Herm”, 93 years old

“She was a good looking woman”

They met in a bar when Betty was on a date with another man.

Hermann said she was sitting with “her boyfriend” and he just went over and started talking to her. They began dating shortly after.

Their Engagement

Hermann: I was working for an oil company and the boss asked me one time when I am getting married.  And one day I came in with the truck and all, and he said to me “Here come on in my car, we’re going to a place”.  He took me to a jewelry store and I didn’t even know where I was going.  He stood there and I was standing there, and I didn’t know what was going to happen. And they come out with a tray of rings and he looked them over and he picked the one and he says, “Oh, how does this one look?” I says, “It looks beautiful”.  

So he took it and we went back in the car and when we got back in the office he hands it to me and says, “Here you go.  You’re engaged to your girlfriend”.  And I told him, “I can’t pay for that!  I don’t have that much money”.  So he took a little bit every week out of my salary.  I mean, it’s a hell of a way to do it.  

They got married in 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst, NJ and had the reception at JoJo’s, the same place they met. They took a week long trip to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.

Elizabeth:  He had a gorgeous car. 

Hermann:  I had a 1946 Buick Roadmaster Convertible.  It was black; the picture is on top of the thing over there.  

The Dairy Truck

Hermann: I started the trucking business in 1950.  For 17 years I had that tractor and a couple of trailers in between.  I had the business for almost twenty years and then had the Chevron gas station after.  My favorite thing about it was when it was a nice day going through the country, especially Canada, beautiful sceneries along the Saint Lawrence river and I passed this big resort, Rivière-du-Loup.  I went once a week and then I came back, but I couldn’t understand the French people right.  

They bought their house in Allendale, NJ in 1958

And have been living there ever since.

Hippie Hill

Hermann recalls a time when he got in trouble for hanging out on “Hippie Hill”:

“I was at the gas station and I went up the tavern to get a six-pack.  When I come out there.  There was a couple of kids and all on top of the hill, they called it Hippie Hill.  One hollered and said, “Come on up”.  I went up there and they drank all my beer I had to go back to the tavern to go buy another six-pack.  Betty passed and saw me up there and wanted to know what I was doing up there. Oh boy, she was mad. She hollered and hollered about that.” 

They went on to have three children: Larry, Nancy, and Danny.

Their first child, Lawrence: “He was a good kid. Nice, very caring".

Elizabeth: Oh, and then when they brought me the wrong baby!  I was in the hospital and there were only a few other women who were nursing and they brought you the baby at like 6:00am in the morning.  Larry had a full head of black hair down to his shoulders and the kid they brought me was as bald as a cucumber!  The hospital thought I was going to sue them.  I said “No, it was the only laugh I’ve had all week!” And then the father came in that night and thanked me for feeding his kid.  

Their second child, Nancy: “She couldn’t pronounce Nancy, so she called herself “DiDi”.  

Elizabeth: She was very talkative. She didn’t talk until 18 months and then all of a sudden she talked and she never stopped talking.  I didn’t think she’d ever talk.  I always remember when I had her and the next day I was walking in the hall and the lady who saw me the day before, she saw me and she says, “God, didn’t you have that baby yet?”  I was just as fat I guess!

Their third child, Daniel: “He was kind, very caring too”

Hermann: Well, Danny was cripple.  He didn’t get around right.  Most of his life was in the hospital.  I felt sorry for him, boy I would have never wanted to go through what he went through.  I remember when it was Danny’s birthday once, I even rented a pony for all of the kids to ride around on.  He was a good kid.

Accidentally growing pot:

“I parked the truck and I was walking home.  And when I got to the church I saw a little flowerpot, and I picked it up and it was a little stem cause part got broken off.  So I picked it up and figured I’d take it home and put it under the birdbath, it would get water and it would get sun.  Boy, that thing grew like a weed and I didn’t know what it was.  Finally one day, Nancy and Larry told me what it was! I didn’t know…“

Candid Camera

“Well, I was trying on wigs and the guy saw me I guess.  And I don’t know, I said one was particularly nice so he photographed me with the wig on.  And then they broke the mirror and told me I had to replace the mirror.  I got very upset and then they said, “You’re on candid camera!”  

---

Photography: Apollo Fields

Click here for the full photo gallery

To contact Heather to set up a grandparents’ session, click here

Boulder Creek Wedding Photography at Wedgewood Weddings

Erica & Matthew's Wedgewood Wedding at Boulder Creek | September Weddings | Colorado Wedding Photography | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers

Erica and Matt are a fun loving couple who love to have a good celebration! I first met Erica downtown Denver for coffee and to chat about wedding planning and photography. I loved her energy and I could tell that she was super organized about wedding planning and really excited to incorporate her kiddos in the day. We immediately clicked and I was so excited to work with this fun couple!

I was excited to shoot their engagement session at Standley Lake in Arvada because they wanted to really reflect their lifestyles. It was important to have the kids a part of the session and we had a blast with them and bringing in their dirt bikes since they are avid dirt bikers! We had such a blast at the engagement session that I knew the wedding would be no different.

The day started with the guys and gals in separate locations. I had my second shooter head over to Matt and his groomsmen while I met Erica and her bridesmaids at their hotel in Boulder. Everyone was busy getting ready and it was a really fun start to the day. Then we went over to Chautauqua in Boulder for their first look. It was a busy day on the trails (weekends tend to me, just a heads up) so it took a bit of careful planning to choreograph their first look without a bunch of photo-bombers! This is where having a second shooter can be SUPER helpful because Sarah was able to monitor the traffic like a champ while I snapped away.

We were able to squeeze in some epic shots at Chautauqua before the rain came hard, so we all hustled back to our cars — and their awesome Corvette — to head over to the venue. Wedgewood Boulder Creek is tucked away into the mountains in a beautiful location right on the river. We were lucky because the weather lifted as soon as we got there (typical CO) and we were able to continue on with the ceremony outside. Everything was beautiful and we were so happy to be able to capture such awesome memories for this great couple!

AS SEEN IN COUTURE COLORADO MAGAZINE

Boulder Wedding Photographer: Heather Huie with Apollo Fields

Colorado Wedding Venue: Wedgewood Boulder Creek

Florist: Painted Primrose

Central Park Engagement Session in New York City

NEW YORK CITY ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY | CENTRAL PARK PHOTOGRAPHER | DESTINATION WEDDINGS ERNY PHOTO CO

Before moving to Colorado, New York City was my home. It still holds a piece of my heart, with so many wonderful memories there, including meeting my awesome boyfriend. As much as I love Colorado, I miss it from time to time.  So I was really excited to head back to my old stomping grounds and photograph Morgan and Matt's Central Park engagement session in NYC!

Their entire session was really relaxed and upbeat. It felt more like hanging out than a photo session! We all laughed as we explored Central Park together. Morgan and Matt were also really playful throughout their session, which was so awesome. I love how they were able to just kick back and be themselves. It allowed me to really get into my groove and take some amazing photos. 

About Morgan and Matt

These two have it all. They are smart, outdoorsy and they can cook. They're kind of the perfect couple. They also enjoy hiking, which happens to be what they were doing when they got engaged, and they also have two adorable cats. 

I cannot wait for their upstate New York wedding next summer at Handsome Hallow! 

Morgan and Matt's Central Park Engagement Session in New York City

Heather Huie of Apollo Fields is a New York Based Wedding Photographer who loves to travel. If you're planning a Central Park or New York City wedding, she'd love to chat with you! Reach out by using her contact form!