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
Denver Colorado Wedding Photography
Julie & Marty’s Wedding | Cherry Hills Community Church, Colorado | Denver Wedding Photography | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographer
Julie and Marty had such a sweet and sentimental wedding in Denver, Colorado. I met them on recommendation from Cherry Hills Community Church and was so excited when we had breakfast together in Golden to chat and get to know one another. I immediately sensed that they had a very caring and sentimental relationship, so I knew their wedding would be no different!
The day began at the church with the guys and gals busy getting ready, everyone had an upbeat and calm vibe which is also a relief to walk into as a wedding photographer! Before long, it was time for Julie to get in her dress and Marty’s finishing touches on his suit. It was really important for them to do a first touch between the curtains at the church, which I’ve done with past couples in that space so I was excited that they were also on board for this sweet touch. They held hands and prayed together and it was such a sentimental moment for them to share before the day got hectic.
The ceremony was so meaningful and included songs and special readings. Afterwards, we did family photos in the sanctuary before moving over to the Riverwalk Club House for the reception. Julie and Marty did a fun grand entrance and went straight into their first dance. I was really excited for this dance because ballroom dancing is one of their all-time favorite things to do and they had been rehearsing this special dance for a long time prepping for the wedding! Of course, they nailed it and I was just so impressed!
Their speeches were also one of my favorite parts of the day. This was a second marriage for both of them and it was really great to see how their love has matured and where they place their values for a wedding. I’ve learned a lot personally by shooting second marriages because I think they are able to prioritize the right stuff and really trim the fat off of the frivolous and extraneous stressors.
Colorado Wedding Photography: Heather Huie for Apollo Fields
Venue: Cherry Hills Community Church, Colorado