Intimate Wedding in Colorado Springs, CO
Apollo Fields | Candid Wedding Photos | Wedding Photographers in Colorado Springs | Intimate Wedding Photos | Best Wedding Photos in Colorado Springs
Igor & Michelle
I know Heather is tough, but even I didn’t think she would be climbing through barbed-wire fencing at 30 weeks pregnant to get a shot. After reading that sentence--some may question how I allowed it to happen--but that just means you don’t know Heather and I well enough. Anyone that knows us knows that I would never tell my wife what she can and can’t do, especially when it comes to her body. That doesn’t mean I didn’t raise an eyebrow and say, “you sure?” before she bent down and climbed through the fence like a professional wrestler climbing through the ropes into the ring. I will always love her and Igor and Michelle for being up for an adventure.
We actually met Igor and Michelle in New York City where Heather did their engagement photos in Tribeca. Igor was the Executive Chef at The Standard Hotel at the time before Covid turned Manhattan into a shell of its culinary self. I’m happy that Igor’s confident that the bustling scene will come back in a few years. Michelle is his perfect powerful complement, and their son, Harrison, has a better palate than I do at five-years-old. They are actually in the process of uprooting to Arkansas for an amazing career opportunity and we can’t wait to visit them in an outdoorsy paradise that is increasing in popularity.
Michelle and Igor were supposed to get married in Los Angeles at one of Igor’s former spots, but pivoted to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Michelle grew up because of the pandemic. We started their day with a short photo session of the two of them at one of Michelle’s family friend’s ranches. It was so windy that I was legitimately worried that a branch was going to come down on our heads. Then Heather decided to climb through the fence. We never know what mother nature is going to give us on wedding days but we are always thankful when our couples like Igor and Michelle bring their A-game no matter what.
After that Igor and Michelle planned for some down time before the ceremony and reception. We love when our couples take the time to honor the pace of the day that is all too often scripted down to the minute. Igor said he took the time to play spades with one of his soon-to-be relatives. Michelle and the girls took the opportunity for some self-care with a luxurious, airy spa day at Blush - Dry Spa Bar. I always say that mental health is the most important thing and it has never been more true than in the year 2020.
Next year the plan is to go “back, back to Cali, Cali” (thanks Biggie) and finish the celebration in full swing. The intimate ceremony and reception this year at Prime25 set the stage for one hell of a party. Between Igor getting emotional waiting for Michelle at the first look, and the many toasts, some translated from Igor’s native Russian tongue, there is so much to look forward to. Sometimes we just have to throw caution to the wind, climb through some barbed wire, and have a day for ourselves--that’s what life’s all about!
Enjoy these photos from Michelle & Igor’s Micro-wedding:
Northport NY Wedding Photographers
apollo fields wedding photography | outdoor wedding photos | long island wedding photographer | candid wedding photos | huntington wedding photography
Kristen & Mike
I remember meeting up with Kristen and Mike a couple months ago when they just re-locked in their wedding date for 2020. “I bet we’re like the only ones still getting married this year,” Kristen said, half-joking, half-relieved. I’m not usually one for hashtags, but it’s hard not to think of the tag #loveisnotcancelled when it comes to Kristen and Mike and so many others that have decided to host their weddings this year. As our crazy wedding season continues to take shape, gratitude is at the forefront of my mind; if not just for the opportunity to get back to work, then for the privilege to be safely surrounded by people who refused to let a pandemic cancel a celebration of love.
Mike and Kristen were still able to hold their ceremony at their original church, St. Anthony of Padua in East Northport on Long Island. Just a stones throw away from our house, Heather and I welcome any opportunity to reduce travel when we’re not off on one of our many trips to Colorado or any of the states lining the eastern seaboard. Because the church had such a large capacity, Kristen and Mike were still able to invite a significant amount of their guest list, even with the reduced capacity requirement due to Covid. They held a full mass and made a grand exit to the front steps of the church where they were received by an enthusiastic crowd in a sea of bubbles.
It’s fun to think back when we first got to know Kristen and Mike when we did their engagement photos in Blydenburgh Park. Mike grew up fishing with his father on the small lake, and I couldn’t believe I had never even been there before. We gave a small posing direction to Kristen to give a small bend to her leg and kick a foot out behind her and Mike, thinking it was for him, immediately popped his classic Timberland boot out and said, “like this?” We were all doubled over in laughter. If only every one of our grooms to be were so eager to take direction!
After the church, we met Kristen and Mike at Heckscher Park in Huntington, the gorgeous location they chose to do their formals. At one point, the adorable ring bearer and flower girl got into a territorial dispute with the local Canadian geese—thankfully it ended peacefully. The bridal party could barely contain themselves with how well everything turned out as Kristen planned, and how beautiful she looked in her custom dress. There’s nothing quite like seeing a stunning bride in an immaculate dress on her wedding day and offering her and her partner congratulations, stirring memories of hope and love’s beginnings.
In a world where too many things are politicized, let us protect weddings from judgment; let us rejoice in the moments that lift us up, especially in uncertain times like these, for this is when we need them most. Cheers to Kristen and Mike, and all of the other couples who refused to cancel their love.
Say Hey!
It’s team Apollo! Having the best time with Kristen & Mike. We can’t wait to celebrate with them again next year!!
the vendor squad:
Apollo Fields | Photography
Karako | Suits
Madi Lane Bridal | Dress
Green Alaska | Hair Vine
Betsey Johnson | Shoes
Tim’s Florist | Massapequa, NY | Floral
Chris Lobello Productions | Videography
Heirlooms and Squires | Rings
Dinglewood Design | Invites/Save the Dates
Mark of Elegance | Limo
St. Anthony of Padua | Church Ceremony Venue
Ocean View Backyard Wedding Photography in Long Island
Apollo Fields Wedding Photography | Long Island Backyard Wedding | Bellmore Wedding Photographer | Bellmore, NY
Laura and Dimitri’s backyard wedding wasn’t your typical big fat greek wedding, but it had all the hallmarks of one. A kitchen island buzzing with relatives like bees around a picnic blanket, an air of laid-back leisure extravagance, and someone around every corner asking, “do you need anything--can I get you something to eat or drink?” When Heather and I showed up to the private residence on the Great South Bay of Long Island, Laura, Dimitri, and their small big fat greek family were just putting the finishing touches on their backyard wedding celebration.
In Greece, “you invite the whole island,” Dimitri told me. Everyone is family, from the nuclear to the rest of the community, “you put your arm around your third cousin like you would your brother.” I love that. I love the power of extending your family to the rest of the community. There’s such a pride, a comfort, and a peace that lives in the hectic interactions between family members; you don’t yell at people the way you do your family (or at least I don’t), and you certainly don’t love them that way either (well, maybe I do). I have a feeling a trip to Greece is in our future.
Laura casually slipped into her wedding dress in a bedroom at the top of a set of modern floating stairs, waiting for her mom and soon-to-be mother-in-law to help her put on some jewelry for some candid wedding photos. The early evening summer light poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and Laura’s eyes glinted almost like she knew she would remember this moment. As guests began to arrive, the buzz around the kitchen island picked up to a full swarm so Laura sought refuge in welcoming the rest of her friends and family in the backyard.
Laura and Dimitri held their backyard wedding ceremony in the corner of the yard, using the sunset over the Great South Bay as a backdrop. They had a friend officiate and her words were as simple as they were sweet, embodying an eloquence that reminds you why sunsets are so meaningful; how the sky is but a mix of colors and words of love an arrangement of letters. I understand that many people choose to have a member of their faith or church to officiate their wedding, but I just can’t get enough of the raw emotion and simplicity that a friend or a family member can provide.
Of course, Laura and Dimitri will be hosting a “proper” big fat greek wedding next year, pulling out all stops in East Meadow at The Carltun, but this was a great start. It was a day that represented who they were, where they’re from, and what their family and community looks like. They even had a gyro truck sending the sweet aromas of Greece into the salty Long Island air. Nothing can hold back a celebration of love, especially when you have a whole island in your corner.
Round Peak Vineyards Wedding in Mt Airy, NC
Mike and Maddy’s Vineyard Wedding in North Carolina | Apollo Fields | Outdoor Wedding Photographer | Mountain Wedding Photography | Round Peak Vineyard Wedding Photos | Mt. Airy, NC
Ever since I first read The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo I have carried the theme of pursuing your “personal legend” with me wherever I go. It’s all about listening to and trusting your intuition in your life decisions. The famous line that resonates from the book is, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” and after shooting Mike and Maddy’s engagement photos in NYC and vineyard wedding in North Carolina, it’s really hard not to believe it.
During Mike and Maddy’s engagement session, Heather got one of my favorite Apollo Fields photos of all time when we stumbled across a fire hydrant spraying into the street. Then after driving nine hours to Mt. Airy, North Carolina a few weeks later, the rapidly changing weather on their wedding day at Round Peak Vineyards helped them chart a few more. The rain started to fall immediately after we finished doing Mike and Maddy’s ceremony and family formals, and Heather seized the opportunity to grab some playfully dramatic shots of them carrying umbrellas. It poured for another hour or two only to give way to a milky golden sunset and a soaring rainbow! Mike and Maddy were all smiles as they adapted their day to Mother Nature’s beauty.
If Mike and Maddy had cancelled their wedding or engagement shoot; if they didn’t bring the celebration to Mike’s family in North Carolina; if they didn’t bring the energy despite all that they’ve been through in both of the events, if, if, if. So many conditions and variables changed the course of the celebration of their love but none of them changed the nature of it. Because Mike and Maddy knew what they wanted [to celebrate their love], the universe conspired in their favor.
Mike and Maddy had so many opportunities to fold and postpone their wedding altogether (There would’ve been no shame in taking this action). But instead they persevered and just worked harder to make it happen. Every one of their 20+ guests were tested for COVID in advance of their outdoor celebration. They focused less on what they were missing and more on what they could do. Their hard-nosed go-with-the-flow vibe created beautifully genuine moments around every corner.
On our drive down to North Carolina we got a flat tire when we were about an hour outside of the venue. We bought a patch kit at a gas station and I began to get to work in the parking lot so we could get back on the road. Heather was standing there with her hands on her hips, watching as her adorable baby bump protruded in the light of the sun, while I took off my shirt and wore only bright orange-ish pants--I can only imagine what the rural Virginians thought of us. Then, out of nowhere, two men, and then another came to our aid, and supplied us with a reamer that wasn’t included in the patch kit. We were done in a matter of minutes. We tried to offer them a drink, money, or anything we could give to show our gratitude but they refused it all. There were so many things that could go wrong in the planning of Mike and Maddy’s wedding, but because of their energy and effort, and our kind southern strangers, the universe wound up conspiring in all of our favor.
Enjoy these photos from Mike & Maddy’s Round Peak Vineyard Wedding:
vendors:
Apollo Fields | Photography
Round Peak Vineyards | Venue/Catering
Jenny Yoo Watters Bride | Dress
Indochino | Suit
Oh hey! It’s us…
…Loving what we do! Want to book your own wedding or session?
Honu Kitchen Wedding in Huntington, Long Island
Apollo Fields | Long Island Wedding Photographers | Outdoor wedding photography | Huntington Weddings | Honu Kitchen Wedding | Candid wedding Photos
Selecting the location(s) for your wedding ceremony and reception isn’t always a straight-forward conversation. You have to consider: accessibility, cost, capacity, chair and table rentals, logistics, weather, vendor lists, and even things you don’t think about like bathrooms. In this selection process you’re forced to prioritize what is most important to you and your significant other. Sage and John kept it simple—good food, good booze, and a good community—in two very familiar locations: John’s family’s church for the ceremony and the restaurant they had their first date for the reception.
The sanctuary of the church was a mix of beautiful wooden arches and pews and recently renovated clean white granite. The family pastor who led the service spoke honestly and jovially, weaving in biblical quotes as seamlessly as the architecture of the room blended together. These walls have seen John’s family through good times and bad, and it’s ironically the tragic and celebratory moments that remind us of the supportive communities we have in our lives. From opposite sides of the emotional spectrum we constantly find ourselves drifting back to the center where we feel safe, where we feel loved. What more appropriate place for John and Sage’s wedding ceremony than the embracing arms of this powerful community.
The reception shifted gears into the heart of one of Huntington’s busiest restaurants, Honu. A modern, dimly lit multi-level expansive space with large white pillars, a dance floor, and contemporary Asian cuisine. Just a few years back, John and Sage were first laughing with one another over one of the cocktail tables. Now they were holding their sides as their best man and maid of honor spoke straight from their hearts and funny bones. Rather than have a quintessential “sweethearts table” they had what I would call a “sweetheart’s nook” where they could have a bit of privacy and probably steal a nap if they really wanted to. Rest assured they partied like the best of them and waited until much later to call it a wedding day.
Shortly after dinner we pulled them out onto the streets of Huntington to snap a few romantics for posterity. We stumbled across an antique green chair on the sidewalk that perfectly complemented their classic, clean, almost timeless appearance. We kept laughing and walking when we suddenly stopped upon a narrow alleyway that you wouldn’t trust at night but glowed in all of it’s golden hour glory. Without hesitation John and Sage jumped in their and we snapped this absolute gem.
Whether locations happen upon (like this alley) you or you know your priorities (family church, first date spot), know that your wedding day will be amazing no matter what. Adversities are inevitable but logistics will be worked out. “Where there is a will there is a way,” or perhaps more accurately, “where there is love, there will be a wedding.”
Vendors:
Cocktail Hour / Reception Venue | Honu Kitchen & Cocktails
DJ/Band | DJ Keith Cheshire
Cake / Bakery | Sammy Barea
Dress | Stella York | Max Bridal
Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Earrings and Bracelet | Olive & Piper
Makeup | Amanda Rose Cosmetics
Hair | Alexa Toscano
Florist | Bella Flower
Invitations | Zazzle.com
Champagne Escort Cards | Leslie Barlow