The Mansion on Turner Hill Wedding in Ipswich, MA
The Mansion on Turner Hill Wedding in Ipswich, MA
casey + joe
Love has a remarkable way of transcending boundaries, and for Casey and Joe, their journey led them from the picturesque landscapes of Germany to the historic charm of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Join us as we delve into the heartwarming story of a military couple whose love knows no borders, culminating in a December celebration at The Mansion on Turner Hill.
Across Oceans and Time Zones Casey and Joe's love story unfolded against the backdrop of a transcontinental romance. Joe, serving in the military, found himself stationed in Germany, where he crossed paths with Casey. Their connection grew stronger despite the miles that separated them, proving that love can thrive even in the face of distance.
The Proposal on Foreign Soil Joe's proposal was a moment of joy amidst the challenges of a military lifestyle. Against the backdrop of historic German architecture and the enchanting landscapes of the Black Forest, he asked Casey to be his forever. With a resounding 'yes,' the couple set their sights on a winter wedding in the bride's hometown of Ipswich.
A Winter Wonderland in Ipswich Choosing The Mansion on Turner Hill for their December celebration was a nod to Casey's roots and a dreamy winter setting. The mansion, with its rich history and classic elegance, provided the perfect venue for a celebration that bridged the gap between their life in Germany and their ties to Massachusetts.
Navigating Wedding Planning Across Continents Planning a wedding from overseas comes with its unique set of challenges, but Casey and Joe faced them with resilience and creativity. Virtual meetings, thoughtful collaborations with local vendors, and a supportive network of family and friends helped bring their vision to life.
Incorporating Military Traditions Joe's military service added a poignant touch to the wedding ceremony. The couple incorporated military traditions into their celebration, paying homage to Joe's commitment to service and the sacrifices made by military families around the world.
Embracing Winter Elegance Casey's bridal ensemble captured the essence of winter elegance, with a gown adorned with delicate lace reminiscent of snowflakes. Joe, in his military dress uniform, stood tall and proud as they exchanged vows in a ceremony that symbolized the merging of two worlds.
A Celebration of Love, Unity, and Homecoming As Casey and Joe danced under the glittering lights of The Mansion on Turner Hill, surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones, it became evident that love truly knows no borders. Their December wedding was not just a celebration of their union but also a homecoming, as they bridged the gap between two continents and embarked on a new chapter together.
Love's Resilience Casey and Joe's love story serves as a testament to the resilience of love, transcending geographical distances and military service. Their winter wedding at The Mansion on Turner Hill will forever be a cherished chapter in the book of their lives, reminding us all that love is a force that can overcome any obstacle, no matter how far-reaching. Cheers to Casey and Joe, a couple whose love story is as timeless as the winter landscapes of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
The Blake Hotel Wedding in New Haven, CT
The Blake Hotel Wedding in New Haven, CT
Love stories are as unique as the individuals who share them, and Rachel and Keith's journey to matrimony is nothing short of enchanting. Their love, sealed in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, at the elegant Blake Hotel, unfolded as a fairy tale, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.
The Venue: Modern and Boutique Vibes
Nestled in the historic charm of downtown New Haven, The Blake Hotel provided the perfect canvas for Rachel and Keith to paint their love story. With its blend of modern luxury and classic sophistication, the venue set the stage for a wedding that would be remembered for a lifetime.
Love and Haikus
The ceremony was breathtaking, held in one of The Blake Hotel's beautifully appointed event spaces. As Rachel walked down the aisle in a stunning gown, adorned with delicate lace and intricate details, Keith's eyes lit up with pure joy. The atmosphere was filled with love, and the couple exchanged vows that echoed the promises of a lifetime together.
Infamous New Haven Pizza
One of the highlights of the evening was the pizzas from Modern Apizza. Unpretentious but absolutely delicious boxes of pies were stacked up next to the dance floor and obviously made a huge hit. We knew these were happening before the big day and totally waited to fill up on them once they were dropped!
The Dance Floor Chronicles
The reception at The Blake Hotel was nothing short of a celebration. The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away, creating memories that would be cherished forever. The hotel's commitment to excellence was evident in every detail, ensuring that Rachel and Keith's special day was flawlessly executed.
A Night to Remember
The Blake Hotel's luxurious accommodations provided the perfect haven for the newlyweds. As Rachel and Keith retired to their room, they reflected on the day's magical moments and looked forward to a lifetime of love, laughter, and countless shared sunsets.
New Beginnings in New Haven
The Blake Hotel not only served as a backdrop to Rachel and Keith's wedding but also offered a gateway to the vibrant city of New Haven. Guests from near and far explored the local attractions, creating lasting memories beyond the wedding festivities.
Love by Kendrick Lamar
Rachel and Keith's wedding at The Blake Hotel was a celebration of love, unity, and the promise of a future filled with happiness. As they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together, the echoes of their wedding day continued to resonate, reminding them that love, when celebrated in a venue like The Blake Hotel, becomes a timeless tale etched in the hearts of all who witnessed it.
Santa's Christmas Tree Farm Engagement Photos
Santa's Christmas Tree Farm Engagement Photos | Greenport NY | December Engagement Sessions | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers
Bianca & Sal
Our Wedding Video Compliments of Mary Erny
Our Wedding Video | Honeymoon Acres, Ramsey NJ | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography | DIY Weddings | Farm Wedding Video
When we began wedding planning, the photography was a no-brainer: We knew that we would want to go through the business and use our associate shooters. But when it came to doing a video, we didn’t really have a specific vision. We knew we wanted something but somehow it kept falling lower and lower on the to-do list as our season was flying by with shooting our own weddings and prepping for the big move!
My sister is also in media and has spent most of her career camera-in-hand as well. We didn’t have a formal “wedding party” but she was part of the crew that we wanted up there with us and as so, we didn’t want to put too much pressure on her to also shoot video. But she was so awesome and stepped up and got some great coverage and put together this sweet video for us!
I just love watching it and seeing everyone’s faces and getting to re-live the awesomeness of that day. Everyone talks about how fast it goes by and I can 100% say that is true! The whole thing feels like a blur but watching the video and going through the pictures is the best way to bring back all of the celebrations and joy of the day. Also, Rumor is way too cute during the ceremony. I mean, how many dogs literally jump on their owners during the first kiss!? Unreal.
The farm looked so beautiful and we loved having all of the animals around. We couldn’t imagine getting married without the dogs there, but having the horse and donkey and pig and goats and all of the other four legged friends just made it that much more indicative of us. We love casual and personal weddings so we knew when we were planning what we wanted that we weren’t about to have a formal or traditional wedding! Instead, we broke outdated traditions but embraced the ones that actually spoke to us. We made it our own and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way!
So here’s a huge thank you to my sister, Mary, for not only helping us the whole weekend, but also sneaking in some great footage of the day!
– watch our wedding video below –
Video: Mary Peterson
Venue: Honeymoon Acres | Ramsey, NJ
Flower Crown: Allendale Flowers
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Photography: Derek Morf & Alexis Cohen for Apollo Fields
Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding Photography
Allison & Michael's Wedding | Highlands Ranch Mansion | Colorado Mountain Weddings | Denver Photographer
Alli & Mike didn't miss a beat with their beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion wedding. Everything was gorgeously planned and executed, and the day was spent amongst friends and family. They had a first touch where they prayed, back-to-back and hand-in-hand, with the sweetest whispers of their love for each other. The ceremony was just as beautiful. Alli and Mike exchanged their handwritten vows in front of the people who mean the most to them. They made promises to each other, and held hands while tears fell silently.
Their reception was so much fun. You could feel the love from all of their guests and family members, as heartfelt speeches filled the space, and they lovingly cut the cake with a little smash to top of the fun. They danced and partied, and when the sun begin to set into the mountains, I snagged them for the most epic golden hour light. The way the beams of light fell through the tree leaves was magical, and Allison and Michael enjoyed their own private dance out behind the mansion while the light began to fade.
This fun couple met in the Air Force and are devoted to their service work. They lived in Colorado Springs while finishing their degrees from the Air Force Academy. I don't know how she pulled it off, but Alli actually graduated just a few days before their wedding! Impressive, to say the least. They honeymooned at Disney Land and then made their way off to Hawaii to soak up the beach and sunshine. Seeing their pictures in Hawaii made me so jealous and now I'm dying to visit myself! What a dream...
Allison's big, bubbly personality shined throughout the day. She just beamed with joy amongst her bridesmaids. You could tell that their bond is tight, the whole group was smiling and laughing the whole day. Michael is more stoic, but it was easy to see how is quieter bond with his groomsmen was just as genuine. Their family members showered them with well-wishes, and the love was palpable. They had the most fun dancing, mingling, and making silly faces in the Photo Booth. An epic day to say the least!
VENDOR TEAM:
Photography: Apollo Fields
Venue: Highlands Ranch Mansion | Highlands Ranch Colorado
Event Planning: Jennifer Wetterlin | Denver Event Pros
Videography: Lavender Haze Wedding Films
Florals: Kimball Floral
DJ: Encore Events & Entertainment
Catering: All Love Catering
Dress: Something New Boutique
What's In My Camera Bag (That's Not Camera Equipment): Capturing Smiles Instead of Stresses
A little behind-the-scenes of me attaching the sleeves to a wedding dress in the midst of photographing my bride getting ready.
Being a wedding photographer doesn't necessarily mean shooting pictures throughout the whole day.
It means getting the shot no matter what it takes.
Sometimes that means putting the camera down for a second to help my brides get into their wedding dresses. Sometimes it's folding pocket squares, opening bottles of wine, showing them where to sign their marriage certificates, or bustling a train. The reality is, I am with my couples all day, and very much so on the front lines of whatever action takes place. Weddings have a way of bringing out the best and worst in people – emotions are high, sometimes there is family tension, a lot of opinions, and various moving parts.
My job is to take beautiful and compelling pictures.
It is also to make sure that my couples feel excited, at ease, and most of all PRESENT in the moment. The day goes by so quickly, and it is easy to get wrapped up in greeting guests, checking on the caterer, and obsessing about timelines. Now, I am by no means a wedding planner. I am not a day-of coordinator. And I have no intentions of ever becoming one... but sometimes the planners are busy doing their jobs and situations arise. In those moments, it's about serving my couple. Sometimes that means taking pictures and sometimes that means lending support to keep things running smoothly, camera-in-hand.
The Importance of Hospitality...
I've worked as a bartender while building my wedding business cause you know, girl's gotta eat, and I do believe that it helped me become a better photographer. It has made me more sensitive to my client's needs. It could be as simple as realizing that my out-of-town couple from sea level is getting dehydrated up on top of a mountain in the Rockies and grabbing them a few waters. Basic needs sometimes go out the window when weddings are in motion and catching small stuff like that can prevent much bigger problems. It has given me a better sense of where the action is at in a busy room while only visually seeing things through my small viewfinder on my camera.
Additionally, being a great wedding photographer also means caring about your couples. So many of our clients have become friends, and this has just as much to do with the pictures themselves as it does with the ability to provide good service. It's also about empathy, understanding, and the ability to listen closely and read between the lines. Being able to put small fires out as the day unfolds is oftentimes what sticks out to couples as above-and-beyond the call of duty. It is something that really shows that we care about them as much as we care about making beautiful pictures. As a result, I always throw a few things in my camera bag to keep the day running smoothly:
What's in my camera bag besides camera equipment?
- A wine key. No, I'm not a raging alcoholic.. this is actually out of utility. I've had countless couples want to pop a bottle to celebrate or toast with, and find themselves without a bottle opener. Pulling one of these out on a whim is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and keeps the good times rolling! Also, the knife edge on them has come in handy for a myriad of non-alcohol related tasks.
- A lighter. Another crowd-pleaser! Sometimes, it is as simple as somebody wanting to step outside for a quick smoke. But mostly, I find this super helpful for staging my detail shots before the room is actually set. Venues and rental companies usually prefer to light the candles last (because they don't last that long), but I cannot wait until last minute to do my room shots and details because it is already too late. So I'll light a few candles on the table, snap the shot, and then blow them out. No hassle and no harm.
- Oil blotting sheets. Summers are hot and sometimes wedding dresses are even hotter. Nothing ruins a shot like a shiny face, but after your makeup is set, the last thing you want to do is take a tissue or cloth to your face. Oil blotters are easy, compact, and so helpful in these moments.
- A sewing kit. Why would a wedding photographer need a sewing kit? You wouldn't believe me if I told you how many dresses that I have last-minute mended! Nothing puts out a fire like being able to repair a dress right before the ceremony is about to begin. Buttons pop off, beads snag, zippers jam. Knowing how to solve these mishaps can prevent a full blown crisis in the moment.
- Bobby pins, hair spray, safety pins, small scissors, and rubber bands, fashion tape, and white duct tape. I literally wear half of these on my expodisc around my neck when I shoot! This is how frequently I find myself needing these items. Hair pops out, wind takes over, bow-ties are too big, tags need to get cut off... And the white duct tape? Let's just say that sometimes wedding dresses are more see-through than we realize and the built-in bra doesn't do the trick ;) A little square of duct tape can work wonders.
Again, stuff happens. To be able to put these fires out quickly keeps my couples happy and on schedule. If they are happy, the pictures are better. If we stay on the timeline, we have more time for pictures and we capture smiles instead of stresses.
Wedding Photographers in NYC
3.2.18 - 5004 Cody Street ~ 1:05 AM MT
Heather told me tonight that she really appreciated my partnership today. She told me that she could count on me to tidy up the house, to research SEO stuff for Apollo Fields, and that trusting someone else to handle things isn’t easy for her. Since the beginning of our relationship we’ve always trusted each other because we haven’t given each other a reason not to. It’s wonderful that that reality is also seeping into the business partnership that we’re creating.
I know that few people are lucky enough to find a significant other whom they can communicate with, work with, and even enjoy being with for a long period of time. Often times it’s hard enough to even get along with yourself for awhile. Yet here we are as a couple in pursuit of a creative endeavor that incorporates and celebrates the things that we are both best at individually. There are even fewer people who can be part of something like that.
As I explained it to several people at Oasis tonight, Heather and I’s partnership and eventual marriage was borne out of the recognition of a pattern of mutually beneficial decisions and actions. To us, concepts like eternal love are irrational fantasies seated in the rationality of the human mind; pursuing them is akin to letting your conscience be commanded by a belief in heaven and hell—it allows imaginary ideas to take precedence over the human faculty of rationality.
In the past three years Heather and I have taken countless trips, published a cookbook, moved across the country, adopted a Doberman from a sandwich shop, had our Jack Russell become paraplegic, acquired a horse, and fought and laughed in between. Many things have stood in our way but none of them have stopped us. Our relationship withstands the things that come our way because we know we control our actions and that we will be there for our partner when they get in their own way.
To say that, “we don’t fight” is a misnomer and an oversimplification—we hold different opinions all the time, but it’s a matter of choosing when and where to dig our feet into the mud. It takes emotional will power to cede your pride in the name of the greater good of the relationship, but learning to govern your feelings in order to foster an atmosphere of trust, support, and honesty will always be worth it. There are times when I or Heather knows that the arena we have chosen to fight in is a waste of time or that we were not meant to share this same battlefield and we’ve learned that that’s OK. Our altercations are a matter of recognizing what works and what doesn’t, or what’s harmful and what’s helpful. It’s less of a fight and more of a concerted effort at honest communication aimed at understanding.
Through all of the fun and tears we strive to create love and act out of rationality and reason. It’s less exciting than the love stories we’ve been told and sounds less sexy than the hyperbole of unoriginal wedding vows, but it’s the closest thing to being human that I can imagine. If Heather and I love each other enough we will bring another human into a world where creativity, rationality, and reason are the concepts dangling above the crib, slowly spinning on a hand-stitched mobile as stubby, wrinkly fingers reach for the sky. Instead of pursuing imaginary fantasies we are writing our story one thoughtful camera click and pen stroke at a time.
Guanella Pass Campground Wedding Photography in Colorado
Emily & Ole's Wedding In The Woods | Colorado Campground | Apollo Fields Photojournalism
Emily & Ole's Wedding In The Woods | Colorado Campground | Apollo Fields Photojournalism
DIY RUSTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | CAMPGROUND INTIMATE WEDDINGS | ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER ERNY PHOTO CO
Emily and Ole had a laid back wedding at the Guanella Pass Campground this past July. Celebrating with close family among the aspens and evergreens, their Colorado campground wedding was nothing short of perfect.
During the ceremony, Emily read from her own personal journal, opening up her heart and sharing her intimate thoughts and feelings from when she first met Ole.
And I couldn't help but notice the leaves she had tucked inside her journal pages, dried out and preserved for years to come. As a nostalgic person myself, this made me love being a part of their day even more.
And then I found out that Emily's bouquet, in all of it's beauty, was the dried version of the very first flowers Ole ever gave her. It turns out she had been saving them for this very day. I can't even put into words how amazing that is and how much I adored it!
After the wedding, we drove up to the top of Guanella Pass for some intimate couples portraits of just the two of them. As soon as we arrived, you could see Emily and Ole relax. It was obvious that they felt most at home in the quiet of the mountains. Mt. Beirstadt stood tall in the background, which while unplanned was also awesome since that was one of the first 14ers Emily and Ole ever climbed together.
This was their perfect wedding. From the do it yourself touches, to the breath-taking views, to them including their adorable French bull dog, Winston, and his adorable red bow tie. If they could do it all again, I'm not sure they could do it any better.
Emily and Ole's Colorado Campground Mountain Wedding
Photography: Apollo Photo
Journalism: Apollo Journalism
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Photographer
There’s something special about reaching high altitudes after traversing treacherous terrain that rewards tired legs and beating hearts. It could be as simple as endorphins being released from the exercise or something more complex like measuring our mortality against the backdrop of conquering massive mountains. Either way, climbing mountains and taking in epic views defines the meaning of awesome.
Callie & Josh's Intimate Mountain Wedding | Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, Colorado | Adventure Wedding Photography | Apollo Photojournalism
Heather and I’s first hike together was near Lake George in upstate New York. It was short, but I remember scrambling up the last couple hundred feet, thinking that the summit was just over the next ridge quickly exhausting myself in the process. When we finally reached the top, I scanned the seemingly endless rolling green hills, panning across the horizon like my eyes were breathing in the refreshing mountain air.
There’s something special about reaching high altitudes after traversing treacherous terrain that rewards tired legs and beating hearts. It could be as simple as endorphins being released from the exercise or something more complex like measuring our mortality against the backdrop of conquering massive mountains. Either way, climbing mountains and taking in epic views defines the meaning of awesome.
We love documenting mountain weddings because they’re so organic and personal. When we immerse ourselves in towering pines and humbling rock faces, we stand in nature to celebrate love as members of our natural environment rather than separate from it. We say scrap the white tablecloths, vinyl tents, and stuffy reception halls and step into the woods and feel the rain. There’s a time to be clean and then there’s a time to feel something, celebrate, and cut loose – we believe your wedding day should be the latter.
Living in Arvada, Colorado, is like living in front of the armoire of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, because at a moments notice we can open up the doors and wander through a world of meandering roads, trickling creeks, and splashing waterfalls. Adventures are never in short supply when the beautiful unknown is less than an hour drive away. This proximity to the Rockies makes mountain weddings accessible realities rather than fleeting dreams.
Let us document your dream mountain wedding, but first... why do you want to get married on a mountain?
Some of our favorite mountain spots in Colorado:
Rocky Mountain National Park for it's famous landscapes and epic elopement locations
Pikes Peak for that "on top of the world" feeling
Guanella Pass for the best views of Mount Beirstadt without all of the hiking
Alderfer / Three Sisters Park for a close-to-Denver adventure and awesome 360 views
Some of our favorite mountain spots outside of Colorado:
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia for those epic rolling mountains and blue hues that never disappoint
Buck Mountain in Lake George for some of the best Adirondack views
Breakneck Ridge in Cold Spring NY for a close to New York City adventure and cute town to explore
Mount Killington in Vermont for the best New England autumn colors
Sharp Top Mountain in Virginia for light-tight 360 degree views
We have gone on countless adventures and can help you plan your epic mountain elopement or intimate wedding! We've done everything from taking a tiny Cessna plane up to the summit of Mt. Denali in Alaska, to exploring the waterfalls in Telluride, Colorado. Contact us for a true adventure of a lifetime!
Alex & Rae's International Wedding in New York State
Alex & Ragnhild's New York State Wedding | International Weddings | NYC Wedding Photography | Norwegian Dancers | Apollo Photojournlism
I met Alex on the Upper West Side in NYC at a restaurant. We got to chatting at the bar and I told him that I was a photographer, and as it turned out, he was engaged to his fiancé Ragnhild and looking for a wedding photographer. After talking a while longer, we realized that we had quite a few mutual friends from the neighborhood, and it all fell into place right after that.
Alex is a personal trainer and a former professional basketball player. He met Rae on the court, when her professional dancing career took her to one of his games. Rae and her daughter, Denise, were from Norway and literally packed up their lives to live in New York City with Alex. They have such a loving and playful relationship that made my job so easy!
Their wedding day kicked off with the guys hitting the basketball court, which was a fun alternative to traditional wedding mornings. Terrence was out there playing with the groomsmen, and it really reminded me of how much fun we have on our wedding days! The ceremony was officiated by a friend, who spoke of them so eloquently that it made me cry behind the camera. Yes, I still get emotional when I shoot!
The reception was one of my favorites to date. Rae's bridesmaids were all on her dancing squad and had planned a secret dance special for the couple. A room full of professional Norwegian dancers is just as much fun as it sounds. Oh my god they were talented! It was such a great party.
The importance of memories:
When you’re in a particular industry long enough, it’s easy to forget the importance of your job. You wake up on Monday, meet deadlines, schedule future goals, work through the drudgery, finish the week, and if you’re lucky, do it all over again on the following Monday. Wedding photojournalism is no exception.
Then, once in a while something happens, something that jars you out of your automatic work setting and you take a step back. Sometimes it’s good news like a family member is having a baby and other times it’s something tragic like someone has passed away. Whatever the case may be your life is drastically different than what it was just a few days before.
One of the defining things about wedding photojournalism is that we capture particular moments in our client’s lives where happiness and celebration are center stage. We have the luxury to see people at their best, laughing among their family and friends, assuming the roles they’ve carved out their who lives by sharing the stories that have made them into the persons they’ve become. When things inevitably change in their lives in the months or years that follow, we watch their stories unfold through the photos we’ve taken and we’re drawn right back to the happiness of that day.
Each story we relive is a jarring reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance that weddings hold in bringing people together, rekindling relationships, and the celebration of love and happiness. From budding romances to lost love ones, our photos travel across time, telling our present selves the story of our past, hugging our hearts with tangible memories and familiar feelings. It’s borderline wizardry how our inanimate pens and lenses can animate our past so vividly.
As wedding photojournalists we professionally tell love stories, but it’s as friends that we remember our client’s personally. Connecting with you all is what makes us remember that our jobs are important and our happiness immemorial. Thank you for your love.
New York State Wedding Photographer: Apollo Photojournalism | Erny Photo CO