Island Heights Yacht Club Wedding
Island Heights Yacht Club Wedding
jarred + Madison
Madison and Jarred celebrated their union in timeless elegance at the Island Heights Yacht Club in Island Heights, NJ. Nestled along the picturesque Jersey Shore, the venue exuded a rich maritime charm, echoing the couple's love for the sea. The historical significance of the location added a touch of vintage allure to their nautical-themed wedding. Against the backdrop of the sparkling bay and sailboats gently swaying in the breeze, Madison looked radiant in her wedding gown, and Jarred, dashing in his navy blue suit. The ceremony, framed by the historic yacht club's architecture, was a blend of tradition and seaside romance. As they exchanged vows overlooking the water, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the couple and their guests. The reception unfolded in a ballroom adorned with marine-inspired decor, transporting everyone to a maritime wonderland. With laughter, love, and the gentle lapping of waves as their soundtrack, Madison and Jarred's wedding was a beautiful testament to their journey beginning at this enchanting historic venue on the shores of New Jersey.
NYC City Clerk Winter Wedding
NYC City Clerk Winter Wedding
Kevyn + agi
ChatGPT
Getting married at the New York City Clerk's Office, also known as the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Obtain a Marriage License:
Both parties must appear together at the City Clerk's Office to apply for a marriage license.
Bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent is 18.
If either party has been previously married, you will need to provide the exact date of the divorce or the death of the former spouse.
2. Fill Out the Marriage License Application:
You can complete the marriage license application online before your visit or fill it out at the Clerk's Office.
The application requires basic information about both parties, such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers.
3. Pay the Marriage License Fee:
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the fee for a marriage license is typically around $35. Payment can be made by credit card, money order, or by paying in cash.
4. Wait for the Marriage License:
Once you have submitted the application and paid the fee, you will be issued a marriage license immediately.
5. Perform the Marriage Ceremony:
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the time it is issued.
You can have your marriage ceremony performed at the Clerk's Office right after obtaining the license or anywhere else in the state.
You may bring your own officiant, or you can have a ceremony performed by a staff member at the Clerk's Office for an additional fee.
6. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate:
After the ceremony, your officiant and witnesses (if any) will sign the marriage license.
The officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the Clerk's Office.
Once the signed license is received and recorded, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate for a separate fee.
Important Notes:
It's advisable to check the current fees and requirements on the official website of the New York City Clerk's Office or contact them directly, as these details may change.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, procedures and requirements may be subject to change, so it's recommended to check for any updates or restrictions.
New Years Eve Wedding at The Milleridge Inn
New Years Eve Wedding at The Milleridge Inn
priscilla + rj
"A Sparkling New Year's Affair: Priscilla and RJ's Joyful Celebration at The Milleridge Inn in Jericho, NY"
As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, love blossomed in the enchanting surroundings of The Milleridge Inn in Jericho, NY. Priscilla and RJ, two souls deeply in love, chose the most festive night of the year to embark on their journey into forever. Join us as we recount the tale of their dazzling New Year's Eve wedding and the joy that lit up the night.
Choosing The Milleridge Inn
The couple found the perfect venue in The Milleridge Inn, a historic and charming location in Jericho, NY. The inn's timeless beauty and warm ambiance were the ideal backdrop for a New Year's Eve celebration filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future.
New Year's Eve Elegance
Priscilla and RJ embraced the glamour of the holiday season in their wedding theme. A palette of gold, silver, and midnight blue adorned the venue, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and celebration. Glittering lights and festive decor transformed The Milleridge Inn into a winter wonderland.
The Bridal Ensemble and Groom's Dapper Style
Priscilla's wedding gown was a vision of timeless elegance, with delicate lace and a hint of sparkle. RJ, equally dashing in a classic black tuxedo with a bowtie, looked every bit the part of the charming groom. Together, they radiated the joy of a couple ready to welcome the new year hand in hand.
A Ceremony of Love and Renewal
As the clock neared midnight, Priscilla and RJ exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony. The atmosphere was charged with love and anticipation, mirroring the excitement of the New Year's countdown. The couple sealed their promises with a kiss as the crowd erupted in cheers, marking the beginning of their married journey.
Festive Delights and Midnight Toasts
The reception was a feast for the senses, with a menu that included delectable dishes and festive treats. The couple opted for a New Year's Eve-inspired menu, complete with a champagne tower and a midnight toast to ring in the new chapter of their lives.
Dancing into Forever
The dance floor came alive as Priscilla and RJ shared their first dance as a married couple. The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and the joyous sounds of celebration, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
A New Year, A New Beginning
As the clock struck midnight and the calendar turned to a new year, Priscilla and RJ's New Year's Eve wedding marked not only the start of a new chapter in their lives but also a celebration of love, hope, and endless possibilities. Cheers to the couple who embraced the magic of the season and welcomed their forever with open hearts at The Milleridge Inn in Jericho, NY. May their love continue to shine as bright as the fireworks that lit up their special night.
Wedding Details To Have Ready For Your Photographers When They Arrive
Detail Photos for Wedding photography | Flat Lay Photography List | NYC Wedding Photography | Wedding Dress Invitation Suit Shoe Photographs
Wedding Details To Have Ready
For Your Photographers When They Arrive
As your wedding day approaches, we love to send over some helpful tips for ensuring that the morning goes as smoothly as possible and we maximize our coverage for the best possible images! We love to begin our day with detail photos to tell the best story of your day. We have found that it is super useful to organize these ahead of time that way we can hit the ground running without any unnecessary tracking down of items.
Bride / Feminine Details:
Wedding Dress
All stuffing removed + hanger straps cut out
A nice hanger
Veil
>> Check with your seamstress about de-wrinkling (not all materials can be steamed)
Shoes
Rings
BOTH of your bands + engagement rings
Have rings cleaned beforehand, especially diamonds
A nice ring box if possible
Invitation Suite: All paper goods including-
Your formal invitations, envelopes, RSVP cards
Save the dates
Any calligraphy items such as menus, table cards, etc
Bonus points for miscellaneous details like wax seals, fancy stamps, etc
FLORAL SCRAPS
This is an important one to elevate your photos, please inquire with your florist for scraps (broken flowers, greenery, etc) that we can use to style your images.
Unfortunately, we do need these AT OUR START TIME, so sometimes timing can be tricky. It might be easier to pick up a bouquet of similar flowers from a store or special order a few flowers that we can use for these photos.
JEWELRY / MISC
Your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or any piece that holds sentimental value or your will be wearing.
Hair pins, “something borrowed”, all of these make for great photos!
Perfume bottles
Vow books
Groom / Masculine Details:
SUIT: Please have your suit ready, all tags off, cut out stitches that close vents, all wrinkles out
CUFF LINKS
WATCHES / JEWELRY: If your watch has the date, please ensure that it’s set to the correct day
TIES / BOW TIES: Hey guys, if you’re doing a bow tie, make sure YOU KNOW HOW TO TIE IT. Right? Watch the YouTube videos, practice at home. Same goes for pocket squares. Know how to do yours and help your buddy. You wouldn’t believe how much time is lost!
VOW BOOKS / LETTERS TO EACH OTHER
Miscellaneous Details
To maximize your photography coverage, it’s super helpful to have getting ready spaces tidied up. Especially when we work with bigger wedding parties, we’re often spending a lot of time shuffling clutter and bags and trash out of the spaces. (This is a perfect task for someone in the wedding party to do, by the way). Cleaner spaces = cleaner images ;)
Make sure you guys know where your marriage license is! We’ve seen a lot of time lost on the way to the ceremony if no one can find it.
Natural light is our best friend, so bonus points if we arrive with curtains and blinds drawn!
Please have your details organized in one spot that way we’re not having to track everything down! And when in doubt, include a detail. Things like welcome bags and other parts of the wedding weekend are great additions to your final gallery!
For a printable version of this checklist:
Greenport Long Island Engagement Photography
Greenport Long Island Engagement Photography | Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers | 67 Steps Beach NY
Gina & Peter
Ninety Acres Farm-To-Table Wedding Photography in Peapack, NJ
Sydney & Aniello’s Wedding | Ninety Acres Farm-To-Table Wedding Photography in Peapack, NJ | Backyard Wedding Ceremony | Apollo Fields
From the beginning, Sydney and Aniello had planned an intimate wedding in New Jersey and a bigger reception in Italy. Then, of course, COVID hit and their plans to wed in April were completely derailed. I remember talking to Sydney on the phone right at that time when Italy was getting hit really hard and the US had only begun to worry about the power of the virus. I could hear the shakiness in her voice, as all of Aniello’s family lives in Italy, and their wedding was supposed to be right on the horizon.
Luckily, this couple is both resilient and logical and they were truly able to make the best out of an unfortunate situation. In fact, the one word they used to describe their own relationship was “unwavering”, and I couldn’t agree more! They postponed both celebrations and waited for the dust to settle, but were still eager to get married.
Sydney and Aniello decided to continue with their intimate wedding in New Jersey on September 19th and the day was absolutely perfect. We had a gorgeous fall afternoon together while they got ready for their backyard ceremony at Sydney’s family home. The energy was quaint, but buzzing with positivity and love. One important element that was executed beautifully was digitizing the ceremony so Aniello’s Italian family could still watch and be as present as possible for their wedding. The couple even exchanged their vows in both English and Italian in order to include everyone.
I loved getting to know this couple more and learn more about the origins of their sweet relationship. I loved how Sydney described their first date in Italy: “I think when I first saw Aniello, I felt love at first sight because I got this weird nervous, inexplicably ecstatic feeling that I had never felt before! We had so much fun talking to each other that my mom and Sal felt quite excluded from the conversation, but were smiling at each other the whole time realizing they were witnessing something special.
“We never officially called it a date, but we dined al fresco and spent the rest of the evening meandering around town just talking. The food was actually quite terrible, but we were so engrossed in our conversation that we really didn't care. I remember when we left the restaurant and we started walking, he placed his hands on my shoulders and gently moved me inside so that he could walk on the side closest to the street. My thoughts were "Wow he is very chivalrous in an old-fashioned and charming way, which is something very rare!"
Aniello had a similarly adoring memory from that date, “My thought beforehand was that I was very lucky to be spending a beautiful night with a beautiful girl. During the date, I thought Sydney was gorgeous, as well as really witty and patient (I talk a lot and she listened intently!). I also thought that she was great company because she was had very good manners and was very entertaining to talk to which I don't find often with people; she also was very thoughtful as she gave me a little tour of the town and brought me to ice cream after dinner. After, I thought I wanted to spend more time with her and hoped to see her again soon”.
Sydney and Aniello love to travel and immerse themselves in culture and language, and look forward to being able to celebrate Part II of their wedding in Italy when the time comes! I was so lucky to have been able to be a part of their sentimental celebration in NJ and wish them all the best in their lives together!
Enjoy these sneak peeks from Sydney & Aniello’s wedding:
Vendors:
Photography: Apollo Fields
Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers
Cake: Cocoluxe Fine Pastries
Venue: Ninety Acres Farm-To-Table Restaurant
Wedding Dress: Galvan
Favors: Confetti Milano
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.
DIY Wedding Tip: Buy a KitchenAide and Make the Food For Your Wedding
Apollo Fields Wedding Photographers | DIY Wedding Tips | Cook Your Own Food For Your Wedding | How To Feed 100 People | Ramsey, NJ Farm Wedding
Many called us crazy, others called us stupid, some called us crazy and stupid. But for us, hosting a dinner party, albeit one with 100 guests, was just another day at the office. We knew it would be hard work to make the food for our own wedding, but when we thought about doing that which defines our relationship on our wedding day, making a fresh pasta bar and serving it to our guests was simply something we had to do.
First off, I have to thank KitchenAide for making such a reliable product. Without Fernando/Fernandina (our unisex name for our KitchenAide), Heather and I would’ve worked pasta dough by hand until we could barely hold a fork and knife. Instead, we managed to churn out four fresh dishes to accommodate veg heads and meat lovers alike. The crowd favorite was the pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli served in a sage brown butter sauce; followed by the vegetable lasagna with herbed ricotta; long slices of zucchini and fresh tomato; then it was a classic — spaghetti and meat sauce made with fresh tomatoes and roasted red peppers; and finally a dish for the more nuanced palate, the truffle mushroom linguini. Fern handled the entire workload like a champ as his/her constant purr eventually became white noise in the bustling kitchen at Honeymoon Acres.
But Heather, Fern, and I can’t take all of the credit. With any great event, it comes down to the team who can pick up the slack when they’re called upon. Whether it was Heather’s sister, Mary, and her fiancé, J, rolling out pasta dough and making raviolis with a handy tool our family friend Dr. Amy gave us, or my brothers Matt, Tom, Kevin, and sister-in-law Morgan dusting cutting boards with flour and popping those raviolis into boiling water, everyone played a crucial part. I remember the first thing I saw after I got all dressed up in the back room was coming into the kitchen to see Matt wearing Heather’s apron with flour all over it. It made me so happy.
Serving Our Food To Our Wedding Guests:
Perhaps my favorite part of the wedding, though, was when Heather and I served the food to our guests before serving ourselves. We originally planned to only serve the first few plates, but we were having so much fun that we didn’t even want to take our seats. When we finally reached the end of the line, we walked through the barn into the dining room to a resounding applause. People were so grateful for the fresh food, but they were even more excited to share that they’d never been to a wedding where the bride and groom were the last people to be served. It didn’t even occur to us that the newlyweds are usually the first to eat because every time we hosted a dinner party at our Colorado home we’d always served our guests first. We didn’t think dinner at our wedding should be any different.
When Heather and I first started hosting dinner parties in our home in Colorado, we were amazed by how much fun it was. Perhaps it was me turning 30 and leaving the Jameson shots in Irish pubs for someone else (or some other time :)), but there was something about new and old friends brushing elbows around our table that meant something more to both of us. As we now settle into our interim Long Island home the reason became very apparent when a friend of ours came over for a few fingers of whiskey. It was the simple act of bringing people together, about creating community, about filling a space with jokes and laughter that provided us with happiness. I didn’t know at the time but that’s why I felt the way I felt when I saw Matt in Heather’s flour-dusted apron on our wedding day—it was him being part of our community.
There are few days when our communities come together with such a fervent energy to contribute to a cause, but our wedding days are such opportunities. We’ve seen families and friends fall flat and we’ve seen people band together and the result always lies within the glue or gluten that holds us together (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pasta joke!). Here’s to everyone who played a part, including Dawn and Sandy who volunteered their time to bartend and make the rest of our food look pretty when it came time to serve those most important to us.
For those getting married, remember that the miscues of your wedding day will be forgotten in time, but the efforts of your communities will linger in your heart like the flavors of a delicious meal. Don’t be shy, be bold, and do that which defines you. With a little bit of luck and a lot of thought, your communities will have your back.
Your Immeasurable Friends,
Terrence & Heather
How To Make Homemade Pasta
This is one of our favorite foods to cook for guests (usually sub 100 people, but who knows!) because it is SO easy and who doesn’t love pasta? And fresh pasta is just the best! For real, once you have the homemade stuff, you’ll never go back to boxed again.
We love it so much that we have an entire recipe – perhaps our favorite one – in The Immeasurable Cookbook dedicated to the stuff. Which, *shameless plug* you should totally go out and buy now if you haven’t already.
Before we decided to take on all of the cooking for our own wedding, we used to make the dough by hand and use a super simple, cheap hand crank pasta maker. I hate having a ton of kitchen appliances because I think most of them are a waste of space and money, but this is one of the few that I can’t live without. Plus, there is something so great about getting your hands dirty in a mound of flour ;)
The Recipe:
Remember how we hate measurements?? Well, you guessed it, you won’t find any here either! But you don’t need them for pasta (trust me, you OCD kitchen people… you know who you are). If you really want to learn, unfortunately you’re going to have to come over to our house for us to teach you and then we’ll force you to stay and eat the deliciousness and drink tasty beer and whiskey. Ohhhh noooo ;)
Photo Credit: Derek Morf shooting for Apollo Fields
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Apollo Fields Photojournalism | Farm Wedding Photography | Wedding Writer | Adventure Wedding Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer | New York Wedding Photographer
Heather’s Birthday Post – November 15, 2018
Happy Birthday to the woman who has taken the best parts about me and brought them to the surface. Without her, I wouldn’t be a published author, small business owner, or husband—AKA everything that means something to me at this point in my life. I honestly have no idea where I would be without her—and I look forward to all of the places we will be together that we do not yet know.
Heather is the kind of person to triple book herself, crush each event, then ask for more. I’m the kind of person to bring her a bottle of whiskey and an empty tumbler. That’s how we differ yet that’s why we work. In a constant state of give-and-take, we spin through our days like ice in a mixing glass, swirling around our personalities like flavors, combining our contrasts into a well-balanced drink—smooth yet strong, and the lingering taste leaves you asking for more. It’s not perfect but it does keep us happy.
This time last year we were driving to an AirBnB tucked in the mountains, safe from the chill with a cozy wood-burning fireplace. This year we’re riding the LIRR to carouse about NYC and enjoy a different side of life. Seemingly always on the same page, Heather and I are writing our story together with a pen we share, speaking different voices onto the page with the same ink. Every year that passes every take stock of all of our experiences and each year exceeds the last. I’m just grateful to have a partner to explore so many worlds with.
In the last month we moved cross country, made all the food for our wedding, got married, took a honeymoon to Jamaica, and settled into our interim home in Long Island. Just writing that made me tired, yet at no point during it did I feel fatigued. We approached each day as a team, working towards a shared goal in each of our imperfect ways. By sharing our individual energies, we rejuvenate each other along the way with jokes, side dishes, and healthy dollops of silliness. It’s like when you work with someone behind the bar long enough that you know where they put the Maraschino cherries, only when you get there the jar is empty and you look up at them to see them making a ridiculous face. Everyday of our lives is like that and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Somehow on her birthday I started talking about the great things about us and strangely enough, I don’t know a better compliment for a person. Heather is a facilitator, a happy haggler, an absolutely messy chef, and will be an even better mother. When I think about the journey of life and how each year represents so much yet so little, I remember the infinitude of infantile moments we’ve laughed through and the major milestones we’ve high-fived to. It’s entirely too easy to get lost as we move through different stages of my life, but this day has me grateful for Heather’s face, happily illuminated over her birthday candle to help guide my way.
Buena Vista Destination Wedding in Colorado Photography
David & Sadie’s Wedding | Buena Vista, Colorado | Rocky Mountain Weddings | Destination Photographer | Apollo Fields
It was 6:00am last Saturday and I was driving on the long empty roads through the Colorado countryside. After spending the last few weeks in the cramped and crowded boroughs of New York and New Jersey, I felt the stark contrast of the open plains even more than usual. It was unseasonably cold that morning: a chilling 21 degrees when I first set out, and I watched the dashboard temperature rise with the sun as I cruised along the foothills.
I got to Buena Vista ahead of schedule and was able to pop into a local coffee shop before the wedding kicked off. The sleepy little town was enjoying it’s off-season, but the cafe was busier than ever with locals. I pulled up a seat next to a stranger because there were no empty tables, and got to enjoy a little old-fashioned small talk with a bundled-up hiker who was about to hit the mountains for the day.
Our day began at 9:30am at Spring Canyon, a quiet venue tucked away past the hot springs. Everybody was happily abuzz with last minute wedding prep, and I settled right into shooting details and scouting our first look location. The property boasts epic mountain views, but the sun was already high and with no clouds whatsoever, I had to be a little more creative with our locations.
I consider myself a bit of a light-junkie and I really felt the different between the East Coast light (which had been ultra-diffused from days of nonstop rain and heavy grey clouds) versus the big Colorado skies (at altitude with no atmosphere or humidity to break up the strong rays).
Sometimes you have to work with what you got, so we took advantage of the aspens that were still boasting their gold leaves and leaned into the full sun. I’m so happy we did, because we got those truly epic autumn mountain shots! I hadn’t seen any aspens with their leaves still on the whole trip, so it was the best surprise to find these groves still going strong! Colorado had a big snow storm later that night, and I have a feeling that we captured their last hoorah which makes the shots that much better to me.
David and Sadie had a sweet and tender way about their relationship. Amidst the bustle of the wedding morning, they still found time to have these long quiet hugs as if nobody else was around. I spend a lot of time watching my couple’s body language during their first looks to see how they naturally interact with one another and try to capture that throughout the day. David and Sadie were so fun because they would share these sentimental moments with each other, but then be able to goof around and be silly at the same time. They balanced these lighthearted fun times with the seriousness of a wedding perfectly.
Their families were also gracious and loving. I felt as much like a photographer and vender as I did a guest, and those are the days that make me love my job as much as I do. I was especially excited to photograph this wedding because there were going to be a few familiar faces in the crowd — one of my favorite couples from last year was family and the whole reason that I crossed paths with David and Sadie! In this business, referrals and word-of-mouth are everything, and I am so grateful for my clients who carry the Apollo Fields name from season to season. I’d like to give a big shoutout to the Danielson family for the connection, and also throw in a little vendor love to their awesome companies, Tentrix and Poc-a-Poc Catering who kept me happily in a cheese-coma for the reception.
Venue: Spring Canyon, Buena Vista CO
Photography: Apollo Fields
Published on Wedding Wire: Sadie & David’s Wedding
Heather loves to travel – especially to the mountains – for weddings! Get in touch for your photography needs: CONTACT
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
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.
Newborn Photography in Babylon, NY
Baby Shea | Lifestyle Newborn Session | Babylon, NY | Long Island Photographer | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography
It’s not often that I take on newborn sessions, but when I do, I really love them! Specializing in weddings was one of the best business decisions that I made, I love being able to target in on couples that I know I’m really going to connect with and have an awesome relationship with. My workflow is a well oiled machine and I’m really proud of the wedding business that we have.
But occasionally, a friend or a previous client will have a baby and I just can’t resist the opportunity to pull out my camera! I only do lifestyle newborns – no crazy props, no unnatural poses – just authentic family moments that capture the spirit of having a brand new baby in the house. Personally, I don’t like studio newborn (think garland, cheesecloths, flower crowns) and I find it sort of odd to prop a newborn babies head up as if I could do it on its own (it can’t). If you like those photos, power to you! Everyone gets to like what they like, it’s just not my jam. It’s also SUPER specialized and requires posing and lighting that’s just plain out of my wheelhouse.
What I can capture is lifestyle and I really love this approach. Somewhere between a casual session and documentary approach, I love watching new moms and dads settling into their routine and finding themselves as parents. This session was especially meaningful to me: It was for a good friend Jon and his lovely wife Jen. You might recognize their faces since I also captured their engagement session and wedding years ago!! It has been so fun watching them move through different chapters of their lives in the photographs and it is such an honor to be trusted with these images.
In January of 2018 they welcomed their first baby into the world – a son that they named Shea Edward. They decided to let the sex of the baby be a surprise and I still remember the feeling of excitement that I got when Jon sent me the patented “proud dad” text and photo when Shea was first born! I was eager to capture this time in their lives and as soon as we were back in Long Island we set up a session. We began the afternoon just relaxing and gushing over Shea, and then I began shooting away. We were lucky to be able to incorporate Jon’s parents who were visiting to help out with the new baby, too. It is their first grandchild so they are positively smitten!
I love these photos because this time goes by so quickly. Babies change practically overnight and before you know it, they are tiny little adults. I loved capturing the little features, the hands and toes, the baby hair, the little wrinkly soft skin, because I know that Jen and Jon will always be brought back to all of these details in the years to come when they look at the photos. So even though this session was a little break from my busy wedding season, it was such a welcome one and I’ll always treasure these photos!
Photography: Apollo Fields
Location: Babylon, NY
The Burr Homestead Wedding Photography in Fairfield, CT
Laura & Bill's Colonial New England Wedding | The Burr Homestead Mansion | Fairfield, Connecticut | Farmhouse Weddings Photography | Apollo Photojournalism
I met Laura and Bill a few years ago when we were photographing a wedding in Old Quebec, Canada. They are both dancers and I was so inspired by their awesome skills on the dance floor and got some amazing shots of them in the Chateau! Fast forward a few years and they got engaged and were looking for a wedding photographer. I was so excited when Laura reached out to have me travel to Connecticut for their own wedding!
The Burr Homestead Mansion, Fairfield CT
Laura and Bill celebrated their wedding with all of their closest friends and family at The Burr Homestead Mansion in Connecticut. This historical property was the perfect venue for this couple, who I got to know through a wedding that we shot in Quebec two years ago. I loved photographing their big day even more because we knew most of the bridal party already, which made the day so fun and exciting!
Laura and Bill live in New York City and are both fantastic dancers. We got our first taste of their abilities on the dance floor in Quebec, so we already knew how important this part of the day would be for them.
The Wedding Day
The day started out quiet, with everybody casually arriving at the mansion with all of their clothes and accessories. Some of the women in the bridal party are hair and makeup experts, so the bridal suite was a buzz with everybody getting ready! In the grooms room, the guys were hanging out, getting dressed, and enjoying some whiskey and cigars together.
The skies began to threaten rain as we were close to the first look, and amidst all of the business, Laura and Bill had to reroute their original plan to get married in the open garden space outdoors because the rain was imminent. The first look was such a sweet moment – I just love how Bill took Laura’s hand and kissed it when he first saw her! The bridal party watched through the windows of the mansion, which added a little flair.
The ceremony had to be moved to the front of the mansion to keep guests dry. Laura had her heart set on it being outdoors and this backup plan ended up being a great option! People had a great time watching them exchange their vows, and then we did some fun and formal portraits afterwards. The rest of the night was spent dancing, toasting, eating, and drinking! It was a late night, but trust me we got down on the dance floor with everyone too.
Connecticut Wedding Venue: The Burr Homestead, Fairfield CT
Wedding Photography: Apollo Fields
Evergreen Lake House Wedding Photographers
Pat & Sierra's Mountain Wedding | Evergreen Lake House | Apollo Fields Wedding Photography
Hand in hand,
Pat and Sierra walked along Evergreen Lake,
Carrying the greens and blues of the Rockies in their palms.
A few feet away,
Hina playing in the mud
Put Sierra’s white dress at the mercy of unpredictable paws.
When they called to her
Hina came barreling forward,
Love leaping from her eyes
Unbeknownst to the spirit of the day.
This was just another walk for her,
Another chance to play beneath the sun—
But for Pat and Sierra:
These were the first steps of their new partnership.
Strolling back to the celebration,
Hina’s muddy paws
Never caused any concern.
Pat and Sierra knew
That they were just another hue
To add to the greens and blues
In the palms of their hands.
Destination Wedding for this fun Hawaiian Couple
I loved working with this beautiful and energetic couple! Sierra’s family is originally from Colorado and they ended up moving out to Hawaii so she wanted to return to her roots for her wedding. It felt sort of ironic to have a “destination wedding” where the couple LEAVES Hawaii — a popular destination wedding spot — to come to the states to get married. But Colorado is so beautiful and iconic that is totally made sense for this awesome couple.
Pat is a doctor and so easy to get along with. He was laid back and a lot of fun. You could tell that he cares a lot about his core group of friends and they had so much fun with their whole wedding party. Sierra is bubbly and outgoing and unbelievably active. They rock climb, snowboard, surf, and sail and hike and just about every other cool sport together. This couple is super inspiring because they just have such a zest for life. Sierra lived on a boat and has explored much of the East by water. They also love their pup and had so much fun celebrating their wedding with her.
I first met up with them when they were visiting to get all of their wedding planning done. I could tell how organized they were from the beginning which made working with this couple that much easier. All of the parts of the day were well thought out, organized, and so much fun!
Mountain Photography: Apollo Photo
Wedding Writing: Apollo Journalism
Colorado Wedding Venue: Evergreen Lake House
Wedding Coordinating: Lauren “Lo” Wiltshire with The Gardner Effect “TGE”