In wedding portraits, the golden hour (or the 30 minutes before sunset or after sunrise) has become the most sought after moment for its seductive warmth and literal glow. However, if you linger just a little bit longer and continue shooting after the sun has crested from the horizon, you can capture the most spectacular and ethereal images during what is known as the blue hour. Blue hour only lasts around 20 to 30 minutes and is the time of day when the sun has just set or is about to rise. The landscape is bathed in a blue hue since the sun’s position just below the horizon casts these cooler tones across the sky and softens the light. Contrasting the encompassing cool light with warm candlelight creates an intimate environment perfect for small weddings and elopements. Keep scrolling to see photos of this incredible moment by Sea + Ink. The Apostolic Wife planned every detail of this wedding inspiration that came to life at Mill Pond Estate. All the images are in the full gallery, so be sure to click through and read on to hear more about this magical moment and inspiration.
The inspiration behind this Esoteric Blue Hour Shoot from Sea + Ink photography came from the poem “On Marriage” by Khalil Gibran. The idea was that there should be space within togetherness, that a solid marriage foundation comes from independent strength, and from retaining a sense of self even while in love. The Apostolic Wife carried this theme of strength and space within love throughout the shoot’s planning and coordination.
The centuries-old Broken Oak at Mill Pond Estate was central to all of the elements — serving as the ceremony altar and allowing for intimate dining beneath its boughs. It provided shelter for the vegan cake and a majestic cheers location for the mini champagne tower. As a modéliste – the term for a person who turns ideas and feelings into 3-dimensional forms – Hannah Amundson Atelier translated the strength and ethereal beauty of the poem into the tulle gown. The florals by Mill Pond Estate are sustainably focused — with some blooms sourced on-site from the venue.
From the designers:
1. Blue hour photography can be tricky; make sure to find a photographer who knows how to work in these specific lighting conditions.
2. Consider looking for wide-open spaces that allow you to capture the entire landscape bathed in blue light, but with you as the focus.
3. Have patience, and don’t stop shooting too soon! Keep shooting until the sky is completely dark for some truly dramatic and dynamic results.
