Meet the Team

Intentional heartfelt Louisville wedding photographer

Hope Apolinar

oWNER-PHOTOGRAPHER

In the Spring of 2018, I stood right where you’re going to be standing in just a few months. After counting down the final pre-ceremony minutes with my mom and sisters, I slipped my hand through my usually very stoic dad’s arm. He squeezed it and whispered that he loved and was proud of me, something he didn’t often say. I was overwhelmed but in all the best ways. Then, Pachelbel’s Canon swelled, the curtains pulled back, and I began the most exciting walk I’ll ever take—my walk down the aisle toward my husband-to-be. 

I’ll never forget the way his face lit up or the way he wiped away the tears he couldn’t hold back as we saw each other for the very first time that day. And I’ll never have to worry about forgetting, either, because a photo of that special moment is hanging in my entryway, constantly reminding me of the love I have for my husband. I sped down the aisle, excited to take his hands and begin our journey into our own little happily ever after. 

To be honest, I thought photography didn’t matter much to me in the lead-up to my own wedding day. But that moment, those one-in-a-lifetime emotions, and the way I’ve been able to relive it all ever since through beautiful images changed the rest of my life. 

Today, with a vibrant, classic-meets-contemporary style, I deliver galleries that feel immersive and fresh, inviting you to step back in time to the best day of your life. I document even the most delicate details—from your Dior perfume bottle to the sapphire ring Grandma let you borrow—with meticulous care. But my very favorite photos are the portraits, and I love making the process of taking those enjoyable for everyone. Yes, everyone. Even dad! By relying on organic prompts instead of stiff, overused poses, you’ll look elegant without feeling awkward or like you’ve seen it all before. My favorite part of the whole process is taking couples from “I hope there’s just one photo we really love,” to “how the heck am I supposed to choose just one photo to hang over the fireplace!” And I promise it’ll happen to you, too!

When I’m not telling love stories from behind my camera, I’m probably playing outside with my daughter Remi, powering through a Jess King Peloton ride, off-roading in the Red River Gorge (then grabbing a slice of pizza at Miguels), or hunting down an elusive bottle of Pappy 23 with my husband. 

But enough about me! It’s your wedding day I’m dying to hear about! Whether you plan to say “I do” at the Cathedral, Whitehall mansion, or another showstopping local venue, I look forward to collaborating with your vendor team to bring your breathtaking vision to life...and then document it so you can treasure it for decades to come.

“Hope captured our personality and how we felt so well! She was very open in communication and easy to talk to, making the whole experience a comfortable one!”- Chelsea A. 2021 Bride

RICH APOLINAR

RIGHT-HAND MAN

Did you know my husband is actually the reason I fell head-over-heels in love with photography? Both of us work in sales, and both of us were seeking a creative outlet from our 9-to-5s. As the King of Hobbies, Rich knew just what to do—he bought our first camera (a beautiful Sony A6500) and led the charge as we learned together how to make art with our new favorite piece of gear. He’s encouraged me endlessly as my pursuit of photography became so much more than just a fun hobby, and he’s the best hype man anyone could ask for. He even often accompanies me to weddings as my second photographer, so I hope you have the opportunity to meet him! When he isn’t working with me on a wedding day, he’s probably mountain biking, off-roading, or scouring the shelves for the perfect bottle of bourbon.

Remi Apolinar

office manager

Born the day before COVID lockdowns began in March of 2020, little Remi has been my shadow through some of the wildest times I will ever navigate as a business owner. As I struggled to make sense of what was next for my business, her toothy grins lightened the mood and reenergized me, motivating me to keep pushing through. Today, she’s my trusty editing wing-woman...and an occasional visitor to client consultation calls! Between 5 a.m. chocolate chip pancakes and our afternoon snuggles, she makes the hurdle of running my own business beyond worth it. Always dancing along to her favorite Frozen favorite, she’s truly the reason I do what I do, and I hope you have a chance to meet her, too!