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True Story… A few days before Steph and Lou’s wedding, We were on our “wedding week catch up” call and they told me that they were planning on having a gender reveal for baby #2 at their wedding. Of course I was SOOO down! But then, Steph asked me if I could be the one to check the envelope before the gender reveal and help set it up, I was floored in the best way. I have never felt that deeply touched on a “wedding week catch up” call before and I felt so blessed!

Fast forward to their wedding day, I was in the middle of capturing all of Steph’s amazing bridal details when she handed me the envelope with the gender of their baby in it. As she walked into the other room, I quickly took a peak. Smiled and thought to myself “I knew it! I was so excited for them! Words couldn’t even describe it!

About six hours later, thousands of photos later and hundreds of happy tears later, it was time for us to do the big gender reveal and god knows I was doubting myself, “UH OH!”

Am I remembering the gender correctly?

Did I misread it?

Am I going crazy?

I asked the maid of honor if I could read it again, of course we left the envelope in the hotel!

“You got this!” She smiled.

“I got this!” I said questionably

Lexi, my associate and I, had the entire bridal party close their eyes, we lit the color bombs and let them go, when they opened their eyes, we were all in tears. The sky was filled with a beautiful pink hue! They were dancing, hugging and everyone was screaming “We are having a girl!”

Trust me when I say, It hit me on a whole new level!

Steph and Lou, you are loved, you are cherished and you have created such a beautiful life together. You have surrounded yourselves with the best people, have the sweetest little boy and share a love that runs so deep and so strong that there should be at least dozens of loves songs written about you two!

I cannot wait to meet your baby girl! She is so lucky to have you two as parents!!

Steph and lou, being your wedding photographer was something I will cherish forever. You have welcomed me into your community and your family and I will forever be grateful! I became a photographer with the hopes of working with people like you, and it is truly a dream come true!

Cheers to you, your marriage, baby number 1 and baby number two!!

xos! Yael

The Creative Team

Venue: Bay Beach Club | @chesapeakebaybeachclub

Bridal Gown: Havasu Dress by Pronovias | @pronovias

Floral: Valley Forge Flowers | @valleyforgeflowers

Band: Gypsy Wisdom | @gypsy_wisdom

Voice Guestbook – After the Tone | @afterthetone.co

Videographer: Just Hitched Films | @justhitchedfilms

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | @jennyyoonyc purchased at BHLDN | @bhldn

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Bank Custom Suits | @josabank

Invitation Suite: Main Line Print Shop |

It was going to rain, they said.

“Bring all your clear umbrella” they requested.

We may have to move the ceremony inside” they warned…

2pm came and went, no rain.

4pm, no rain.

8pm, no rain…

It didn’t rain until the last hour of the reception!

And even more amazing, is that the sun came out for the ceremony! Valentina and Matt got their beautiful June wedding and it was nothing short of magical!

Let me just say, no one does a first look like Valentina and Matt. As Matt waited for Valentina, I couldn’t help but smile, his stance, his expression and his eyes said it all. He could not wait to marry Valentina!

As Valentina walked towards him, her smile grew bigger and bigger, She not only glowed, but it looked like she was floating towards him as if there was no where else she belonged besides by Matt’s side.

The second Matt turned around and their eyes met, you could feel their connection, see the love and cherish the excitement that just flowed between them. And if I am being totally honest with you, at this point, I was balling! I couldn’t keep it together. Their love for one another is so powerful, so beautiful that being a part of such a special moment, touched my heart in a way words cannot even begin to describe!

Don’t even get me started on their wedding vows. My heart, along with everyone else there, just melted. Valentina and Matt love each other with all of the hearts and soul and it is truly inspiring!

The Ringwood Manor looked absolutely beautiful thanks to the genius of Marquis florals by Kim and Jennifer Tolento of Jennifer Tolento Events. The floral chandelier alone was a thing of beauty. Pair that with the rest of the gorgeous decor and the incredible castle, you couldn’t have asked for a more stunning wedding. Every detail was perfectly executed. It was a photographers dream!

Valentina, Matt, thank you for giving me this honor! My wish for you is that the rain holds off, the sun always comes out and you never stop looking at each other the way you looked at one another during your wedding vows!

Mazels!!

Heres to 120 + years of happiness and health!

The Creative Team

Venue: Skyland Manor | @skylandsmanor

Bridal Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai | @pninatornai

Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld’s Bridal |@kleinfeldbridal

Event Planner: Jennifer Tolento Events | @jennifertolentoevents

Make Up Artist & Hair Stylist: Pin it up and Pout | @pinitupandpout

Florist: Marquis Florals by Kim | @marquisfloralsbykim

Band: TI Fusion | @ti_fusion_band

Videographer: White Elm Films | @whiteelmfilms

Caterer: Frungillo Catering | @frungillohospitality

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal | @davidsbridal

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | @theblacktux

Invitations: Minted | @minted

“I knew he was the one by the way Jack took care of Billy (aka Meredith and Jack’s doodle).” Meredith said as she started blotting her eyes, not wanting to ruin her perfectly done make up. “When I had enough and couldn’t handle it any longer, he took care of Billy for me.” Meredith teared up despite her best effort.

She always had a sparkle in her eye when she gushed about Jack and a laughter in her voice when she spoke about Billy but nothing compared to her talking about Jack and Billy together.

As she continued to describe how incredible Jack was with Billy, how he was a better partner than she could have ever hoped for and just how excited she was to marry Jack, my heart swelled.

These two belonged together. They were already partners, clearly best friends and so ridiculously in love that there wasn’t guest not grinning ear to ear as Meredith and Jack made their vows.

The entire day felt magical! The rain held off until after the photos were taken. The Gables at Chadds Ford never looked more beautiful. Matlack florist turned the indoor ceremony location into what dreams are made of and Meredith and Jack never looked happier as they exchanged rings and promised to be each others biggest supporters through out it all!

Meredith, Jack and Billy, my wish for you is that you will never stop smiling, laughing and gushing over each other! Cheers to 120 + years of health and happiness!!

The Creative Team

Venue: The Gables at Chadds Ford | @thegablesatchaddsford

Florist: Matlack Florist | @matlackflorist

Bridal Boutique: Country Bride and Gent | @countrybrideandgent

DJ: BVT Live! | @bvtlive

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie |@azazieofficial

Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse | @menswearhouse

It’s the story as old as time…

Boy meets girl.
Boy likes girl.
Boy waits for girl.
Boy wins girl over with his kindness, wit and humor.
Boy marries girl.

Josh never gave up on Alison. He knew that she was the one he wanted to be with and he was patient, he was honest and he was her friend above everything else. Isn’t that exactly what you want in a partner? Someone who understands your needs, respects where you are, acknowledges your pace and does anything to be there for you?

When Alison realized that she adored Josh, she knew that her life was changed forever!

And do you know what I love about every relationship that starts off as friendship… they are ALWAYS FUN!
Alison and Josh’s relationship is the perfect example of this!

A few weeks before their wedding, I got a message from Alison….
“Josh bought robes for his groomsmen” and I knew that this couple was awesome on a whole new level!

Over the past few years I have been amazed by these two, but nothing could have prepared me for the heartwarming, fun and beautiful wedding day. Everything about their day felt right, felt like them and I know that their journey through out life together is going to be nothing short of heartwarming, fun and beautiful!

Alison, Josh, my hope for you is that you never stop living the fun, silly and heartwarming way you two do so well. I couldn’t be happier for you!!

The Creative Team
Groomsmen Attire: Menswarehouse | @menswarehouse

Groom Attire:  Indochino | @indochino

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | @azazie

Caterer: Springfield Country Club | @ springfieldcountryclub

Venue: Springfield Country Club | @ springfieldcountryclub

DJ: John EBE Talent | @ebetalent

Florist: Carl Alan | @carlalanfloralltd

Bridal Gown Designer: Pronovias Gown |@pronovias

Bridal Gown Boutique:  LUV Bridal Denver Colorado | @luv_bridal


“All that matters is we are getting married” Stefanie said as we watched the clouds roll in. Her smile didn’t falter. 

It didn’t matter that it was supposed to rain all day. 

It didn’t matter that they had to go with their back up plan for the ceremony.

It didn’t matter that she wasn’t getting her outdoor winery wedding. 

All that mattered was that they were getting married. That they belong together and that they were joining their two families into one. It’s as simple as that! 

As Jim watched Stefanie walk down the aisle, his smile light up the entire room. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. His bride. His love. His future. 

You could just tell from the twinkle in his eyes that Stefanie is his happily ever after. It made my heart flutter and my eyes water. When you find your partner in life like Jim found in Stefanie, you hold on to them no matter what!

The rain cleared up just in time for Stefanie and Jim’s husband and wife portraits, it was like a photography miracle! I knew how much Stefanie wanted those vineyard photos and I am SO glad that we were able to capture them the way she wanted!

It’s really amazing when two people like Stefanie and Jim find each other. They have already been through so much together. With one look at these two you could just tell that they are each others rocks, each others soulmates and each others best friend. 

Stefanie and Jim, my wish for you is to never stop smiling at each other, never stop laughing together and never stop waiting for the rain to clear up so you can walk hand in hand towards the sunshine!

Xos!!

Creative Team:

Venue: Tomasello Winery | @tomasellowinery

Florist: The Flower Junction |

DJ: Sean Perry

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal | @davidsbridal

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Mens Warehouse |@menswearhouse

Invitation Suite: Zazzle | @zazzle

Bridal Gown: Country Way Bridal | @countrywaybridal

Everyone in the room was singing their hearts out.

Sam was waiting at the front table smiling as big as ever, singing the loudest and the Ketubah was right next to him, laying on the table waiting to be signed. 

The energy was electric! 

The love in the air was intoxicating and the support from their community was unflappable! 

And then Amanda walked in…. 

Everyone turned, the smiles grew wider, the singing got louder, the love felt even bigger! Sam’s eyes never left Amanda as she walked towards him. Amanda looked like she was floating on love and joy as she made her way to Sam.

So much love. So much admiration and so much warmth. I started crying immediately!

As I witnessed them signing their Ketubah, I took a quick peek around at all the faces that made up their world. And I was in awe. Every single person there had a twinkle in their eye as if they were watching their best friend getting married. Every single person there had such an intimate and strong relationship with Amanda and Sam that it filled the room with a life of its’ own. But that is just Amanda and Sam for you. Two people who love with all their hearts. Two people who give with everything they have and two people who make an incredible couple that touch so many peoples lives. 

You could tell that this wasn’t just any wedding day, this was Amanda’s and Sam’s wedding day! They put their love and soul into every decision, every detail and every moment. All they wanted to do was celebrate their love and commitment to one another with their friends and family and let me just say it was a CELEBRATION!! With the help of Arielle Davis and EBE’s Band, Rio, the party never stopped! Amanda and Sam were on the dance floor, hand in hand, surrounded by their family and friends, living their best lives the entire night and I couldn’t be more happy for them!!

Amanda and Sam, you touched my heart in a way I cannot even begin to express. I am so honored to not only call myself your wedding photographer and your new friend but also a long lost relative (for everyone else reading this, Amanda and I found out when we first started talking about wedding photography that we are actually related! How lucky am I?)! I feel lucky that photography has brought us together and I cannot wait to see where life takes you two!!

My blessing and wish for you is that you always feel the love and the support from one another and your community that you did on your wedding day and that you never stop dancing!!! Cheers to you Amanda and Sam, love, happiness and health until 120 +!!! 

Creative Team

Wedding Planner: Arielle Davis | @arielledavisdesigns

Bridal Boutique: Nicole Bridal | @nicole_bridal
Florist : Beautiful Blooms | @beautifulbloomsevents

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Temple Beth Sholom

Band: Rio of EBE Talent | @ebetalent

Videographer: Allure Films | @allurefilms

Catering: Prestige Catering | @prestige_caterers

Bridesmaids Dresses: Designer: Azazie | @azazieofficial

Groomsmen and Groom attire: Men’s Warehouse | @menswearhouse

Live Painter: Aliyana Gewirtzman | @aliyanagee

https://www.instagram.com/menswearhouse/

“Let’s just walk over the rocks” Talia said as she looked at the little stream in the back of Appleford Estate.

“We can try to find a way around” I responded. “I don’t want you to ruin your…” and before I even could finish the rest of my sentence, Talia was already hopping up on the rock and headed over the stream.

Sam ran to catch up to her and help her over it.

I just shook my head and smiled as I watched them make it across hand in hand.

I was truly amazed!

I mean, I already knew Talia and Sam were an incredible couple, but in this moment, I knew that nothing would ever get in Talia and Sam’s way. Together they were unstoppable!

I was in complete and total awe of Talia & Sam their entire wedding day! They are two of the sweetest, most giving people who are 100% true to who they are. Every detail, every decision they made for their wedding day was chosen with so much care and love.

The flowers were stunning, the outdoor Tisch and Bekedin were immensely magical and their Chuppah was breathtaking. Their wedding was so uniquely them and I loved every second of it!

They immersed themselves in nature, surrounded by friends, family, tradition and so much love! As they danced their way out of the Chuppah, every guest danced with them!

And let me just say, THEY DANCED!

I don’t think anyone stopped dancing for at least an hour once the Nafshenu Orchestra started!

As I snapped candids and danced myself, I embraced the incredible, beautiful and vibrant energy on the dance floor! My entire body tingled with joy! Everyone was dancing their hearts out! Every single person was glowing as they celebrated Talia and Sam and I knew that this couple would forever have the unwavering support of their community. I knew that this couple would be able to overcome every burden, enjoy every adventure and dance their way through life together!

Talia and Sam, I am so honored and touched by the two of you! I wish you nothing but 120 + years of happiness, health and adventures!!

Creative Team

Venue: Appleford Estate | @applefordestate

Bridal Boutique: The Sample Rack | @thesamplerack

Florals: Gather Flower Shop | @gatherflowershop

Caterer: Classical Caterers | @classicalcaterers

Hair & Make Up Artist: Daneene Jensen | @daneenejensenhairmakeup

Orchestra: Nafshenu Orchestra | @nafshenuorchestra

Hannah and Alex were in the middle of the dance floor, feeling the energy of the music, singing along as the band expertly played “Purple Rain.” Their bridal party, family and closest friends were arm in arm, singing their hearts out surrounding them as they all continued to jam to Prince.

There was just so much love.

So much energy.

So much happiness.

It touched my soul in a way that gave me thousands of butterflies and made my heart smile.

As the American Deluxe Band hit that final cord, the entire dance floor erupted and everyone rushed to join Hannah and Alex in the middle. Next thing I knew there was one massive huge as they all celebrated and cheered for Hannah and Alex.

I could sincerely feel how much each and every person adored Hannah and Alex.

And how could they not?!

Hannah and Alex are just the sweetest couple and have built the most beautiful life together. They have a community that supports them, loves them and admires them. They have a love that is not only beautiful but real. The kind of love that is comfortable, exciting, ridiculously fun and everlasting. The kind of love that is built on friendship and makes even the most mundane of days fee precious.

They met their freshman year at American University and have been together ever since! Hannah and Alex have been through it all together, moving cities, switching careers, adopting two of the most infamous cats and everything in between. Together, I know, they will be able to reach their greatest teams.

Hannah put her heart and soul into creating the perfect wedding day for her and Alex and if you ask me, Glenn Foerd had never looked better. Every detail was beautiful, every moment special and every smile filled with love. It was a dream come true wedding day. Hannah made sure of it!

Hannah and Alex, you already know how much I love you and cherish you, my wish for you is that you have more than 120 + more years of crazy cats, awesome jam sessions and incredible moments that are precious just because you are together!

The Creative Team

Bridal Dress Designer: Made with Love | @madewithlovebridal

Dress Name: Archie Dress

Bridal Boutique: The Lovely Bride Philadelphia | @lovelybride

Hair & Make Up Artist: Capelli & Trucco | @capelliandtrucco

Florist: Love N Fresh Flowers | @lovenfreshflowers

Venue: Glen Foerd on the Delaware | @glenfoerd

Day of Coordinator: Grace Mycek with Jamie Hollander

Band: American Deluxe Band | @american.deluxe.band

Cake Artist: The Sugary | @the_sugary

Caterer: Jamie Hollander Gourmet | @jamie_hollander_gourmet

Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN – Cali Dress |@bhldn

Groomsmen & Groom Attire: Indochino | @indochino

Invitation Suite: Hannah the bride made them!

“She was my first best friend” Jack, Olivia’s brother, said into the microphone as he was looking right at her. Olivia started crying, Daniel was smiling at Olivia and the entire room just awwed.

Every single person sitting in there knew exactly how Jack felt. Olivia is truly the epitome of best friend. She loves with all her heart. She makes each and every person feel like they are the most important human in the world. She is the kind of person who has your back and lifts you up when you need it the most. She is the kind of person who can make you laugh till you cry and cry till you laugh!

Daniel may not be as boisterous as Olivia, but his loyalty, his love and his deep connections with his friends and family are just as brilliant and just as beautiful. He is the kind of person who talks only when he has something to say, the kind of person who keeps you calm and grounded. The kind of person who sees you, truly sees you and supports you no matter what.

But when Daniel looks at Olivia, it feels magical. His love for her is like no other. You can see the commitment, recognize the respect and feel every time he get’s even a glimpse of his Olivia.

Olivia is just as madly in love with Daniel as Daniel is with her. She lights up every time she talks about him, her eyes sparkle when she hears his name and she smiles at him in a way that she has never smiled at anyone else before.

Their relationship is one full of joy, partnership, understanding and friendship.

Friendship.

It’s one of life’s most simplest of things. Yet, seeing Olivia and Daniel together, makes me realize how beautiful and sweet friendship can truly be.

The very first thing you saw when you walked into the Haven street Ballroom were shelves and shelves of photos. But not just photos of Olivia and Daniel, photos of each one of their guests. Photos of the people who mattered the most to them, photos that highlighted each and every friendship, each and every connection. Not only were these photos just adorable, they were also the guests table cards. Leave it to Olivia to come up with the the sweetest table card idea possible!

Olivia and Daniel are more than just partners, they are more than just husband and wife, they are best friends and if you ask me, there is nothing more beautiful than a marriage built on friendship. There is nothing more incredible than two best friends loving each other, supporting each other and laughing WAYY too much together.

Olivia, Daniel my wish for you is that you never stop being your authentic, goofy selves, your friendship only grows stronger and stronger and your respect for one another only flourishes. I know your marriage is going to be legendary and I, for one, cannot wait to see where life takes you!

xos,

Yael

Creative Team

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal || @davidsbridal

Make Up Artist : Carly Crocker || @carlyannie13

Hair Stylist: Brushed Beauty LLC || @brushedbeautyllc_

Florist: Something Borrowed Bloom || @sbblooms

Venue: The Haven Street Ballroom || @@havenstreetballroom

Wedding Planner / Coordinator : Stephanie Oden Wild Love Co. || @wildlove.co

DJ: Drew Albin, Bmore for the Record || @@bmorefortherecord

Grooms Attire: Generation Tux || @generationtux

Catering: Absolutely Perfect Catering @absolutelyperfectcatering

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie, Shoprevelry, Birdy Grey || @azazieofficial, @shoprevelry, @birdygrey

Invitations: Basic Invite || @basicinvite

“So, I am supposed to write on these?” David asked as he picked up one of the white All Star shoes and inspected it

“YES!” I said with a little laugh. Clearly he had no idea what was going on.

“Ok then! Let’s do it” He said with amused but adoring eyes.

David jumped right in, with a smile on his face and a Sharpie in his hand he carefully wrote cute, little notes all up and down both shoes. he doodled adorable wedding emojis, made sure the shoes looked like they were equally sharpied and did it all just because he loves Megan with every part of him.

What Megan wants, Megan gets.

He just wants to make Megan happy and if you ask me, it was clear in every detail, every word and every look that David is just so completely and totally smitten by Megan. He would move heaven and earth to make for her happy and nothing could be more beautiful.

Megan put her heart and soul into giving David a wedding that they both will cherish forever. From her surprise wardrobe change right before the ceremony, to an intimate letter she wrote for him labeled “future husband” and everything in between.

She planned it all with David in mind.

But nothing beats the look on either one of their faces as Megan stood up in front of their closest family and friends, looked David straight in the eye and said “when say I love you more, it doesn’t mean I love you more than you love me, it means I love you more than yesterday.”

Their love story summed up in one sentence.

Megan and David’s love is ever lasting.

The kind of love that warms your heart and ignites your soul.

The kind of love that will make the world a better place.

The kind of love I feel honored to photograph, feel lucky to witness and cannot wait to see where it takes them.

Megan and David, I wish you nothing but 120 years of happiness, health and many, many surprises!