Couples Portraits

Courtney was one of the first people I met at the University of Maryland. I remember like it was yesterday, we were sitting in the kitchen at Cornerstone Grill and Loft during my second training shift when we started chatting about this guy named Gary…apparently “he was super cute.” We bonded quickly and I felt like I finally made a friend at college and I could not have be happier.

All through school, I remember running into Courtney and Gary either at the court yard near our apartments, at the local bars, on the beautiful campus, in the cafe at the library, etc… Everywhere I turned, there they were, being cute and in love.

As time went on, I had the chance to really get to know Courtney and Gary. Courtney turned out to be the best, first friend a college girl could ask for. Courtney is smart, easy going, intelligent and always fun to be around. Gary ended up being way more than just super cute, he is definitely one the sweetest guys I met during my time at UMD and his excitement for life is contagious. Watching the two of them together has always made my heart smile.

Fast forward a few years and there we were, the three of us, back in College Park, MD walking across the mall towards the kissing bridge and all I could feel was complete and total joy to be back there with those two. Maryland meant a lot of things to me, but the people I met, the friendships I made, are irreplaceable.

Seeing Courtney & Gary together, planning their wedding, talking about their future felt as right as peanut butter and jelly. You could tell, by just looking at them, that they have been through thick and thin and nothing will knock them down. They are best friends, partners for life and each others biggest supporters and it was an honor photographing their engagement session. It really felt like I was capturing the past, present and future all in one moment and in one very special place.

Courtney, Gary… I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to continue to witness and capture your love story on June 16th when you finally tie the knot!

Love always,

Yael

The moment I heard Shifra’s laugh on the phone, a mix of comfort and happiness fell over me. Shifra is relatable, witty, smart, easy to talk to and hands down one of the coolest women I have ever met. Even over the phone, Shifra’s presence and personality shined through. The way she described her relationship with her husband, her family and her life, it was obvious that she was the kind of person that makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. Within five seconds of meeting Yaakov, I completely understood why they worked so well together. Yaakov was just as sweet, funny and easy going as Shifra. Together, they make one hell of a team and it was truly an honor getting to photograph them as a couple.

The best way to describe our photo session at Gantry Plaza in the City is playful. Shifra and Yaakov are down right goofy. They show their love through making each other laugh, being silly and having a great time no matter what the situation is. It is evident that Shifra and Yaakov are ready to walk through life, hand in hand, enjoying every minute to the fullest. Together, they will be able to face any challenge and every obstacle that life hands them.

Shifra, Yaakov, your marriage is inspiring, your friendship to each other is beautiful and your love is one of a kind. Thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful love story.

Cannot wait to continue watching you grow as people, as a couple and as a family : )

-YPP

The second I spoke to Sylvia on the phone, I knew this was going to be way more than just a couples portrait session but the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Sylvia and I chatted for 45 minutes, it felt like five. We spoke about her life, her husband and how crazy busy their summer would be. By the end of our phone call, I was smiling ear to ear as I walked into my favorite place on earth, DSW.

A few days later, I had the chance to speak to Sylvia’s husband, Shmuel. From the moment I got him on the phone, I could tell that Sylvia and Shmuel were perfect for one another. The way he spoke about his wife, his love for her and his appreciation for everything she does made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I couldn’t wait to get them in front of my camera.

Sylvia and Shmuel met me at City Hall in Center City, Philadelphia for our couple’s portrait session. Naturally, the day we chose was one of the hottest days in July, but nothing stopped them! They have this warm, playful nature about them that makes photographing them a dream. I am in complete and total love with each and every photo we captured.

Sylvia and Shmuel, I cannot wait to see how your photo box turns out! I love your photos and I am so proud to call you two my clients and my new friends.

Alyse and Robert as individuals are truly amazing. Alyse is vibrant, intelligent, beautiful and incredibly sweet. Robert is kind, funny, handsome and cynically wise. Together they make this wonderful couple that is genuine in every way. Genuine in their words, genuine in their commitment and genuine in their love for each other.

This was not an engagement session, these two crazy kids are already what we single people consider an old married couple. We decided to treat our session as if Robert just popped the question, and let me tell you, the love is still very much alive; it is in the way they smile at each other, the way they look at each other and the way they laugh with each other.

I was honored to capture Alyse and Robert’s love for one another and cannot wait to photograph these two love birds again.

Keep living and loving Alyse and Robert!