Weddings
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Everyone stood. Lauren and her parents started making their way down the aisle and I couldn’t help myself but take a quick peak at Ben waiting for his bride. My heart melted. Not only did I see love and joy in his eyes but I saw a flicker of something else… I saw a look that screamed “finally!”
They finally made it to their wedding. Lauren finally put on her white dress and they finally started this next chapter of their lives together. This is what they have been planning for, wishing for and looking forward to and now, these high school sweethearts are finally husband and wife and nothing could be sweeter.
As Ben stomped on the glass, I whispered to myself “finally!”
It was truly beautiful.
It may have been the hottest day of the year this far at Fresh Meadow Country Club but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was they were able to spend the happiest day of their life together with their closest family and friends. And let me just say, did they celebrate! Once Greg and Josh got the music going, the dancing was explosive, fun and honestly, adorable.
Watching Lauren’s brothers and Ben swing her around the dance floor left me grinning all night long. Seeing Ben’s sisters dance their heart outs made me want to dance my heart out too (I definitely indulged in this if I am being totally honest). And hearing all of Lauren and Ben’s friends and family sing “Piano Man” as they huddled around our bride and groom at the end of the night brought tears to my eyes in the happiest way.
Lauren & Ben, I hope you never stop celebrating. Celebrating your love for one another. Celebrating the family you will have together and celebrate all of the little moments in between. Cheers to you! I couldn’t be happier for you!
The Creative Team:
Venue: Fresh Meadow Country Club | @freshmeadowcountyclub
Bridal Gown: Martina Liana at Lotus Bridal | @lotusbridal @martinalianabridal
Florist: Pedestals | @pedestalsfloraldecorators
DJ: Bravura Weddings | @bravuraweddings
Videographer: Jovon Photography and Video | @jovonphotography
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey |@bridygrey
Groom’s Attire: Suits Supply | @suitsupply
Groomsmen Attire: Menguin | @menguintux
Invitations: Out the Box Creative | @showitadmin
Wedding Cake: Butter Cooky Cake | @buttercooky_bakery
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A couple weeks before Covid hit, Reva and Ben were set up for their first date. When he asked her where he should pick her up, he wasn’t expecting to hear his own address! They lived in the same apartment building! Could you ask for a more New York love story?
Then the world came to a halt, businesses temporarily closed, people started working remotely from home and we were all under lockdown. Turns out, being told not to leave your apartment building when the person you just started dating lives right down the hall can turn into one incredible, deep and meaningful connection.
When I first saw Reva and Ben together, I think my heart skipped a beat. Their love for one another glimmered in every word, every smile and every glance. They were treating each other with so much affection, so much admiration and so much understanding that it seemed as if they have not only known each other, but loved each other for years.
As Reva and Ben stood under the Chuppah smiling at each other with all of their closest friends and family surrounding them, I couldn’t help but think WOW. They did it. They found the light during one of the most intense years. They found the love. They found each other and together and it is just stunning in every way.
Reva and Ben, you are one of the most remarkable and sweetest couples I have met and I know that together you will always find the light, always find the love and always overcome every obstacle.
The Creative Team:
Venue: Hilton Meadowlands @HiltonHotels/
Bridal Attire: Kleinfields Anne Barge Florist: Yishai
Band: Blue Melody Group @bluemelodygroup
Videographer: Abominable Productions @abominablefilms
Caterers: Prestige Catering @presitge_caterers
Make up Artist: Kate Forecast @makeupbykatieforecast
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“We made it!” Alex read as she was wearing her beautiful wedding dress, standing under the Chuppah looking up at the man that she adored with all of her heart. They finally made it! There wasn’t one person standing in that room that didn’t know, that didn’t truly feel, how incredibly meaningful it was for Alex and Rafi to finally be under the Chuppah. They may have had their civil marriage finalized in March, but their wedding didn’t feel complete until they were there dressed in white, smashing the glass and surrounded by family and friends.
There is something so special, so intimate about witnessing a wedding like Alex and Rafi’s; deep, emotional and so full of purpose! Everyone there felt the joy and the happiness with Alex and Rafi! It was inspiring to witness! Before the end of the night, the guests sat Alex and Rafi down! They looked confused in the best way. They genuinely had no idea what was going on! All of the sudden we all heard:
“Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high
Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough baby
If you need me call me no matter where you are
No matter how far, don’t worry baby
Just call my name I’ll be there in a hurry
You don’t have to worry”
Every single one of their guests stood in front of them, dancing, singing their hearts out, remind Alex and Rafi that nothing would keep them away from celebrating their wedding together.
Alex and Rafi, I have said it once and I will see say it again, your love is fierce and your bond is strong, I hope that will never change!
Venue: Duportail House
Caterer: House of Kosher
Rabbi: Rabbi Annie of Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
Hair and Make-Up Artist: Daneene Jensen And Associates
Event Staff: Swig
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Nothing else mattered. The moment Jonathan saw Gail in her wedding dress for the first time, nothing else mattered. Everything and everyone around them melted away. It was just Gail and Jonathan standing there, laughing and totally smitten with one another. It was absolutely perfect.
You could literally see the love all day. Each and every time Gail and Jonathan looked into each other’s eyes both of their faces lit up with only the purest form of love. It felt like smiles from the soul! From the first look, to the Chuppah all the way to the cake cutting, their smiles never wavered. It was stunning and genuine in the greatest way.
The Queens Botanical Gardens looked gorgeous as Gail and Jonathans closest friends and family gathered to sing, dance and celebrate this beautiful and inspiring love!
Gail and Jonathan I wish you nothing but love, happiness and stolen glances that make your soul smile from now until forever!
The Creative Team
Venue: Queens Botanical Garden @queensbotanicalgarden
Event Planner: Well Dressed Events @welldressedevents
Make up & Hair Artist: Eye for Beauty CT @eyeforbeautyct
Caterer: Elite Caterers Inc.
Videographer: Cspot Media @cspotmediaweddings
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“You are truly my best friend” Sharon said directed to her mom as she was wiping away tears of love. Sharon’s mom just smiled up at her. Everyone fell silent. Everyone understood their bond. To Sharon and Evan family is everything. Family comes first. All they needed was each other and their family to be there surrounding them as they stood under the Chuppah and promised to love one another for the rest of time.
The second I showed up at the Bolingbroke Mansion I was welcomed with open arms and a warmth that made me feel like I was actually part of the family. I knew right away that both of these families were truly special on so many levels. There was a happiness and bubblyness in the air that only true love could create!
Sharon and Evan spent the entire day smiling, laughing and sharing jokes that only they would understand. It was adorable, sweet and charming in the best of ways. Every time Evan looked at Sharon there was a special spark in his eye that only lit up for her. It melts my heart just thinking about it! You could just really tell that this day, these people and this marriage meant the world to Sharon and Evan and I feel so lucky to have been the one to capture their wedding day!
Sharon and Evan, I wish you happiness, inside jokes and sparkly eyes from now until forever!
xo,
Yael
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“I guess now I am supposed to give you some advice” Michelle’s Dad said as he stood there holding up the microphone looking at his beautiful daughter and new son-in-law. As if right on cue one of Michelle’s relatives stood up and gave a piece of advice, then another person stood up and another and another! Each piece of advice was laced with whit, kindness and so much love. Michelle’s face light up as she listened. Finally, her brother stood up “It’s not like I have a lot of experience” he said “but, just show up” and with that the entire room sighed. Just show up. Simple, yet so important.
Getting married at Abbie Holmes Estate was something Michelle had been dreaming about for years and the day was truly a dream come true! It was absolutely stunning. From the quaint and beautifully decorated rooms to the breath-taking ceremony all the way to the gorgeous outdoor dance floor, it was magical in the best of ways!
All night Michelle was stealing glances at Rob as he was smiling down at her like there was no one else in the room. I knew that showing up was exactly what they were going to do. Show up no matter what, be each others rock and best friend. Be the person they could laugh with and cry with. Be the one that loves each other in every way at all times.
Michelle and Rob, your love is beautiful, genuine and so incredibly inspiring, it was truly an honor to be the one to capture your big day!!
xo,
Yael
The Creative Team
Dress: Stella York purchased from Free Love Bridal
Florist: Christine (family friend)
Venue: Abbie Holmes Estate
DJ/ Entertainment Services: Jason Harrison
Videographer: Edgar Rivera
Bridesmaids Dresses: BirdyGrey
Groomsmen and Groom attire: Mens Warehouse
Invitations: Minted
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With Cassie on one side of the barn, and Chris on the other you could just see the excitement on their faces. Chris reached his hand around the corner and laced his fingers through Cassie’s perfectly polished fingers. Cassie looked down at their hands and her smile grew even bigger. As they stood there, backs against the walls, hands embraced you could just tell that they belonged together.
Chris slightly pulled Cassie towards him as he turned the corner to see his beautiful bride for the first time. The immense love, the pure joy and incredible glee that radiated off these two could melt the coldest of hearts. Cassie and Chris were meant to be.
With the forecast threatening a monsoon, we did everything we could to get all the portraits done before the rain began to fall. But the rain never came. Kylan Barn stayed perfectly dry all day long. It felt magical. It felt like we were in a dream. It felt like mother nature knew that Cassie and Chris were getting married and wouldn’t dare rain on their wedding day. These two have fate on their side
The day was beautiful, Kylan Barn looked stunning, the florals were everything and the happiness that went along with every part of the day was just amazing to witness. Everyone there felt like family, everyone there loved and cherished Cassie and Chris in the most incredible way. It was stunning and inspiring all in one.
Cassie, Chis, my wish for you is that the rain will always hold out for you and that you will always feel the immense love, pure joy and incredible glee that you felt on your wedding day!
Day of Coordinator: A Touch of Jules
Venue : Kylan Barn
Caterer : Jimmy’s Grille
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The moment that Michael walked into the room and saw Yael’s smiling face waiting for him at the other end, my heart skipped a beat. The saxophone was booming, the guests voices were loud and proud as they sang and Michael’s smile was widening as he got closer and closer to Yael. They were finally getting married. After everything that has happened this year, they were finally getting married.
Yael and Michael spent the last four months planning three different weddings (due to Covid-19). They spent three of those months social distancing and only seeing each other via FaceTime. They spent the last six months counting down to July 5, 2020, and they finally made it. She was finally wearing her wedding dress, he was finally signing the Ketubah and they were finally becoming husband and wife.
The venue hall was filled with only one hundred of their closest friends and family but the love and joy that I felt at Ateres Elka felt like the love of one thousand people. Yael and Michael are truly beloved by every one who knows them. Their bond with each and every person there, physically and virtually, was special and personal in the best way. It may have been a wedding celebrating two people, but it felt like the ultimate celebration for everyone.
Yael has this incredible energy that puts people at ease within seconds of talking to her. Michael is just the perfect match for Yael. His kindness, warmth and huge smile can thaw even the thickest icicle. Together, I know they will take the world by storm. Nothing will stop them. Nothing will keep them down.
Yael, Michael, my wish for you is that you will always continue to smile, laugh and dance your way through lives journey together… and that you never have to plan the same event three time again!
Love you guys!
Yael
A big thank you to the entire wedding team that helped make this day a dream come true!
Venue: Ateres Elka
Caterer: catering_by_yaffa
Videographer: Reches Creations
Cake: parisersbakery
Band: @zemerorchestra
Florist: Shelley’s blossom shop
Dress: betsyrobinsonsbridal
Hair: Weddings by Wendy
Jeweler: Kaylah Diamonds
Make Up: Adina B Salon
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Nothing is ever really the way we planned it to be, but for Molly and Daniel that couldn’t be more true.
Corona virus.
It has impacted our lives, our communities and our families in ways we could never have expected. It has put a pause on the hustle and bustle of the city and has emptied our streets and closed our schools. This virus has effected everyone in one way or another.
But there is one thing corona couldn’t touch… True love.
True love is not canceled. True love needs to be celebrated every chance we get and true love will bond us together even during the hardest of days. Molly and Daniel continuously prove this time and time again but on May 12, 2020, it was more clear than ever before.
As Molly walked up behind her groom for the first time on their wedding day, her smile could have lit up the world. “Danny!” Molly called in the sweetest sing song tone that radiated unadulterated love. Daniel turned around. His face instantly brightened to the same brilliance as Molly’s. The contagious joy, deep love and pure excitement that twinkled in their eyes brought a warmth to my heart that I honestly didn’t think was possible during this pandemic.
Nothing else mattered. Just the two of them. Just their love and just the strength in their ever growing commitment to one another.
Although Molly and Daniel’s wedding was 150% different then they could have ever imagined, their wedding day was so special, so intimate and so incredibly loving that I have to admit, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful celebration.
As I watched Daniel stomp on the glass under the Chupah, surround by their families and beneath the Chupah that was a family heirloom that was more precious than words could describe, I was reminded once again, that true love is all you need. True love between husband and wife, parent and child and brothers and sisters.
Molly and Daniel, being a part of your wedding day will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Your love for one another is brilliant and beautiful and I know that you will continue to light up not only each others worlds, but the rest of the world as well!
xo,
Yael
Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji
Venue: Chabad at Temple University
Make Up Artist: Our Beautiful bride herself!
Hair Styles: Megan Hunter
Invitation Suite: Shop Chick Philly
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“We also need a favor… ” Alexandra said. She paused. I waited. “Will you be the witness for our wedding ceremony?” Alexandra asked me as I sat in my living room FaceTiming her and Anthony.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yes! Of course I will!” Within minutes of ending our video chat, I was ordained. Yes, it’s true, with just a click of a button you can get ordained online. I was shocked and even more excited to be the one to capture and officially witness Alexandra and Anthony’s wedding! I mean, wedding photographer/ officiant has a nice ring to it if I do say so myself!
I know that this pandemic has not been the easiest on any of us, but one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t have been a part of Alexandra and Anthony’s wedding day if it wasn’t for Corona.
Alexandra and Anthony just wanted to get married. They didn’t want to postpone. They didn’t want to wait. They didn’t need 200 guests, a huge reception or a live DJ. All they needed was each other. So that’s what they did. They stood on their favorite beach, under a beautiful arch, holding hands as they promised to love one another for the rest of time. With Alexandra’s mom, dad and brother watching from afar and me clicking away just out of ear shot, it truly was just the two of them; sharing secrets, making vows and saying “I do” in the most intimate way.
These two really do deserve to have the wedding day they have always dreamed of, but to be honest, their intimate elopement was so beautiful and so meaningful I still feel a special warmth every time I see their photos. Their wedding may have been nothing like they imagined but it was totally and completely them. Fun, unique, loving and so incredibly personal.
Alexandra and Anthony, my wish for you is to never stop. Never stop making the best of a hard situation. Never stop dancing with each other on the top of roof decks and never, never stop loving each other in the beautiful and complete way you did on your wedding day.
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My mission is to not only craft images, but really celebrate the unique spirit of Jewish love. I'm here to honor our culture, capture the magic of your love, create family heirlooms for your future and do it all with a whole lot of heart and soul.