Engagements

The moment I spoke to Nick on the phone, I could tell he was smiling and genuinely thrilled to be talking about the love of his life, Amanda. He could not wait to propose to his girlfriend of 6 years. He could not wait to see her face as he got down on one knee and asked her to be his partner for life. He could not wait to call Amanda his fiance.

Nick is one of the sweetest, most detail oriented men I know. Even from our first conversation, I knew that he genuinely cares about people and just wants everyone to be happy. The way he described Amanda made my heart full. He loved her with every fiber of his being and they were going to have a happily ever after, I just know it!

A few weeks before the big day, I met up with Nick and one of his closest friends at Spruce Street Park so we can choose the best location for Nick to pop the question. As we walked, we talked about life, his family, Amanda’s family and his big plan!

Nick had everything figured out. He was going to take Amanda to this great restaurant right next to Spruce Street Park. After dinner, he would suggest a nice, little stroll and BAM! That is when the magic would happen…

At exactly 7:45pm, I watched as Nick and Amanda walked out of the restaurant, hand in hand, and towards me. I got into position, camera up and my finger ready to fire the shutter. That is when it hit me, Amanda seriously had no idea, I mean absolutely no idea that he was about to ask her one of the most important questions of his life. She was just minding her own business, walking with her boyfriend, admiring the beautiful night when all the sudden he stops and starts talking. She looks at him “OH MY GOD!” he gets down on one knee “OH MY GOD! NO WAY!” he pulls out the box “OH MY GOD! STOP!” Her expression was a beautiful combination of complete, total shock and intangible, unconditional love. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen.

Once the moment was over, I ran up to them, wished them a congratulations and had the chance to chat with Amanda. She was exactly how Nick described her. Sweet, beautiful, caring and totally lovable. As I captured a few more photos of them around Spruce Street, I had the chance to watch the love flow from one another and I cannot even express how lucky I feel to have witnessed this incredible moment.

Nick, Amanda, I wish you the best engagement and the happiest marriage. Love and laughter till 150 years old!

One new message.

When I opened up LinkedIn to see who messaged me, I smiled immediately; it was Sarah. Sarah, was the first person to really give me a chance as a college intern. She was the first person who took interest in helping me refine my skills and make me a better, more attractive professional. She was the first person who made me feel like I was a true asset. As I read through her message my jaw dropped “wedding photography packages.”  I couldn’t believe it! It was a dream come true! Sarah was asking me to be her wedding photographer. Sarah, once again, made me feel like a true asset.

I remember it like it was yesterday, after our morning meeting, Sarah stopped by my tiny, intern desk and I could tell she was excited. “What’s going on?” I asked. Sarah smiled and started to tell me all about her first date with this guy named Al. She was trying to play it cool but it was obvious that is was way more than just a good first date, but this could be the real deal.

A few years later, I find myself driving down 95 to DC on my way to Sarah and Al’s engagement session. Spring had FINALLY sprung. The cherry blossom’s were peak bloom, the weather was starting to warm, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day! I was eager to see my dear friend Sarah after all these years and finally meet her fiance, Al, whom I have heard so much about.

When I arrived at their apartment, Al met me at the front and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. He was just as wonderful, just as kind hearted and just as sweet as I knew he would be. I knew the man who was going to be Sarah’s partner in crime had to be incredible and Al definitely fell under that category.

As we walked around DC, there was one thing that really stuck out to me. Sarah and Al are just totally and completely in sync. It’s pretty incredible to witness. They get each other, they respect each other and they are aware of each others wants and desires. Watching them together was like watching a beautiful love story come to life right in front of me. I feel lucky to have been there in the beginning, and now, after all these years, I get to be a part of their engagement and their wedding! Their commitment to one another is an inspiration and I have loved every second of getting to know Al and getting to reconnect with Sarah again.

Sarah, Al, I cannot wait to be there on your big day!

Emily and Paul have one of those loves that you think only happen in the movies… the kind of love you see in RomCom’s, the love that can handle all obstacles, all distance and all that life has to offer. It felt magical on our cold March morning. It felt like we had the entire Fairmount Waterworks to ourselves. It felt like there was no bigger love then the one I was witnessing through my camera.

Having the luxury of speaking to both Paul and Emily before our session had me walking into it with a clear picture of who they were. Dog lovers with huge hearts and a great sense of adventure. The first thing Paul asked me was “Do you photograph dogs?” YES. I was shouting in my head. I absolutely love dogs, which if you knew my family, would totally and completely shock you. Paul and I chatted for a little bit longer and that is when the magic started. The way he talked about Emily made me feel like I already knew the warm, amazing person who she is.

“Our engagement party is going to be in North Carolina, but we wanted our engagement photos to be here in Philadelphia and  our wedding is going to be on top of a mountain in the Midwest.” Emily explained a few weeks later. I was in awe. As I was listening to her describe her wedding scene, I could tell that it was much more than just a destination, but it meant a lot to her and her family. The way she warmly talked about her life,  her dogs and her fiance made me smile throughout our entire phone call.

Fast forward to the engagement session and Paul and Emily were even greater than anticipated. Paul spent the entire session trying to get Emily to laugh. It worked like a charm, she was giggling from start to finish.  They danced to their favorite song, they cuddled in close to stay warm and they played with their two incredible dogs, Cleo and Drover. Did I mention, they didn’t complain once about the cold! With the park to ourselves, the dogs with their cute bandanas on and the love so real in front of me, I was in photography heaven.

The most amazing part was that every time Paul and Emily looked at each other respect, love and happiness charged between them. That is where the magic really came in. That is what made this engagement session so special; their sweet and beautiful admiration for each other.  Emily, Paul, shall your respect for one another, your love for one another and your happiness with one another last for the next 120 years and beyond.

“I’ve had a lot of big decisions to make in my life, Sophie isn’t one of them. Being with her is hands down the best and easiest decision I have ever made.” Yossi said as my heart melted into a huge pile next to him. The best word to describe Yossi and Sophie’s love is absolute. They are absolutely best friends. Absolutely supportive of each others hopes and dreams. And absolutely and completely in love with each other.

It is one of the coolest feelings in the world to see someone you grew up with build a beautiful and strong relationship with their one and only. I have known Yossi for years, we went to Middle School together and I can still hear his shocked gasp as he stuck a hairpin into a wall outlet in the middle of our morning prayers. If you told me then that I would have the pleasure of witnessing his absolute love for Sophie, I would not have believed you.

For their engagement session, we walked around Dumbo Park on the hottest Sunday in January, It was an incredible day, we created a ton of awesome photos, talked about our lives and sipped on some kick-ass Brooklyn coffee. As I drove back home to Philadelphia that night, I was grinning from ear to ear.

Sophie is one the kindest women I have met in a very long time. Her energy and her genuineness makes you warm from top to bottom. Her smiles brightens the room, her wit makes you laugh, and her excitement for life makes you excited for life. She has this way of talking to you that makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room.

Yossi is just as kind. He has this ability to relate to everyone and anything. He is sharp, sincere and very funny. He had me laughing the entire engagement session and more importantly, he had his Sophie smiling and giggling the entire time too. There is just so much love between the two of them. It is so real, so strong and so very absolute.

I was sitting at a family brunch on New Year’s Eve when I received a text from Brittany asking about a photography session for their save the dates. It was a text I was hoping to get. Since I started dating Robert, I have heard so much about this driven, easy to talk to, incredible woman, Brittany and this vibrant, sweet and totally charming man, Greg. Now, not only do I get to meet them, but I also get to photograph them! Nothing could make me happier. As I answered Brittany’s text, I couldn’t help the butterflies; I was as giddy and as excited as a school girl.

A week later, as the snow was covering the ground, I found myself sipping my favorite tea at La Colombe and chatting with the lovely Brittany. We ended up sitting there for hours talking about everything and anything. From wedding plans to Law School. From us both having a horrible sense of direction to hearing all about Greg’s big proposal. And from Philly styled pretzels to favorite cafe orders. We just clicked and I left our meeting feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Brittany, Greg and I decided on an engagement session at the end of January. I was mentally preparing myself to be freezing, all three of us were.  Luckily, with our crazy East Coast weather, our winter session ended up being 55 degrees. I was in awe. It was meant to be! I grabbed my gear and my light jacket and headed to Center City towards their apartment. The city was bustling and vibrant. There were people everywhere and I just couldn’t wait to start clicking that shutter.

From the moment Greg opened the door a feeling of warmth and familiarity rushed over me. I’ve met Greg in passing before, but this was my chance to really get to meet him. Just like Brittany, he was even better and even more personable than expected. I felt like the luckiest photographer in the world. I got to spend a beautifully warm January day with two new friends doing what I love the most; capturing love. And let me tell you, there was plenty of love to capture. Those two could not stop giggling from the moment we left the apartment to the moment I showed them their photos. It was a sight to see and I loved every second of it. Brittany and Greg have this incredible energy, independently and together. It was an honor and a joy walking around Center City, creating photos together, eating Philly Styled Pretzels and getting to know two wonderful people who I wish nothing but the best to.

Brittany, Greg I hope you have the happiest ever after and I can’t wait to spend many more afternoons laughing and chatting with the two of you.     

“I’ve been giving her toy rings for the last 10 days” Adam said with a smirk. All I could do is laugh, I could not even imagine what I would do if my boyfriend gave me toy rings when I was ready for the real one. Adam had it all figured out, he was going to mess around with Nicole all the way up until New Years Eve morning. Then, as they walk casually to dinner through Rittenhouse Square, Adam would get down on one knee and ask Nicole to spend the rest of her life with him. His plan was thoughtful, unique and fun. Let me tell you guys, nothing beat the look on Nicole’s face when she finally got her diamond ring. Complete and total joy.

Adam and I met up the day before, we planned it all out. Where I was going to stand, where he was going to propose, which way Nicole was going to be facing and where Robert, my second shooter for the day, was going to be standing. We even spent our time, watching as the sunset and the lights turned on, picking the perfect time for Adam to propose.

Adam and Nicole are what I consider one amazing couple. You could tell from just looking at them that their house is never boring, they are always laughing, messing around and having a great time. You could feel the love, happiness and respect is between them from a mile away.

Witnessing their proposal warmed my heart on so many levels. Adam and Nicole’s excitement made me giddy for the rest of the day.  Once we took a few engagement photos, we all went to grab a cup of coffee from La Colombe. Nicole pulled me aside and showed me a toy ring she bought Adam. Those two are meant to be.

The Bromfield family has a way to make you feel welcome and loved from literally the second you meet them. When I met Sydney at a Love from Liam event we instantly connected. She mentioned that her sister was looking for a wedding photographer and I could not have been happier to get an inquiry from Brittany Bromfield within an hour! A few days later, we were on the phone chatting and I knew that this family was something special. Brittany and Ciaran have been together for 6 years, they have been through highs and lows, they have counted on each other, loved each other and proved time and time again that nothing could bring them down. You can see how big their love truly is with every glance and soft smile.

Brittany knows exactly what she wants and has a smile that shines from miles away. Ciaran is super sweet and easy to get a long with. The two of them together are an unbeatable team. The moment you walk into Brittany and Ciaran’s house you can feel the love and care that went into creating their home together. It’s in every small detail, every nook and cranny and every piece of furniture. The love is real and so beautiful to witness.

I cannot wait to photograph their wedding day!

Here’s to you Brittany & Ciaran. Thanks for making your love shine through.

It was the perfect fall morning, the trees were finally showing their colors after what must have been one of the warmest falls of my life.  I could not wait for our Old City engagement session; Old City is one of my favorite Philadelphia neighborhoods and it was a quite Saturday. The weather was right, the location was right and now I just needed the couple!

As I was sipping my coffee, I looked up from my parked car right next to Race St. Pier and I couldn’t help but smile. I saw the sweetest couple getting out of their car, laughing with each other, having a great time. I knew from that instant that Lauren and Tony made one kick ass couple but I could never have guessed how awesome they truly are.

Lauren’s positive, easy going and lovable personality shines through with just “hello.” Tony’s humor, intelligence and kindness are evident in his eyes and even from 30 feet away, you could tell that he has the biggest soft spot for his bride. Tony’s dance moves and carefree nature had Lauren laughing up a storm and I could not be happier with the joyous and gorgeous moments I was honored to capture.

Lauren, Tony, I am so excited to capture your big day! I know your wedding will be just as cool, just as fun and just as amazing as you guys are!

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

Where do I even begin with these two…

When Jalen first emailed me, I could tell, even via email, one of the most toneless ways of communication, how much he loves Katelynn. It was evident. It was real. And it was beautiful. The way Jalen described Katelynn, their relationship and his plan to propose made my heart dance, my eyes smile and my creative mind excited. I knew from those emails that witnessing their love for each other would make me one of the happiest photographers out there… and I was right. 

We spent one of the hottest days of the year, thus far, on an Army Base in New Jersey. We walked, we drove, we got lost. We laughed, we danced, we smiled a lot. It felt like I was spending the afternoon with two old friends and it gave me all the feels. Watching a couple love each other in such a natural and full way like Jalen and Katelynn do is truly an amazing experience. Seeing them together, capturing their genuine, unconditional and real love, felt like I was photographing the 8th wonder of the world.

Katelynn, Jalen, your love for each other, your commitment to one another is inspiring. Being a part of your proposal and this exciting time in your lives is an honor. 

Cannot wait to spend your wedding day together as well : )

-YPP