Yp wedding tips

I am currently sitting on the porch of our Airbnb located in the heart of Jerusalem, Israeli music is flowing from the cafe downstairs, the chatter of birds are chirping around us, I can still feel the buzz of the Israeli Shook and Robert is taking a cat nap inside.

This weeks tip of the week is not just for those brides and grooms out there planning a wedding, it is for all humans of all ages, demographics, careers and stages of life. This weeks tip is for my fellow Type A Personalities and it’s for anyone who feels like they are spreading themselves too thin.

Read these words carefully… It is ok to take sometime for yourself. Let me say it again; It is ok to take sometime for yourself. I know I struggle with this one a lot. I find myself always wanting to work and put my clients and business first, but sometimes you just need to take a day or two and just breathe!

I have spent the last few days surrounded by my favorite little guys, (aka my nieces and nephews) and exploring this country with an even deeper found love for the people and culture. This trip has definitely changed me.

As much as I love my work and my clients, today, I am taking the time to relax, refresh and recenter myself. Today, I will be hiking and running around Tel Aviv with Robert for the first time. Today, I am taking time for myself and I know, in the long run, my work will thank me for the time off. I know, that next week, when I land in Newark Airport and get back to my life as usual, I will be 100% ready to jump right back into the photography hustle. But not today. Today, I am taking time to be with the people I love most in life.

Your bridal bouquet. You spent a lot of time and money picking out your bridal bouquet. You spent months dreaming about them. You walked down the aisle holding them. You said “I do” with them by your side. So, why wouldn’t you want to find a way to preserve them!? I mean how tragic would it be if you couldn’t keep them around! Here are YPPs favorite ways of keeping your bridal bouquet around long after your dress is hung up and the shoes are in the closet.

Press the Flowers

All you need is your flowers, parchment paper and a really heavy book, such as your old Chem Textbook or even a dictionary!

Take the flowers. Spread them out onto the parchment paper. Once the flowers are laid out, place the parchment and flowers into the heavy book. Sandwich the flowers with another piece of parchment paper, we wouldn’t want the ink leak onto your beautiful bouquet! Close it. Put something heavy on it. Leave it for 10 days and let them dry out baby!!

Hang the Flowers Upside Down

All you need is a string, your’ flowers and well, air! Gather up the stems, tie them together tightly and let them hang upside down. Place them in your hallway closet or any other dry, temperate area. Leave them there for a few weeks. Once you check on them again, they will be a full air dried bouquet of stunning flowers!

Preserve Your Flowers with Epoxy Resin

Want to go with a more fun, potentially usable method? Turn your bridal bouquet into a paperweight or some other decorative shape! You can use clear epoxy resin in a pinch! All you need to do is get a spherical mold from your local craft store. Fill it halfway with the epoxy resin and carefully arrange the flowers in the fluid. Once the flowers are in the exact right place, fill the rest of the mold with epoxy resin. Let it dry. Finally, when you take the mold off, your bridal bouquet has officially morphed into something that you can cherish and use forever!

Have your flowers painted

Not into dry flowers? That’s ok! Have them painted instead!

Although this isn’t exactly preserving your bridal bouquet, it is keeping the spirit alive! I know you will have plenty of photos of your bouquet from your amazing photographer, but having your flowers painted is a great and unique way of keeping your wedding day a live and hanging on your wall!

I love wedding flowers, I seriously do. I don’t think I have ever met a bridal bouquet that I didn’t like. I will never think a wedding day has too many flowers. If you ask me, your bridal bouquet deserve to be around for more than a day, they deserve to be preserved!

I know, without a doubt that you love your family. I also know that you are going to love your wedding photography and, of course, love your wedding day itself. Putting it all together can be a lot to handle, to say the least. Family photos can be overwhelming. So many different combinations, unique family dynamics and a ton of coordination. Even though it might feel like the longest part of your wedding day, the family portraits end up being some of the most cherished photos. Family comes first. Family is everything. Family photos are a must. Here is the best way to prepare for your wedding day family portraits!

First look or Cocktail Hour?

Having a first look or waiting to see each other as you walk down the aisle has a direct effect on when we will capture your family portraits! If you want to enjoy your cocktail hour as much as humanly possible, but also want to make sure you have plenty of time for family portraits, I suggest doing a first look! This way, you can have your family arrive before the ceremony and have all of the family portraits completed before you say “I do!” PLUS: No one has started crying yet, so everyone’s wedding day look will be on point!

Write a list… check it twice!

This is a game changer! Take an afternoon, sometime before your wedding day, and write down a list of all the family combinations you want to capture. Once you have your list, ask your mom take a look and make sure there are no other combinations she is dying to have! I know, it sounds strenuous but trust me on this one, when you see your photographer reading off the list and being 100% sure that they got every family combination you could possibly want, you will feel a whole lot better! PLUS: It takes the pressure off of you on your wedding day… who doesn’t want that?

Select a meeting time and place

If your family is anything like my family, they run 15 minutes late to everything, and I mean everything. This is the perfect time to pull the tell them it starts 20 minutes earlier than it actually does so they make it on time strategy. And don’t you dare feel guilty about it! This is your wedding day! You and your photographer have put a lot of time, energy and consideration into your wedding day photography timeline, as much as you love Aunt Margie, she must be on time!!

Designate a Family Portrait Captain

Every family has a busy bee, someone who likes to take charge and who can actually get Uncle Harry to stop telling his jokes and pay attention. Do you have someone in mind? Great! Give them a call! Ask them to be the Family Wrangler and they will not only feel important, but kick some major ass doing it!

Consider Ages

I have nine nieces and nephews. The oldest is twelve years old, the youngest is not even two months old. There is a big difference between how much time you can have a twelve year old and a two month old stand there and smile. Be mindful when you consider which combinations go first! The same thing goes for the older generations! If Bubbe has a hard time standing, make sure there is a chair nearby to use, if Grandpa is recovering from hip surgery, make sure he gets in and out of his photos as quickly as possible. Your family is going to be grateful that you thought of it all!

Keep your Photographer Informed!

It is your family and you know it best! Your family deserve to have it captured in whichever way best represents who you all are, that means, keep your photographer in the loop! As a photographer, I assure you, that we want your wedding day experience to be as pleasant as possible and if that means keeping Mom and Dad away from each other, we will do it!

These are the photos that are shared and loved by all generations. These are the photos that get framed and hung up on all of your walls. These are the photos that matter because the people in them matter. Make sure you are prepared to get everything you possibly can from your wedding day family portraits. No one loves your family as much as you do!

You have spent months, maybe even years choosing every last detail of your bridal look. From the shoes and flowers, to the beautiful earrings your Mom picked out and all the way to the necklace that every woman in your family wore on her wedding day. Every detail counts. Every detail is important. And every detail deserves to be photographed in the best way possible.

This week, I want to share with all of you the “YPP top 5 tips for your wedding day detail photos!” When you go to check out your bridal suite, or talk to your venue florist and Maid of Honor, these are the top things to consider!

Windows, Windows and more Windows

Whenever I walk into a bridal suite and see natural light flowing in and big, beautiful windows all around, my heart does a happy dance! Windows are a photographers best friend, especially in the Bride and Groom getting ready rooms! The natural light is the best light! It will make your rings shine like no other, your flowers pop and your dress look stunning and elegant all in one. Before your big day, take some time and talk to your venue or hotel to make sure there are plenty of windows in both the Bride and Groom getting ready rooms! We want to photograph your details with the best like as possible!

Put it all together!

You have a million and ten things going on the morning of your wedding, getting all the bridal details together shouldn’t be one of them! Sometime the week before your wedding day, put all of your bridal details together in a box (besides the dress of course)! This should include everything you want photographed! Here is the YPP List of Details to consider:

• Invitation
• Perfume
• Rings
• Shoes
• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Necklaces
• Other Jewelry
• Veil (maybe not actually in the box, but near it)
• Hair pieces
• Keepsakes
• Gifts

Bridesmaid Dress

If you are anything like me, you absolutely love color and tones, that is why your wedding colors are essential in telling your bridal story! Ask one of your bridesmaids to volunteer her dress while we photograph your details! It will add that little extra something to tie it all together!

Bouquets and Extra Petals

You can never have enough flowers on your wedding day! They are elegant, fresh and beautiful! Have your florist deliver your bouquet to your getting ready location! This will give us plenty of time to photograph the incredible bouquet you will be holding as you say “I do!” When you chat with your florist the week of your wedding, ask them if they can include some extra petals or the flowers that they clipped off when finishing your bouquet! The petals and extra flowers will be an incredible accent for your detail photos!

Enough Time

I always suggest at least 45 minutes for the bridal detail photo portion of the morning! I know, you might think it sounds like too much time, but those 45 minutes fly by and your bridal details deserve to be captured and forever remembered! You carefully selected each and every bridal detail, let’s make sure we have plenty of time to feature them!

There is something so special about capturing a woman’s bridal details. It is so personal, intimate and incredibly touching. Your details deserve the best light, the best care and the best love we can offer and if you ask me, these five tips will let you love your details in the best way possible!

It’s the day of your wedding. All your girls are there. The smell of Hairspray is in the air. Lip sticks and brushes are every where and the sound of the blow dryer is going strong. You are in complete and total awe that your big day is FINALLY here. Everyone is giddy, excited and getting ready for your wedding!! You may have one too many butterflies in your stomach to eat but your girls might get hungry!

Here are YPP’s top 6 best things for your bridal suite spread!

Fresh Fruit and French creme dip

For the bridesmaid who loves fresh fruit as much as I do! A fruit platter puts a smile on my face no matter what kind of event I am at! It always gives me a fresh burst of energy!

Bagels & Lox:

No explanation needed!

Protein Bars!

For the bridesmaid who loves the crunch of a protein bar and would rather grab a bar over a plate any day of the week! Having a choice of Quest Bar or Cliff Bars may be the perfect snack to keep her satisfied until the cocktail hour.

Muffins & Pastries:

For the bridesmaid who LOVES starting the morning off with a fresh croissant or blueberry muffin. It is easy, delicious and filling! Plus, pastries make any food platter look incredible!

Veggies and Dip:

For the bridesmaid who love the idea of a fruit platter but wants something a little less sweet! Carrots and celery make for great dipping veggies! They are tasty, fresh and don’t make you bloat!

Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic Beverages:

This one is for ALL of the bridesmaids and you!! Every one needs to stay hydrated. Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will keep all of your ladies happy! From mimosas to orange juice, champagne to water bring it all! I promise, you won’t be sorry!

All you wanted to do was grow up and be just like your Mom. You spent day after day trying on her wedding dress. You tried on her shoes. Mimicked the way she did her hair and put on her lipstick. Now, years later, you have developed your own sense of style. Your own dreams. Your own vision for your wedding day and your mom wants to be there for you through it all. She wants to give you the day of your dreams. She wants to help! Here are YPP’s “Top 6 Mother-of-the-Bride Wedding Duties” that will make your life easier and make her as happy as can be!

1. Finding the Family Heirlooms

We all love family heirlooms. They are beautiful, meaningful and sometimes hard to get a hold of. Give your mom this responsibility. She will know exactly who in the family still has Great Aunt Margie’s Wine Glass or where the heck the family Chuppah is stored… Plus, she will know exactly how to handle your extended family, answer all of their wedding questions all while on the hunt for the family goods!

2. Fine-tuning the Wording on your Invitation

If you are leaning towards a more traditional wedding, than your mother’s name and address will already be on the envelope, let her be a part of this! Let her decide whether the word “TO” should be a size 20pt or 22pt. It will make her feel like she is a big part of the planning process and will take one last thing of your plate! Plus, grammar can always be double checked!

3. Registry Goddess

Your mom will just know. She knows exactly what you need to have the perfect kitchen set up and all the dining room essentials. She knows the best Kitchen Aid to purchase, the most elegant China Plates and even the best place to get a Menorah. Mom will have all the answers to the most overwhelming registry questions!

4. Getting Ready…from the very beginning

Your mom has been dreaming about your wedding day just as much as you have been since you were a little girl. She cannot wait to see her beautiful daughter in the white dress, marrying the man of her dreams and being as happy as possible. Your happily ever after is all your Mom wants for you. Let her be a part of the shopping. Let her be there when you say “Yes to the dress!” Let her zip you up with tears in her eyes the morning of your wedding. Let her be a part of it!

5. Guest List Pruning

The dreaded Guest List! You want everyone there to celebrate with you and your soon-to-be husband, but cutting names of that list is literally keeping you up at night. Don’t worry, I get it and so does mom! Let her be the one to make the cuts and even be the one to get the RSVP’s. It will help you sleep at night and help her keep on top of how many people are coming! WIN WIN WIN!

6. Let her show you how much she loves you!

I know, sometimes, it might be feel like Mama Bear is going over board with the love and all of her ideas, but maybe, just maybe let a few things slide this time. You only get married once and this is a big moment for her as well. She is watching her baby start a family! So, give her the chance to show you how much she loves you!

Every time I talk to my nieces, on the phone, in person or even via email, no matter what, the first question they ask me is “When are you getting married Aunt Yael? I want to be your flower girl!”

“You will be the first to know” is always my response.

Honestly, I cannot wait to see my favorite girls in their pretty dresses and watch them walk down the aisle at my wedding with flowers in hand and a huge smile on their faces. That’s what every bride envisions right? Their favorite little girls and handsome little boys, behaving perfectly and making the entire room say “AWE” as they walk down the aisle! I know that is what I want! Yet,  sometimes, the ceremony can be a little overwhelming for the little ones that is why I am excited to announce that I have put together “The 6 YPP best tips and tricks for Flower Girls and Ring Bearers.” All I want are my nine nieces and nephews to feel comfortable,  excited and happy at my wedding and if I had to bet, you feel the same way about your favorite little humans!

1. Big Kid Job:

   Children love to feel like they are all grown-up, they want to be exactly like mommy and daddy which means one thing, they want to feel like they have a big kid job! If you emphasize how big and special their job is, they will be eager to do it and do it well! The more you can do to get them excited and looking forward to their job, the more likely they will enjoy it and work hard at it!

2. Practice, Practice, Practice!

   Have them practice several times! Practice makes perfect, even for the little ones! Let them practice as close to the actual processional as possible so it is fresh in their minds! The familiarity of the entrance and walk-way may help as they watch all the ceremony chairs fill up and they start feeling shy or anxious!

   Bonus:  Tie a small, yet pretty helium balloon on a string around their wrists. It will be the perfect way to distract them! As they walk, the balloon will bounce up and down and our favorite little girls and boys won’t even notice that they made it all the way down the aisle!

3. We are not above bribery!

   Bribe them down the aisle. Promise them a treat at the end of the aisle or something really, really special at the reception. Kids of all ages, well, let’s be real, even adults, cannot refuse a good bribe!

4. Don’t forget the Snacks!

   Being Hangry is never fun, specially when you are a little human, in a completely new environment, wearing a dress or a sports coat that might not be as comfy as pajamas… bring snacks! Stick with foods that are easy to transport and don’t make a mess (i.e. string cheese, fruit snacks and animal crackers)!

5. Let them help pick their outfit!

   I know, I know you have a vision of what you want your flower girl and ring bearer to look like as they walk down the aisle, but if you let them pick out one aspect of their wedding day attire, they will feel so excited and will want to show it off! So, let your flower girl pick out her pretty bow and your favorite little guy pick out his cool tie. They will feel important and you get to see their personality come a live!

6. Finally, Thank Them!

   Being at a wedding, and especially a part of the wedding party, is a big deal for a little one, make sure you and your new spouse thank them! Let them know how happy you are to have them be a part of your big day and how much it means to you! Take a moment after the ceremony to give them a big hug or a high five for doing such an incredible job!

I am the definition of a Type A Personality.

When I was younger, I did everything I could to pretend like I wasn’t. I wanted so badly to be that easy going, relaxed kinda girl who got things done when she got them done and nothing phased me. But I have to be honest, IT WAS ALL A LIE. I love being prepared! I love making plans and having plans for my plans! I love knowing what I am walking into. I have a one track mind and like things to be done effectively and efficiently.

Due to my textbook Type A personality, one thing is for sure, I strive to understand and know as much as possible before I jump head first into any situation. This my friends, is why I ran to my local book store to pick up “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman when I first started dating Robert. It was eye opening. I seriously did not expect it. I mean yes, I’ve had dozens of people recommend this book over the years. I cannot even begin to count the amount of times I have heard someone say “My love language is [Insert appropriate love language here],” yet, here I am, writing an entire blog post about how important it is to read this book, especially before you marry your best friend!

Reading this book helped me understand every single one of my relationships on a deeper, more intimate level. It helped me communicate better with my friends and family. It helped me accept the way others show their love and it helped me recognize that just because I do something out of love, does not mean Robert will do the same thing.

I don’t take book recommendations lightly, so when I say, I highly recommend reading “The 5 Love Languages” before you walk down the aisle, I mean it! Marriage is a beautiful thing, but it takes commitment, time and patience. Starting your marriage off with a deeper understanding of how you and your partner express love is a great starting point. Now don’t get me wrong, I have many other amazing book recommendations for bride and grooms to be. This is just the beginning. But, if I had to pick just one book for all of my YP couples to read before they say “I Do,” this book would be it!

So, I leave you with this thought… Do you know what love language your fiance speaks?

You are on cloud nine! Your best friend in the whole wide world just proposed and he pulled it off  better than you could ever dream of. You are happy. You are planning your future and you are absolutely loving the engagement bubble that you are living in. You are sporting a shiny new ring that fits perfectly on your left hand and you feel like the luckiest girl in the world! But what if something happens to the ring? God forbid it gets stolen or falls out of your bag while you are at the gym. Although diamonds are a girls best friend, diamonds have their own best friend named Ring Insurance. Here are YPPs top tips to Insuring your ring for the just in case situations…

1. Get your ring Insured ASAP:

   Your soon to be groom can get your ring insured as soon as it is purchased, which, if you ask me, is awesome news! That means you won’t even have to worry about it! But, in the off chance that he was too busy planning the big moment instead of insuring the beautiful sentiment, pick up that phone ASAP and call your insurance provider!

2. Think outside of the house

   Many couples put their engagement ring under their home owner or rental insurance, and that can definitely be helpful but a lot of those riders do not cover your ring outside of the house, and we all know you are planning a big honeymoon away!

3. How much are we talking??

   Good question! The estimated cost for your engagement ring insurance will be between $1 to $2 for approx. $100 your ring is worth. I know what you are thinking, that sounds like a lot! But trust me, it is worth it! The cost will ultimately be determined by a few different factors such as the value of your ring, where you live and the theft rate in your area, and whether or not your policy has a deductible, but the good news is it will protect that ring! Remember, this is your engagement ring for crying out loud! It is a symbol of love and nothing says love like protection!

4. Get an appraisal.

   Now ladies, this one is important! You can’t protect it with out knowing what you are actually protecting!! This is what your appraisal should include: (a) the carat weight, (b) cut, (c) color and (d) clarity of your diamonds. (e) The carat weight and (f) shape of any colored stones, (g) the metal type and (h) fineness or karat, as well as any (i) identifying marks, (j) hallmarks, or (k) stamps. BONUS: Make sure you trust your appraiser! Look at their online reviews, chat with them on the phone and find someone who earned a graduate degree in gemology AND is a member of a national appraisal society. We mean business when we are talking about our diamonds!

5. Get a Diamond Certificate or Grading Report: The 4 C’s

   The 4 Cs are my favorite C’s! Color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. In other words, A diamond certificate or gradating report. While this is not an appraisal, A Diamond Certificate is often provided by your jeweler if your ring is around a half a carat or larger. The 4 C’s are great for your appraiser and super important to track down your stone if anything happens to it!

6. Reappraise every few years!

   Your groom made a good investment. The value of your ring will increase over the years and that is why it is super important, for insurance purposes of course,  to get your ring appraised every few years. BONUS: If you go back to the same appraiser time and time again, they will already have a lot of your rings information and therefore, can cut costs! BONUS x 2: Don’t forget to bring a copy of your last appraisal with you. Always better to be safe than sorry!

This ring is way more than a ring, it is a symbol of your love for each other, it deserves to be protected! So now, go get that beauty insured and step right back in that engagement bubble! I know you want to!

 The cocktail hour is the glue between the ceremony and reception. It might seem like a small detail but planning an amazing cocktail hour will really bring your wedding to the next level. The ceremony is beautiful and meaningful, the reception is lively and fun and the cocktail hour gives your guests a chance to mix, mingle and relax. It is up to you to create the perfect cocktail hour vibe. Here are YPP’s top 8 tips for the ultimate wedding cocktail hour!

1. Be Interactive!

   This is where you can get creative with your food and beverage stations! Whiskey tasting, create your own cocktail stations or even a wine and food pairing set up can be super fun and great for your cocktail hour. It will give your guests a chance to move around and mingle instead of  standing around a high top. And come on, who doesn’t like a good food pairing?!
   Bonus tip: Provide sweet and savory options!
   Bonus Tip x 2: bite-sized appetizers are always a big hit. Easier to eat and less of a mess!

2.  Keeping it Cozy and Comfortable!:

   As I stated before, the cocktail hour is the most relaxing and casual part of your wedding day, a cute and comfy lounge area can make the hour fun and unforgettable! Lounges are great for guests who are a little bit older and guests who need to give their feet a break in their high heels! Low chairs, coffee tables and tabletops with bar stools is a great combination to give your wedding cocktail hour the ultimate lounge feel. Want to go even a step farther?? Great!  Armchairs, rugs and vintage end tables are a great way to go!

3. Games & Entertainment!

   Ok, let’s be real. We are a generation that loves games. From Jenga to corn hole, from bocce ball to lawn croquet or even a big connect four set up! We love having something fun to do as we  catch up and sip our cocktails. Pick your favorite games and monogram it with your names, it will be adorable and fun all in one!

4. The music sets the mood!:

   You have the entire reception to dance the night away, so let’s turn the volume down low and keep the vibe mellow for the most casual part of your wedding. You want your guests to be able to chat easily without shouting “Eh what did you say!?” over and over again. Let your DJ finish setting up in the reception area and allow a jazz trio or acoustic guitarist set the mood for your cocktail hour. Trust me, you will be thanking yourself!

5. Themes, themes, themes:

   The great thing about cocktail hours is that they are usually not in the same room as your reception which means one major thing, you have two rooms you can decorate! There are two ways to go about decorating your cocktail area. (A) Keep it consistent! Make your cocktail hour area just a continuation of your reception! It can give your guests a sneak peek into the rest of the evening and allows you to have even more fun with the theme you already fell in love! (B) Or, if you want, your cocktail hour can give off a totally different vibe than your reception! You can have drinks served out of coconuts or ice cream carts during cocktail hour and not have it clash with your wedding cake or centerpieces. It is a win win win!

6. Mr. & Mrs. EVERYTHING!:

   The details matter. Monogrammed napkins and barware, can make a gin and tonic so much more personal. The guests can take home the barware as a keep sake and the wedding signages can be a great decoration in your home!
   Bonus Tip: Hand out your wedding favors during the cocktail hour. It is a great way to keep the room buzzing with your own special touch. PLUS, your guests be more inclined to remember to take it home!

7. Mocktails and cocktails!:

   Having some unique non- alcoholic options, or mock-tails if you wish, will make all those DD Drivers, and anyone else who isn’t drinking, feel like they are not missing out on the fun (besides a wicked hangover the next day)!

8.  Enough to go around!:

   YPP’s Rule of thumb:  One server for every 12-15 people. You do not want your friends and family to be waiting for that one appetizer plate to come around. You want food and service to be quick, easily attainable and always right there!

So who is ready to create the ultimate wedding day cocktail hour that everyone will be talking about for years to come?!