You love your bridesmaid and groomsmen. I mean there is a reason why you chose these humans to stand up there next to you during one of the most important moments of your life! You want your bridesmaids and groomsmen to feel their best, look their best and have the best time celebrating your big day! YPP does too! And that is why, I am excited to share with you YPPs quick and easy tips to help keep your bridesmaid and groomsmen portraits looking everyones best! Keeping it classy and awesome, just like what you all deserve!

Ladies!!

Hair Ties

If you are anything like yours truly, you have three hair ties on your wrist at all time! There is nothing that bothers me more than not having a hair tie when this Jewfro gets in the way, but trust me on this one. Take the hair ties off. Make sure your bridesmaids leave them in the getting room or put them in their clutch, it makes your bridesmaid portraits look that much more put together and elegant!

Sleeveless Dresses

Most bridesmaid dresses are sleeveless, it’s a fact. As a woman, who does everything she can possibly do to tone my arms, I am still extremely self conscious of showing them off and I don’t think I am alone in this! Whenever I do wear sleeveless (probably once a year), I have the tendency of squeezing my arms to my body, as a way to make them smaller. I find other women do the same thing. But here’s the thing, in photos, the way to make your arms look your best is to put at least a little bit of space between your arms and your body. Think about it like this… if your arm is pressed to your body, you’re essentially flattening your arm against your body and it will look wider. If you put even just a little space between your arms and your body, gravity takes it’s role and creates a more toned look! So bridesmaid, when your photographer says “bend those elbows,” you know they are looking out for you!

For the men…

Phones

Your groomsmen are going to look sharp as anything in those suits. I know it. You know it. They know it. As a society, we are all VERY attached to our phones. I am no exception! But, to make your groomsmen look even sharper in those suits, have them leave the phones in the room, on the trolly or even just literally behind the photographer. It is truly amazing how much you can see the outline of a phone in a pants suit and your boys deserve to look as GQ as possible!

Keeping Hands Consistent!

Groomsmen are one of my favorite groups to photograph. I love seeing the camaraderie and bromances between the groom and groomsmen. The energy is incredible, the humor is fun and the love is a live! There is nothing thats screams friendship more, but as I remind all of my groomsmen, hands need to be consistent! If one persons hands are in their pocket, all hands go in the pocket. If one person has his left hand over the right, everyone has their left hand over their right. It gives the photo a little extra something that screams “If I was in a boy band, these would be be my band members” and honestly, what is better than that!?

BONUS: Keep the suit buttons consistent too! If the groom has his suit unbuttoned, everyone should have their suit unbuttoned!

These four quick and easy tips might sound like minute details, but they make such a difference when it comes to your bridesmaid and groomsmen portraits! So remember, hair ties off, phones down, arms out and hands consistent!!

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!

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 second I walked through the door, Rachael and Micah’s personalities were evident. The floors were recently stained the perfect shade, the dog bed was in the perfect spot and the throw pillows matched the blanket. Even though they had only moved in a few months ago, you can tell it was their home and their home was full of love.

“We treat our dog like a child.” Rachael said as she got little Badgely ready for our big photo session and with that, I knew that Rachael and Micah were my kind of people.

As we walked around Queens Village with Badgely trotting along next to them, I couldn’t help put think that Rachael and Micah’s relationship should have a RomCom made after them. Not only are they incredibly sweet and amazing individuals but their relationship is nothing short than inspiring!

I felt like they were in on some big inside joke and I was lucky enough to witness it.  When Micah takes Rachael’s hand, you could just tell that he loves her more than anything in the world and would do anything to make her happy. And when Rachael looks up at Micah, you could see that she wants nothing more than to hang out with Micah for the rest of her life. These two are not only partners and fiances, they are best friends in every way. I don’t think I have ever had two people laugh as much as they did during their engagement session! It was truly amazing!

Rachael and Micah, I could not be more touched by the love you share with each other. It is beautiful, pure and incredibly sweet. I wish for you to always have that inside joke and laugh with one another til 150 years old!

“So, what are your wedding colors!?” I asked my future bride as we sat at Starbucks sipping our caffeinated drink of choice. I always love asking this question. The look that a woman has on her face when she is envisioning her wedding day is priceless. The way my future brides describe their wedding details in such bliss,  brings a huge smile on my face. And the way they love their wedding day, love their fiance and love celebrating their love story, warms my heart each and every time.

I took one look at the sweet, beautiful future YPbride in front of me and realized, she was unsure.

“I have absolutely no idea what colors to choose. I fall in love with every photo on Pinterest!”   I totally get it. I fall in love with every wedding I photograph so I can only imagine how difficult it can be to pick your own wedding colors.

Picking your color palette helps set the stage for the rest of your big day. Once you choose the colors, your centerpieces, flowers and reception decor will all follow suite. So, for  those brides out there who are overwhelmed by all the breathtaking color ideas they have seen all over Social, here are the 5 things you should consider when choosing your own wedding color palette, but first… grab yourself a color wheel!

1. When and Where…

   If you don’t already have a color palette in mind, turning to the venue and date is a great way to get inspired. You already fell in love with your venue’s aesthetic, play up the colors that are already there!  Similarly, let the season guide you! Getting married in mid- October and late June can strike two totally different color palettes (especially if you live on the East Coast like yours truly)!

2. On Wednesdays we wear pink…

   Sometimes, you just have a favorite color and that is that! Take a look around your house, what colors do you see in each room? Do you have a color that keeps appearing? Do you automatically go straight to the Olive Green sweaters when you are shopping? Does Navy Blue catch your eye every time you see it? Does Merlot Red accessories give you a little extra spark of confidence? If you have a favorite color, don’t hold back! Remember, it is your day! As long as your favorite person in the world agrees to it (aka your Groom-to-be), go with what you love!

3. All of the colors!

   So, you might already have a color in mind, let’s say pink… but which shade of pink? Rose Pink? Fuscia Pink?  Blush Pink? The options can go on and on! Instead of choosing one shade of pink, choose them all! Go Ombré or go home! Indulge in it all. Showcase pink from the lightest pastel to the deepest shade. Your wedding will be the epitome of chic!

4. Keeping it Classic

   Want to make sure your wedding day has that timeless feel and classic look?! Add white or another neutral color into your color palette. Beige and cream add an extra layer of color sophistication while white matches with everything and can really tie in the other ascent colors.

5. Don’t forget about You!

   Most importantly, do not forget about your own sense of style. Sometimes, it can get overwhelming. There are so many people willing to offer their guidance and opinions that your own voice can get lost.  If everyone around you is telling you to go with Burgundy and you are more of a Lavender kinda gal, choose Lavender! Your wedding is your special day! You and your happiness is so important!

There hasn’t been a wedding dress I met that I didn’t love. From beaded to lacy, from an Empire Silhouette to A-line and from sleeveless to backless. I could photograph a dress for hours and be happy! I love them all and don’t even get me started on how absolutely stunning my brides look once they put them on!

Chances are, part of your upper body will be in on display once you put on your wedding dress. You deserve to feel like a queen! Build up you confidence with with this 20 minute YPP approved bridal work out! This workout will target your arms, shoulders and back, some of the most exposed wedding dress areas.

Bridesmaids, they are like sisters (or are sisters). Your bridesmaids mean the world to you. I mean, let’s be real, you asked them to be your bridesmaid for a reason! You want your girls to be as happy as possible but you cannot get Katherine Heigl from “27 Dresses” out of your head!

The idea of finding dresses and a color that works for everyone is a little overwhelming… “What if they can’t agree on a style? What if they don’t feel comfortable in their dress?! “First off, I just want to say, you are a sweetheart for being so concerned about your ladies! Secondly, don’t you fret! With the right attitude, time and communication all your bridesmaids will be excited to put on their dress!

1. Talk about the budget!

   I know, I know, talking about finances is never easy, but trust me on this one. Your bridesmaids will feel a lot better knowing that you are being mindful of how much time, effort and money they are investing in your wedding day. Being a bridesmaid is such an honor, and they are SO excited to be a part of your big day, but let’s face it, it can get expensive. So talk to your bridesmaids, remember they are like family. They will appreciate it more than you know!

2. Pinterest and Instagram are your best friends!

   I am a huge fan of research! Knowledge is power! Know what you are getting you and your bridesmaids into before you walk into the bridal shop! Make yourself an excellent source for your ladies. Have opinions, come up with ideas and offer advice as you and your girls are sifting through all the lace and chiffon!

3. Don’t forget about YOUR dress!

   This one seems like an easy one, but I just had to put this one out there. Sometimes, we can get caught up in the excitement of shopping with our girls and forget that your wedding dress is important and must be considered! So before your girls say yes to their dress, ask yourself this “does this compliment my wedding dress?”
   

4. Bridesmaid Dresses are not on Amazon Prime!

   I know, in our instantaneous world, we forget that sometimes, we are actually going to have to wait! Bridesmaid dress shopping should be done 7 – 8 months out! I know what you are thinking… you can’t be serious? Most dresses are actually made-to-order and have a shipment time of 12 -16 weeks. Think about all the necessary steps that have to be taken between finding the dresses and actually putting them on. You have to make sure you have the correct measurements, correct order, have the dress actually made, pick it up (or wait for it to be delivered), make alterations and then finally have it all ready and perfect for the big day!

5. SALES

   Yes you read that correctly! Bridesmaid dresses do go on sale and more often than you think! There are always sales on the major annual shopping days like Black Friday, Memorial day and Labor Day… but there are also sales through out the year. Get on email lists, check websites every so often and keep your eyes pealed for the Magic word “SALE.” Your bridesmaids will be SO appreciative!

Ok, so now that you have some tips, GO have a great time! Sip the bubbly, get lost in all the amazing texture! Shopping with your best friends is supposed to be fun!  Let the stress melt away and enjoy this bonding experience with your girls!