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Jewish wedding photographer

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Planning a Jewish wedding can be one of the most meaningful experiences and also one of the most overwhelming places.

As someone who has captured countless Jewish weddings, I know how vital it is to find a photographer who truly understands your vision and the traditions that make your day unique.

Your photographer will be the one preserving your cherished rituals and heartfelt moments.

To help you find the perfect match, here are ten essential questions to guide your conversations with potential photographers

1. Do you have experience photographing Jewish weddings?

Jewish weddings have unique customs and traditions, so it’s important to work with someone familiar with them. From the breaking of the glass to the chuppah ceremony, experience ensures nothing gets missed.

Personally, I always make sure to talk to the officiant or Rabbi before the ceremony begins to make sure I know exactly what to expect.

Two questions I always ask: (1) Which direction will the bride and groom stand during the ceremony? and (2) where will the Rabbi place the glass on the floor before the smashing of the glass!

Both of those questions, change my game plan for how I photograph the ceremony!

2. Are you familiar with specific Jewish rituals and traditions, such as the chuppah, ketubah signing, Tisch + Bedekin, Shtick or horah?

These moments are central to your celebration. A photographer with knowledge of these rituals will know when and how to capture them with sensitivity and precision.

There are specific traditions you can explain to someone until they are blue in the face, but if they haven’t experienced it before, they won’t truly understand what to expect and how to photograph it!

3. Can you accommodate the timeline of a traditional Jewish wedding day?

Jewish weddings often involve extended celebrations, and more traditions and rituals than most secular weddings. Ensure your photographer is comfortable working with a more flexible and potentially longer timeline.

For most secular weddings, I suggest at least 8 hours of coverage, but for Jewish Weddings, I suggest at least 9 or 10 hours, depending on how many traditions the couple is planning on!

4. How do you ensure privacy and respect during religious moments?

Key religious moments, such as what happens under the chuppah and during the veiling of the bride, require a photographer who understands the importance of being unobtrusive while still capturing the beauty of the moment.

I always say, I will be under the chuppah for part of your ceremony with you, but I will be as quiet and as quick as a ninja so I can be the least disruptive as possible. I will never get in the way of the other people under the chuppah, but I will always be there to capture the special moments!

5. How do you handle unexpected challenges on the wedding day?

An experienced photographer is prepared for anything from sudden weather changes to tight timelines, ensuring your day goes smoothly and your photos turn out beautifully no matter the circumstances.

I always say that as a wedding photographer, you have to embrace the chaos and learn how to go with the flow… You can plan every moment to a T, but at the end of the day, 95% of wedding timelines run late or need to be adjusted in the moment and as the photographer you just got to roll with it, be confident and make sure your clients are as calm and as in the moment as possible!

6. Do you offer a second photographer?

I highly recommend two photographers for any Jewish wedding and even more so if you are planning on having a Tisch and Bedekin at your wedding!With so much happening simultaneously, having two photographers ensures every special moment is beautifully captured.

Many couples ask me if they should have three photographers, and I always say that if you are having less than 400 people at your wedding, two photographers is plenty! I find three photographers a little overwhelming for the couple, their family and their guests. We are there to enhance everyones experience and not overwhelm it!

7. How do you approach family portraits?

Jewish weddings often include large and extended families. Your photographer should have a clear plan to efficiently organize and capture these important portraits.

I believe there is really only one way to make sure my couples get all the family combinations they (and their parents) could possibly want… and it is being bossy in the nicest way possible!

I ask my clients to write out a list of all the different family combinations they want so I can print the list, call them out and check them off as we go.

My goal is to go as quickly and as painless as possible when it comes to the family photos.

8. What backup equipment and plans do you have?

A reliable photographer should have backup cameras, lenses, and a contingency plan to ensure no technical issues disrupt their ability to capture your day.

I always bring three cameras, just in case, and I make sure every single photo I capture are recorded to two memory cards, just in case one is defective.

9. Can you share examples of full wedding galleries?

While highlight reels and Instagram posts are great, seeing complete galleries will give you a better sense of their style, consistency, and how they capture an entire event.

Social media is full of the best of the best, galleries are full of every single moment of a wedding day captured. It is a completely different viewing experience and I personally, like the full gallery experience better! Makes it all more real!

10. How do you incorporate cultural or personal details into the photos?

Jewish weddings are rich in tradition and meaning. Ask your photographer how they’ll highlight these elements, from embroidered tallitot to family heirlooms.

As someone who has stood under the chuppah at her own wedding and is now a proud, Jewish mama, I understand the importance of our culture and rituals in a deep way that makes me photograph those details with so much love and honor.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right photographer ensures the memories of your Jewish wedding are beautifully preserved. These questions will help you find someone who aligns with your vision, values, and the traditions that make your celebration unique. Take the time to have open conversations with potential photographers, and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.

Mazel tov on this exciting chapter of your life! Your perfect photographer is out there, ready to capture every meaningful moment.

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Picture this… You are at Maynard’s on the Jersey Shore with the rest of your friends. It is a typical summer shore weekend when you notice your friend is talking to the cute brunette you JUST matched with.You walk right up to them and completely ignore your friend and spend the rest of the night in the corner talking to the cutest and sweetest girl you have ever met…

and that was JUST the beginning.

Fast forward a few years and you are at the same bar posing for your engagement photos, looking super cute with your pup Reese.

I mean, can it get better than that?!!!

I am absolutely blown away by these two…or should I say three!

Little pup, Reese, almost stole the show with her sweetness, but nothing could beat the love and joy that feels electric whenever Shelby and Danny are together.

Their love is fun, silly, full of respect and support, and there is really nothing better than that!

Their easygoing nature and excitement for life is something I deeply admire, and I could not be more excited and happy for these two!

I already know your wedding day is going to be a special one!

Shelby and Danny, I can’t wait to continue celebrating the two of you!! Xos!

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Imagine this: Boca Grande, Florida… some of the bluest water on the East Coast, Palm trees every where and the most beautiful bride and groom. Now, doesn’t this sound like a dream?

When Sarah first texted me over a year ago asking if I’d travel to Florida to photograph her wedding, I said yes without hesitation, but nothing could prepare me for this kind of magic.

It was such a beautiful day, I’m still not over it!

Even with some insane wind, nothing could stop us from trolleying around Boca Grande, hopping off and creating photos that felt like the perfect combination of love, laughter, and magic!

But above all the photo perfection that the island gave us, I am so grateful that I was the one to document this incredible union between two people who touch my heart on so many levels. From the very beginning, I knew that Sarah and Harrison were individually, two amazing people. Yut together, nothing can beat them!

Sarah and Harrison are IT! They are the couple you see and think, “Wow, what an amazing team.” They are each others biggest supporters, best friends and greatest adventure companion.

Now, THAT is the real dream!

Photographer: Yael Pachino Photography LLC | @yael_pachino
Venue: Boca Bay Pass Club@bocabaypassclub 

Florist: Tom and Keri@kamalunacollective 

DJ: Curate Entertainment@curate_entertainment 

Videographer: Sublime Studios @sublimestudiosphotography
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Black Tux @Blacktux
Invitation Suite: Truly Engaging@truly.engaging 

Bridal Gown: Castle Couture NJ@castlecouturebridal
Bridal Gown Designer: Jimmy Huang | @jimmehuangbridal

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True Story… A few days before Steph and Lou’s wedding, We were on our “wedding week catch up” call and they told me that they were planning on having a gender reveal for baby #2 at their wedding. Of course I was SOOO down! But then, Steph asked me if I could be the one to check the envelope before the gender reveal and help set it up, I was floored in the best way. I have never felt that deeply touched on a “wedding week catch up” call before and I felt so blessed!

Fast forward to their wedding day, I was in the middle of capturing all of Steph’s amazing bridal details when she handed me the envelope with the gender of their baby in it. As she walked into the other room, I quickly took a peak. Smiled and thought to myself “I knew it! I was so excited for them! Words couldn’t even describe it!

About six hours later, thousands of photos later and hundreds of happy tears later, it was time for us to do the big gender reveal and god knows I was doubting myself, “UH OH!”

Am I remembering the gender correctly?

Did I misread it?

Am I going crazy?

I asked the maid of honor if I could read it again, of course we left the envelope in the hotel!

“You got this!” She smiled.

“I got this!” I said questionably

Lexi, my associate and I, had the entire bridal party close their eyes, we lit the color bombs and let them go, when they opened their eyes, we were all in tears. The sky was filled with a beautiful pink hue! They were dancing, hugging and everyone was screaming “We are having a girl!”

Trust me when I say, It hit me on a whole new level!

Steph and Lou, you are loved, you are cherished and you have created such a beautiful life together. You have surrounded yourselves with the best people, have the sweetest little boy and share a love that runs so deep and so strong that there should be at least dozens of loves songs written about you two!

I cannot wait to meet your baby girl! She is so lucky to have you two as parents!!

Steph and lou, being your wedding photographer was something I will cherish forever. You have welcomed me into your community and your family and I will forever be grateful! I became a photographer with the hopes of working with people like you, and it is truly a dream come true!

Cheers to you, your marriage, baby number 1 and baby number two!!

xos! Yael

The Creative Team

Venue: Bay Beach Club | @chesapeakebaybeachclub

Bridal Gown: Havasu Dress by Pronovias | @pronovias

Floral: Valley Forge Flowers | @valleyforgeflowers

Band: Gypsy Wisdom | @gypsy_wisdom

Voice Guestbook – After the Tone | @afterthetone.co

Videographer: Just Hitched Films | @justhitchedfilms

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | @jennyyoonyc purchased at BHLDN | @bhldn

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Bank Custom Suits | @josabank

Invitation Suite: Main Line Print Shop |

Stephanie and Lou's wedding + Gender Reveal + It's a girl

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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!!

Work With Yael

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.