lovebirds

“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.

Julia is fiery, intelligent and gorgeous. From the moment we spoke on the phone, I knew Julia and I were going to get a long just fine. She impressed the hell out of me. Julia founded and runs this amazing organization called Kids at Play. An organization that is devoted to providing each child with individualized attention and therapeutic care. In other words, Julia is one kick ass woman.  Although Nick doesn’t technically work there, you can find him building shelves, moving things and helping out in his free time. Nick is not only an incredible person, but an awesome husband, funny man and an amazing spirit. They would do anything for each other and it is evident in every look, every smile and every hand graze.

When Julia and I spoke on the phone, we referred to our session as a secret mission. She was surprising Nick with it for their one year anniversary and what I quickly figured out is that there was only one location of choice, the one place that means the most to them, their bench in Wissahickon Park. This is where Nick proposed. Well, let me explain, they both planned on him proposing there, but that is part of what makes Julia and Nick so special. They are a team. They make their decisions together and are one amazing unit.

After one year of marriage, you can tell that nothing makes Julia and Nick happier than being together and I so lucky to have had the chance to capture their love with my camera.   

“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.

2017. What a year. Not only was it the year that brought us the obsession of fidget spinners, the creation of the legendary Romphim and the comeback of the black leather chokers, but it was one hell of a year for YPP. When I think about this past year, one word comes to mind; unbelievable. Don’t get me wrong, there have been ups and downs. There have been weeks that I have felt like nothing could get me down. There has been days that felt like nothing was going right, and then there were those moments when I felt like I was the luckiest person in the world. I am proud to say it has been one awesome, creative and busy year. I could not thank my friends, family and clients enough for all of their support. Yael Pachino Photography has grown and flourished this year because of all of you.

I wanted to take this time to show you a little bit of what I do and what Yael Pachino Photography is all about. Here are my top 10 favorite 2017 moments captured by YPP (please note, these are not in any particular order, I absolutely love all of these photos). These are the photos that had me running past Robert to my computer to upload them immediately after I got home. These are the photos that I love, that I cherish and that keep me inspired to do more, do better and grow as a photographer, a professional and as a person. These are the couples, the people that make me smile and work harder day in and day out. So without further ado here are the Top 10 YPP Photos of 2017!

1. sylvia and shmuel.

When Sylvia and Shmuel arrived at the City Hall of Philadelphia during one the hottest days of the summer, I could tell that it was going to be one fantastic afternoon. With the sprinklers going off at Dilworth Park, the sun shining bright, Sylvia and Shmuel were down for anything and never once complained about the heat.  This moment is one of my favorite of the year for so many reasons. First off, look at the two of them. Sylvia’s stance is strong, feminine and sassy. Shmuels pose is manly, casual and comfortable. You can feel the love flowing between them through their eyes and their smiles. And then there is the light! I love the way the light falls onto the walls of Philadelphia’s City Hall.

2. katylnn & jaleel.

Jaleel contacted me from overseas. A navy man who could not wait to propose to his girlfriend, Katylnn. As he walked into the restaurant, his smile was filled with nerves and excitement. We went out back and set up the shot, Jaleel could not stop smiling. Finally, we got the text that Katylnn was on her way.  As I was hiding in the bushes, waiting for her to arrive, I laughed to myself. This girl had no idea what was coming! She didn’t even know what country he was in and all the sudden there he was, in front of her, on one knee. A week later we had their engagement session and I had the pleasure of capturing this photo. To me this photo expresses everything they feel for each other. Love, admiration, security, happiness and a future that looks bright and joyous. I love this moment it is totally and completely Katlynn and Jaleel and I feel honored to have witnessed their love.

3. tracy & norman.

When I met Tracy and Norman I felt right at home. As I walked toward the beautiful Memorytown ceremony location, right on the edge of a small pond, I saw a man putting up adorable photos near each aisle, casually drinking a Miller, and I laughed to myself because Norman was the calmest groom I’ve ever seen. Tracy was just as relaxed as she sat in front of the mirror getting her hair and make-up done. She pointed to her cowboy boots and her sunflowers and I knew this wedding was going to be special and completely and totally unique. This photo was captured within seconds, as Lee Shelly of Lee Shelly Photography was setting up his shot, I saw the light, I saw the pose and asked Norm to do one small thing, kiss the heck out of his wife. Everything about this photo makes me happy.

4. correene & eddie.

I absolutely love this photo. Coreene and Eddie had their ceremony at this gorgeous church right near the National Harbor. The day was slightly gloomy and rainy but that didn’t stop Coreene and Eddie from having an incredible wedding day. With New Orlean’s traditions laced through the entire day, I couldn’t have asked for a more fun, welcoming group of people. Coreene was stunning and Eddie was handsome as anything. This photo was right outside of the church.  Every time I look at this, I smile. I am absolutely obsessed with the blue reflecting against the window, the architecture of the church and their casual, yet intimate pose. Coreene and Eddie make being in love look so good!

5. shifra & yaakov.

What can I say about Shifra and Yaakov, as we walked around Gantry Plaza State Park, you can see the respect and admiration they had for one another, it felt as if they had been together for decades. But at the same time, these two love birds were laughing and joking the entire time, as if they were two teenagers madly in love.  For their 1 year anniversary, they decided they wanted to have a couple portrait session and a maternity session all in one. I’ve never met a couple like Shifra and Yaakov, so full of life, goofiness and excitement. They got married, settled down, had graduate school and a baby on is way all in one year.  Just look at how happy they are to be side by side, partners in crime, in this crazy journey called life. Between the skyline in the background, the expressions on their faces and the way Yaakov is holding onto his unborn child (who, by the way, is now born, alive and named Sari), this photo makes my heart happy every time I see it.

6. renee & colin.

Renee and Colin’s wedding was a dream come true. It was probably one of the largest weddings I photographed this year, but you could tell that each and every person there had a very personal and special relationship with the couple. It was truly amazing to witness. Renee looked amazing and Colin was dashing as hell. These two met in college, they lived in the same dorm and you can tell, by looking at them, that they spent the years since growing together, pushing each other to do better and become the incredible people they are today. There was so much love, so much joy and so much passion at their wedding and I could not have been happier being a part of their wedding. Renee is absolutely stunning in this photo. Her eyes look vibrant and bright. The window lighting shapes her face perfectly and her soft and casual smile makes her entire face light up. Plus, her eyelashes are on point. I love wedding portraits that highlight the unique beauty of my brides and this is one of my favorite bridal portrait of the year.

7. brittany & ciaran.

With Brittany’s sister, Sydney, there to help with outfit changes and make-up checks, we had an incredible time capturing their engagement session. I knew these photos were going to be gorgeous the moment I met Brittany and Ciaran at the Cherry Hill Panera Bread for their Wedding Consultation.  There is an energy that buzzes between Brittany and Ciaran that is electric, warm and ever-lasting. No matter where they are, what they are doing, you can feel they are connected.  They are not only in love, but best friends who have each others backs no matter what. This photo is one of my favorites because it says so much about Brittany, Ciaran and their relationship. There is a warmth and a calmness that is only created between two people who know each other and love each other the way Brittany and Ciaran do. I hope that we all have this kind of love!

8. cortney & gary.

When I met Courtney, 7 years ago, we were just two University of Maryland students trying to make some extra money working at one of the local college bars while earning our degrees at the best school in the country (I might be a little biased). When I met Gary, very shortly after, I knew that this was it for them. I knew they found the one they were going to spend the rest of their life with.  They were committed to each other but also gave each other the room to grow as individuals, which was an amazing love to witness. Courtney and Gary are best friends first, boyfriend and girlfriend second (now fiance) and partners in crime third. Their bond is strong and beautiful and this photo means so much to me on so many levels. I love that I had the chance to go back to one of my favorite places in the world to capture the love between two incredible people. Maryland will forever be a part of me and I just can’t get over how beautiful the light is in this photo. The hair light alone makes my heart skip a beat. With McKeldin Library in the background and Courtney and Gary curled up snuggling in the foreground, this photo is one of my favorites because it sums up what it feels like to spend the rest of your life with your college sweetheart.

9. ehmud & eliana.

Ehmud called me an hour before our desired start time. He was surprising his wife, she just graduated from grad-school and she was nine months pregnant and all she wanted was some maternity photos so he thought this was the perfect time to have graduation photos and maternity photos. He gave me his address and I was on my way, snow was falling, cars were not moving but I was on my way! When I finally arrived, Eliana was utterly confused. She had no idea who I was and what I was doing there. Within minutes, we were out back in their beautiful winter-wonderland capturing the giddiness and happiness of two people about to be parents. Turns out, within 24 hours, Eliana was rushed to the hospital to bring their beautiful and healthy baby girl into the world. Perfect timing. This photo is one of my favorites on so many levels. The happiness and love that shines through makes my heart full, the snow gives it that extra special touch and the expressions on their faces are priceless.

10. julia & nick.

Julia and Nick are truly an incredible couple that support each other and care for each other in every way. They spend their free time building shelves together for Julia’s non-profit, Kids at Play, cooking together and hiking together. They took me to the one spot that means the most to them, the place he proposed. Well, let me explain, they both planned on him proposing there, but that is part of what makes Julia and Nick so special. This photo is very special to me. Not only do I love the way the light falls on the wall, but I love the passion of the moment; the love that is so evident between Nick and Julia. I just cannot believe a place like this exists right in Philadelphia.

11. lauren & tony.

When I met Lauren and Tony for the first time, I thought, well that is a couple who is going to be laughing their entire life together, and guess what they did during their engagement session, laugh. A lot. I couldn’t be happier. We laughed all over Old City, Philadelphia and it was the perfect way to spend an early November morning. As we walked around you could tell that Tony and Lauren just loved to be with each other. Tony looks at Lauren with such love and admiration and it is evident that they are meant to be. I love this photo, there is so much joy, happiness and silliness and isn’t that what it’s all really about? Finding someone to love, cherish and laugh with?

I know, I know, there were 11 photos here and I originally said 10. Don’t worry, I didn’t miscount, I just couldn’t choose! I am so incredibly thankful to everyone who let me be a part of their love story, their families, their big days, their celebrations, their traditions and everything else that comes in between. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a couples eyes light up when they see their engagement photos, seeing a mother of the bride shed a tear as she flips through her baby’s wedding album for the first time or seeing what kind of incredible portraits we can create running around with a two year old. 2017 has been one incredible year, and I know that 2018 will be even better. Cheers to all of you and I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store for you!

Happy New Years!

– YPP

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!

The moment I heard Shifra’s laugh on the phone, a mix of comfort and happiness fell over me. Shifra is relatable, witty, smart, easy to talk to and hands down one of the coolest women I have ever met. Even over the phone, Shifra’s presence and personality shined through. The way she described her relationship with her husband, her family and her life, it was obvious that she was the kind of person that makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. Within five seconds of meeting Yaakov, I completely understood why they worked so well together. Yaakov was just as sweet, funny and easy going as Shifra. Together, they make one hell of a team and it was truly an honor getting to photograph them as a couple.

The best way to describe our photo session at Gantry Plaza in the City is playful. Shifra and Yaakov are down right goofy. They show their love through making each other laugh, being silly and having a great time no matter what the situation is. It is evident that Shifra and Yaakov are ready to walk through life, hand in hand, enjoying every minute to the fullest. Together, they will be able to face any challenge and every obstacle that life hands them.

Shifra, Yaakov, your marriage is inspiring, your friendship to each other is beautiful and your love is one of a kind. Thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful love story.

Cannot wait to continue watching you grow as people, as a couple and as a family : )

-YPP

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

As my second shooter and I walked in to the gorgeous suite at the National Harbor, I only noticed one thing, a beautiful bride getting her hair and make-up touched up right before she was ready to start one of the best days of her life. Coreene’s smile and elegance shined through and through on her wedding day and I couldn’t be more delighted that we were the ones to capture it. Her dress fit her perfectly, her nieces were dancing the entire time and her handsome Groom, Brandon, couldn’t take his eyes off her.

The ceremony was stunning and intimate, the smiles were full and warm and the bridal party was full of laughter and happiness. When I was driving from the church to the venue, I was thinking to myself, it couldn’t get any better than this… then I saw it, the magnificent reception tent, decorated in a sophisticated and tasteful manner, and now I thought to myself, “WOW.” Coreene and Brandon sure know how to throw a party.

After heartfelt toasts, parent-dances and the cake cutting there was only one thing left for Coreene and Brandon to do… dance their guests of out the reception tent. Let me explain myself, they didn’t just dance, they danced, marched and led the crowd as the two of them held these awesome umbrellas while all of their family and friends followed them swinging embroidered handkerchiefs in the air.  Let me tell you, this New Orlean’s tradition blew this East Coaster away. I loved every second of it. The energy and vibrance of the crowd as they marched the Bride and Groom out of the tent and into the next stage of their lives was incredible to witness.

It was a gorgeous wedding, with incredible people and left me feeling all warm inside the entire drive back up to Philadelphia.

Thank you for the memories Coreene and Brandon : )

Jin and Jiashan were adorable as they walked in to the Photo Loft at 9:00 am on a beautiful Sunday morning. I couldn’t contain my excitement. Jiashan and I had spoken on the phone only a few times before our session, but I already knew from their cute outfit choices and their smiling faces that we were on the same page and that this was going to be one awesome Forever Session!

Once we chitchatted for a few minutes, we decided that it would be best to leave the loft and do our outdoor portraits first. The sun was rising and god only knows why it was this hot in September.  Every time I do an outdoor portrait session, I go in with the mentality that it is an adventure with some new friends and I am the captain. I need to find the perfect light, perfect angle and get the perfect expressions… I usually try to channel my inner Dori from  Finding Nemo “just keep swimming.” and keep it moving!

Both, Jin and Jiashan were amazing, but If I have to be honest, Jiashan was the real MVP. She walked through the wet grass, hopped onto fences and frolicked in the meadow ALL in these adorable high heels that matched her cute A-lined dress perfectly.

After we got back to the studio in North Wales, PA, we all gulped down water like it was our jobs, they changed into new outfits and I got the lights ready for some studio portraits. An hour later, we had creates some gorgeous photos, laughed a lot and even did a dance or two : ). They were the perfect clients, fun, easy to get along with and completely and totally in love. It was beautiful to see.

Jin and Jiashan…I wish you this, Never stop dancing, never stop laughing and never stop going on adventures together.