marriage

I know what you are thinking, “Of course Yael. Of course I am going to try on my wedding dress and shoes together to make sure it all looks exactly the way I want it!”

It may be a no brainer for you, but as a Type A Personality, I like to be 120% confident that every bride and groom out there knows to do exactly this! I personally don’t like surprises, especially when it comes to wedding day attire! I want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you the morning of your wedding, that includes knowing exactly how to secure your wedding dress and how to pin his own boutonnière!

I like to be sure. Sure that your wedding shoes are broken in, the earrings match perfectly and the groom knows exactly how to tie his wedding day bow tie! I want you to feel relaxed and ready to go. I want you to be confident that things will run smoothly when it comes to your wedding day get-up. The best way to do this is simple. Try it on. Try it all on! All of it! Don’t leave anything for chance!

For my beautiful brides, make sure you know how to climb into your dress without messing with your hair and that you know exactly how to fasten your wedding day jewelry.

For all my awesome YP grooms out there, if you do not already know how to properly secure your suspenders, cufflinks and tie, learn how to do it sometime prior to your wedding day! It is amazing what YouTube can teach you these days. Plus, if you let it slip to the future Mrs. that you are trying on your wedding outfit, she will beyond touched and excited… I like to think of it as a win, win, win!

Trust me on this, there is nothing better than having everything fit perfectly and run smoothly the morning you say “I do!” So trying on your wedding day attire before your big day, can never hurt! Plus, you chose this outfit for a reason, making sure it all works and fits correctly should be fun!

BONUS: Helpful Links for the Groom:

How to Tie a Bowtie

How to Put on Suspenders

How to Pin a Boutonniere

“I don’t have shoes on and it’s freezing outside” one of the Rebecca’s Bridesmaid said as we walked over to the first-look.

“Do you want to go get some shoes?” I asked, concerned about her bare-feet…

“No!” she said, “I want to see this! I need to see this!”

And with that, the girl gang escorted Rebecca down the street to her first look. No complaining, not even a second thought. They just wanted to witness their beautiful bride see her handsome groom for the first time.

And that was just the way it was… all day : )

It was obvious from the minute I met Becca and Ben that they are deeply loved by everyone around them. Their wedding day was one for the books.  It was an incredible day to witness. The energy, love and excitement that was present in every moment of their wedding day at the Hilton, Philadelphia City Ave hotel made my heart smile on every level. The way the Wedding Party anticipated Becca and Ben’s every need assured me that they have one incredible chevra (group of friends).

Becca and Ben are the sweetest thing you can imagine and they fit together like milk and cookies. They just were meant to walk through life together hand in hand.  The way Becca and Ben smile at each other and the way they whisper back and forth to each other, makes me feel like they are in on this amazing secret, but it is only for the two of them.

Ben’s smile as he waited for Becca to tap him on the shoulder made my eyes water. The tears started falling down my face as soon as he turned around and saw his sweet, strong and stunning Becca. With the Wedding Party in the background cheering them on and the sun peaking through the clouds, it was the perfect moment.

Becca and Ben, you are two amazing individuals, your smiles light up the room, your laughter brings joy to everyone and your hearts are so full of love and kindness, you touch everyone around you. I wish for you to keep whispering to each other for the next 120 years! Your love is beautiful, don’t ever forget it!

I don’t know if you guys know this about me, but I have two old sisters, Becca and Shana.

They have always been my biggest role models and my strongest advocates. They have always showed me the way by achieving greatness in their studies, their personal lives and even killing it on the basketball court. Now, more than ever, I admire them. I admire them for the strong, beautiful relationships they have with their husbands. I admire them for the incredible bond they have nurtured and created with each of their children. And I admire them for the courageous and independent women who they continue to be each and every day.

Basically, they are super women and I am lucky to be their little sister.

Simcha and Moshe (aka brother-in-laws) are both a close 3rd when it comes to role models. I can talk to them about anything and they will give me honest and loving responses and I am lucky to be their sister too.

When it comes to advice, these four awesome humans are always the ones I turn to, and never once have they steered me wrong. That’s why, I am excited to share with you”3 things you should do before you tie the knot!” Three things my sisters and brother-in-laws advice me to do before I get married. Five pieces of advice to make sure you start your marriage off on the right foot.

1. Constantly ask yourself what can I do for my fiance

Focus on each other instead of yourselves. Think about what you can give to your SO instead of what you can get from them. You can no longer just think about your needs and your desires.  Remember you two are a pair which means, if you put them first and they put you first, everyone will be happy! I am not saying you need to surprise them with a trip to Hawaii every weekend, or you need to just drop whatever you are doing at all times when they call, but if you know your partner is having a rough day, maybe pick up their favorite chocolate on the way home from work or make sure all the dishes are done before they get back… it’s the little things that matter. Start putting them first today, and you will have a very successful marriage tomorrow.

Exercise: Every morning while you are in the shower, sipping your first coffee or the day or walking your puppy, instead of stressing over the tasks of your day, ask yourself this “What does [Insert Fiances Name] have going on today, what can I do to make it easier? What will make them smile today?  If you start doing this today, it will become easier and easier, until it is just second nature.

2. Talk about Finances

I know, this one isn’t anything new, but it is so important to reiterate. Being on the same page concerning your finances before you get married, will be a game changer! Be open about the student loans you owe, the credit card debt you have built up and the credit score you have earned. Financial surprises are going to arise no matter what, be a united front instead of two independent contributors.

So where do you even start? Once you and your fiance have it all out on the table (remember, no surprises!),  begin with discussing what your financial goals are. How was money discussed and dealt with during your upbringing, and if you are going to have separate accounts or joint banking? With these big questions answered, understood and agreed upon, it will help shape your financial relationship moving forward.

Exercise A: Sometimes, it is better to see it than talk about it. That is why I love spreadsheets! Pick one month out of your engagement to write down all of your expenses. Every night before you go to sleep, open up your spreadsheet and write down what money you have spent that day, your fiance should follow suite. Divide it into three categories, (A) Parter One, (B) Partner Two and (C) Both. This way, at the end of the month, when all expenses are accounted for, you both can see exactly who is spending what and what you need to work on to reach the financial goals you desire as a couple.

Exercise B: Swap credit cards for just a month. That’s right, you heard me, that means your partner will have your credit card and you will have theirs. This exercise will help open the financial conversation. This will aid you two to really start thinking about it as “our money” instead of “my money.”

3. Make sure spending time together doesn’t become a choir

As the years go on, your work schedules get crazier, you’ll throw in a dog, two cats and 3 kids. The bills and the duties pile up and a night out with your husband or wife might start feeling like just another responsibility. Don’t let it. Make sure you look forward to that time alone together. Make sure you still get excited to go out with the one person you see every day, the one person you have chosen to built a life together, a family together. Dating doesn’t stop just because you say ” I do”

Exercise: Date night! You don’t need synced Google Calendars to schedule date night, but you do need to put it in! (To be honest though,  synced calendars are always super helpful when two people are co-existing). At the beginning of every week, take a look at your calendars together and choose a day that works best for both of you. Pick a day that you and your partner will not be stressed out trying to make it on time. Choose a night where you can calmly get ready and head out together. Once you are on the date, leave your phones in the car or on airplane mode in your bag. You do not need them! This will keep you and your partner focused on one another during this precious weekly date night. It will help you connect and bond that you and your partner will look forward to your weekly date nights more and more each week.

Marriage isn’t easy, but it can be a beautiful and powerful thing when you want it to be. Take the time to cherish your relationship, grow in your partnership and thrive in your unity. I am lucky to be surrounded by incredible marriages and I wish nothing but the best for yours!

“I love Excel” Robert said as we were sitting on a bench in Rittenhouse Square. We were waiting for our table at the Italian Restaurant for our very first date and someone ended up talking about spreadsheets and key functions. “You have to know how to use excel!” At the time, I thought it was adorable. I mean it was our first date! Everything was cute. Now, I find his love for excel and numbers more than just cute, it is a life saver… which, leads me to “Yael’s tip of the week Vol. 2”

Your spreadsheet is your best friend; Now that you have your budget (check out Yael’s Tip of the Week Vol. 1), it is time to break out that laptop and make that spreadsheet… Yes, I said spreadsheet! This spreadsheet will be yours, and your wallets, best friend for the next 12-24 months. Believe me, there is no one who dislikes spreadsheets more than yours truly (don’t tell Robert I said that), but this one will be magical. Anytime you speak to a vendor, find some cool centerpieces or look into ordering some speciality chocolates, put it in that spreadsheet baby. This spreadsheet will keep all the marvelous research and quotes together in one place making planning simpler and more organized. This way, when it has been months since you found that really cool photobooth and you just cannot remember the company’s name, you can open up your lovely spreadsheet and have all the answers right then and there!  So let’s get organized my incredible bride and groom to be!

A few days after our couple’s portrait session, I received a phone call from Rob.

“So…big news!” he said, and my heart skipped a beat. Alyse was pregnant. I just knew it.

“Guess!” Rob continued.

“I don’t know” I said, worried that I might be wrong.

“Come on guess!” he responded.

“Alyse is pregnant!?” I asked with a big fat question mark. Immediately wanting to take back such an inappropriate question

“and…?” I felt a rush of relief.

In that moment, all I could think about was a conversation I had a few years before this one. It was with my sister, Shana. She called me to tell me the big, exciting news.

“TWINS!??” I asked imagining my niece and nephew. I could hardly contain my enthusiasm

“Yes!”

A few months later, I received another phone call from Rob and Alyse. This time, instead of sharing the big news, they wanted to set up another session. They were about to become parents for the first time and wanted to capture this very special era in their lives. As I listen to them describe what they wanted from the session, all I could do was smile and say “Yes!” I felt honored to be a part of their growing family.

It ended up being a terrific December day. The sky was clear and the wind wasn’t too cold as Alsye, Rob and I walked around Batram Gardens in Philadelphia. For a woman who had two babies in her belly, Alyse was a champion. She was down for anything  I asked. Rob was equally as awesome. Our session was just as calm as it was energetic which felt very fitting. Alyse and Rob are the perfect combination of relaxed and excited. They are laid back and easy to get along with, but also passionate and animated about the things they care about most.

Working with Rob and Alyse was a dream come true the first time and now that we are even more comfortable with each other, it was even better (hard to imagine). Alyse and Rob have this playful, fun energy that flies between them but they also have mutual respect and love and it is obvious to anyone who sees them together. The two of them, as individuals are incredible, but together are going to make one amazing set of parents who will lead their family to conquer anything and everything life throws at them. I am happy to announce that both baby Morgenstern’s and Mama Morgenstern are healthy, happy and doing well. Thank God!

Alyse, Rob, Adina and Baby Boy Morgenstern, I wish your family the best in every sense of the word. I cannot wait to continue photographing your family as you grow and flourish.

Sending my best to you all!

-YPP

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.   

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