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“You look like you are struggling” Robert said as he watched me grab a water glass from the cabinet Monday morning. I turned around and gave him a blank stare. It took me a second to register what he was saying.
“Oh, I have a wedding hang over” I said matter of factly with my eyes half closed but a huge smile on my face. I ran over to my computer, which, if I am being totally honest was probably more of a slow walk than an actual run.
“Look!” I said as I pointed. “Doesn’t she look incredible!”
Robert let out a soft chuckle and shook his head at me. I am sure I sounded and looked like I consumed massive quantities of alcohol the night before, but in reality, it comes with the territory of being a wedding vender. It was the lack of water that was making me turtle like. I never remember to drink enough water! I am so consumed by photography, love and making my clients as happy as possible, that water is a complete after thought.
Even though my body was hating me, my mind and heart were still gushing over the love that I captured the day before. Robert gave me one more concerned yet, amused look “Make sure you nap today” he said and with that he hugged me goodbye and walked out the door.
I appreciated Robert’s attempt but I clearly did not plan on napping. I had too many photos to look at. Too many memories to swoon over. I am a wedding photographer for crying out! This is what I do and this is what I love! So, as I made my way back to my computer to select ten sneak peek photos to send to the latest YP newlyweds, I ignored my aching muscles and sore neck and just reminded myself to drink more water.
My 2019 wedding season has officially began and I could not be more excited and proud. No matter how hard it is to move, how busy my weeks get or how many times Robert tells me to “go nap,” I couldn’t imagine doing or wanting to do anything else with my life, aching muscles an all…
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“I have so many kids coming to my wedding.” She said as we were looking over the timeline. “Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE kids. Specially the ones coming to my wedding. I just don’t want them to get bored mid-ceremony you know?” I totally knew. This is actually a big concern for a lot of couples. They love the idea of having all of the little ones around, but get nervous about missed nap times and skipped over snacks. “Well, you know what I just saw the other day” I said as I closed my laptop to focus completely on my bride. “One of my couples put together these little fun goodie bags for all kids and gave them out right before the ceremony” She smiled.
“You mean like a bag full of distractions?”
“YES!” Exactly like that. And with that, we both opened our laptops again and started searching for the best things to put in her goodie bags.
Distract the little ones. I love kids. I mean, I do have nine nieces and nephews of my own and I want nothing more than to see them in their pretty dresses and cute bowties at my future wedding. There is nothing sweeter than seeing a child’s face as they witness the magic of a bride and a groom getting married. But, with strict timelines, the crazy chaos and complete newness of a wedding day, it can be a little much for the little ones. By the time the ceremony comes around, the children can be exhausted, hungry and overwhelmed. So, give them a goodie bag just for them. Right before the ceremony, have someone go around to each of the kids with a bag full of quite toys, such as a container of bubbles, a yoyo, stickers and even some crayons with a fun “wedding day coloring book. Anything that is quite and can keep them sitting and entertained. Their parents will thank you and you will love to see what pictures they colored at your ceremony!
xo,
Yael
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“Hey! Do you want to open your present?” Logan asked as he crouched down next to his nephew, Levi. The little boy, all dressed in his adorable red tie, grey suspenders and baller kicks just stared up at him with these big eyes. “I’ll be right back” Logan said as he ran into the Groom’s getting ready room and grabbed his present for the adorable ring bearer. When he returned, Levi saw the present in Logan’s hand and for the first time all day, the two year old let go of his animal crackers. He stood next to the kneeling Logan, wide-eyed. Together, they opened the present. Both groom and ring bearer had matching smiles as they ripped off the wrapping paper. When Levi saw what was inside, his smile went from big to huge. It was a a small wooden bat that fit perfectly in the toddler’s hands. He already knew how to hold it and what to do with it. Levi was in his stance and swinging within seconds. “My uncle got me a wooden bat too at his wedding. I was about Levi’s age then also.” Logan told me as he stood up next to Levi and patted him on the head.
The rest of the wedding day was just like that, every moment, every detail had such a beautiful meaning behind it all. From the teddy bear that the rings were tied to on their way down the aisle, to Cassie’s necklace that she carefully wrapped around her bouquet. From the pearl bracelet, a family heirloom, that Cassie’s mom gently fastened around her wrist as they both were teary eyed, all the way to the little rocking chair where the teddy bear sat with them on the sweetheart table. Every detail, every aspect and every moment of their wedding day was full of sincere emotion and importance. It was an incredible day to witness. From the beginning, Cassie and Logan made it clear that family meant the world to them and it showed in every part of their day.
The Brandywine Manor House was absolutely radiant on this beautiful Fall day. Decorated with symbols of love, gorgeous centerpieces that Melissa, Cassie’s dad’s fiance, created and sunflowers that made the room really pop. The ceremony took place as the sun shined right by the Manor’s waterfall. Although it was the fastest ceremony I have ever seen, there was more love, honor and commitment in those few minutes than anyone could ever ask for. Seeing Cassie and Logan share their love and their promises to each other in front of everyone they cared for the most, was a breath taking moment. I am touched and honored by Cassie and Logan and everything they stand for.
Cassie, Logan, my wish to you is to have everything you ever wanted. I know you will have the most beautiful family and your children will be just as loving and as sincere as both of you. Sending all the love in the world.
xo,
Yael
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“Yael!” Everyone is booked! I cannot find a single decent band that isn’t already booked! Please tell me you have some incredible connection and can find me a band of my dreams!” My bride was getting married in three months and she and her fiance just couldn’t agree on a band… so they put it off, got caught up with everything else on their never-ending todo list and all of the sudden, their wedding was right around the corner and they were left without a band!
“Ok. Don’t worry, we will figure it out! Let me ask around! I’ll be in touch ASAP” I hung up the phone and began calling all of the local vendors I knew, I am sure SOMEONE knew someone who might still be available and within her budget. For all of my readers out there, don’t fret! She found an awesome band that she, her husband and all of their guests absolutely loved! It was an incredible wedding with tons of dancing and great music. Everything worked out just the way it should have!
One thing at a Time! Being engaged is a magical time in your lives as a couple. You just agreed to be partners for life. You and your best friend promised to spend the rest of your days next to each other, cheering each other on and being each other’s biggest support system. Planning a wedding should be exciting and fun. It’s the beginning to your marriage! It breaks my heart when I hear how chaotic and stressful it can be. The todo list feels like it just goes on and on and there is no end in sight! Take a deep breath! It is going to be ok! Instead of looking at everything all at once, focus on one big task at a time. Once you finish one thing, then go on to the next. Trust me on this one, it is way easier. I know what you’re thinking “Ok Yael, that makes total sense but what do I focus on first!? What should be my top priority when?! How do I know when to book what!?” You are in luck! I have put together a YP cheat sheet to help you figure out the ideal time to book your favorite wedding vendors!
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As Zach, the best man, brought the microphone to his lips and looked over at the sweetheart table, his eyes twinkled and laughed at the same time. His younger brother, the groom, had no idea what was coming next…
” This one,” Zach began, “is called Gonna date my next door neighbor”
Gonna ask Britt out
She’s next door. It’s convenient.
We’ll see what happens
And with that, the whole room broke out into laughter!
We have all seen the Hollywood version of the girl next door story, and let’s be honest, it is always adorable. But watching Britt and Greg, best friends from childhood, walk down the aisle and stand under the Chuppah together was an incredibly intimate and beautiful moment to witness. It left me speechless. Everyone should walk through life hand in hand with their best friend. I am so immensely happy that these two get to spend the rest of their lives married to the person that has always had their back.
When Britt and Greg first told me they were getting married at One North Broad, my eyes widened and my mouth dropped opened. This venue is stunning and one of a kind, just like Britt and Greg. The respect, love and friendship that charges between them is an inspiration to us all.
Between Britt and Greg’s impeccable taste, One North Broad’s attention to detail and the amazing energy of their friends and family, this was a wedding taken out of a dream. I couldn’t have asked for anything more and I wouldn’t have expected anything less from this remarkable couple. From the moment the band started playing, through the cake cutting and all the way to the last song, Britt and Greg were on the dance floor, singing and dancing their hearts out… now isn’t that the perfect way to begin a marriage?!
Britt, Greg, it was truly an honor to be your wedding photographer. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have added so much love and joy into my life and for that, I will always be grateful. I wish to you the happiest of lives and the best of marriages. You two deserve it!
Vendors || Dress: Nicole’s Bridal, Caterer: Catering by Design, Flowers: Nature’s Gallery Florist,Band, Lighting & Videography : EBE, Venue: One North Broad
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.