photography

“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!

The love, the laughter and the happiness that spread like wild fire from the moment the day started until the late hours of the after party was infectious in every sense of the word. You could feel the love getting deeper, the laughter getting louder and the happiness getting bigger as the day went on.

Between the Hamilton Manor’s gorgeous venue and Lauren and Tony’s impeccable style, I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible wedding to photograph. Lauren’s attention to detail made for every photographers dream.

From the moment I walked into the hotel room, Lauren was all smiles and giddiness. Tony, on the other hand, was a little bit more nervous. As soon as he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle, his expression changed from nerves to complete and total appreciation.

It is as simple as that. Tony loves Lauren with all his heart. He will do anything to make her happy and Tony will protect and cherish her till forever.

Lauren is the sweetest thing in the world. Just as I suspected, she was giggling through the entire ceremony and there is nothing more contagious and joyous than a giggling bride. She giggled her way into marriage and what could be better than that!?

Although Lauren and Tony are of course the best part of the day, one of my favorite moments was of Lauren and her darling father.  As Lauren’s dad spun her around the dance floor, there were tears in our eyes. She has always been daddy’s little girl. You can tell by the way they adoringly look at each other, the way they enthusiastically talk to each other and the way they lovingly smile at each other as if they are in on a secret that no one else would understand. It is a bond that everyone wishes they had with their daughter. As the two of them danced around, a slideshow started playing in the corners of the room. Lauren’s dad had created a beautiful montages of her life leading up to this day; the day that he gave his little girl away to start a life with her new, incredible husband Tony.

Lauren, Tony, it was the biggest pleasure being a part of your wedding day. It was a dream come true and you two together, are what it is all about. Cheers to 150 years of marriage, health, love and happiness!

One new message.

When I opened up LinkedIn to see who messaged me, I smiled immediately; it was Sarah. Sarah, was the first person to really give me a chance as a college intern. She was the first person who took interest in helping me refine my skills and make me a better, more attractive professional. She was the first person who made me feel like I was a true asset. As I read through her message my jaw dropped “wedding photography packages.”  I couldn’t believe it! It was a dream come true! Sarah was asking me to be her wedding photographer. Sarah, once again, made me feel like a true asset.

I remember it like it was yesterday, after our morning meeting, Sarah stopped by my tiny, intern desk and I could tell she was excited. “What’s going on?” I asked. Sarah smiled and started to tell me all about her first date with this guy named Al. She was trying to play it cool but it was obvious that is was way more than just a good first date, but this could be the real deal.

A few years later, I find myself driving down 95 to DC on my way to Sarah and Al’s engagement session. Spring had FINALLY sprung. The cherry blossom’s were peak bloom, the weather was starting to warm, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day! I was eager to see my dear friend Sarah after all these years and finally meet her fiance, Al, whom I have heard so much about.

When I arrived at their apartment, Al met me at the front and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. He was just as wonderful, just as kind hearted and just as sweet as I knew he would be. I knew the man who was going to be Sarah’s partner in crime had to be incredible and Al definitely fell under that category.

As we walked around DC, there was one thing that really stuck out to me. Sarah and Al are just totally and completely in sync. It’s pretty incredible to witness. They get each other, they respect each other and they are aware of each others wants and desires. Watching them together was like watching a beautiful love story come to life right in front of me. I feel lucky to have been there in the beginning, and now, after all these years, I get to be a part of their engagement and their wedding! Their commitment to one another is an inspiration and I have loved every second of getting to know Al and getting to reconnect with Sarah again.

Sarah, Al, I cannot wait to be there on your big day!

I was sitting at a family brunch on New Year’s Eve when I received a text from Brittany asking about a photography session for their save the dates. It was a text I was hoping to get. Since I started dating Robert, I have heard so much about this driven, easy to talk to, incredible woman, Brittany and this vibrant, sweet and totally charming man, Greg. Now, not only do I get to meet them, but I also get to photograph them! Nothing could make me happier. As I answered Brittany’s text, I couldn’t help the butterflies; I was as giddy and as excited as a school girl.

A week later, as the snow was covering the ground, I found myself sipping my favorite tea at La Colombe and chatting with the lovely Brittany. We ended up sitting there for hours talking about everything and anything. From wedding plans to Law School. From us both having a horrible sense of direction to hearing all about Greg’s big proposal. And from Philly styled pretzels to favorite cafe orders. We just clicked and I left our meeting feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Brittany, Greg and I decided on an engagement session at the end of January. I was mentally preparing myself to be freezing, all three of us were.  Luckily, with our crazy East Coast weather, our winter session ended up being 55 degrees. I was in awe. It was meant to be! I grabbed my gear and my light jacket and headed to Center City towards their apartment. The city was bustling and vibrant. There were people everywhere and I just couldn’t wait to start clicking that shutter.

From the moment Greg opened the door a feeling of warmth and familiarity rushed over me. I’ve met Greg in passing before, but this was my chance to really get to meet him. Just like Brittany, he was even better and even more personable than expected. I felt like the luckiest photographer in the world. I got to spend a beautifully warm January day with two new friends doing what I love the most; capturing love. And let me tell you, there was plenty of love to capture. Those two could not stop giggling from the moment we left the apartment to the moment I showed them their photos. It was a sight to see and I loved every second of it. Brittany and Greg have this incredible energy, independently and together. It was an honor and a joy walking around Center City, creating photos together, eating Philly Styled Pretzels and getting to know two wonderful people who I wish nothing but the best to.

Brittany, Greg I hope you have the happiest ever after and I can’t wait to spend many more afternoons laughing and chatting with the two of you.     

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 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

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.