wedding day

Imagine, it’s 11pm. Your wedding band has been killing it all night. The dance floor has been packed for hours. The drinks have been flowing. The photographer has been racing around the dance floor getting all of the best dance moves. Finally, you hear the band transition into a slow song, You see your guests take a breath, refill their drinks, now all they need is a snack.

Yes, I said snack.

One of my favorite wedding trends are the late night snacks! I mean what human doesn’t like a snack?! It is the perfect way for the bride and groom to showcase their personality even more and give your guests a little something to cure those late night drunk munchies!

Here are YPPs top ten favorite Wedding Night Snacks!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ice Cream Truck:

A classic on any hot summer day!

Cereal Bar

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of captain crunch or frosted flakes after a long night of dancing?! I don’t know about all of you, but cereal takes me back to some of my favorite nights in undergrad : )

Grilled Cheese bites and Tomato Soup Shots

Because sometimes you just need something cheesy and sweet all in one

Donut Wall

This is not only delicious but can add something special to your dessert decor! This is great for the couple who have a big donut difference of opinions! Can you say the classic Federal Donut or Beiler donuts debate anyone?!

S’mores

I am always in awe of the wedding venues that have a bonfire going with a nice s’more station set up right next to it! Not only delicious, but fun too!

Soft Pretzels

Philly Pretzel Factory is a staple at any Philadelphia gathering, weddings are no exception! Give the people what they want!!

Taco Station

Do I need to say more?!

Popcorn Stand!

Easy, fast and you don’t feel any kind of way after you eat enough popcorn to satisfy those drunk munchies!

Popsicles

Refreshing and tasty! The perfect snack to cool down after hours of dancing!

Mason Jarred Dessert with Fruit

Cheesecake jar, yogurt parfait Jar, Chocolate pudding jar, etc… Put any dessert in a jar with fresh fruit and it looks decadent and tastes delicious! What could go wrong!?

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are like family. They have been through it all with you. The good, the bad. The happy, the sad. Having them up there with you, standing by your side as you make one of the most beautiful and important commitments of your life, means more to you than you can ever express. How can you show your bridesmaids and groomsmen how grateful you are? How can you even begin to thank them and express your gratitude? A small, personal gift can definitely do the trick! Here are YPP’s six favorite tips and tricks for picking out the perfect Bridesmaids and Groomsmen gifts”

Trust me when I say, a small token can go a long way!

______________________________________________________

Quality and Practicality

We have all gotten those gifts that we put in the back of the closet and forget about . Focus on practicality, but aim for quality! Make your groomsmen and bridesmaids gifts something that they can use and appreciate for years to come! You want your wedding party to be in awe of how nice your gift is and be amazed by how many times they see themselves using it. The goal is to show them how much you appreciate them with something that they can cherish and use on a normal bases!

Make it Personal

Some couples’ wedding party is one big friend group and that is awesome! Other couples have a mix of people from all different parts of their lives, which is just as amazing and meaningful if you ask me! If this is the case, all of your groomsmen may not appreciate the same gift. Same goes for your bridesmaids! If you have a college buddy and a little cousin, it might be wise to spend a little more time picking out personalized gifts for each of them. Remember, you want to show your wedding party how much you appreciate them. So, take the time to think about what each person will appreciate!

Spend What You Can

As we all may know, planning a wedding is expensive. The random miscellaneous costs can really add up. Your wedding party understands this. They know how hard you are trying to stay in your budget and they definitely don’t expect you to go above and beyond when it comes to their bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts. It’s the thought that counts. They will appreciate anything you do, no matter how expensive or inexpensive it is. Especially if it is something they love and can use over and over again!

Be mindful

Your friends are the best. Like seriously the best. Chances are this isn’t the first time they put on the nice attire, matching shoes and were a part of a couples big day! Keep this in mind, do a little digging and figure out what gifts they have already gotten at other weddings! You don’t want to get them the same flask as Tim did last year!

Consider the Gift of Time

Between work, marriage and keeping up with your personal needs, carving out time to spend with your friends can be a little daunting at times. Use your bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts as a way to show them you really care and will always make time for them! Give them something you both can do together once the wedding is over. A spa day, wine tasting, fishing trip or even an axe throwing day can go a long way!

Include a Thank you Card

Sometimes, it’s the things that cost nothing at all that means the most. Write each one of your bridesmaids and groomsmen a personal message. This small, yet kind gesture will make them feel that much more important.

______________________________________________________

You know your wedding party better than anyone else. You know what each person will love and care about and you know that all they really want is to be there for you and share the love on one of the best days of your lives! Take your time, pick something that they will cherish and never ever forget that your bridesmaids and groomsmen are like family. They love you no matter what!

I know what you are thinking… don’t even say it. Don’t even utter the words “rain” and “wedding day” in the same sentence! I like to prepare for every scenario possible. Literally every scenario and that includes rain or shine on your big day and if you are anything like me, you will want to be prepared for anything too!

So, if you check the forecast ten days before your big day and it says 50% chance of rain right during your outdoor ceremony, here are the YPP approved tips of what to do!

Take a deep breath, steady yourself and let’s prepare for the best day of your life!

Communicate with Your Venue

I love an outdoor ceremony just as much as the next girl but as I always say, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best!” In other words, come up with a Plan B! Talk to your venue. See what options you have in case of unfortunate weather. Do they have an indoor option? Is there another on-site protected space? Is a tent an option? These are all great questions and I am sure your venue will have a bunch of great alternative rainy day choices for you! Just ask!! Trust me, you will feel a lot better!

Proper Props

As a wedding photographer, I have half a dozen clear umbrellas that I bring to every wedding I photograph, just in case. It doesn’t have to stop there! You can go above and beyond and embrace the weather! How you may ask? Get a romantic rain cake topper or even embroidered rain boots and rain jackets. Turn the rain into a rememberable and remarkable theme!

Be practical with your Hair and Make-up

You can and still will look flawless and perfect on your wedding, even if it rains! Waterproof mascara was made for this exact reason! Your hair and make-up artists will know exactly what to do to make your wedding day style not fall apart from water and wind.

BONUS: Opting for a messy bun or a flower crown in your hair are great choices for rainy day weddings!

Towels in bulk…

Towels that match your wedding day decor and color palette is a great and useful addition to any rainy wedding day. Not only will your guests think you are thoughtful and sweet, but it will help you all dry off and stay party ready!! Plus, now, you will have enough towels to last you a life time!

Embrace it

No matter how hard you try, no matter what kind of rain dance you perform or prayers you say, the weather is unpredictable. This doesn’t change the fact that you are marrying your best friend! It doesn’t change the fact that it will be a magical day! Embrace the day and the weather! It will be beautiful and full of love no matter what!

Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, keto, paleo, gluten-free, nut-free, carnivores, dairy-free, are just a few of the dietary options that come to mind as I am sitting at this cafe across from the five different alternative milk options.

I am proud to be a part of a generation that is so mindful and cautious about what we put into our bodies. Gone are the days in which we can order a Big Mac and be happy; we want to know what’s in our food, how it’s prepared and where it’s coming from.

Even though your guests are there to celebrate you and the beginning of your beautiful marriage, just having a vegetarian option will no longer suffice. There are so many different dietary restrictions out there and I know, if you are anything like me, you want to accommodate them all.

Here are YPP’s Four Tips of Accommodating ll of your Guests Dietary Restrictions!

Ask your Caterer

If you know for a fact that cousin Sarah just started Keto, your maid of honor has been dairy free for five years and little cousin Joey is gluten-free, you already have at least three dietary restrictions that you need to accommodate. It might sound overwhelming to you, but most caterers have had plenty of experience with just this so ask!

Ask them about it! Before you hire a caterer, ask them about their experience. If you know that a bunch of guests are gluten free, hire a caterer who is known for their gluten free options. You don’t want any surprises once you sign the contract!

Ask your guests!

The best way to get any information, is to ask the source. So, instead of having “Chicken or Fish” as the two options on your RSVP card, ask them if there are any further dietary restrictions you should know about. Once your guest RSVP, you, your spouse-to-be and your caterer can call sit down and design the perfect, most accommodating, menu possible!

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Label everything! Thank God signage is such a wedding trend these days! Use it to your advantage. Now that you have spoken to the caterer, seen all of your guests requests and designed the perfect menu, you want to make sure you keep them separate! You don’t want your baker to create a nut-free dessert option just so it’s placed right next to the peanut butter mousse on the serving table! Keep things separate! Your guests will be forever grateful!

BONUS: Have hand sanitizer available on all serving tables, just in case.

You’ve done your job!

You have done everything you can to accommodate all of your guests so don’t over think it on your wedding day. If Aunt Margie really doesn’t like onions, that isn’t on you. If cousin Sarah has given up on keto and has decided to go vegan without telling you, that’s on her! You have done enough! Once you wake up and start getting ready to walk down that aisle, your guests food restrictions should be the farthest thing from your mind!

I know keeping up with everyones food restrictions and allergies seems like a daunting task. It seems like a new dietary lifestyle appears on the scene every month, but all you can do is ask the right questions and give them the best options!

Cheers to you and the amazing caterers out there!

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

 

You had your engagement photos done. You’ve got your wedding dress fitting scheduled for next week. Your hair and make-up trials were even dreamier than you expected and the big day is coming up! Next up, your nails! Although your wedding day manicure might not be on the top of the list when it comes to your wedding day beauty look, it still shouldn’t be overlooked!

 

First things first,  the best time to get your wedding day manicure is one to two days before your wedding.

Here are a few other important things YPP suggests to achieve your wedding day nail dreams!

1. Always get a trail run

   You get your wedding hair and make-up trail, you have a rehearsal dinner and you go for your foot tasting, so why wouldn’t you also go for a nail trail run! I would suggest scheduling your trail run two months in advance. This way you can enjoy the look and make sure it is exactly what you want!

   BONUS: Try as many shades as you would like: You try on different dresses, you taste different cakes and you check out dozens of wedding shoes (at least if you are anything like me), add different nail colors to that list! Try as many different shades as you would like, make sure it exactly the correct look you want for your big day.

2. Consider the Season

   I’m not saying go dark red just because your wedding falls out in Autumn but if you are struggling with your wedding nail color vision, use your wedding season as your nail-spiration!

3. GEL over anything else

   I personally LOVE gel manicures. As a photographer, I always make sure I have my nails done, usually lavender. Since I am always holding a camera, gesturing, or holding something, I am constantly aware of my hands. I get gel manicures every single time! They look smooth and chip less easily. Plus, your wedding nails will remind you of your special day all through out your honeymoon!

4. Keep it simple

   I know, you may want to be creative, you may want to be unique, and you might have seen some really cool nail art on Pinterest, but you also want your wedding day look to be timeless. I don’t mean to say that if you are the friend who always has fun-art on her nails, you should tone it down for your wedding, but I do suggest, for those women out there who haven’t tried nail-art before, you may want to keep the adventure for a different day!

5. Don’t forget your toes!

   If you have closed shoes or a long enough dress, you may not be worried about showing of your toes, but don’t forget, your wedding day is being photographed from start to finish! Your toes may make a surprise appearance as are getting into your dress or taking your robe photos!

   BONUS: Many brides paint their toes blue for their something blue.

    

6.  Prepare yourself: The Emergency Wedding Day Kit

   Your wedding day is going to be fabulous and just in case something disastrous happens, which I don’t think it will, you should buy a bottle of your wedding day nail polish and put it in your handy dandy Wedding Day Emergency Kit! Better be safe than sorry!!

7. The perfect nail length

   The question you should be asking yourself is, what am I comfortable with? If you don’t usually get long extensions, I would suggest avoiding that for your big day too. You don’t want to feel clumsy, awkward or uncomfortable! If you have short fingers like me, aim for a medium-length oval-shape nail, this will look not only look elegant but also elongate your fingers! If you have shorter nail beds, try a shorter, more square tip! Consult your manicurist to help you decide what the best look is for your finger type!

And on a final note, don’t forget to moisturize! Your hands will be touched, kissed, photographed and looked at all day, make sure you have that bridal glow, even on your fingers and toes! Now go on, go book yourself a manicure, grab your maid of honor, and dream about your wedding!!! If you fiance asks, it’s Yael’s orders!

 

 

I hope with all my heart that you will not need to use your Wedding Day Emergency Kit and I know you are probably thinking “why did you just put these awful thoughts in my mind!”  Don’t worry! Your wedding day will be incredible but I am a strongly believer in being prepared! Think of your Emergency Kit as insurance. Just in case a hair falls out of place or if a hemline so happens to fall, your bridesmaids will be ready.

So grab yourself a cute little tote or make-up bag, take a trip to Target and put together your own DIY Wedding Emergency Kit! Here is the essentials (but feel free to add things that you know YOU will want on your big day).

 

It feels like every time I scroll through Instragram or hop onto Pinterest there are more and more adorable photos of bridesmaids in cute matching outfits (and this is coming from a photographer who gets to see it on a weekly bases)… and every time I see a new idea I think “OMG, that is SO cute, I want something like that!” So I completely understand if you are overwhelmed with all the amazing options!

How do you decide which one is right for you and your getting ready photos!? Do you go for the matching Pajama set? Floral Robe? Do you get really funky with it and get all of your girls matching onesies? Or, do you go for the casual plaid shirt, yoga bottom combo!?

 

 

 

“Ok, I don’t know what to do… my parents keep telling me that it’s bad luck to do a First Look, but I don’t know… I think seeing him in the morning will make me feel a lot less nervous!” my bride explained as we were sitting across from each other at Starbucks.  I just nodded. This is a conversation I have with a lot of my brides. “Plus we can get ALL the photos done before the ceremony,” she continued. I nodded again and took a sip of my tea. “I don’t know Yael. Do you really think it is bad luck?” That was my cue…

“I think doing a First Look is a great idea! And NO it is not bad luck! Seeing each other a couple hours sooner won’t change your marriage in the least! It is going to be the most incredible day no matter what. You are marrying your best friend! Seeing him sooner will just make it that much sweeter!”

First Look? Or no First Look.. That is the question… there are plenty of reasons why couples opt out of doing a First Look, and that it totally fine! If you are more traditional and want to wait until you walk down the aisle to see your husband-to-be’s face drop in awe as he sees you in your white dress, I say go for it! But to be honest, if it was me, I would definitely do a First Look and this is why…

1. Calm those nerves:  Wedding days can be hectic, crazy and extremely exciting! There are so many little things to keep track of. So many details to take care of  and so many people to interact with. Just so many things! If you are anything like me, that combo creates one heck of a lot of nerves.  I absolutely love when my couples opt for a First Look.  The second you walk up behind your SO, tap him on the shoulder and see the admiration in his eyes, the nerves wash away and all you have left is complete and total bliss. I mean, it is your wedding day and you are marrying your best friend, why not spend as much time as possible together!
2. Looking fresh AF: No matter how much hairspray you put in your hair or how much you try not to get any part of your attire dirty, you will look the best before the ceremony! Think about it, it is right after you finish getting your hair and make-up done, your dress is perfectly in place and your mascara hasn’t been cried off yet. You’ve spent a lot of time and energy putting together your wedding day attire, may as well get photographed when you are looking as fresh as possible!
3. Finally, some alone time: The First Look is an intimate moment between you and your hubby-to-be. No one else is around, it is just you, the love of your life (dressed to the nines I may add), and your photographer (who will give you guys enough space and time to have all the feels). For the first time all day, you will have a second to breath, take it all in and just spend some alone time with your one and only.
4. Photos, Photos, Photos: This one may be my favorite reason… I am a photographer ya know? Not only does the First Look provide incredibly intimate and awesome photos, but it gives you a chance to get the majority of your formal portraits done before the ceremony, which come on, who doesn’t want that! There is less stress, less rush and everyone is excited and ready to go.  If for some reason there is a delay, because let’s face it, delays can totally happen on a wedding day, everything will be ok because you planned! You carefully scheduled plenty of time to capture every photo and every person that means the most to you! I have never had a couple say, “I wish we didn’t get all the formal portraits done before the ceremony.” I have never had a couple say “I wish we had less time for photos.”
5. Party as much as possible: You spent months, maybe even years, planning your wedding and I want you to do enjoy every moment to the fullest… but without sacrificing any photo opportunities, of course. A First Look gives you the time to get the most out of your party and your photography! It gives you more time to talk to your guests, but also make sure you have plenty of photos with Great Aunt Margie. It gives you the time to enjoy the present but also create lasting photos for the future. At the end of the day, your party will end, the wedding details will be stored away, all the cake will be gone but your photos will forever keep the day alive in your wedding album or on your walls.  If you ask me, it is a win, win situation

Don’t get me wrong, no matter what you decide, first look or no first look, you will have incredible photos an amazing wedding and happy memories that will last a life time! I just want you to enjoy every second of your wedding day!

 

xo,

 

Yael

 

   

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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