weddings 2019

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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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!

A girl never forgets the first time she talks to a someone about Harry Potter.

I remember like it was yesterday… Jessica, one of my closest friends growing up, and I were sitting down on one of the couches in the backroom of our local synagogue. We were playing cards, gossiping about the latest drama, when a spunky redheaded girl, who was two years older than us and WAYYY cooler in every way, walked in and said, “I was up until 3am reading Harry Potter!” She climbed up onto one of the chairs next to us. My entire body tingled with the feeling of magic as we discussed the mystical world of Hogwarts.

A few years later, my parents decided to take us to Disney World. To be totally honest, I was not happy about it! The day we went to Magic Kingdom, I was even more pessimistic than usual. As we waited in line to for some ride that I had absolutely no interested in, I saw a familiar face. It was Adam! Adam was a year ahead of me in school, but way more in touch with himself. As I was playing it cool, acting as if I hated everything and anything that was within a 30 yard circumference, Adam was insanely happy. At the time, I could not have been more envious!

Over a decade later…

“I didn’t meet Adam until I lived in Philadelphia” Marla said beaming as she was talking about her fiance. I was shocked. As someone who grew up in the same Jewish Community as both Adam and Marla, I thought everyone knew everyone, no matter what school, synagogue or group they belonged to. I guess the world wasn’t ready for the amazingness that is Marla and Adam until five years ago.

Roughly five years ago Marla and Adam met, and the world has been a little brighter ever since. Best friends first above everything. They are one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. Marla and Adam have a spark between them that is not only beautiful, fun, loving but also magical in every way.

I have known both of them for as long as I can remember and am in awe of the incredible couple they have become. Both smart, ambitious and good to the core. Both Marla and Adam have the biggest smiles and the best of hearts. The first time I saw them together I thought “YES! That is what it is all about! That is what love is supposed to look like!”

When they are together, you can feel the bond and the love between them. It is truly an incredible thing to witness. Hogwarts and Disney World have nothing on the magic between Marla and Adam. They have more inside jokes and more fun than any two people I have ever met.

My wish for you Marla and Adam is to keep the magic and love alive. Keep loving each other the way you do, there is nothing like it!

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“There was something in the seriousness of Joel’s voice when he called me to tell me” The best man said as he pointed to the groom. ” I am going to ask Sam to marry me.” The room went completely silent. The best man looked at Joel. Joel looked at Sam. Sam smiled up at Joel and my heart melted entirely. Pure and unconditional love is the only way to describe it. The entire day was just filled with pure and unconditional love.

When I walked into the Maryland Science Center, the first thing I noticed was a veil on one of the dinosaurs in the lobby. Oh Sam, I thought as I smiled. The Science Center was the perfect venue for Sam and Joel to tie the knot. The rooftop tent ceremony was elegant and classic in every way. As Sam and her Dad, Ed, walked down the aisle, every guest was smiling their biggest smile. We laughed, cried and admired the view of the Baltimore Harbor while Sam and Joel shared their vows, made their promises and became husband and wife.

Sam and Joel are one hundred percent true to themselves in everything they do. It was evident in the way their friends and family spoke about them, the way they celebrated their commitment to one another and the way they loved each other with their entire hearts.

Sam and Joel are college sweethearts that matured together, grew together and adopted SOO many furry friends together. May 4, 2019 may have been the first day of their marriage, but they have been family from the very beginning. Sam and Joel have been best friends, and more importantly, partners through it all. It is obvious in every way that their life will continue to be fun, crazy and full of so much love.

Sam and Joel, my wish for you is to never stop loving each other in the fun, deep, pure and unconditional way you already do. Cheers!

Wedding Venders: Event Planner: Bella Momento | DJ: C & J Entertainment Agency | Venue and Caterer: Maryland Science Center | Brides Dress: Juliet’s Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo Julia Purchased at Nordstrom

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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…

You have spent months, maybe even years choosing every last detail of your bridal look. From the shoes and flowers, to the beautiful earrings your Mom picked out and all the way to the necklace that every woman in your family wore on her wedding day. Every detail counts. Every detail is important. And every detail deserves to be photographed in the best way possible.

This week, I want to share with all of you the “YPP top 5 tips for your wedding day detail photos!” When you go to check out your bridal suite, or talk to your venue florist and Maid of Honor, these are the top things to consider!

Windows, Windows and more Windows

Whenever I walk into a bridal suite and see natural light flowing in and big, beautiful windows all around, my heart does a happy dance! Windows are a photographers best friend, especially in the Bride and Groom getting ready rooms! The natural light is the best light! It will make your rings shine like no other, your flowers pop and your dress look stunning and elegant all in one. Before your big day, take some time and talk to your venue or hotel to make sure there are plenty of windows in both the Bride and Groom getting ready rooms! We want to photograph your details with the best like as possible!

Put it all together!

You have a million and ten things going on the morning of your wedding, getting all the bridal details together shouldn’t be one of them! Sometime the week before your wedding day, put all of your bridal details together in a box (besides the dress of course)! This should include everything you want photographed! Here is the YPP List of Details to consider:

• Invitation
• Perfume
• Rings
• Shoes
• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Necklaces
• Other Jewelry
• Veil (maybe not actually in the box, but near it)
• Hair pieces
• Keepsakes
• Gifts

Bridesmaid Dress

If you are anything like me, you absolutely love color and tones, that is why your wedding colors are essential in telling your bridal story! Ask one of your bridesmaids to volunteer her dress while we photograph your details! It will add that little extra something to tie it all together!

Bouquets and Extra Petals

You can never have enough flowers on your wedding day! They are elegant, fresh and beautiful! Have your florist deliver your bouquet to your getting ready location! This will give us plenty of time to photograph the incredible bouquet you will be holding as you say “I do!” When you chat with your florist the week of your wedding, ask them if they can include some extra petals or the flowers that they clipped off when finishing your bouquet! The petals and extra flowers will be an incredible accent for your detail photos!

Enough Time

I always suggest at least 45 minutes for the bridal detail photo portion of the morning! I know, you might think it sounds like too much time, but those 45 minutes fly by and your bridal details deserve to be captured and forever remembered! You carefully selected each and every bridal detail, let’s make sure we have plenty of time to feature them!

There is something so special about capturing a woman’s bridal details. It is so personal, intimate and incredibly touching. Your details deserve the best light, the best care and the best love we can offer and if you ask me, these five tips will let you love your details in the best way possible!

All you wanted to do was grow up and be just like your Mom. You spent day after day trying on her wedding dress. You tried on her shoes. Mimicked the way she did her hair and put on her lipstick. Now, years later, you have developed your own sense of style. Your own dreams. Your own vision for your wedding day and your mom wants to be there for you through it all. She wants to give you the day of your dreams. She wants to help! Here are YPP’s “Top 6 Mother-of-the-Bride Wedding Duties” that will make your life easier and make her as happy as can be!

1. Finding the Family Heirlooms

We all love family heirlooms. They are beautiful, meaningful and sometimes hard to get a hold of. Give your mom this responsibility. She will know exactly who in the family still has Great Aunt Margie’s Wine Glass or where the heck the family Chuppah is stored… Plus, she will know exactly how to handle your extended family, answer all of their wedding questions all while on the hunt for the family goods!

2. Fine-tuning the Wording on your Invitation

If you are leaning towards a more traditional wedding, than your mother’s name and address will already be on the envelope, let her be a part of this! Let her decide whether the word “TO” should be a size 20pt or 22pt. It will make her feel like she is a big part of the planning process and will take one last thing of your plate! Plus, grammar can always be double checked!

3. Registry Goddess

Your mom will just know. She knows exactly what you need to have the perfect kitchen set up and all the dining room essentials. She knows the best Kitchen Aid to purchase, the most elegant China Plates and even the best place to get a Menorah. Mom will have all the answers to the most overwhelming registry questions!

4. Getting Ready…from the very beginning

Your mom has been dreaming about your wedding day just as much as you have been since you were a little girl. She cannot wait to see her beautiful daughter in the white dress, marrying the man of her dreams and being as happy as possible. Your happily ever after is all your Mom wants for you. Let her be a part of the shopping. Let her be there when you say “Yes to the dress!” Let her zip you up with tears in her eyes the morning of your wedding. Let her be a part of it!

5. Guest List Pruning

The dreaded Guest List! You want everyone there to celebrate with you and your soon-to-be husband, but cutting names of that list is literally keeping you up at night. Don’t worry, I get it and so does mom! Let her be the one to make the cuts and even be the one to get the RSVP’s. It will help you sleep at night and help her keep on top of how many people are coming! WIN WIN WIN!

6. Let her show you how much she loves you!

I know, sometimes, it might be feel like Mama Bear is going over board with the love and all of her ideas, but maybe, just maybe let a few things slide this time. You only get married once and this is a big moment for her as well. She is watching her baby start a family! So, give her the chance to show you how much she loves you!

 The cocktail hour is the glue between the ceremony and reception. It might seem like a small detail but planning an amazing cocktail hour will really bring your wedding to the next level. The ceremony is beautiful and meaningful, the reception is lively and fun and the cocktail hour gives your guests a chance to mix, mingle and relax. It is up to you to create the perfect cocktail hour vibe. Here are YPP’s top 8 tips for the ultimate wedding cocktail hour!

1. Be Interactive!

   This is where you can get creative with your food and beverage stations! Whiskey tasting, create your own cocktail stations or even a wine and food pairing set up can be super fun and great for your cocktail hour. It will give your guests a chance to move around and mingle instead of  standing around a high top. And come on, who doesn’t like a good food pairing?!
   Bonus tip: Provide sweet and savory options!
   Bonus Tip x 2: bite-sized appetizers are always a big hit. Easier to eat and less of a mess!

2.  Keeping it Cozy and Comfortable!:

   As I stated before, the cocktail hour is the most relaxing and casual part of your wedding day, a cute and comfy lounge area can make the hour fun and unforgettable! Lounges are great for guests who are a little bit older and guests who need to give their feet a break in their high heels! Low chairs, coffee tables and tabletops with bar stools is a great combination to give your wedding cocktail hour the ultimate lounge feel. Want to go even a step farther?? Great!  Armchairs, rugs and vintage end tables are a great way to go!

3. Games & Entertainment!

   Ok, let’s be real. We are a generation that loves games. From Jenga to corn hole, from bocce ball to lawn croquet or even a big connect four set up! We love having something fun to do as we  catch up and sip our cocktails. Pick your favorite games and monogram it with your names, it will be adorable and fun all in one!

4. The music sets the mood!:

   You have the entire reception to dance the night away, so let’s turn the volume down low and keep the vibe mellow for the most casual part of your wedding. You want your guests to be able to chat easily without shouting “Eh what did you say!?” over and over again. Let your DJ finish setting up in the reception area and allow a jazz trio or acoustic guitarist set the mood for your cocktail hour. Trust me, you will be thanking yourself!

5. Themes, themes, themes:

   The great thing about cocktail hours is that they are usually not in the same room as your reception which means one major thing, you have two rooms you can decorate! There are two ways to go about decorating your cocktail area. (A) Keep it consistent! Make your cocktail hour area just a continuation of your reception! It can give your guests a sneak peek into the rest of the evening and allows you to have even more fun with the theme you already fell in love! (B) Or, if you want, your cocktail hour can give off a totally different vibe than your reception! You can have drinks served out of coconuts or ice cream carts during cocktail hour and not have it clash with your wedding cake or centerpieces. It is a win win win!

6. Mr. & Mrs. EVERYTHING!:

   The details matter. Monogrammed napkins and barware, can make a gin and tonic so much more personal. The guests can take home the barware as a keep sake and the wedding signages can be a great decoration in your home!
   Bonus Tip: Hand out your wedding favors during the cocktail hour. It is a great way to keep the room buzzing with your own special touch. PLUS, your guests be more inclined to remember to take it home!

7. Mocktails and cocktails!:

   Having some unique non- alcoholic options, or mock-tails if you wish, will make all those DD Drivers, and anyone else who isn’t drinking, feel like they are not missing out on the fun (besides a wicked hangover the next day)!

8.  Enough to go around!:

   YPP’s Rule of thumb:  One server for every 12-15 people. You do not want your friends and family to be waiting for that one appetizer plate to come around. You want food and service to be quick, easily attainable and always right there!

So who is ready to create the ultimate wedding day cocktail hour that everyone will be talking about for years to come?!

 

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).