Hello my beautiful bride!

I have a serious question for you… How is your wedding shoe shopping going? Do you find a new pair of shoes that you absolutely love every three weeks? Are you going back in forth between a subtle, strappy nude, the classic, fun pump or that pair of Mexican embroidered wedges that you have been obsessing over since before you got engaged?! Do you change your mind five times a day? Have about 100 pinned photos and still can’t decide what will go best with your dress?

Trust me on this when I say, I understand completely! I personally love shoes. All shoes. I don’t discriminate. There hasn’t been a shoe I have seen and not loved. So, I get it, how do you decide?

Shoe shopping for your wedding can be insanely overwhelming, that is why, I have created a list of my YP Sharp shoe shopping rules to live by!

1. Research right away! Do not wait!

   So this is what you should do… even before you go wedding dress shopping, even before you pick out the flowers, jewelry and your something blue, create your Wedding Shoe Pinterest Inspiration Board. Look to see what is out there. Find the shoes and styles that speak to you the most and THEN go shopping for your dress. With all your favorite options pinned, it will be a heck of a lot easier to make a shoe-dress combo that is your match made in heaven!

2. Keep it Consistent

   Don’t get too adventurous for your big day!  I know sometimes are imaginations can run wild, especially when it comes toyour wedding plans, but keep your shoe choice consistent with who you are and what you are comfortable with on a normal bases. If you are a normally a 5-inch stiletto kinda gal, go for it. If you are never caught in anything besides sneakers or sandals, keep it simple and find a pair of gorgeous flats that will keep you moving and dancing all night long!

   

3. Your venue matters

   Always ensure that your shoe choice works well with the venue. Is your ceremony in a garden? on a beach? On a cobblestone pathway? Indoors? Outdoors? Is your reception taking place in the dead of winter or under the blazing sun? Keeping the place and time of year in mind will make you that much happier on your big day.

   

4. Wear them in

   Seriously though, your feet will thank you!

5. Make sure they make you feel like the princess that you are.

   It is your wedding day for crying out loud! You should feel like the beautiful, special princess that you are! Even though your wedding dress will probably hang all the way to the floor and therefore, hide your feet, your shoes will still be seen. Between the dancing, walking and the bustling your shoes will definitely grab your guests attention. So don’t just settle for a boring pair that you are fine with… make sure they make you feel like the incredible person that you are all day long!

   

6. The Sky is your Limit!

   This one is my favorite! Who says you need just one pair of wedding shoes!? For all those shoe lovers out there, I feel you. Choosing just one is like choosing just one chocolate out of the assortment box! How can you choose!  If you find two shoes that you absolutely adore, bring them both! One for the ceremony and one for the reception. It will make you that much happier : )

And there you have it ladies! Now go on, get on Pinterest, get inspired and find yourself the perfect style for your wedding!

xo,

Yael

Matzah Ball Soup.

Yes, that is right, Matzah Ball Soup will forever and always be my favorite comfort food.

Over the years, I have noticed that everything seems better after a big, steaming bowl of Matzah Ball Soup. I feel lighter, happier and relaxed each and every time. It is truly amazing. It can be in the middle of the summer,  100 degrees outside with the blazing sun beaming down or it can be in the dead of winter, -10 degrees with freezing rain falling from the sky. It has become my answer to just about any issue. From just a simple cold, to any kind of emotional exhaustion and all the way to the worst of mental blocks. No matter what is going on in my life, if I need a little push in the right direction, Matzah Ball Soup has always worked. It is truly magical.

What is so good about Matzah Ball Soup, you may ask?

Good question. I’ve thought about this long and hard. I mean seriously, how can one soup can consistently bring me this much peace and comfort.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that no matter what time of year it is,  Matzah Ball Soup is always an acceptable part of a Jewish meal.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that when I was growing up, we would gather around the table every Friday night over a nice bowl of soup, fluffy challah bread, and great conversation.

And maybe it has to do with the fact that Matzah Ball Soup has become such a big, yet subtle part of the Jewish Culture.  No matter what your Jewish affiliation is, where you live or how you vote, if you consider yourself Jewish, Matzah Ball Soup is a part of your life in one way or another. Jews of all generations, of all walks of life and of all situations have paused, sat down and enjoyed a big warm bowl of soup.  What better way to make you feel more relaxed than knowing you are not alone. You are connected to this huge network of people. You are one small (but important) part of this incredibly big and awesome world.

Whenever I am having a bad day and I need a little nudge; I make soup. It has become somewhat of a religious experience for me. Soup is no longer just soup but a friendly reminder that everything will be ok.  If I am sick, I will get better. If I am feeling anxious, things will get easier. If I am dealing with some sort of mental block, that too will pass.

With every ingredient I throw in, I feel the weight of my adversity lift off my shoulders. With every Matzah Ball I roll, I feel a calmness fall over me and with every twist of the wrist as I stir, I feel serenity set in. And then, when all is said and done, all that is left is a delicious bowl of soup.

“What is your new year resolution?”

“I don’t believe in them?”

“Why not?”

“It shouldn’t take the beginning of a New Year to get you to want change or improve. It is just another day…”

We have this conversation every year and every year I think, “Ya… Robert is right.” I shouldn’t just want to be better because 2018 is long gone. I know that I’m not magically going to drink less coffee and sleep better hours. I know that my six pack abs and savings account aren’t going to appear out of thin air. I know that my personal goals and my business goals aren’t going to change over night.  But I also know that I love New Year Resolutions for one reason and one reason only. They are a friendly reminder that I am a person and I can change. I can be better, I can become stronger, I can work towards a goal and I can succeed. That’s right, I can succeed.

When I look back at how much has changed between January 1st 2018 and January 1st 2019, I am proud.

Don’t get me wrong, some of the big things have stayed the same (and I wouldn’t want them to change for the world).  Same City, same business, same house, same coat and same amazing and wonderful boyfriend.  It’s the little things in life that have changed and when you add them all up, they make such a difference.

Now, in order for me to stay accountable, I can’t just write down my New Year Resolutions and think that will work, I need to share it with the world! So here they are! Yael Pachino’s big New Year Resolutions 2019! Let the transformation begin!

Work- Life Balance.

As a small business owner, my business is always on my mind. I can always be doing something to promote myself, to learn more, brand better, engage with my audience more. Basically, my business can sometimes be all consuming. This year, I want to make sure I have a much better Work-Life balance because the people in my life, including myself, deserve my complete and total attention.

Become a morning work-out person.

I love working out, I really do. I have always envied those people who have gotten in a full work out, shower, had a hearty breakfast and make in to work on time. I may work from home, but it is my goal this year to be able to wake up, hit the gym, come home and get to work all before 8am! That way, the rest of the day is focused on my work, my friends, my Robert and myself.

Remember to bring my Reusable Grocery Bags while shopping

When I really think about how awful we treat our environment as a whole, it makes me worried for my future children and my future grandchildren! The least I can do is remember to bring my reusable big bag to the grocery store every week!

Read more.

The most successful people in life read and read a lot. This year, I am joining in on the fun and have become an active member of Sydney Marie Event’s Book Club for Entrepreneur Women… and I am actually going to read the books this time. Already half way through January’s book!

Double the number of weddings I photograph.

I am so proud and grateful for the amazing couples I photographed this past year and I want nothing more than to continue to capture weddings and meet incredible humans. My heart is so full of love and happiness from all the couples I worked with in 2018 and I can only imagine how awesome 2019’s couples will be!

Drink more water.

Self explanatory.

Be more mindful.

In what you may ask? In everything! When it comes to what I say, how I say it and who I say it to. When it comes to what I spend, how I spend and why I am spending it. When it comes to what I eat, what I drink, how much sleep I am getting etc… When I do things with intention and thought, the outcome is always better!

So there you have it guys! My New Year’s Resolution, now… which one of you is going to call me in March and see how I’m holding up?

Let’s hear your Resolutions! Comment below : )

Cheers to the New Year and to this beautiful new beginning!

x0,

Yael

“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!

There is a lot to do for your wedding day, so many big decisions and small details. It can get super overwhelming. You are going to want to procrastinate. I hear a lot of couples say things like “I’ll just get this done the week before the wedding” or “this can be put off for a few months.”

Get that to- do list done early: The small details that seem easy now, will not be so stress-free a few weeks before your wedding day. You don’t want to be using a glue-gun at 2am four days before your big day in an attempt to finish your centerpieces. You don’t want to be praying that Amazon Prime will arrive on time before your wedding because you JUST ordered your bridesmaids gifts. And you definitely don’t want to be running around trying to put together your Wedding Welcome Bag for all of your out of town guests.

What you will want to do the week before your wedding is relax. You will want to have time to enjoy your mani-pedi appointment. You will want to take a breath as you go and get your engagement ring cleaned and shined.  And you are going to want to spend some quality time with your beloved grandma who is in from out of town.

In other words, get that to-do list done early! Make sure you don’t just run around like a chicken without it’s head the last week of your single life. Make sure all the small details that can wait until the last minute, don’t actually wait until the last minute. Let’s be honest, of course some small things will pop up, but it will all be ok, because you got the rest of your to-do list done already!

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!

“Cake or cupcakes. CAKE OR CUPCAKES?” I read as I was walking Ziggy Goldberg (Robert’s family dog) around the neighborhood. As Ziggy paused to stare at one of the neighbors, I had the chance to respond to my text.

“Well, there is no real right answer to that one! Which one do you like the better?” before I could even put my phone away I felt it vibrate.

“I love ALL desserts, how can I choose?!”

And with that, I realized that many of you out there planning a wedding might be having the exact same sugary dilemma. Wedding Cupcakes are one of the latest Wedding trends, but, is it right for you and your fiance?

Unfortunately, I cannot make this decision for you, but what I can do is this… I have put together the YPP Pros of both Wedding Cakes and Wedding Cupcakes for you to help make this delicious decision…GOOD LUCK!

The Big Debate:  Wedding Cake vs Wedding Cupcakes

Wedding Cake Pros:

• Timeless:
  Let’s face it, every little girl who dreams about her wedding day envisions a BIG white, delicious cake. It is timeless, it is elegant and it is always a crowd pleaser!
• The Classic Cake Photo:
  You’ve seen your grandparents’ cake photo, your parents’ cake photo and even your Aunt and Uncle’s cake photos…. now it is your turn!
• Wedding cakes can have different shapes to mix it up: Cakes are great and the bakers who design your wedding cake are even better! They can make each tier whatever shape you want it! The shape can really add to the decor of the room and be a great way to highlight your wedding theme!
• Wedding cakes are definitely prettier: Wedding cakes are stunning all on there own. They are works of art… not saying cupcakes can’t be beautiful too, but there is something about a wedding cake that really screams WOW!
• Traditional: If you are planning a more traditional wedding, a cake is definitely a must!

Cupcake Pros:

• You can offer more flavors with cupcakes:
  There are so many delicious flavors, how can you choose just one! I mean really, who doesn’t want the option of Lemon cake with Lavender frosting, Triple Salted Caramel and Swiss Fudge Chocolate?
  BONUS: You can deviate from all the cliché flavors the vast majority of guests are expecting, I mean hey, if you like vanilla, go for it, I am not knocking it down. But, if you are more of a Peanut butter swirl kinda bride, I am all about that too!
• Cupcakes are so much easier to deliver:
  Enough said!
• Cupcakes are easier to eat:
  I love any dessert that I can eat with my fingers and not dirty a fork!
• Cute cupcake display:
  Adds a little bit of fun to your desert options! Kids and adults love checking out the different flavors and picking their favorite!
• Cheaper:
  Some times, your budget speaks for itself  and there is nothing wrong with that!

Still not sure? Why not have your cake and eat it too!

Literally. Feature a three-tier display with a small cake (6-8 inches) as the top tier and a mix and match of different cupcakes on filtering down tier 2 and 3! It will elegant, it will smell delicious and it will make everyone happy!

So there you have it, my take on the “Wedding Cake vs Wedding Cupcake” dilemma. Let me just say this, whatever you decide, your wedding is going to be beautiful, fun and full of so much love so pick the right desert for you and your fiance, you two are the guests of honor : )

“I want to have at least five minutes alone with him before our wedding day ends! But I am not so sure how to ensure that!” one of my brides expressed on our phone call a week before her wedding.

“I just saw the cutest thing!” I said excited to share this adorable idea.

“Do tell!” She said intrigued

“Well, have you thought of having two first dances?!”

“What do mean?”

“Well, everyone knows about the classic first dance in front of all your family and friends, but what do you think of this? What if you had everyone move into a different room to grab some dessert and coffee, and you two love birds can have the entire reception room for yourself. Pick a second song, to slow dance to, just the two of you!”

A second first dance might not be the right choice for you and your fiance, but you get the idea! This is your wedding for crying out loud, it should be all about you and your SO, but sometimes, with all your friends and family around celebrating and loving you, you don’t have a chance to be alone. So even before the day has started, plan to take 10 minutes to yourselves. Excuse yourself from the reception for a nice little walk alone, be the first to try the double scoop from the ice cream truck before the guests come out or take 10 minutes to escape all the fun and get some night portraits done. Whatever you do, make sure you spend a few minutes at the end of the night alone. You will thank yourselves!!

All I can say is, WOW and thank you!!

What a year it has been! From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more touched and honored, so thank you!

I am excited to announce that Yael Pachino Photography won “The Knot Best of Weddings 2019” and I could not have done it without you guys. This is all because of you. Because of your support. Because of your encouragement. And because you were kind enough to share your YP experience with The Knot, so thank you.

Not only do your reviews earn YPP fun awards, but your words also help future brides! Testimonials speak louder than radio ads, Facebook boosts and even magazine spreads. 84% of people trust online reviews just as much as they trust their friends. That means that you have an impact on others. You have the chance to help future brides who are just like you find the perfect wedding vendors for them. So, thank you.

I am overwhelmed by the love I get on a daily bases. I could not be where I am today without all of you. I cherish every moment I spend with my amazing clients and my loving support system. So, thank you.

Cheers to all the amazing Ypbrides and Ypgrooms of 2018 and here’s to all my 2019 Ypweddings! I cannot wait for what is yet to come!

Thank you to each and every one of you!

“Kipper is shivering! Let’s finish these photos inside!” Brittany said. We all looked at Kipper in his adorable, yellow raincoat shaking from the cold. “That’s a good idea!” I said worried about their sweet, little dog. As we walked back toward Brittany and Will’s Fairfax, Virginia apartment in the rain, I smiled. Brittany and Will only adopted Kipper a few months prior to our session and they were already so in tune and such good care-takers. They had all the Kipper essentials and than some. It was clear, that they put Kipper first and were happy doing so.

Once we got into their homey, warm apartment, Brittany took Kipper’s raincoat off and they all began to play. All three of them looked so happy and content just hanging out together, throwing and catching a stuffed bunny. It made me think,  this is what it is all about. Togetherness, happiness, love. And love there was! In every detail of their apartment, in every word spoken and in every joke made, you could see that their life was full of love and admiration for each other…. and of course Kipper too.

Brittany and Will have been together since before Instagram was a thing and I absolutely admire their commitment and connection to one another. It is evident that they are best friends, partners and each others biggest support systems. Brittany and Will’s personalities complement each other. From High School to College, all the way to moving to Fairfax, Virginia together, they have been a united front that can take on anything and everything.

These two are such a unique couple, and their puppy engagement session was no different! Once we realized that Kipper was not a happier camper outside, we moved our engagement session inside. It was no longer just an engagement session but a session about the home they built, the puppy they adopted and the life that they had created.

Brittany and Will, you have found it. The happiness, the love and the excitement for your future that everyone searches for and I hope your happiness and love grows until the end of time! I cannot wait to photograph your wedding! July is too far away!!