ypcouples

“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!!

The music queued, the entire church stood and turned to look back at the door. Courtney was a vision; beautiful in every way. Total bliss and love radiated off of her as she walked down the aisle. Right next to her, arm linked, ready to give her away to the love of her life, was her brother Jamie. Jamie and Courtney are Irish twins and have been through everything together. It was only fitting that he would give her away. The bond that Jamie and Courtney share is so incredibly sweet and full that I could not imagine seeing anyone else walk side by side down the aisle next to Courtney. It was evident, from the way Gary looked at Courtney, that he could not wait to be her husband. Gary’s smile only grew bigger and bigger as Courtney and Jamie got closer to him. Courtney’s eyes sparkled with joy and admiration as she saw her groom waiting for her. It was the most wonderful moment to witness.

Capturing Gary and Courtney say “I do” in front of all their closest friends and family was an honor. It felt like I was watching one of my favorite scenes in a Romance Movie that I had grown up with. Their love is strong. Their love is fierce and powerful. Their love has matured together and has helped them blossom into two incredible people (Read all about Courtney & Gary, the early years here). Not only was their ceremony and reception exquisite, but it was 100% true to who Courtney and Gary are; elegant, classic, fun and above all, family oriented.

Their gorgeously tasteful reception took place at Courtney’s family farm, The Woburn Manor. This farm had been a part of her family for over 200 years. It was near and dear to all of them in the most heartwarming way.  Every detail was carefully thought-out, planned and executed by either Gary, Courtney, or someone else close to them. From the second I drove up to the stunning farm, through the moment I saw Courtney’s mother help zip up her wedding dress, and all the way to the tears we all shed during the first dance and family toasts, it was clear that this was a family affair. Courtney and Gary wouldn’t have it any other way. Family comes first to them. I walked out of their reception feeling warm and fuzzy.  Being a part of their love story, their special day of unity and their lovely family affair assured me that I am doing exactly what I am I supposed to be doing; photographing love, life and families.

Courtney, Gary your love for each other and your love towards your friends and family is all consuming and magnificent. I could not imagine a world without the two of you being the power couple that you are.  I wish only the best to you and the newest addition to your family : ) I cannot wait to continue to watch your bond grow stronger and your love grow deeper. Cheers to hundreds of years of joy and adventure!

xo – yael

February 2008:

“So, I have exciting news” My mom said as she walked down the stairs to the living room. “What?” I said, as I lounged on the leather sofa in my school uniform and UGGs, not even looking up from my Samsung Alias phone. I was clearly way more interested in my text conversation with my best friend from sleep-away camp (shout out to Dina Sebrow) than what my mom had to say.

She sighed and continued to talk “Bec and Sim picked a wedding date…”

She just looked at me, being the typical, uninterested, 15 year old girl that I was, I said nothing.

“It’s going to be the Sunday of 4th of July weekend” My mom said.

I looked up…”Why would they do that! It’s a holiday for crying out loud” I finally said in the most dramatic voice that could ever come out of my mouth. I put my Alias down next to me and crossed my arms.

My mom sat down on the sofa next to me and taught me one heck of an important lesson.

You must be thinking “Well duh, Yael. That is an obvious one.” and in ways you are totally right, there are certain dates that you already know are never going to happen. But here is the cool part… Did you know that high sought – after seasons and days of the week are more expensive? A Saturday evening reception at the end of the summer and a Friday midday wedding in the middle of winter at the same venue can have vastly different prices. So, if your SO is dying to see you walk down the aisle at his favorite venue, pick a Friday or a slightly colder day of the year. It will save you money, make him happy and allow you to have a larger budget for the dream dress you have always wanted. In my book, that is a win win win! 

Becca and Simcha did it right; not only did they get married on a Sunday, but a holiday weekend no less! Which, at the time, was one the smartest wedding decisions they could have made!

They have now been married for over 10 years and have four incredible kids… I mean how can you NOT want to follow their lead : ) 

xo,

Yael