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“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

“This…” said the Rabbi as he stood under the Chuppah, holding up a beautiful Jewish Wine Cup. “Is mine and Yossi’s Grandfather’s Kos (wine cup) which survived the Holocaust” the guests were quite. He continued as he poured the wine. “The Talit (a fringed garment traditionally worn either under or over one’s clothing by Jewish Males) that is part of the Chuppah above, was our Grandfather’s as well” and with that, he handed Sophie the cup to drink out of.  In that moment, I watched Yossi and Sophie underneath the Chuppah, the Chuppah that Yossi’s father built. They were surrounded by four generations of family, all lined up on both sides of this incredible couple. The entire bunch of them, were completely encompassed by these beautiful family heirlooms that had survived the worst of days and I felt a direct connection to the past and an abundance of hope for the future. There is something so immensely special and something so breathtakingly meaningful about a wedding ceremony like Yossi and Sophie’s. Every detail was carefully chosen and every aspect represented a part of their heritage, their family and their hearts. As Sophie took a sip of wine out of Yossi’s Grandfather’s cup, my heart was full of pride, admiration and a feeling of unity.

Yossi and Sophie as a couple are amazing in every way imaginable. One of the most inspirational parts about them together is the way they treat their family and friends. The love that I felt from every-which direction at their wedding was copious and never ending. One of Yossi’s nieces even sat on Sophie’s lap throughout all of the speeches! And with a family like this one, everyone had a funny anecdote, cute story or loving expression to share. Listening to Yossi and Sophie’s family talk about them as individuals and as a couple had me smiling and laughing the entire time. And the best part of all, throughout every single speech, I had the chance to  witness Yossi admire his beautiful bride with the most kind and loving eyes I have ever seen.

Yossi and Sophie spent the entire day laughing and dancing wholeheartedly with their closest friends and family. I have personally never seen two people laugh so much during their wedding ceremony but it was the quintessential  way for these two to tie the knot. Both the ceremony and the reception took place in Sophie’s Aunt’s sweetly stunning backyard… and what better place for a sweet and stunning couple, such as Yossi and Sophie, to start their marriage.

Yossi, Sophie your love is kind, your hearts are bigger than life and your smiles are contagious. Don’t ever stop being the “yophiest” couple that ever was!

Vendors: Catering: Bistro70 | DJ: David Jacob Productions | Flowers: Avenue Flowers Gift | Videographer: Pretty Elektrik Company | Tent: ALMAR Party and tent Rentals | Keyboard for Chuppah: Yisroel Shonek | Salon: Yoni Kreger Salon | Mesadar Kedushin: Rabbi Yisroel Munk