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“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!
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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!!
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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
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As Sarah walked up behind Al, you could see the excitement in his eyes. He was ready. He was ready to see his beautiful bride. They have been planning for months. They have been waiting for months. They have been talking about this wedding every day for over a year. And now, it was finally here. He was standing with his back turned away in the courtyard of the cute AirBnB they rented, and his Sarah, the love of this life, was right behind him and he was not allowed to look. He had to patiently, or should I say, not so patiently wait for her to tap him on the shoulder. As Sarah’s finger was in the air, about ready to tap, she looked directly at my camera with a knowing look and a witty smile. TAP! TAP! Al turned around with absolutely no hesitation. As their eyes met, the nerves washed away and the only thing left was pure, total bliss. Now, the prep was all done, the planning all over and all they could do was enjoy each other and enjoy the first day of the rest of their lives.
Sarah and Al’s wedding ceremony and reception took place in the Anthenaeum in Old Town Alexandria. With the beautiful artwork, incredible windows and their closest friends and family surrounding them, they exchanged vows that made my heart melt. Their love for each other and the life they have already built together shining through with every word and every promise uttered. I have no doubt in my mind that Sarah and Al will continue to have an amazing journey as husband and wife. The love, passion and commitment they share with each other is nothing less than a vision and I feel like the luckiest photographer in the world to have the honor to capture their big day.
Sarah, Al, the joy and devotion I witnessed on your wedding day still gives me goosebumps (in the best possible way). I remember chatting with Sarah, years ago, about the nice guy, Al, she just met. Now, you two are partners, best friends and each others biggest support system. Seeing how much your love has blossomed over the years is breathtaking. I wish you a marriage full of growth, warmth and never ending happiness.
xo – Yael
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“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
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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
Work With Yael
My mission is to not only craft images, but really celebrate the unique spirit of Jewish love. I'm here to honor our culture, capture the magic of your love, create family heirlooms for your future and do it all with a whole lot of heart and soul.