ypwedding

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

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

“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