Monthly Archives: March 2013

Queens, NY Engagement Session — With Doggies!

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Alison in Engagement Shoots

It’s no secret that this Yenta loves a cuddly furry friend! So when Julian Ribinik Photography submitted this adorable New York engagement shoot with the couple’s dogs, I didn’t even hesitate to click “publish!”

Jana and Russel are both in sales and it took a while to schedule their engagement shoot due to travel schedules and weather and other variables out of their control. But a week before their wedding, they enjoyed themselves in front of Julian Ribinik’s camera and frolicked with their adorable pups through Queens. What great practice for the wedding day! Remember, engagement sessions are crucial for feeling comfortable with having all eyes on you — the eyes of the camera and the eyes of the photographer! Better to get the butterflies out before the wedding instead of on the big day!

Mazels and woofs to this cute little family!

Submitted via Two Bright Lights.

{Real Jewish Weddings} Costa Rica

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Alison in Destination Weddings, Real Jewish Weddings

Sara & BJ are both busy lawyers in the heart of Manhattan. They wanted to let their hair down, relax, and dance the night away with their nearest and dearest for the big day. So they opted for a destination wedding in sunny Costa Rica. They chose sunny Tamarindo to say “I do,” and the picture-perfect Hacienda Pinilla was a lovely venue for there over 120 guests.

Sara wore super cute blue shoes for her something blue. Their friend Abby designed the darling invites. BJ created the fun crossword puzzle that went with the playful and colourful program. BJ’s mom created the custom tags and bags that were provided to all the guests. The lovely flowers gave each table and napkin that “picked from the garden” feel. The table numbers were simple, but perfectly elegant glass wine bottle filled with Costa Rica beach sand. The sweet “Señor” and “Señora” signs on the back of BJ’s and Sara’s chairs provided that destination wedding, local touch. Larger than life blackboard was created to showcase the seating chart and was written by hand for a more personalized feel. And keeping up with the colorful vibe of the day, the bridesmaid dresses were not actual “bridesmaid dresses,” but they were so perfect for a destinations wedding with the cool, flowy fabric. Since they could be styled in any way, each bridesmaid added her personal twist and the dresses looked great on all the girls.

Whoever says it is hard to plan a Jewish destination wedding hasn’t seen Sara & BJ’s wedding yet. They brought over their Rabbi to marry them and their chuppah was beautiful with a backdrop to the ocean.

Mazel tov, Sara and BJ!

Photographer: A Brit & A Blonde
Shoes: Andre Assous
Reception Venue: Hacienda Pinilla
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Imparali Custom Tailors
Dress Designer: Junko Yoshioka
Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider
Bridesmaid Dresses: Tart
Event Planner: Tropical Occasions

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

{Real Jewish Weddings} Chicago, IL

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Courtney and Joel turned up the heat, even on a chilly December evening in the Windy City. In true Chicago fashion, the bride and groom, along with their entourage, hit some great traditional landmarks including Cloudgate at Millennium Park (or as us Chicagoans call it, The Bean), Michigan Avenue, and the Wrigley Building. I love when couples take advantage of city shots on their wedding day. This is very much Yentas-approved, and make sure to block in this kind of time for photos if you live in a great city with special landmarks.

The ceremony inside the unique Architectural Artifacts commenced after city photos, with the cocktail hour and reception that followed. Awesome garage-like doors pulled up to reveal a romantically lit reception room bathed in luxurious purple light and red velvet. The first dance, cake cutting, and festive celebration on the dance floor took place under the twinkling lights. It was a truly perfect and unique wedding!

Mazel tov, Courtney and Joel!