Olivia's Bat Mitzvah Pre Shoot | Hollywood Beach, FL Photographer

There’s something special about photographing a family as they get ready for a Bat Mitzvah. The excitement, the love, and those quiet in-between moments always feel meaningful. For Olivia’s pre-shoot, I got to reconnect with her mom, who was my buddy from sleepaway camp. Watching Olivia show up with that same bright, confident, joyful energy her mama had at that age was such a full-circle moment.

We met at Hollywood Beach, where the family wanted portraits surrounded by nature. The soft light, ocean breeze, and open space gave us the perfect backdrop for relaxed, joyful images. Olivia and her sister were so sweet together, sharing giggles and gentle moments that made my job easy. And when it was just Olivia in front of the camera, her quiet solo confidence came through beautifully, grounded in her family’s love and support.

I’m looking forward to celebrating Olivia’s Bat Mitzvah later this year. If you’re planning a mitzvah in South Florida, I would love to help you capture the heart of your family’s journey, from pre-shoot to party, with warmth, style, and authenticity.

Ryan's Bar Mitzvah | B'nai Aviv Weston and Solel Hollywood, FL Mitzvah Photgrapher

Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah began with a meaningful mock service at B’nai Aviv in Weston, FL, led by Cantor Sarah. It was an intimate moment shared with his two younger brothers and proud parents, a quiet celebration of tradition and family before the festivities of the big weekend.

Saturday night, the party continued at Temple Solel in Hollywood, FL, where Magen Boys Entertainment brought the energy. MC Adam and DJ Tons kept the kids moving with classic games like Coke and Pepsi and a lively scavenger hunt that had them collecting car keys and driver’s licenses from the adults. It’s one of my favorite ways to engage everyone in the room—watching kids and grown-ups laugh together is pure joy.

Ryan was all in, surrounded by his brothers and friends, and I loved capturing the way his personality shined through every moment. If you’re planning a Bar Mitzvah in Weston, Hollywood, Miami, or anywhere in South Florida, I’d be honored to help you tell your story with heart, style, and authenticity.

Matty's Bar Mitzvah | Chabad Aventura, FL Mitzvah Photographer

Matty’s bar mitzvah fell on Labor Day Monday, which meant we had the rare opportunity to photograph the service itself, a meaningful way to begin the celebration. Held at Chabad Aventura, the building was absolutely stunning. The sanctuary was bustling when we arrived, so we started with portraits in the elegant corridors, which turned out to be the perfect backdrop for this milestone moment. The service was beautiful, with heartfelt speeches and a warm energy throughout. Rabbi Adi came down from Chabad Monterra in Cooper City to lead the ceremony, and his presence added something truly special.

From there, the party came to life with thoughtful touches and vibrant energy. Matty’s mom led the charge on decor, with support from event planner Stephanie of Cutie Patootie Creations. DJ Pure Energy kept the crowd moving, with MC Andres bringing the hype. Food Art Catering served up a delicious spread, and Sofia from Luna Entertainment brought the fun with games and a photobooth that kept guests smiling all afternoon.

It was a joy to document this celebration and witness the love surrounding Matty as he stepped into this new chapter. The So You by Erica Sue brand specializes in lifestyle portraits and event photography across South Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. With a focus on mitzvahs and life events, each session is crafted with warmth, clarity, and care to preserve the moments that matter most.

Linda and Marc's Wedding | Pembroke Pines, FL Photographer

Linda and Marc tied the knot at the Jubilee Ballroom in Pembroke Pines, surrounded by their daughters, siblings, local aunts, uncles, cousins, and plenty of familiar faces. A few relatives I hadn’t seen since before covid made the trip down from New York, along with a group of Linda’s lifelong friends who still think of me as the little girl from way back when. It was a joy to reconnect and celebrate such a meaningful moment with them, alongside the rest of our South Florida crew.

Since I was family this time, I stepped back from the camera and let Alekandra from Nine One Four & Co shoot on behalf of So You by Erica Sue. She captured it all: the chuppah, the challah, the cake, and even a surprise birthday moment for Jordan. The garter toss and bouquet toss both ended up on the floor, which probably means no one else is rushing to get married anytime soon. Cousin Vicki officiated the ceremony, carrying on a beautiful family tradition started by her father, Uncle Lester, who married so many of our loved ones over the years. His presence was deeply felt, along with Grandma and Poppy (Linda’s parents) and the rest of the great aunts and uncles who’ve shaped our family’s story. They were with us in spirit, and we know they would’ve been proud.

So You by Erica Sue is a South Florida-based lifestyle portrait and event photography brand specializing in authentic storytelling across Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding areas of Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. With a focus on mitzvahs and life events, each session is crafted with warmth, clarity, and care to preserve the moments that matter most.

Matty's Bar Mitzvah Pre Shoot | Hollywood, FL Mitzvah Photographer

A few weeks before Matty’s Labor Day weekend bar mitzvah, we met him and his family at Hollywood Beach for a relaxed, early evening pre-shoot. The light was golden, the breeze was gentle, and the connection between them was unmistakable. These sessions are a chance to slow down and celebrate the journey before the big day—and Matty brought his quiet confidence and easy smile to every frame.

The images from this shoot weren’t just keepsakes—they became part of the celebration itself. Displayed on screens throughout the event, they added a personal, visual touch that reminded guests of the love and pride surrounding Matty’s milestone. It was a beautiful way to honor the moment and the people who helped shape it.

So You by Erica Sue is a South Florida-based lifestyle portrait and event photography brand specializing in authentic storytelling across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. From beachside pre-shoots to full-day mitzvah celebrations, each session is crafted with warmth, clarity, and care to preserve the moments that matter most.