Taylor's Bat Mitzvah

I loved working with Taylor and her family!  She is such a sweet girl, and her joy was shared by her family, and was evident throughout the entire day, from the portraits at synagogue before services, through the last dance at the reception.  

At her celebration, there were several games and special touches that made it one of the most unique I've attended!  Guests were welcomed with a luau theme, and the entire family wore their leis for family formal pictures, which I thought was so cool and fun, and I love the added color.  The cocktail hour started off with airbrush tattoos, table hockey, and a giant game of Operation.  During the party, the kids played Coke and Pepsi, then everyone played a game where they passed a hula hoop while holding hands, and one where Taylor and Dara competed with their friends to see who could hold the most balloons in an oversized shirt!

The night concluded with an amazing s'more's bar and ice cream sundae bar for a sweet ending for a sweet girl on a sweet day!  Mazel Tov, Taylor!

Zach's Bar Mitzvah

This was such a lovely family to photograph and simcha to be a part of.  It's always special when you're not meeting the mitzvah family the day of.  In this case, these guys have appeared in front of my camera before for a family session, and we go to the same synagogue, so I've gotten to know them a bit as members of the community.  So it was great to see, and capture an event that was a true reflection of who they are.  I know I only got to see the synagogue rehearsal, but it was wonderful to see how comfortable Zach was, and I can only imagine mitzvah day was more of the same.  They rocked out with friends, and an enviable group of friends that are family who know how to have a good time!  Mazel Tov, and I look forward to sharing more simchas together!  

Luli's Bat Mitzvah

This girl is special!  Twelve years old, and already has the courage to be herself that most grown women admire and aspire to!  She celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah with a Friday night Shabbat dinner with a 'Once Upon A Time' theme, where The Venue Ft Lauderdale was a perfect backdrop.  I'll let the pictures do the talking on the decor.  Guests enjoyed a talking magic mirror, a magic mirror photobooth, potions (perfumes, but potions sounds more fun), and necklaces!  Luli was joined by the women in her family for a lovely twist on traditional Shabbat candlelighting, and by the men for kiddush and hamotzi.  And her family is absolutely rad, and they are all just a pleasure to photograph.  Individual, creative style definitely runs in the family!  So much mazel to you all!!

Joey's Bar Mitzvah

There are many things I love about photographing mitzvahs.  I love to capture the love and connection in families, and parental pride in reaching this milestone, and the bittersweet realization that their babies are now teens.  It's such an honor to be able to freeze those moments in time.  My favorite part of a mitzvah to capture is the service.  I just love the spirituality of it. Joey's service was held on a weekday morning at his family's home, where they and their family and friends gathered to celebrate this occasion.

Jordan's Bar Mitzvah

You know, I might be a bit sad when they finish construction at Chabad of Parkland.  This was my second time getting to photograph on the property, and it's really fun and lets me be creative.  Plus, it'll be a cool memory for the family years from now, when the building is complete, to say, "remember when we took my Bar Mitzvah photos on the construction site?!"

After our mock mitzvah photo session (photography isn't allowed on Shabbat), Jordan enjoyed a sports themed celebration.  I just loved the authenticity of his logo!  I especially enjoyed capturing an intense game of Coke and Pepsi, with some extra actions for other fun beverages, like Gatorade.  Mazel Tov to Jordan and family!