Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah

When I first scheduled this event I had to make sure I had the date correct, because it was on a Sunday!  That’s right, during Hanukkah, the Torah is read every day, which means a young man can celebrate his Bar Mitzvah!  Jacob was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in an intimate service in the cozy chapel of their synagogue, surrounded by closest family and friends.  As a photographer (who normally can’t photograph a Mitzvah service on Shabbat), I really enjoyed being able to capture these moments.  The rabbi was encouraging of my photography, so I was able to walk around, get up close, and capture the service from multiple angles. 

The family celebrated with a lovely brunch at their home following the service, after which Jacob got to go out fishing with some of his friends.  During the brunch, his dad’s Bar Mitzvah album was on display, as there’s a striking resemblance between the two at that age, so of course, we chose to recreate one of the photos.  Mazel Tov!

Announcement: Valentine’s Mini Sessions

12-13-14: Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah

Danielle celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on a very special consecutive date, a phenomenon which won’t happen until she celebrates her 102nd birthday 89 years from now!  After a beautiful Havdalah service, family and friends celebrated at ‘Club Danielle’.  The lighting, stage, and DJ transformed the synagogue’s social hall so it really did feel like a club.  Danielle was the spotlight of her centerpieces, which, as the photographer, was special for me too.  She sparkled on the dance floor as well, and enjoyed every moment, which I was thrilled to capture! 

Best Of So You by Erica Sue 2014

These photos represent what I strive to create, which are the “images that stay with you long after you’ve stopped looking at them”.  These are the images that stayed with me, for whatever reason.  There were 117 sessions total, and since my first career is Engineering, I couldn’t resist including a pie chart of the breakdown!  Happy New Year, and I look forward to capturing more moments that are “So You” in 2015!  For captions of why these were my favorites, check out the Facebook post here.

Rachelle and Steeve’s Wedding

After meeting this sweet and loving couple for their Engagement Session, I was looking forward to their wedding.  It took place entirely at the Signature Grand in Davie, FL, from the bride getting ready, to the ceremony, and through the reception.  I live nearby and have spent the last 8 years driving by it every day, but I’d never been there before!  I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness of the ceremony room in particular.  All of the twinkle lights are beautiful!  The couple gave me a decent amount of time for bridal party portraits, so we were able to try a few different fun things.  Then the couple and their friends kept the dance floor occupied all night, which gave me great photo-ops, including the most epic garter catcher putting the garter on the bouquet catcher I’ve ever witnessed!  If that video was on YouTube, it would go viral.  Think these photos of it will go viral?