Desi's Bat Mitzvah

This was a very special mitzvah for me to photograph, since the Bat Mitzvah girl is my first cousin!  That also means I got to be the photographer, and a guest.  To help me do both, I had the lovely Amber Sycz Photo shooting with me.  Desi rocked her service, and had a blast dancing the night away with friends and family.  There was a hora, a candle lighting, a slide show, and a fun dance set with inflatable instruments and microphones.  The celebration concluded with one of the most extensive ice cream sundae bars I've seen (and tasted, it was delicious).  A perfectly sweet ending for a sweet girl!

Brandon's Bar Mitzvah

Brandon celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with a Shabbat morning service at Beth Emet in Cooper CIty, FL.  We were able to capture some lovely portraits of him and his family before the service, which they then observed, camera-free.  We met-up again at the Pembroke Lakes Golf and Raquet Club for a continuation of this celebration with brunch (which looked amazing), dancing, a photo booth, slide show, and a desert table!  Brandon also had a really unique sign-in idea, which I'd never seen before.  Guests signed blocks for the game 'Jenga', and were told they were 'building memories for Brandon'!  Enjoy some of these So You memories I was able to capture!

Gracie's Bat Mitzvah

This mitzvah wasn't on my calendar for long, but I looked forward to it ever since it was!  Temple Beth Am in Miami has a beautiful sanctuary and spiritual service that is a pleasure to photograph, and I always love seeing how the different families completely transform the ballroom and make it their own for each celebration.  Gracie had a lovely Tiffany & Co theme, or in her case Gracie & Co, and I just loved all the beautiful turquoise touches throughout the details, like the linens, centerpiece lighting, and especially her dress!  

Ryan's Bar Mitzvah

Ryan celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on a lovely, sunny morning surrounded by family.  He read the prayers and Torah like a champ, and then we even got to head back outside for a few more portraits.  The family celebrated his achievement of this milestone with a lovely brunch together following the service.  Enjoy these So You highlights from Ryan's special day!

Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah

I really love when I get to do a mitzvah pre-shoot, because on mitzvah day we’re like old friends, and that was definitely the case after Ryan’s awesome

beach basketball pre-shoot

!  Also, while the mitzvah family has already seen my portfolio, there’s something about seeing themselves look amazing in my photos that makes them completely relax and be themselves on mitzvah day.  And followers of this blog know, when you relax in front of my camera, I’m best able to capture the moments that are So You!

Ryan started off his day with a spiritual service, which he led beautifully, along with the rabbi and cantor, and joined in many key moments by his family and friends.  The celebration continued that evening with a sports-themed celebration.  Ryan and his friends rotated through several sports on the basketball court and fields, followed by some dancing with the DJ.  Mazel Tov Ryan, I really enjoyed capturing your special day!