Danielle's Bat Mitzvah

Photographing Danielle has been a joy. We began a few weeks before the Bat Mitvzah with a photo shoot for her sign-in board (above) and a portrait for the cover of her Bat Mitzvah service booklet (below). The photo shoot was a blast, and the photographs turned out to be just right.
On the morning of the service I arrived at the synagogue early. The florist had just added the finishing touches to the flowers for the bima. Purple flowers, she told me, were the family's favorite. They were magnificent, and added the perfect hue to a photo of Danielle on the bima, which I took shortly before the service. Danielle looked radiant in her lacy black dress. She was excited and very prepared for this special day. Time was short for photos in the sanctuary, but we did have enough time to create memorable images that I believe Danielle and her family will cherish for a lifetime. Following are a few of the classic ones I really like.

As the sun set over the green hills of Tumblebrook, Part II of this auspicious day was about to begin. The glistening green of the golf course grass was only a hint of what true fun and beauty GREEN could bestow. Good thing "Green is for Good" because it was everywhere, and what better place to center the green than on the Bat Mitzvah girl herself. It was WICKED PARTY TIME.... and Danielle was the star of the show!!!
The extraordinary table settings and decorations set the mood for the exhilarating festivities throughout the evening.

Upon being introduced as the new Bat Mitzvah, Danielle was escorted into the main dining room to the cheers and standing ovation of her guests.

Papa Kenny said the "Motzi," the blessing over the food and wine.The guests clapped and cheered for Danielle during the Horah.
Danielle spent a few moments "on stage" during mini acts of WICKED performed by the professional actors of WICKED.

The DJ, motivational dancers and great music kept everyone dancing all night long.



No Bat Mitzvah celebration would be complete without the very competitive game of Coke and Pepsi. Below some of the most serious players compete.
To view all of the photos from Danielle's Bat Mitzvah, click www.pictage.com and type in Danielle's Bat Mitzvah as the title and October 2008 as the date. Register for the "guest book" and you will receive an e-mail with instuctions for viewing the photos when they are posted, which will be about 4-6 weeks after the event.

Emily's Bat Mitzvah

PORTRAIT SESSION AT TEMPLE BETH EL -- October 16, 2008
I met with Emily and her family Thursday afternoon, October 16th for pictures. Originally we had hoped to begin outdoors to incorporate the peak autumn colors. But, just as we stepped out of the synagogue it began raining, so we rushed back inside. However, the light coming in through the windows of the lobby was glorious, and just right for this stunning portrait of Emily (above). I loved her necklace, and wanted to be sure it was central to the portrait. It's a Chai made from music notes -- what could be more perfect!The beauty of the sanctuary magnifies when the light streams in through the stained glass windows, and that is just what was happening when I began to photograph Emily on the bima. As always, Rabbi Rosen was so gracious and kind as he posed for photographs with Emily and her family. Below he is blessing Emily in the same way he would during the actual Bat Mitzvah service on Shabbat.By the time we finished the photo session in the synagogue, the skies had cleared and we went outside for a few photographs. I love this last one as it shows the family as I see them: fun, together and enjoying each other. ********************************************************
TIME TO THE PARTYEmily arrived looking so beautiful, happy and ready to CELEBRATE. The rest of the family followed suit.The candlelighting service was very special. There were many moments to remember, including Cantor Ness lighting a candle, and Emily surprising her parents by singing them a song she had written for them that she would sing during the candlelighting service.
The horah was animated. In the below photo Emily dances with her parents and sisters.
Thumbs up for all!!!
To view all of the photos from Emily's Bat Mitzvah, click www.pictage.com and type in Emily's Bat Mitzvah as the title and October 2008 as the date. Register for the "guest book" and you will receive an e-mail with instructions for viewing the photos when they are posted, which will be 4-6 weeks after the event.

Sydney's Bat Mitzvah

The morning of Sydney's Bat Mizvah was sunny and crisp. It was a peak autumn day and perfect for outdoor portraits.

The sun was also filtering into the sanctuary at Farmington Valley Congregation creating beautiful light for portraits of Sydney with her family, the rabbi and the cantor.
Following the service the guests went to Avon Old Farms Hotel for a fabulous, fun-filled party.
Sydney was greeted with outstreched arms upon being introduced by the DJ.
A Motzi was followed by a candle lighting service and then the Horah.
The celebration was filled with games, dancing and lots of fun!!!
To view all of the photos from Sydney's Bat Mitzvah, click www.pictage.com and type in Sydney's Bat Mitzvah as the title and October 2008 as the date. Register for the "guest book" and you will receive an e-mail with instructions for viewing the photos when they are posted, which will be by November 1st.