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zoe’s bat mitzvah
Apparently it’s bar/bat mitzvah season in my bsquared world which is great because coming up next is communion season, so I hit a little of both! I was lucky enough to photograph Zoe’s bat mitzvah and had a great time doing so. Lots of pictures ahead so get comfy.
The boys couldn’t wait to escape the picture portion of the day.
Twins! (familiar with those)
I get the same face when someone brings me sushi!
One of my favorite couples. 
Emotional grandpa at the candle lighting.
The story that went along with this one was so freaking funny, I was totally cracking up. “your mom is dead! your mom is dead!”
Congratulations Zoe and family! May you always be surrounded by love and laughs!
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alex’s bar mitzvah
Alex and his family came to me from a great past bsquared client who’s son’s bar mitzvah I had photographed, so I knew it would be a good one! And they didn’t disappoint! Alex was a great kid and his family was all super nice. We met at the East End Temple in downtown NYC, which was really pretty (but had no heat. NO HEAT! And it was 19 degrees out that morning. I’m just happy that all of my shivering didn’t cause blurry photos!!) Alex was a real trooper, even heading outside for a few quick shots with me. I was only there until the service began (no photography allowed during the actual service) but got in as much as I could before I had to go.
Grandpa and his boys.
The family tallis from 1922. 
The rabbi came in early and gave us a little access to the Torah and a little practice for Alex. 
The last shot from the balcony before I got in trouble and had to go. (guess I wasn’t really supposed to be shooting from up there). Oh well, still got a shot in!
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emma’s bat mitzvah
My last event shoot for 2013, and it was a super fun one! I was lucky enough to photograph Emma’s big sister’s bat mitzvah a few years back and was thrilled to be asked again. A candy theme for Miss Emma (maybe cause she’s so sweet?) with lots of family and friends to help celebrate and show their love!
When a dress is made for twirling, you must twirl.
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max’s bar mitzvah
Every Bar Mitzvah I photograph is special, but this one was especially special! Max has autism and I think a lot of people thought this day would never come. His parents, family, friends and teachers were absolutely BEAMING with pride the whole day. I wasn’t allowed to take pictures during the service, but I heard that Max did a wonderful job and busted out that Sh’ma like no one’s business. He was able to stay on the bimah (like the altar) the whole time -which I’ve learned is a big success in itself, answered the rabbi’s questions and participated in the service. The service was made specifically for Max (which I thought was so amazing of the temple & rabbi to do for him and his family!). So get a big cup of coffee, cause there are a ton of photos below of Max’s extra special day.
Happy and decompressing after the service. Max is constantly moving and really didn’t particularly want his picture taken so I was “ninja photographer” most of the day. 
One proud mama and rabbi.
He’s a pretty funny kid!
The reception was held at Carltun on the Park. Buckets by Jeannine’s Boutique. Everything looked fantastic!
Super duper proud mom & dad!!!
Max’s teachers. 
Super toast by dad! And I found out from his speech that if you ask Max what religion he is, his answer is “a Jewish Jew”. According to dad, that’s the best kind there is!
His cousins and wing-men for the day. They were never really apart. So sweet!
Never thought the day would come!
So emotional!
Mom put together a video montage that was shown at the reception. Not a dry eye in the house. 
Max’s babysitter/second mom.
Hope your day was wonderful for you Max! You worked so hard and did so well the whole day. 
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zoe’s bat mitzvah- the party!
Sorry I made you wait over the weekend for the last installment of the fabulousness of Zoe’s day, but I hope you’ll think it was worth it. Lots of pictures so get comfy…
It started out somewhat sedate, but…
Making her grand entrance.
And their grand entrance too!
The other star of the show (who ran right up to Zoe for a biiiiiig hug as she was making her entrance. Too cute!)
A few shots of the candle lighting (if I put them all in we’d be on part 4 of the bat mitzvah!)
Hora time!
Love how Amanda’s expression and her dad’s expression (he’s in the lower right corner) totally match!
I snuck in for one with Carly. (thanks Lara!)
Slide show/movie.
And there was singing. Or actually rapping. Totally so funny! Great job girls!
Dancing with daddy.
This may have been immediately after Mindy warned me to stay far away from the Cosmopolitans because the were mixing them way to strong. Or something.
Presentations from friends.
If memory serves, this was during “STOP. Hammer Time.”
Kids dance off. 
Any guesses which song?
Adults dance off. Amanda and her cousin were AWESOME!
And ended on the complete opposite side of the spectrum as the somewhat sedate beginning of the party.
Thank you so much to all of Zoe’s family for letting me capture this fantastic (in every way) day! xo