I had the pleasure and honor of photographing Ariel’s bat mitzvah. This was no ordinary bat mitzvah photo shoot; it was for the rabbi’s daughter…no pressure there! Ariel’s family is so down to earth, sweet and funny as heck. Their family is full of huggers and there was a fair share of tears. And, they know how to party! Here is a sample from the mitzvah.
We took family portraits a few days prior to the bat mitzvah. Ariel is so comfortable with herself, her family and the synagogue (which is like home). I loved meeting the extended family who came from far and farther to celebrate this beautiful young woman.
Some pretty killer pink Converses that go with her hair!
Shabbat is over and now it’s time to P-A-R-T-Y!
Everyone joined in for a Havdalah service to bring closure to Shabbat and welcome in the week. It’s a nice time for everyone to gather for communal singing and feelings of gratitude.
Time to dance, dance, dance the horah.
Family photos are so powerful. The guests enjoyed a slide show of Ariel’s life thus far…lots of memories were sparked as people laughed, giggled and cried during the show.
Of course there was more dancing. Everyone got into the festivities with some Israeli and American music. There was a dance I hadn’t seen before, The Turkish Kiss. It was a blast to watch. As I’m writing this, I’m listening to the music. 
Mazel tov again to you and your family.
