Kara's Bat Mitzvah Party

Kara's Bat Mitzvah Party was spectacular. It was at Shearith Israel and coordinated by Jeffrey Kollinger at Spice of Life Catering who does a seriously fabulous job. He turned the white reception hall into a hot pink palace with the help of Ducky Bob's, Shag Carpet, Absolute Entertainment, and Ivan Walton Designs. I always love working with DJ P Love and With Fenton and his dancers. Here's a peek at amazing...

This is Kara. She's pretty talented and Saturday was all about her. She started her day reading from the Torah and ended it with this amazing party. Don;t you just love her name in light on the floor? I do.

Since I'm talking about the light...look at this room, flooded with pink. Ahh what more could I ask for? How about the lit bars for the kids to eat at, lit Live with KAra signs, and lamps on the tables.

 How about her sign in board surrounded by lights like a Broadway Marquee, and video screens with her logo on them. Oh, this party had it all.

She even had Faux Billboard and Teen Vogue magazines with her photo on the cover inside a guitar pick shaped table in front of a giant magazine cover of herself. So cool for a musically talented teen.

KAra made her grand entrance and ran right to the microphone where she serenaded her guests. I love how excited she is.

 THere was a live video feed of her singing on the screens so everyone could see.

and she definitely rocked the house.

 Right after her mini concert she and her dad had a fun choreographed Daddy-Daughter dance. I think everyone loved it.

 The family welcomes their guests.

 And it was time to party. No Bat MItzvah would be complete with out a hula-hoop competition...

...and a snowball dance.

Kara had a great time.

 She even got in the DJ booth and rocked it with P Love.

 KAra and her sister sat next to each other during the montage and shared some sweet moments. Lots of laughter and lots of singing.

 THey were even holding hands near the end. That makes me smile to see sisters so close that have so much fun together.

 Hora time and Kara is up in the chair

 The room lights started color changing during the Hora so every photo background is a different bold color. Love. Lauren in the chair is dark pink. mom is purple and dad is blue. Perfect.

 One last photo of the family.

and of KAra as the night ended. Kara your party was so much fun. Congratulations on becoming a Bat Mitzvah and I'll have the rest of your photos edited soon.

Kara's Bat MItzvah Rehearsal

Tonight Kara practiced for her Bat Mitzvah at Shearith Israel in Dallas. You should hear her voice. Perfect. Here's a peek...

Just as the Cantor was laying out the Torah I caught her in a contemplative moment.

 She read her Torah portion.

 and practiced the Havdalah.

 Before taking a few portraits with the Torah.

 And with her wonderful family.

 They were awesome and we got some great photos.

 Finally I took a few of Kara alone by the Ark. I just love the colors in the Ark at Shearith.

 Finally, I wanted to showcase Kara's Tallit which is pink against the wall of blue and white Tallits at the temple.

Kara you were fabulous at your rehearsal, you are going to be amazing on Saturday!

Kellye & Paul are Married!

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing Kellye and Paul's wedding at First United Methodist Church in Mansfield. They are such a wonderful couple and I loved taking photos of them and this super fun wedding party. After the ceremony they went right down the road to Walnut Creek Country Club for their fabulous reception. Here's a peek :)

 January 11, what a perfect day to get married. It's my Birthday Eve too!

 Kellye's Gorgeous flowers. Love the pine cone accent.

 The gorgeous girls.

 The awesome guys and their matching socks.

 Love this groomsmen photo.

 Kellye and Paul wanted to have a first touch before the ceremony. They had written letters to each other and they took that opportunity to read them. Love, love, love this idea.

 Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.

The chapel at FUMC Mansfield is so pretty. The lighting is dramatic and the bride and groom are basically spotlighted on the altar. You should totally be in the spotlight for the first kiss.

 The ring bearer is super cute.

 A few photos of the bride and groom in the chapel.

 And under the lights at the club.

 Perfect way to end a night...sitting by the firt with the one you love.

 Congratulations Kellye and Paul. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

Robert's Bar Mitzvah

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing Robert's Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El. I photographed Robert's brother's milestone day a few years ago and it was so fun to work with this amazing family again. Here's a peek.

 A few ceremony details: Yamaka's for the guests and Roberts Tallit.

Robert with the Torah after a quick run through before the ceremony.

 We had lots of time before the service so I got to take some extra photos of Robert and his parents with the Torah.

I love the stained glass at Emanu-El. It's one of my favorite places to take family portraits. The color is  just beautiful.

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 All the family.

While the service was going on I photographed the party being set up. Robert's theme was Pay it Forward. All the basketballs are bring donated to charity, that's a pretty great idea to decorate your party with things that can be used to enrich the loves of others after you enjoy them for a few hours. I'm guessing the labels were taken off the cans and those are being donated too. I love this idea!

 Since Robert is all about the basketball he made his entrance in a Mavs jersey and they had a few Pop-a-Shot games to play at the party.

 They also had blackjack tables...I think I have this same photo from Henry's Bar Mizvah a few years ago :)

 This is my favorite photo from the party. It was time to do the Hora and the DJ was calling for some "big, strong men" to come lift the chair...Robert's dad just walked over and picked it up by himself before anyone else volunteered to help.

THey did get some helpers and up Robert went.

 At the end of the afternoon I grabbed one last photo of the guest of honor.

 Congratulations Robert! You did a fabulous job and I absolutely loved your Pay it Forward theme.