Darby’s Bat Mitzvah

Wow, wow, wow! Darby had an incredible Bat Mitzvah ceremony and celebration.

I had never photographed a Bar or Bat Mitzvah before….in fact, that was the first thing I told Donna several months ago when she called to make an appointment with me. It didn’t matter to her; I had photographed her friend’s wedding, maternity and newborn portraits and she had liked what she had seen. She is also a photographer. So knowing that she’s a photographer and the fact that I’ve never photographed a Bat Mitzvah…….NO PRESSURE!!!!

I had learned through talking with my Jewish friends, with Donna and with my photographer friends that have photographed many Bat Mitzvahs, that family portraits play a big part on this very important occasion. The ceremony and the celebration was at Chestnut Ridge Country Club. I was excited because it is a gorgeous backdrop for portraits……but……it was raining. Fortunately, there was a decent size covered sidewalk that allowed us to set up the lights and position the different groupings quite easily.

The ceremony was unbelievably awesome. I can not speak or understand one word of Hebrew, but I know enough to know that Darby did a TERRIFIC job. It was really quite amazing.

Donna, you did a wonderful job planning Darby’s day! You had so many pieces coming together to form the perfect ceremony and celebration for your beautiful daughter. I am thrilled and honored to have been able to witness her day as it unfolded and to document it for you. Thank you. I loved meeting your family; they are beautiful, inside and out.

A huge shout out to Glyde and Ali and the amazing team of entertainers, complete with DJ’s, MC’s and the best dancers EVER. Check them out: Glyde Productions.  They kept the party flowing and worked seamlessly with one another and with the other vendors. THANKS guys, you were amazing.

Robert Grosshandler of Parties by Terrye was “absolutely fantastic” says Donna. “I can’t rave enough about him!!!” Robert helped her with all of the decorations and the setup of the Country Club.

I had many goals for this very significant day: to capture (ONE): the true significance of this very important day, (TWO): the love this beautiful family has for one another, (THREE): the intelligence and creativity that Darby exudes, (AND FOUR): the love and joy that filled every square inch of Chestnut Ridge Country Club during Darby’s incredible service and celebration.

I hope you enjoy this slideshow that I made for Darby. It was a very difficult task of narrowing down the pictures; there were so many great, different aspects of her day.  I really wanted to include about 300 images!!…but finally I narrowed it down.  Please sit back and enjoy…

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Thanks again, Donna and Robert, for this awesome honor. You have wonderful families and friends. Tracy and I enjoyed being with you all! Robert, Donna, Austin, Sydnee and Darby, you are beautiful and truly awesome, each one of you.

Thank you, Tracy, for always giving your 100%; I appreciate you!

Thank you, Gray and Alicia, for introducing Donna and Robert to me. It means the world to me that you love your wedding pictures!! xoxo

xoxoPam