Happy Mitzvah Monday, friends! 

Wasn't this past weekend positively GLORIOUS?! I can't wait to share some of my adventures with you soon. Here's a hint: derby + donuts + love + photos! To stay in the loop, LIKE me on Facebook, where I post at least daily with a way for us to interact. I love comments and hope to hear from you there soon! 

This Bar Mitzvah was as special as any other, but Jack + family really tugged at my gold glitter heartstrings! Jack celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel last summer, on the 13th anniversary of his very first heart surgery. This guy is a true champion in every sense of the word and I am so proud to know him and to share these images with you!

Judi, Tony, sister Dena and Jack invited me to their house for an in-home session before the event to photograph them as a fabulous foursome - plus Coco the dog! - doing what any other Minnesotan family does on summer nights: smores in the backyard! We had a great time and it was a terrific way to get to know the family before the big day. 

The day was here and Jack did an AMAZING job giving his speech and reading from the Torah. The presentation of Jack's tallit was so special, as it's a family heirloom from his great-grandfather Jack. Of course, Judi and Tony's speeches made me bawl like a baby in the balcony! And of course... the luncheon treats were some of the best I've ever seen! An entire chocolate cake spelling JACK? SIGN ME UP! Another highlight of the day: instead of a guestbook, guests were asked to write a word on a rock for Jack that best described him. I teared up watching kids his age and younger write words like "brave," "strong," and "funny." And after getting to know him, I can attest: He is all of these things and more!

Check back on Wednesday for the party! Because I'm into giving hints today, here's one: BOAT. I can hardly wait! See you soon!

xoxo,
Sydnee