Mad for Miranda // Temple Israel Minneapolis Bat Mitzvah

#MitzvahMonday is back for fall and boy, did I miss sharing these amazing life cycle events over the last few months! But now we're back in the swing of a new year and so many fabulous events are coming up on my calendar that I couldn't be more excited about! 

Last spring, I worked with Miranda and her family for her bat mitzvah and it was nothing short of fabulous, amazing, surprising, beautiful and filled to the brim with moments that I hope her family remembers forever. 

We photographed fun portraits Saturday morning at Temple Israel in Minneapolis, where the service and luncheon were held. Miranda did a beautiful job in the service - so poised and eloquent!

The luncheon was from another world, as Miranda's Alice in Wonderland theme was planned and executed beautifully by Allie with Amy Zaroff Events & Design. Mom Vanessa showed her crafty side with a few of the details and Deco Catering was delicious as always. 

I can't wait for you to see the party photos! Oh boy!! Miranda was surprised and welcomed to her party by a live Mad Hatter - he stayed in character the entire night and it was fabulous! All the guests were thrilled, a bit frightened and it was perfect! The Minneapolis Golf Club was a great spot for both kids and adults to enjoy the decor, theme and the slow motion booth by Playatta. And of course, the party was complete with Ross from A-List Entertainment keeping everything moving and grooving ;)  

I loved working with Miranda and her family for this event - I just cannot say enough about how gracious, fabulous and awesome they are! A lovely and ideal client in every sense of the word. PLUS! They were willing to be guinea pigs in my first Facebook LIVE video when I delivered their final package - what troopers! Take a peek here, if you'd like. LINK TO VIDEO

Endless Mazel Tovs to you, Gollins! I enjoyed every minute! I can't wait to deliver your beautiful album this week :) 

Dylan // Bar Mitzvah

Mitzvah Monday this week features Dylan! Mazel Tov to this smart & fun guy and his family!!

Thank you to mom Clara and dad Dave for choosing me to document this amazing weekend for their family - it was so fun to see your family and friends interacting and coming together to celebrate Dylan and this milestone moment. And the party details? All done and coordinated by mom - WOW! 

Synagogue: Bet Shalom
Party Venue: Minneapolis Marriott West
DJ: Total Entertainment

Nate // Bar Mitzvah

March was a whirlwind of bar mitzvahs, Torah readings, portraits, parties of all shapes and sizes and a few of the most fun families I've worked with so far! 

The month kicked off with Nate and his family, celebrating his bar mitzvah at Adath Jeshurun. I loved working with Nate and his fabulous siblings - they laughed at my jokes, smiled their true grins and I even shared my secret weapon with them ;) Portrait sessions at the synagogue can really happen at any time, but I always love the sessions that happen in the week beforehand - everyone is calmer, more relaxed and less time-stressed. We had just that for Nate's portraits and I think it made all the difference!

Nate's mom Dawn worked with Allie from Amy Zaroff Events & Design to design and coordinate the best basketball-themed bar mitzvah party for her hoops-loving firstborn! Nate's "Mitzvah Madness" happened at Hoops43 in Hopkins and featured Fabulous Catering stations, the very best donut & candy bar from Angel Food Bakery AND Level11 kept all the jersey-clad kids and adults dancing the night away. Thanks to all these fabulous vendors for making the night such a success! 

Jacob // Bar Mitzvah

Mitzvah Monday is back and today, I'm giving Jacob a hearty MAZEL TOV! 

I love shooting at synagogues from St. Paul to Minneapolis and everywhere in between because the architecture, the lighting and the vibes are all so different, yet feel the same ... and this time, I got to venture to Mount Zion in St. Paul to celebrate with Jacob and his family!

The oldest of four kids, Jacob handled the morning with a mature grace, taking his younger siblings under his wing at various times. It was so great to see and I loved working with his family to create some traditional yet fun portraits. 

For the party on Saturday night, the celebration continued at the Great Hall in downtown St. Paul - a venue that turned a great space into a "light up the night" theme - all the glow in the dark touches that Jacob's mom Melissa put together were so fun! Level11 kept the party moving and the best part? Kids danced and received raffle tickets for the best moves ... at the end of the night, all raffle tickets were put into a giant box and the winner went home with a hoverboard! INSANITY INSUED! So crazy and fun! 

Mazel Tov to Jacob and his family for such a beautiful event - I can't wait to work with you all again soon! XO!

Gabriel // Bar Mitzvah

When I met Gabriel and his parents at their home on a cold winter night, we bonded over a love of reading. His bar mitzvah was a laid-back affair and his parents requested photos at their intimate family and friends dinner on Saturday night to document the people who mattered most to them - I was happy to work wherever they needed me :)

So unlike most of my bar or bat mitzvah posts, there's no photos on the Bima or reading the Torah, but there are more than enough photos that tell the story of Gabriel's bar mitzvah. This shot above? His oldest cousin was snowed in in New York, unable to make the event. But through the power of FaceTime, he sent hugs and well-wishes. His grandfather and his twin were celebrating a birthday so what better way than with Grandpa's favorite - the Costco cake! 

I loved working with Gabriel and his family for this simple yet meaningful event. And I'll never forget that Gabriel was my first-ever Jewish friend who showed me how to and then let me light the Menorah for Hanukkah ... it was a really special moment we shared after we first met and one I'll never forget! 

Mazel Tov, Gabriel!

Matthew // Bar Mitzvah

Mazel Tov to Matthew and his family! This family of five was nothing short of hysterically funny, sweet to each other and they had the best fun poses - I love when families make my "job" so easy! 

We took Matthew's bar mitzvah portraits at Beth El Synagogue a few weeks before his big celebration and had such a great time together! Siblings Steven and Elizabeth helped Matthew look his best (so sharp in that suit!) and were always on deck to make him smile his real smile :) I should consider hiring them for future gigs! 

The party was held at Maple Grove Community Center with A-List Entertainment keeping the kids on the dance floor all night - I love when there's a great group of kids willing to dance their hearts out! The photos are always so fun!! The Lookout catered a great dinner with classic bar food - easy breezy - and that dessert table filled with ice cream sundaes and a Stanley Cup candy bar?! Right up my alley! 

Glow in the dark face painting and the Flip Books provided additional entertainment, rounding out a great party to celebrate Matthew's big accomplishment. The best part? His older siblings made it a point to come from their high school winter formal dance to their brother's party - and just in time for the family Horah! I loved watching every piece unfold and see their family bond even closer together!

Josie // Bat Mitzvah

2016 marks my 7th year photographing bar and bat mitzvahs - 7 years full of these life-cycle events that are each unique, special and filled to the brim with tradition, family and amazing moments! 

Josie was my first bat mitzvah in 2016 and here are my favorite images from her special day. The image above is significant because Rabbi Zimmerman at Temple Israel - Minneapolis, pictured on the right, was the Rabbi at Josie's mom Candice's bat mitzvah. Passing this Torah was such a special moment for everyone involved! 

A very poised and fun young lady, Josie made sure everyone felt included at her luncheon and party, especially her younger brother Charlie - those two are not shy with the camera, which made my job extra fun! Josie's younger cousins and friends were admiring her and she made sure to include them in the games and dancing, making for some sweet moments. 

Spirit of Asia catered a fabulous Kiddush luncheon and of course, that sweet table was the highlight! For the party that night, "Josiewood" was a fun theme concocted by Candice and Becky from A-List - brought to life by some fabulous vendors. Thanks to Cindy at Material Girl Graphics, the Medina Country Club, Mobile Photo Wall, AIR2B Difrent Airbrush and Tank Goodness + Cocoa and Fig! 

Mazel Tov Josie! I loved working with you and your family - enjoy these images <3 XO!

Levi // Bar Mitzvah

Today's #MItzvahMonday post features Levi! It's my hope that through these images, you can get a sense of this guy's HILARIOUS personality, his love and gratitude for his family and his spontaneous sense of humor that spills over into every facet of his life! Every time I see this kid, he cracks me up!

At the end of 2014, I ran into a problem: I was booked for two bar mitzvahs on the same date! Both families were spectacular and I wanted to work with both of them, so I turned to my friend Kristine Erickson to step in to photograph Levi's bar mitzvah. With some guidance on key shots from both myself and mom Alison, she did a perfect job! I loved culling through and editing these images the week after the event - I was laughing and crying, living these moments through Kristine's images. Thanks a million, K, for knocking this one out of the park!

Levi's bar mitzvah was held at Mount Zion in St. Paul - a stunning synagogue with loads of beautiful natural light. The Shabbat dinner and the events on Saturday happened here and were filled with family from out of town who traveled to celebrate with Levi and his immediate family. Mom Alison created the fun sports-themed centerpieces for the luncheon and Spirit of Asia catered the event - always a great, delicious job! 

The party at Base Camp at Fort Snelling was jam-packed with fun activities for the kids, dancing and music by Total Entertainment and Levi's favorite: Uncle Franky's! This event was so simple, easy and so much fun! Check out Levi's great crowd-surfing moment and dance moves in the photo slideshow below :)

Mazel Tov, Levi! I loved working with you and your family again - can't wait to celebrate Ruth's bat mitzvah next year! XOXO!

Sofia's finale is here! We celebrated her bat mitzvah at the classiest venue I've photographed: the Weisman Art Museum on the U of M campus. Mom Marissa works there so the connection was deep and the design fit Sofia's personality perfectly. The simplicity of the decor with colored napkins, a few frilloons and tulips gave so much room for Sofia and her family to shine. I loved the tulips!!

This family had so much trust in me and I adored that about them - especially when I asked them to go out on the terrace for a wide shot of the outside of the museum. Can you spot them in the image below?! Even with the chilly weather, they rocked our 5 second portrait session and the results were stunning. YAY!

Extra kudos to A-List Entertainment for the referral to this amazing family -- new MC Brian did a great job getting the party started and has a great personality for mitzvahs. I'd recommend Becky and her amazing team hands down any day of the week. After all our parties together, I'm finally learning their dance moves too, so win-win for everyone :) Kafe421 did the catering at this event and the Mediterranean vibe fit the space perfectly too - no stone unturned at this one!

Endless Mazel Tovs to this family - watching you all dance the night away is a memory I won't soon forget. Marissa dancing to salsa music with her father, her sister, daughters and niece totally made me verklempt but the photos are worth it! XOXO <3

VENDOR LOVE

Venue: Weisman Art Museum

Catering: Kafe421

Entertainment: A-List Entertainment

Frilloons: White Peacock

Mazel Tov to Sofia and her family! I've been holding pretty tightly to these images since her big day in late March for sort of a big reason:

Something that has never ever in over 8 years of business happened while I took these images. As I looked through my viewfinder, it was almost as if I was looking into the future. I saw Sofia standing there with her kippah and tallis before me and suddenly, she was 16, 18, 20 years old. The same closed-mouth smile that just is so charming, but an older version of herself. I saw her sister Juliana grow up, have her own bat mitvah, high school portraits... and yet, Marissa and Jeff didn't age ;) 

Because of this moment, I've been reflecting back on past client experiences, looking ahead to future ones and really soaking up the present. These moments are so fleeting and it is truly such an honor to be chosen to capture them for my clients-turned-friends. To be asked back to photograph younger siblings' big days, to be called up when the time comes for senior portraits -- these are the moments I live for with this business. With every job "booked" and event photographed, I feel more and more grateful for all of you and the trust you have in me. 

But back to Sofia - this lady is mature, classic, poised and has that sense of humor that feels so effortless. Plus the sweet factor is through the roof :) It was an honor to work with the Seewald/ Onheiber clans - especially meeting Sofia's grandpa who almost didn't make it to the special celebration. Wait until the party photos - this guy can cut a rug! (ps. Do people still say that?!)

I hope you've enjoyed your post-bat mitzvah bliss, lovely Sofia! I can't wait to share her party photos later this week... and did you know? This one will be making her stage debut as Tinkerbell later this month! I am counting down the days, S! HUGS!

As I head off to another mitzvah celebration this weekend, I'm leaving you with Sophia's party images! Mom Sara worked so hard to create the perfect pink + orange night for Sophia - complete with a "let's dance" sign, pie pops, several food "pi" stations and my favorite moment? The giant birthday cake for all the March birthdays in their family and friend group... there were so many!!

Everywhere I looked that night, there were smiles! I love these life events for this reason - everyone makes my job so easy because there's such a natural happiness that finds it's way to the corners of everyone's face and sometimes even  so bright, there are eyes smiling! It's the best!

A fun tidbit? This was the 2nd of 3 bat mitzvahs I photographed in March - and all with A-List Entertainment. Be sure to contact Becky if you're planning one of these amazing parties - she's the best!

Mazel Tov, Sophia! I hope you loved these images as much as I did - can't wait to see you soon! XO

---

VENDOR LOVE

Venue: Adath Jeshurn Congregation

Entertainment + DJ: A-List Entertainment

Food: Adath

Decor & Lighting: Richfield Flowers and Events (all was the brainchild of Mom Sara, thanks to Richfield for executing!)  

Photo Booth: SpacePix

Pink, orange and pies, OH MY! Sophia's Bat Mitzvah last month landed on her exact 13th birthday which also happens to be PI DAY! Of course, a pie theme + her favorite colors of pink and orange were the perfect mix. We had portraits with the entire extended family on Friday at Adath Jeshurn and I was thanking my lucky stars the weather was unseasonably warm, so we could use the pillars in front for some fun images too!

Family was completely at the core of Sophia's big weekend - her grandmother knitted her Tallis, her great-grandfather's Tallis was part of the service, and thankfully, loads of out of town family were able to join the family to celebrate this milestone. The love witnessed between both young and old members was so impactful for me and one of my favorite parts of this "job!" It makes my job easy as... pie!

Stay tuned for the big party coming later this week! Can't wait to show you the surprises at this one!

Jaime's Bat Mitzvah was a true "Sea and Be Seen" adventure and kicked off with a surprise: the guest of honor welcomed her guests into the ballroom at Adath Jeshurn under the dolphin balloon archway with a solo of "Diamonds" and her brother Jonah was on electric guitar as her accompanist! It was so gorgeous and Jaime really shined brightly - the duo call themselves Jaime and the J and they're a true hit! 

Mom Beth is a planner with Amy Zaroff Events & Design and the details of this party proved her incredible skills - the ocean theme, the decor, the details, the CANDY BAR, the dress, the sign-in board, the food, balloons, colors... the list goes on and on! Dolphins everywhere too - from the custom kippot, the invitation suite, the balloon arch and the ICE SCULPTURE - displayed Jaime's ultimate love for Winter, the famous dolphin at a Florida aquarium. Jaime can tell you all about her, but if you must know now, more info here: http://seewinter.com/winter

Ross from A-List Entertainment kept the party going all night, from the games to the Horah to the congo line with Jaime's 93 year old Great-Grandma leading the way! LOVED seeing the bond of the family in each moment, through all the generations. 

Kudos to Beth and Mazel Tov to Jaime on achieving this milestone! 

---

VENDOR LOVE

Venue: Adath Jeshurn

Planner: Amy Zaroff Events & Design - Mom Beth is a rockstar and used her graphic design background to do ALL the fabulous design work!

Catering: Adath Jeshurn

Floral: Arts & Flowers

Dessert: Jonny Pops, Gigi's Cupcakes

DJ & Entertainment: A-List Entertainment, Mobile Photo Wall

Decor: Ice Occasions, Corner Balloon Shoppe, Avex, Linen Effects

Mitzvah Monday is back with my SECOND Bat Mitzvah in a row! February and March were filled with four lovely ladies, four fabulous families and rainbows of color, glitter, shine + FUN! 

Next up is Jaime - a stunning, confident, blue-eyed darling, the daughter of Beth from Amy Zaroff Events & Design. When Beth asked me to "save the date" for Jaime's big day over a year ago, I KNEW the day would be filled with details, colors and big surprises. The "Sea and Be Seen" theme was absolute perfection and I loved every second! Before we get to the party, let's check out their family portraits taken at Adath Jeshurn Congregation and the blue hues? My heart! 

To Jaime, Jonah, Tony and Beth - thank you for choosing me to document this fabulous celebration and big moment in Jaime's life! XOXO!

xoxo,
Sydnee 

Peyton's Bat Mitzvah party is here and filled to the brim with pink + gold - two of my very favorite things! Because the big day fell on Valentine's Day, the "Love Peyton" theme was perfect - the decorations were sparkly and shiny, the pink carpet rolled out just for the occasion, the photo wall had fun props centered on the theme, the napkins were pink + gold foil, the mashed potato bar with pink martini glasses and of course, Peyton's dress was a stunning shade of PINK! 

Level 11 kept the music pumping and kids dancing all night, but my most favorite moments? The ones centered around family: the cousins dancing on stage with aunts + uncles, Peyton's cousins singing a custom-written song just for her big day, the candle lighting ceremony that brought the whole space to tears, the Horah where Peyton, her brother and her dad had their moments to shine and the video filled with memories. I loved every minute!

Thank you, Peyton, for choosing me for your big day! I'm so grateful to have captured these memories for you - I'll always remember Valentine's Day 2015! XOXO

xoxo,
Sydnee

---

VENDOR LOVE
Venue + catering: The Venue, Minneapolis and Ben & Jerry's
Entertainment + DJ: Level 11 and Space Pix Photo Wall

Peyton's Bat Mitzvah part 2 is here and filled with lots of big, beautiful smiles from Peyton and her family! Before the service started, a big surprise arrived: a dear friend who recently moved to Florida showed up to celebrate with Peyton - it was such an endearing moment, watching Peyton realize what was happening and it brought everyone to tears! I of course didn't stop crying there - to Peyton's speech, her mom's speech and watching Peyton and Tyson's relationship reminding me of my own with my brother... it was fabulously filled with emotion. Peyton's confidence was exuding all day! 

The luncheon brought a change in traditional buffet setup - the family-style soups and sandwiches from Kafe 421 were delicious and totally connected to the family atmosphere surrounding Peyton's celebration. Of course, I loved the gold touches in the placemats, the chevron table runners, the sweets table and the balloon centerpieces. And the heart-shaped grilled cheese?! LOVE! 

Stay tuned for the biggest, pinkest party - coming soon!

xoxo,
Sydnee

---

VENDOR LOVE
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Luncheon catering: Kafe 421
Floral: Pink & Green Floral Design

Mitzvah Monday is back for 2015 and with a fabulously pink + gold bat mitzvah for Peyton! Peyton's mama Amy did a great job creating such a beautiful event - I loved all the custom details of this Valentine's weekend celebration - the gold foil on the invites, the pink lighting, the chocolate hearts, pink kippahs, the custom heart braid challah for the Shabbat dinner... it was endless! 

Friday kicked off the weekend with the Oneg and out of town guests arriving at Temple Israel in Minneapolis for Shabbat and the dinner at the W downtown Minneapolis. Beautiful, classic and filled with love from family - I can't wait to show you parts 2 and 3 coming later this week!

xoxo,
Sydnee 

---

VENDOR LOVE
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Shabbat dinner venue: The W Hotel, Mpls
Challah: Breadsmith, Edina 

Part 2 of Carly's Neon Lights Bat Mitzvah is here!

When I was taking these images and even now looking through them again, I'm struck with the feeling of being a teenager and LOVING all things purple, pink and BRIGHT! Although, my childhood didn't include a feather dress, beautiful flowers, flash tats and a cupcake tower. Totally bummed about that last part ;) 

But the good news is that Carly's Bat Mitzvah party included all of these things! YAY! A ballroom at the Minneapolis Marriott West was transformed into a purple - pink - black - white fabulous space, totally fit for a dancer like Carly. Mom Lisa did the decor, along with the help of the staff at the hotel. Level 11 Entertainment kept the party moving and the super-tough Mitzvah Bouncers helped with crowd control and also helped with the flash tattoos. SO FUN!

Thanks for having me along for the ride, Carly! Mazel Tov!

xoxo,
Sydnee

---

VENDOR LOVE

Venue: Minneapolis Marriott West
DJ + Entertainment: Level 11, Mitzvah Bouncers
Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes

Mitzvah Monday is back! 

Carly's Bat Mitzvah last fall was a casual and FUN party! This baby sister of the family held her own and totally shined brightly. It was so hard not to photograph that mega-watt smile! 

We photographed the portraits at Beth-El Synagogue in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon. Seeing Carly reading from the Torah with her big brother and sister and parents watching on was such a special moment. Of course, the grandparents always seem to steal my heart! I loved the moment between Carly and her grandfather above - so sweet! 

Stay tuned for part 2 - Carly's Neon Lights party!

xoxo,
Sydnee 

It's my favorite day of the week - again!

This Mitzvah Monday features Jack and his fun-loving family, starting with the Friday night Shabbat dinner. Traditionally, this dinner is hosted by the grandparents and is a time for close family and friends to come together to celebrate the momentous weekend in a relaxed and intimate way. Jack's Shabbat dinner was no exception! The evening was hosted at the Mpls Photo Center, a local gallery and workspace owned by Jack's great aunt and uncle. Everyone pitched in to help decorate and cook and the result was a stunningly simple atmosphere. A fun twist: Jack's mom Jennifer celebrated her birthday on Friday night, an occasion not overlooked at all, but yet announced in my most favorite way - DONUTS! All the details were classic and fun, a great entrance into the weekend, themed as Jack's Glow Carnival :) 

Stay tuned this week for the rest of Jack's Bar Mitzvah - next up: the service and luncheon at Temple Israel!

xoxo,
Sydnee