New York Bat Mitzvah: Mazel Tov Maya!

I’m so honored to have photographed Maya’s Bat Mitzvah! She is such a mature, poised, and hilarious young lady, loved by all her family and friends! I really enjoyed getting to know her and her family earlier this month at her pre-mitzvah photo session at Grand Central. I had discovered then that Maya takes improv classes and can go from looking extremely elegant to cracking jokes in 2 seconds flat! You’ll see how Maya and her family incorporated her comedic side in her fabulous party!

We began the big day in Central Park for a few quick family portraits; such a gorgeous spring day!

In her element, cracking some jokes!

Grandparents arrive! They’re all so proud of Maya!

I was not allowed inside the temple during Maya’s Mitzvah service, so we grabbed some photos before it began. Rodeph Sholom is absolutely gorgeous inside, and I’m sure Maya did a wonderful job during her reading and interpretation!

To transport their guests from the Upper West Side to the party at the Harmonie Club, Maya’s parents arranged for two large City Sightseeing double decker buses – a classic NYC tourist experience, along with delicious hot pretzels for everyone to enjoy along the way! (So fun!!)

The Harmonie Club was decorated so beautifully! I loved the purple and pink accent colors!

My absolute favorite detail was the table place cards – every table was a caricature of one of Maya’s favorite comedians! So clever!

Let the party begin!

I always love the part of a mitzvah when the grandfathers bless the challah bread – call me sentimental!

Maya’s sweet parents gave incredible speeches about how special she is to them. I might have teared up a bit…

Cheers!

OF COURSE Maya and her dad had prepared an EPIC father/daughter dance! Started out sweet, ended with everyone cheering on their incredible dance moves!

Candle ceremonies are always so sweet – I love when the mitzvah girl honors all the special people in her life.

What a party! Congratulations Maya, on a fantastic day! I LOVED photographing you, your family, and friends! Thanks so much for trusting me with this experience.