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cayla’s bat mitzvah- the temple
So my good friend’s daughter became a Bat Mitzvah a few weeks ago and I was on hand to take lots (and lots!) of pictures on her special day. I know how hard Cayla worked studying her Torah portion and all of the other requirements for the day, I even took her to one of her lessons with the Rabbi when her mom was out of town. I didn’t stay, but got to hear a good part of it on the way to the temple! Cayla has a really pretty voice and she carried the whole service beautifully. Some other events during the service worth a mention- all of her uncles, dad, mom and brother passing the Torah on to Cayla, her absolute race around the synogogue carrying the Torah (like she couldn’t get that done fast enough and the Rabbi commenting if there was ever a Torah race, she’d win hands down) and my personal favorite part was her mom welling up with tears on the Bimah during speaking about Cayla and saying “shit”. Everyone cracked up- even the Rabbi- so I guess it’s all ok. Stay tuned for portraits and party photos soon.
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christina’s sweet 16
It was a great night photographing Christina’s sweet 16 at the New Hyde Park Inn! Surrounded by family, friends, and lots and lots of love they celebrated the night bigtime! Christina’s court was filled with a lot of girls I’ve photographed in the past which is always fun for me, and I knew quite a few of the families and kids in attendance too. Everyone had a great time, dancing a ton and being a part of a great candlelighting celebrating not only Christina’s birthday but her family and friends too, even those that couldn’t be there. Wishing Christina a very happy 16th birthday and year! Hope all your wishes come true!
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brady’s 1st communion
I’ve been photographing this guy since he was born (and the whole extended family for lots of events and celebrations over the years) so it was extra special to be with him on the day of his First Communion. We had a rainy day (if you look closely enough you can see the raindrops in the outdoor pictures) and a bit of a rush after church to get over to the party. But it all turned out just fine and I got to take some MORE photos of one of my favorite families. Also, you’d not know it from these pictures but Brady’s little brother was not even a little interested in getting his photo taken, until we found the magic word. That would be poopy. Whatever it takes! Congrats to Brady!!
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devin & cameron’s first communion
My good photografriend Amandarelli recommended these lovely people to me, as their regular photographer wasn’t available for their day so I got lucky enough to step in. What an amazingly nice group of people! Easy going and fun (right up my alley!) and we ended up with a beautiful day for some pictures outside. The cousin communicants were the sweetest, cutest boys and I extra loved their donut wall (especially the tiffany blue chocolate one which I got to take home as a party favor).
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my friend, a f’ing hero! (aka the nev family)
So I’ve been holding on to posting this for many months. 9 months to be exact. This is my BFF Jen and her awesome family who you’ve seen before here on the blog many times over many years. These photos were taken in the very early fall of last year for their family Christmas card mostly, but they had way more importance than that. Last August Jen found a lump in her breast. Let me preface that by saying that this girl is VIGILANT about annual mammograms and checkups and just 9 months prior to August, she got an all-clear on her latest mammogram. All clear. Within those 9 months, she went from totally clear, to having breast cancer-breast cancer big enough to feel in a self exam. Let that sink in. She was diagnosed with Stage 1. She opted for a double mastectomy because of family history and the likelihood of recurrence and really, who needs that worry. So she took the best option for her health (and i still can’t imagine having to make that choice, how she did it with grace and dignity and so much fucking bravery!!) had the surgery, months and months of the worst chemo with the worst side effects (all the shitty side effects you’d expect including losing her hair, sickness, pain etc) then weeks of radiation 5 days a week with all of those related bullshit complications (including burnt skin).
Until today. Today is the day she is DONE.
I still couldn’t be more proud to call this bad ass motherfucker warrior my friend. This girl who always, always had a positive attitude (she said she had her moments, but she never ever gave up fighting. For herself, for her husband and family, for her boys). And that makes her the bravest person I know. Not only did she beat this monster, but came out stronger on the other side. She still has some stuff to do in her recovery, at least one more surgery reconstruction and other things to do. But she made it! I am so lucky to have her in my life and knowing that she’ll be here for a long, long time to listen to my bullshit and help me like she always does just makes me so happy. And relieved. So relieved.
I love you so much my friend! And I am so fucking proud of you!!
(posted with permission)
