Ally's Bat Mitzvah morning started with a beautiful drive to the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue, along Pacific Coast Highway. The light that streamed through this airy sanctuary was just amazing. Ally was greeted by an outpouring of love from all her family and friends before the ceremony got under way.
Isn't this yad beautiful?
There was a wonderful luncheon following the ceremony.
And a fabulous evening party at the Agoura Hills Renaissance Hotel. Ally's movie themed Bat Mitzvah was a perfect fit for her families love of all things movie and theater related. (Remember her portrait session?) Each table was named after one of her favorite movies, there were movie posters all over and the candy bar was based on movie theater concession stands. So much fun!
Crystal of The Party Zone did a great job keeping the kids entertained.
Additional vendors:
Green Screen photo booth: Super Ultra Mega Booth
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/06/malibu-bat-mitzvah-ally.html
This Willy Wonka themed Bat Mitzvah was so much fun! It was held at the Warner Center Hilton and decorated so perfectly, with mom Gina's awesome candy vision! {Make sure to check out the vendor list at the bottom of this post!}
Sarah looked stunning and did an amazing job during the ceremony. Yes, I even started tearing up. {I'm such a softy!} And the dance floor was full of just as many adults as kids. Loved it!
I love that Sarah had socks available for all her girlfriends since the kids always take their shoes off!
Bummed the cake got cut before it could be photographed... look how cute!
DJ: Kelly of Dlux Entertainment
Dog Tags: Memories Engraved
Airbrushing: Shane of Mr Hoodbrush
Sign In Board (concept by mom) , Centerpieces and Envelope Box: created by Party Art Events
Cut Outs and Centerpieces: Party 411
Cake: Deez Cakes
Balloons: Alina of Beyond the Balloon
Candy Bar: Jackie Sorkin of Custom Candy Buffet BarOfficiant: Cantor Judy
Kids Lounge area: A Rental Connection
And countless friends and family!
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/06/woodland-hills-bat-mitzvah-sarah.html
I really don't want to say too much about my shoot with Dani and Harrison. Their images and the way they look at each other speaks volumes. I'm just so grateful they found me so I could capture their summer wedding... I can't wait!
Special Events by Luz Pencyla Says:
It was my pleasure to be part of Whitney and Rick's wedding!!Work with them including Maria; Whitney's Mom since the begining to the end was my Pleasure!! Congratulations Again!!
Luz Pencyla
Your Wedding Planner!!
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/06/ventura-county-engagement-photography.html
I am unbelievably behind on blogging. Being busy is good, right??? So let me start catching up with this beautiful outdoor wedding from a few weeks back.
Knowing Whitney since she was seven years old and seeing her get married was an amazing moment. It was such a joyful coming together of two people that are so in love, and feel like best friends as well, that I cried more then my usual, self-alloted amount.
The wedding was held at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, a gorgeous hidden gem for outdoor weddings. I loved the vibrant color palette and the great job Luz Pencyla, the planner, did with the flowers and decor.
When Whitney's mom Maria, my go to hair/make-up artist, did Whitney's makeup, the poor girl couldn't look at her mom without tearing up. Like I said, a very emotional day.
Whitney and Rick wrote notes to each other and sealed them in this box with wine, not to be opened until their first anniversary. Love this idea!
Whitney had both her grandfathers walk her down the isle...
Many moments in the ceremony were surrounded with laughter, mostly Whitney's!
Photobooth by: SnapShotz
Officiant: Bob Schneider
Cake and Cupcakes: Hotcakes
For more of Whitney and Ricks wedding, check out the slideshow below...
Maria Haro Flanagan Says:
Karen, as always you capture the moments in such a fun and beautiful way, so happy you were there with us on such a special day! Great job!!!
(06.12.11 - 11:57 AM)
Ahoo Says:
Karen, what a lovely way to capture the wedding. Love the video as well. Very nicely done!
-Your lighting apprentice
P.S. The lighting on that last B&W shot of them on the bench is rather extraordinary, no? ;)
sara drake Says:
I love these .. wonderful shots ... and i love the last back and white of them on the bench too Ahoo ... but all of them are wonderful I had a smile on my face the whole time ... nothing but happy memories ...
(06.12.11 - 09:32 PM)
Whitney Says:
I may be biased because this is my wedding and all... hahaha, but these are amazing! Thank you so much Karen for such a wonderful job! Can't wait to see the rest! xoxo
(06.15.11 - 06:40 PM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/06/los-angeles-wedding.html
I had the great fortune of shooting the B'nai Mitzvah of these gorgeous cousins recently. They were so fun and photogenic! And the Northridge location of their ceremony was to die for, with light streaming in from walls of windows on three sides. But what struck me the most was the enormous family turnout from across the nation and a room this vast filled with so much love for Emma and Griffin.
The kids moms, Cathy and Stacey, did an amazing job planning this event and all the details. Cathy was also the officiant. I was already a fan of hers after seeing her at another Bar Mitzvah, but seeing her do her own daughter and nephews ceremony was so touching.
I love the tradition of throwing candy at a Mitzvah, to wish the boy/girl a "sweet" life as they make the transition to adulthood. It always makes for fun photos.
Emma and Griffin's party was a fun luncheon with music going all day while the kids ran around doing various activities and eating great food from Rita's Gourmet Catering and bread from Homeboy Industries bakery. (Rita had some of the best mac and cheese I've had! I highly recommend them!) And of course there was a candy bar. Yea! (Love the toothbrush idea!)
A fun photo booth and glitter tattoos kept the kids busy.
Michelle Says:
love the pics...seems like forever ago that michael and i had our b'nai mitzvah :)
(06.09.11 - 10:54 AM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/05/bnai-mitzvah-northridge.html