Temple Israel and The Meridian Bar Mitzvah

One of the recurring blessings that I talk about regarding photography is that it enriches my life in so many ways. It introduces me to amazing people, invites me into special moments, and exposes me to new customs, cultures, traditions, and beliefs. A few months ago, I was approached by Dee Dee Hoffman of Dee Dee Hoffman Party Design and asked if I had availability to shoot a bar mitzvah at Temple Israel and The Meridian for one of her clients. I shot a bar mitzvah years ago and enjoyed the experience, so I agree to photograph this one too.

Ryan is a special young man. In the short time I got to spend with him, photographing some portraits before his reading at Temple Israel, he was polite and sociable. We had about thirty minutes before the beginning of the ceremony to photograph him and a short set of family portraits.

Following the reading, Ryan had an incredibly elaborate and fun-filled party waiting from him and his friends at The Meridian in Farmington Hills. It was my first time shooting at The Meridian and I was floored: the place is gorgeous and versatile. Dee Dee Hoffman Design Party did an incredible job transforming the space into a basketball-themed event. No detail was overlooked.

Ryan was very excited to explore and play on all of the games that were there for him. Still, we were able to get a few portraits to commemorate the day.

Ryan even had Flavor Flav and a few others wish him well.