Aimee's 18th!

Aimee looked beautiful for her 18th birthday celebration and had, well maybe just a few admirers. Actually, it looked like the press had shown up for a red carpet event! I can't say enough about Aimee and how incredibly sweet she was from the moment I met her and throughout her big day. She left such an impression on me with her graciousness, gratitude and thoughtfulness to others. Her family must be so proud of the young woman she has become. I loved learning all about the customs of this event for Aimee's family. I loved all the traditions involved such as the 18 dancing boys with roses (my husband saw that one tonight and said "what's that in his mouth?" I said, "that's called a rose darling, maybe you should familiarize yourself with those again?") After the dancing boys, Aimee had 18 dedicated candles to light, each with a small word to the person she chose to share that moment with. Then there were dances with mom and uncles, cake, etc. It was all very nice and the Hilton Rialto did an excellent job as usual with event planning and follow-through. I am always impressed by the attentive staff and event coordinator there.

I realize it has been over a week since my last entry. I can't believe it was a week ago today that my family moved into our new-to-us home in Satellite Beach. We are right near my parents now which is wonderful, but the move was much more difficult than I anticipated and I have been buried in the details of that for the past week. It's never good to lose that much ground on my client galleries, orders and highlights here on the blog so I will be playing some catch up! I have baby Layla coming up next with baby Quinn and the Wood family behind her! I only took one session this week so that will help while I am making up ground. Please bear with me while I wade through this! I have a few orders to finish this week and then go out of town for a maternity shoot in Ohio next week! For my brother and his wife! Super cool.

more cameras.

I think I forgot to mention that everyone in Aimee's family is stunningly beautiful.

Nathan's Bar Mitzvah

I photographed Nathan's Bar Mitzvah celebration last weekend at The Courtyard at the Oaks
in Melbourne, FL. First though, I had the pleasure of coming along to Temple and photographing some of the rights of passage for Nathan's big day. I had visited a temple once before in college on an assignment for my world religions class. I was very impressed then, as I still am, at the focus on remembrance. I love the emphasis on what God has done for His people in the past which in turn brings hope for the future. I love that kids Nathan's age are practicing an ancient language, not because it will be useful for communication purposes, but I imagine to connect with the origin of their faith. As a Christian I have treasured the studies I've done on the patriarchs we share with the Torah. I kind of wish we had more markers for kids growing up in the faith. Nathan's celebration was rich with symbolism and the support of his family and friends. I started out with the first few images here being designed as album spreads and/or storyboard collage. As you can see in the first image above, Nathan's dad was just beaming with pride for his son the whole time. Mom too, but I think the Bar Mitzvah is extra special to fathers and sons.

Oh my I am love with this wee one.

See. I told you.

What a cute family right? I think dad is from Morocco and mom from Canada but they've lived here in the Melbourne Area for a long time.

This is Courtyard at the Oaks and I'm not sure who did the arrangement but I know the Oaks provided the table settings and custom designed a Moroccan menu.

Do you remember middle school?

xoxo

barbie, hand bag, pink shoes. check. sweet cheeks I want to pinch like an annoying aunt. double check.

this is the table chart. remember middle school now?

The first part of the event was outside on the patio, great set up with the bar and servers walking around with yummy hors d'oeuvres. Why do I have to google that every time I spell it?

if there is a sweet baby or toddler at your event, i will not be able to resist.

if you weren't sure about the possibility of flying people leaving trails of pixie dust behind, you can rest assured now.

enthusiastic crowd. really fun. grandpa was a hoot too.

sweetest little sister ever giving her speech in support of her bro.

The dj's were very familiar with Bar Mitzvah. Did a great job I thought with keeping the event moving from one thing to the next. But, just say no to the weird confetti looking lights. They were all over everybody on the dance floor like glowing lent. I even got a photo with a green one right under someone's nose. No worries guests of Nathan, I deleted, but seriously.

They're holding hands. I think it's a duet.

love this one. these girls had a blast.

I learned that photographers can get crushed in what I believe might be the most ancient of all mosh pit traditions. Really cool dancing in circles, then circles moving in different directions, then in and out and poor Nathan just when he thinks he might sneak away there are more ladies ready to give him a twirl. I LOVE the hands.

Alpizar Law Event!

I photographed an event for Alpizar Law last weekend, located in Palm Bay, Fl. It was a fun get together and also a chance for the firm to celebrate the city of Palm Bay's 50th anniversary with a generous donation for a new outdoor movie screen. The screen is portable so can be used all over Palm Bay in the various parks the city has to offer. Sounds like something my kids would like to do! Many of Palm Bay's city officials attended.

Continental Flambe' catered

John Alpizar

David Alpizar

I saw some friends from high school I probably haven't seen since high school which was of course only a few years ago. (anyone believe that? thank you.)

Here is a smaller version of the movie screen.

John's grandbabies... so cute!

everyone had a great time!

Always fun to run into couples I know because I shot their wedding! Lindsey and Drew on the left even have their first baby already!

To see all the photos from this event, visit Alpizar Law's facebook page.