Sol’s Bar Mitzvah – Temple Chayai Shalom and the Holiday Inn, Taunton MA

Sol’s bar mitzvah took place at the Temple Chanai Shalom, with a party afterward at the Taunton Holiday Inn.

This was a particularly exciting bar mitzvah for me, because I already knew this family from photographing Sol’s sister Gabriella’s bat mitzvah. I love getting repeat families, because it’s wonderful to see them grow!

Sol’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Chayai Shalom

This was a glorious day, filled with pride and joy for the family. As I began the day at the temple with Sol’s immediate family, I could feel the happiness all around me as well as the anticipation. We took some portraits both in the temple and outside, and tried to capture that feeling of the good kind of nerves before something big like this!

After the bar mitzvah services, Sol’s family hosted a reception at the Holiday Inn in Taunton, Massachusetts. Sol got such a fun reception with giant balloons congratulating him! Seriously, everyone was so happy.

I grabbed a big group photo on the stairs heading up to the party room before the adults and kids split up to party in different ways. While the adults were enjoying a cocktail hour, the kids played a variety of games together.

After some introductions and mingling, the hora kicked in. The large group circled the dance floor, and we could literally feel it bouncing! There was so much excitement packed into that one room!

Soon, the candle lighting ceremony began, and I was so touched by the heartfelt toasts Sol made for his family and friends. I’m always so honored when I’m able to capture moments like this—and the true emotion that goes with it.

Zive family, thank you so much for trusting me to record this momentous event in your family’s life. I so enjoyed photographing Gabriella’s bat mitzvah, and I was thrilled to photograph Sol’s as well. Mazel Tov!