Ellie’s Special Day - WeWork Bryant Park NYC Bat Mitzvah

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I was absolutely honored to be part of Ellie’s bat mitzvah at the White Street Synagogue Tribeca NYC, with a reception at the WeWork Bryant Park NYC. This beautiful girl is just so full of life and love, and it was amazing to be part of her celebration!

Ellie dances competitively, and although she is outgoing, she doesn’t need to be the center of attention. In fact, the thing that I loved most about this girl is that she loves to be with her friends (and she has so many!) and to laugh and be silly. She is a sweet, kind, considerate person, who loves everyone she meets—whether it’s family, school friends, dance friends, or camp friends—and who is obviously loved in return.

A few hours before the bat mitzvah, I arrived at Ellie’s house to just hang out and relax as I photographed everyone getting ready to go to the temple. I loved getting to see her with her family, especially her brother, Jack, and she simply shined as her family and friends gathered around her for the Torah reading.

After the service, we all headed to WeWork in TriBeca for the huge party. My second shooter, Brian Freedman, was already there capturing the details when we arrived before everyone settled in and the dancing started.

Ellie and her dance crew surprised all the guests, including me, with a full-on choreographed routine that blew us all out of the water! Then, her mother gave the most incredible speech that brought tears to my eyes.

Cindy & Mitchel, thank you for allowing me the honor of being a part of Ellie’s day. There was so much love and celebration in the room, I thought my heart would burst!

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