Long Beach Bar Mitzvah | Temple Israel | Jeremy

In 2008 we met June, who was looking for someone to photograph and video her daughter Emily's upcoming 2009 Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Long Beach. We ended up agreeing to work together, and met up with Emily on Valentine's Day for the big event.
Mom was thrilled with the work, and told her friends. We've since returned to Temple Israel for Claire, Dylan, Maliena, Alysia and Shane, and on Saturday we were back to Temple Israel again, this time for Jeremy.
Thank you June--and Suzanne--and Debbie--for spreading the word.

Temple Israel is a historic temple in the heart of Long Beach, circa the 1940s, with a big sanctuary, stained glass windows and a music filled service. The temple is about to undergo a facelift in the next two years. Progress is great, but we'll miss the ol' sanctuary.
After the service, Jeremy and his friends celebrated at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. See him below doing the limbo!

Long Beach Hyatt Regency Bat Mitzvah Bash | Mikaela

Here's a really fun video David Medill put together for us from Mikaela's Bat Mitzvah party at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency.

Manhattan Beach Family Portraits @ the Manhattan Beach PIer

A few weeks we happily donated our services to Manhattan Beach temple Congregation Tikvat Jacob for the annual silent auction, with a Manhattan Beach family portrait session.
There's nothing better than giving back, and then getting so much in return, as we did when the lively Davidson/Kushner family arrived to meet us at the beach recently for sunset shots, full of vigor, enthusiasm and willing to do just about anything. Well, the above picture says it all. We've known Tamah for years, and she's always been consistent--"Don't take my picture! I hate to be photographed."
Something about the beach when the sun is about to set....changes everyone's disposition. The next thing you know, they're jumping up in the air and waving their arms for the camera!

Redondo Beach Wedding | Portofino | Erin & Chris

Here's a fun video highlight reel and pictoral highlights from Erin & Chris's Redondo Beach weekend wedding at the Portofino in Redondo Beach. Sure it was windy--in fact, it was so blowy, Erin's bridal veil flew off as she walked down the aisle with Chris. But what's a little wind? Everyone had a great time watching the waves crash against the rocks, and seeing a great couple tie the knot. Congrats!

Manhattan Beach Bat Mitzvah | CTJ | Sarah

We've spent a lot of time with the lovely Sarah over the last few weeks. First, we met her under the Manhattan Beach Pier to shoot the portrait for her sign-in board. Then, a few weeks later, we were at Congregation Tikvat Jacob, our neighborhood temple, for her Bat Mitzvah portraits. Last weekend, it was time to reunite, first in the afternoon, for some Bat Mitzvah day portraits at the family home, then over to the Manhattan Country Club, for the big party, staged by Nina Bracker Events.
Featured below: Sarah at the beach and CTJ, with Rabbi Mark.







All photos by Sam Graham, except for #5, which is by Jeff.

Beth Shir Sholom Santa Monica Bar Mitzvah | Ben

Ben was called to the torah at Santa Monica's Beth Shir Sholom recently. We did portraits before the service, and then went upstairs to document the service from the A/V room. Afterwards, Ben, his family and friends celebrated at the new Marriott Le Merigot.


Top photo by Jeff, bottom photos by Sam.

Sinai Temple Los Angeles Bat Mitzvah | Carly

We returned to Sinai Temple recently for Carly's portrait session at the busy, beautiful Los Angeles temple, on the corner of Beverly Glen and Wilshire.

We love Sinai's big stained glass of the temple (great for portraits and family shots) and the wonderful garden outside.

Top two photos by Jeff, bottom by Sam Graham.