Aiden’s Bar Mitzvah: September 19, 2024 Photos by: Justine and Jonni On a crisp, sunny Fall morning, Aiden’s Bar Mitzvah kicked off at Beth Tzedec in midtown Toronto, and let me tell you, the vibe was sharp and buzzing with excitement. We kicked things off with a photo session featuring Aiden—our man of the hour—looking absolutely dapper in his blue suit and tie. Next up, family lineup! Siblings, parents, grandparents, and the whole extended crew—everyone got in on the action. And let’s not forget the adorable little cousins who were buzzing around, hyped up to share in Aiden’s big day.  As guests trickled in, we made our way to the cozy Chapel downstairs for the main event. The Rabbi welcomed everyone, and the ceremony was pure magic. Aiden absolutely crushed his Torah reading and nailed his D’var Torah. Proud family smiles all around—seriously, their faces could’ve lit up the entire room!  Post-ceremony, it was time to eat! We headed upstairs to a brunch spread that dreams are made of: bagels, lox, tuna, egg salad, cream cheese—you name it! And don’t even get me started on the desserts. Fast-forward a few weeks, and the party train rolled into the Ezone in Etobicoke, where […]
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Charlie’s Bat Mitzvah: September 21, 2024 It was lovely seeing this family again, Charlie is the second of two kids, and we were at it again. We met outside her grandmother’s condo and managed to carve out some beautiful photos in the parking lot (although you would not know it). She was fantastic; smiling and laughing and just having a good time. This beautiful September weather for some reason has been a godsend. we invited his newly mitzvah’d brother and parents as we continued our little adventure in the parking lot. Once done, Moshe Sadaan was waiting for us to start the ceremony. A tight space but this made for wonderful intimate ceremony.  A beautiful lunch followed, and we were done with part one. Fast forward to Saturday night, where the Factory awaited… … so we meet up at The Factory, and Charlie and I headed out into… once again, the parking lot. This one has beautiful fall trees, so we embraced them with enthusiasm. Add in some parents and a brother, and we were then ready for the extended family. The party was the ‘Cerasus Super‘, (for those Latin lovers.) Magen Boys brought the roof down, and we were […]
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Harry’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: September 9, 2024 Harry’s bar mitzvah rehearsal took place in a synagogue I have not yet been to, the Shaarei Tefillah. Always a joy when that happens. He was ready to go and in great shape for this rehearsal. We took out the Torah, I took photos with him reading, and finally added sibling, parents, and grandparents into this photo shoot. We did a few photos outside before finally heading to the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens for some genuine family fun. This beautiful September day in Toronto turned out to be just that, beautiful.  Harry, good job. I know you’re ready for the big day. Mazal Tov.   The Story of Harry’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE
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Lily and Leah’s B’nei Mitzvah Candle Lighting: September 13, 2024 This was a lovely celebration of two delightful women who have attained the age of bat mitzvah. We met at the Family Shul, and decided to use some of the gardens around the neighbourhood to photograph. Where to begin, I took Lily, and her sister and parents, and we had a great time wondering around and getting the lay of the land. Then her lovely cousin Leah joined us, and we did the same on that side of the family. Once we were done pictures, it was time for the candle-lighting ceremony. Inside the sanctuary we did go, and we let the games begin. Lovely speeches, candy, projectiles, candle-lighting, just some pre-shabbat fun. I was outta there as it was the start of Shabbat. Mazel tov guys, great evening. The Story of Lily & Leah’s B’nei Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE   •Hair: Lily: Michael’s Hair Body Mind •Hair: Leah: DBK Salons   •Event Planner: The Moms •Photographer: Jonni Super •Venue: The Ledbury Jewish Centre •Caterer: Jacobs Catering  •Rabbi: Shaya Spalter
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Audrey’s Cirque Mitzvah Party: September 15, 2024 So I knew going into this event that this would be one for the record books when I look back on the year, and it did not disappoint. No stone was left unturned, no detail was left to chance, this was going to be a Cirque d’Audrey. We met down at Ricarda’s Restaurant in the late afternoon as everyone was setting up for the evening, and there were definitely a lot of people setting up, a full circus was underway.  This whole adventure was managed delicately by Gloria Benaim, who tied this party together beautifully. Eventually, Audrey came down for some photos, and we headed outside onto Queen Street and into the downtown core. just fun walking around with a bat mitzvah girl. Her parents and partners finally arrived and the show was good to go. Family pictures done, it was time to celebrate. Lots of schmoozing with cirque performance intermingling. Delicious appetizers were passed around, the kids lined up at the personalized basketballs and Sephora store to cash in on some goodies. Finally, Audrey made her grand appearance with some dancers and Justin Barkie Experience was underway. The night went forward without […]
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Lev’s Bar Mitzvah: September 14, 2024 This two-part mitzvah was to take place at Holy Blossom. We started Thursday lunchtime with a delightful rehearsal photo shoot. Perfect weather, all the time in the world. Lev and I took out time exploring Holy Blossom inside and out. My second time round with his family, so I was looking forward to photographing Lev as Ruby’s bat mitzvah was early Covid and way too confined. So she’s now grown up, and ready to roll again. We added Ruby, some parents, and the whole photoshoot came together perfectly.  We did some Torah pictures, and then we put things away until Saturday night when all gloves are off. Fast forward two days, and we are back in gear. I arrive at Holy Blossom whilst everything is being set up. I took Lev for a little stroll again, whilst everyone was getting ready. This was going to be a great evening. DJ Phoenix was ready to bring on the tunes, there were card games and roulette upstairs, just everything that a teenage kid could want; great food, fun times, and an amazing party to be had. Mazel tov guys, what a fun night.   The Story […]
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Charlie’s Bar Mitzvah: September 7, 2024 I met Charlie at Beth David for a rehearsal on Thursday afternoon, he was good to go, looking pretty sharp. I last saw him a few years ago early Covid when his brother was at this age, but here Charlie is, taller and older. We had a little walk around the garden and park outside the synagogue, before inviting his siblings and parents into the photography mix. Cousins and grandparents were also on board, and then we headed into the sanctuary for some pictures with the Torah. We wrapped up Thursday and are looking forward to Saturday.  The party end of Charlie’s mitzvah was to take place at the El Mocambo on Spadina. I love this venue, takes me back to my childhood when we used to play music here in our high school bands. Fast forward to 2024, and Charlie was ready to roll. We walked around outside, lots of graffiti to deal with which was pretty cool, and then inside for some family photos in the room. This whole party was a Vegas themed multilevel extravaganza; first floor, main floor, third floor, something happening everywhere all the time. and it was all fun. […]
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Shane’s Bar Mitzvah: September 5, 2024 This was a bar mitzvah that I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while. I first met Shane’s parents a while ago but Shane was but a small lad. Fast forward a number of years, and here he is, a bar mitzvah boy about to become a man. We photographed at Adath Israel on a beautiful morning, where things could just not go wrong. Shane was ready to go, in good spirits and looking pretty sharp. How can one not look sharp in a powder blue suit.  Mr. Baseball here was pretty cool, we wandered around outside, with parents, finally adding in grandparents and cousins for photos. When we were done, we took a few photos with the Torah before the ceremony started, and then it was ceremony time. My photography becomes more journalistic and I capture what I see, and what I saw was a fantastic ceremony; Shane spoke beautifully and parents were super proud, and there was a whole gang of boys who were happy to be off school. Ceremony over, we headed into lunch, but this was not just any old lunch, this would’ve been a night party on a […]
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Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: August 31, 2024 I met Nathan and the family in the beautiful garden at Temple Sinai, one of my favourite locations to photograph in Toronto. Nathan was good to go, the weather was a little iffy but we managed in spades. We did our little garden walk, photographing as we went, before adding in his brother [quite the character] and his parents and grandparents. Once we finished outside, we were off into the sanctuary to take some photos with the Torah. Everything worked out perfectly, and they are good to go for their upcoming service.  Mazal Tov guys, way to go.   The Story of Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Cooper’s Bar Mitzvah: August 29, 2024 I love this garden they have at Beth Tzedec, pretty much evergreen and always the perfect backdrop for photos. I met Cooper outside, and we took a little stroll around the grounds. Perfect weather, perfect day. We eventually added the rest of the immediate family, and a whole bunch of grandparents and cousins, and we were off to the races. We were in the small sanctuary for this bar mitzvah which was perfect for the size of this group. Cooper was fantastic, read beautifully from the Torah, and made everyone proud. We wrapped up the ceremony and headed in to the Banquet Hall for a delicious luncheon.  Some beautiful speeches, a giant cake, pictures of the family, and this boy had become a man. Mazal Tov guys, fantastic day.   The Story of Cooper’s Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: June 22, 2024 I really enjoyed this rehearsal, this is my synagogue, I grew up with in Thornhill, Chabad Lubavitch of Markham. It’s always nice to go back, got to see both Rabbis Plotkin & Gitlan.  We started with Ryan’s actual rehearsal in front of the Torah, I got some of those pictures, him and his family.  We then wrapped up and went outside for some family portraits. The synagogue always offers interesting outdoor photography and today was no exception. We had fun just soaking in summer, and enjoying the mitzvah rehearsal vibes. Mazal Tov guys, way to go.   The Story of Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Myles Bar Mitzvah: June 22, 2024 My second adventure with Miles in the last few months, he was first guest at his cousins bat mitzvah, and here he was to shine on his own. We met at Adeth Israel for some family photos prior to the ceremony.  We had a great time with before the ceremony, first Miles, then his parents, then all these grandparents and cousins. After the ceremony we did a quick rehearsal for some pictures with the Torah and then into the main event. Miles was fantastic, read with charm and grace.  What followed was a delicious brunch, warm speeches, and just a good feeling.  Mazal Tov Miles, way to go.   The Story of Myles’ Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE        
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Brody & Talia’s B’nei Mitzvah: June 19, 2024 Oh, what a delightful little adventure this was! Brody and Talia both stepped into adulthood in the eyes of Jewish law—together, as cousins. We kicked things off at The Warehouse, where the ceremony was set to unfold. Of course, in true Toronto fashion, we were greeted by some rain—just a minor inconvenience—but it didn’t stop us from soaking up every fun moment. Luckily, the clouds eventually parted! First, I whisked Brody off for some photos with his family, and then it was Talia’s turn to shine. Same routine—solo shots followed by family portraits. With the photos done, everyone gathered inside for the ceremony, beautifully led by Moshe Saadon. I adore shooting at this venue; the white walls and ceilings create such an open, airy vibe.  After the heartfelt ceremony, we all indulged in a delicious luncheon—complete with speeches, naturally. Both families enjoying the moment. We wrapped up the morning and called it a day. Mazal Tov to these two rockstars!   The Story of Brody & Talia’s B’nei Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Shira’s Bat Mitzvah Rehearsal: June 18, 2024 I met Shira and her family at the Ayin L’Tzion Zichron Yisroel Congregation Synagogue for some Torah pictures before heading to a luncheon at DANI. Shira was adorable, a spicy little kid, whom I’ve known her for many years as this was my third rendezvous with this family. She was great. We took out Torah photos, and then headed down for a delicious lunch and party at DANI. Lovely speeches from parents and kids, the weather held out unexpectedly so no rain, and everything went according to plan. Mazal Tov Shira, great job.   The Story of Shira’s Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE    
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Leah’s Bat Mitzvah: June 15, 2024 Leah’s bat mitzvah took place north of the city on a beautiful summer morning in Unionville. We couldn’t of asked for better weather or a more pristine location. Leah and I took a little walk around Unionville to get familiar with the scenery and to get some photos. I then invited her brothers and parents in for some family photos before adding in the grandparents and extended family. Everything was going perfectly to plan. We went inside the Nextdoor Restaurant where our ceremony would take place. A fantastic morning ceremony followed by wonderful speeches, delicious food, kids just having fun, and everyone just enjoying the day. Leah, you were amazing, Mazal Tov.   The Story of Leah’s Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Bella’s Bat Mitzvah: June 24, 2024 Photography by: Jonni & Indie Super I love spending time with his family, and this was my third time around. Not only that, this was a two-part event separated by a few months. We had the party already earlier in the year, so this was really the ceremony and lunch with the family. I met Bella at Beth David for her bat mitzvah ceremony. We had a fantastic time walking around taking photos, before the rest of the sibs joined us, then finally the parents, and then extended family. We wrapped that whole package before heading into the ceremony with Cantor Michael. Bella was fantastic, as expected. She just took control of the mitzvah and went with it, making everyone proud with her grace and her confidence. We finished up the ceremony and then headed to the family house for a delicious lunch; everyone was invited. This was truly a fantastic way to end the morning ceremony. We finally wrapped up by taking some photos in our original party gear sans the cowboy hat. That was the plan, and it unfolded as expected. Mazal Tov guys, amazing to see you all.   The Story […]
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Violet’s Bat Mitzvah: June 20, 2024 Violet’s bat mitzvah was a two-part events, both being spectacular. The morning ceremony took place at Adath Israel, and the evening party took place in Yorkville at Sassafraz Restaurant.  This being my second outing with this family, Violet knew exactly what was about to take place and played the part perfectly. We walked around the synagogue, just the two of us, enjoying a fantastic time together.  We eventually invited her brother and parents for some fun family time, before the grandparents and cousins entered the fray. We wrapped up this little adventure and headed in to the sanctuary for the bat mitzvah proper. Violet was fantastic, she took a hold of this ceremony and went with it, making us all proud. A delicious lunch followed but what everyone was waiting for was the night party. We met again at Sassafraz in York Ville for a pre-dinner and party photo shoot. I found some cool areas in Yorkville that were unexpected, and Violet and I just had a good time photographing together. Of course I had to stop a couple of sports cars so we could stand in front of them, why else would you […]
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Lily’s Bat Mitzvah Rehearsal: June 20, 2024 My second time around with this family, back at Holy Blossom for a rehearsal. Lily was in fine form, ready to go to capture the special day. We walked around the grounds for a while enjoying the summer sun, before inviting her sister and parents for a little photo shoot. Back inside the sanctuary, we took out the Torah for some photos before wrapping things up out in the foyer. Mazal Tov Lily, way to go.   All the Photos: HERE
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Sunny’s Backyard Bat Mitzvah Nestled in a leafy part of town, Sunny’s event was a breeze to capture. We started with a stroll on the Cedarville bridge, one of my favourite Toronto spots. Just endless nature vibes. Her brother and parents, total pros at this photo game, joined in before we rounded up the rest of the large, lively family in the park. After nailing the family photos, we headed to the backyard where a tent was set up. Inside, a crowd of family members eagerly awaited Sunny’s Torah reading and her step into womanhood. They were not let down. An amazing lunch followed, packed with delightful speeches and some final shots. Mazel tov, Sunny! Way to go!   The Story of Sunny’s Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Noah’s Backyard Bar Mitzvah My second time with this delightful group, this morning was not to be missed. I love this gang of boys, four brothers, each of them growing up faster than the next. Well, this was Noah’s turn to shine and shine he did. We headed out for a great photo shoot out in the street, used the neighbours houses, did whatever we could to have some fun before Noah’s sibs, and mom and dad joined us for some family photography. Everyone was looking good and feeling good. Adding some grandparents and some cousins and the photoshoot was done. We eventually headed to the backyard where everything was set up for a garden ceremony. Rabbi Yossi Sapirman was on board just like last time to run a beautiful inclusive ceremony. Toronto being unpredictable, of course, brought her weather to bear and for a part of the ceremony, umbrellas would make an appearance. That wasn’t going to stop the revelry or the party, and we just kept on going. Great speeches were heard before heading over to enjoy a brunch of champions. Noah, Way to go, you were fantastic.   The Story of Noah’s Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE […]
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Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah: June 8, 2024 My second adventure with this family was not to be missed, I love the first one, and thankfully, Zoe’s parents felt the same, so we did it all again. Why mess with success. Starting our adventure at Habonim on a spectacular summer morning, Zoe was fabulous. We wandered around and made the most of the stunning weather, Her sister and obvious seasoned pro joined us after a while, as did Zoe’s parents. We wrapped up that little photo shoot and headed inside for some pictures with grandparents and cousins. Then we were onto the ceremony, Habonim is known for a beautiful morning ceremony, and this was not to disappoint. Fantastic singing, warm and delightful speeches, and just a great feeling of togetherness was the order of the day. Fast forward and we are now downtown Toronto at Second-Floor Events, another perfect location for a party. I took Zoe for a little stroll along Queen Street, just checking out the scene, before the whole family headed down to The Well, new Toronto location where we got some interesting family photos. Zoe and her sister are just a joy to be around and to photograph, very […]
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Marlo’s Bat Mitzvah: June 9, 2024 So Marlo, the second child was ready for her bat mitzvah.  We gathered at Adath Israel for a fantastic rehearsal. Marlo was in fine form, and we captured stunning photos of her, accompanied by her playful brothers, dapper parents, and proud grandparents. We moved inside for Torah shots, before setting the stage for the big night at the El Mocambo in downtown Toronto. Marlo arrived looking gorgeous in her white sequinned dress, and the family was thrilled for the celebration. We did another round of photos, this time with cool graffiti as our backdrop. As guests arrived, the evening kicked off with schmoozing and appetizers, followed by a lively hora and dancing led by the Magen Boys. Heartfelt speeches and sweet sentiments from Marlo capped off the night, and the party continued with dancing and a delicious dessert spread. Mazel tov, Marlo, way to go!   The Story of Marlo Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos: HERE All the Photos: HERE   •Invitations: Paperdoll Studio •Decor: Splendid Settings (Synagogue), Paperdoll Studio (party) •Florist: Wildflowers & Company  •Event Planner: Elisa Garay – Ideation Events  •Photographer: Justine Apple & Jonni Super •Videographer: Mitch Belman •DJ Entertainment: Magen Boys •Venue: […]
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Miles’ Bar Mitzvah Schmooze: June 8, 2024 At the Walrus Bar in downtown Toronto, a new photographic territory for me, Miles and I embarked on a mini-adventure to find some quirky photo spots. We found elephants, fountains, and pedestrians aplenty. Joined by his sister and dad, we ventured through the streets, though we were politely asked to leave some spots (Toronto… sheesh). Back inside, we found a perfect backdrop for family and extended family photos. The day transitioned into a mix of schmoozing, pool games, a hora, and dancing. A highlight was Harlan, a seasoned family guest taking the mic, adding a special touch to the absence of a party animator. With good friends, delicious food, and a lovely vibe, Miles’ mitzvah night schmooze was a hit. Mazel tov!   All the Photos: HERE  
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Riley’s Bar Mitzvah: June 7, 2024 Riley’s bar mitzvah was held at one of my favourite synagogues, Chabad Romano, north of Toronto. Though a bit of a trek from my downtown abode, it was worth every minute. We started with a little stroll around the synagogue, capturing the excitement of the parents and extended family. This set the stage for some stellar photos. After our outdoor adventure, we headed inside to lay tefillin and commence the ceremony. Riley was fantastic, embodying the warm and honest spirit of his family. He read from the Torah beautifully and delivered a compelling D’var Torah. As expected at Romano, a delicious brunch followed, complete with candle lighting and more photos to wrap up the morning. Mazel tov, Riley! What a fantastic day.   The Story of Riley’s Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos HERE All the Photos: HERE   •Clothing (Mitzvah): North Boys •Clothing (Dad): Omar’s Shoes in Aurora •Invitations: Paperless Post •Makeup: Orly Waldman •Hair: Sabrina  •Decor: Jacqui (TWSS Balloons) •Photographer: Jonni Super •Venue: Chabad Romano •Caterer: Royal Dairy Catering  •Specialty Food: Gradzinskys Bakery  
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Reyah’s Bat Mitzvah: June 7, 2024 Reyah’s Bat Mitzvah dawned on a crisp spring morning at First Narayever Congregation downtown. Everyone showed up looking snazzy and buzzing with excitement for the big day. We kicked things off with a photo session featuring Reyah, who looked radiant in her white dress. Family shots with her older sisters and parents followed, capturing the joy of the occasion. As guests filtered in, we moved into the main sanctuary for the service. Rabbi Ed Elkin welcomed everyone and led a heartwarming ceremony. Reyah nailed her Torah reading and D’var Torah, leaving her family beaming with pride. Post-service, we headed downstairs for a Kiddush. Fast forward to the evening bash at the Prosserman JCC on Bathurst north of Sheppard. The JCC dining hall provided a stunning backdrop for more family photos before we dove into the festivities. Candle lighting, a delightful dinner, some schmoozing, a lively hora, heartfelt speeches, and the traditional Friday night candle lighting rounded out the night. Mazel tov, Reyah!   The Story of Reyah’s Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos HERE All the Photos: HERE   •Decor: Susan Murray International      •Florist: Bloominghill Flowers    •Event Planner: Samara Enchin 😉 •Photographer: Jonni Super •Venue: Prosserman […]
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Josh’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: June 7, 2024 Back with this wonderful crew for a second round, and once again, we’re at the Beit Rayim Synagogue in the Schwartz Reisman Centre, just north of Toronto on Bathurst. I caught up with Josh on a (kinda) rainy day, so we moved our portrait session indoors, such is Toronto summer weather. Josh was all set, and we took a little adventure walk around the Reisman Centre before gathering the whole family for some group shots. Then, we headed into the sanctuary for photos with the Torah, building up the excitement for the big event on Saturday. Mazel Tov, everyone—well done!   The Story of the Day: Selected Photos HERE All the Photos: HERE   •Clothing (Mitzvah): Moores •Clothing (Mom): Laura Canada •Clothing (Dad): Moores •Invitations: Paperless Post  •Makeup: Candice Torch •Photographer: Jonni Super •Venue: Schwartz Reisman Centre •Caterer: Eisenbergs 
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Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: June 4, 2024 My second time around with this wonderful family, and back to Temple Sinai we did go. I took Aaron for a little walk around the garden which I am apt to do whenever I photograph here. This synagogue lends itself to photography with interesting and fun backdrops, and today did not disappoint. Aaron was great, up for the task. I added his sister into some photos before gathering up parents and grandparents. We hung out in the garden for a while and then headed into the sanctuary for the ubiquitous pictures with the Torah. This was just a fun photo shoot, everyone was really happy and in a good mood, we just had a good time in anticipation of the bar mitzvah a few days hence. Mazal Tov guys, way to go.   The Story of Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal: Selected Photos HERE All the Photos: HERE  
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Jesse’s Bar Mitzvah: May 30, 2024 I met up with Jesse and his family at the Beach Shul, joined by one of my favourite bar mitzvah officiants, Moshe Saadon. We practically took over the place, which was amazing. Jesse was ready for his close-up and made a great subject. Although there wasn’t much around the Beach Shul, we managed to carve out some photo opportunities against the urban backdrop that is the beach.  Jesse’s sister took a turn in front of the camera, followed by some shots with his parents and extended family, wrapping up the portrait session, we then headed into the sanctuary for a wonderful ceremony filled with warm speeches and proud parents—the usual mitzvah magic.  After the ceremony, we needed some nourishment, so we made our way to the Beach Club just a bit down the road. This venue is fantastic for a party, and it certainly did not disappoint. This is where I made my exit, leaving them to enjoy the rest of their night.  Mazel tov, Jesse and family! Way to go!   The Story of Jesse’s Bar Mitzvah: Selected Photos HERE All the Photos: HERE
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Josh’s Bar Mitzvah Party: May 25, 2024 My second time around with this wonderful family, and it did not disappoint. We gathered at the Village Loft on Shepard and Bayview for a fantastic party. This venue is a photographer’s dream with its amazing light and endless opportunities for great shots. I took Josh for a little walk to do some exploring while everyone was organizing inside. We were soon joined by his siblings—one a seasoned pro from last time, and the other eagerly anticipating her bat mitzvah in a couple of years. With parents in tow, the five of them were ready to kick off the fun. This uniquely tall family brought a lot of joy to the session.  Grandparents and cousins soon joined us, and our portrait session was underway. We wrapped up with a few shots against a great Jackson Pollock backdrop in the parking lot, then headed inside to party. With lots of kids and sunshine, it was the perfect pre-party gathering. The Magen Boys were on deck to deliver a fantastic evening, with Mattan handling MC duties for this one. Josh made his grand entrance holding what appeared to be a Stanley Cup (maybe it was […]
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Paul’s Bar Mitzvah: May 23, 2024 I met Paul at Petah Tikva on the morning of his bar mitzvah to capture this young man becoming, let’s say, a “real man” under Jewish law. His morning service was fantastic—he made everyone proud as he read from the Torah and delivered his d’var Torah with grace and confidence.  And if I said the lunch that followed was spectacular, that would be an understatement. It was amazing! This congregation really knows how to throw a party. That was just the warm-up, the real celebration happened a few days later when I met up with the family at the Prosserman JJC on Bathurst near Sheppard. I took Paul and his sisters for a little walk, snapping photos as the late afternoon light gave us warmth and texture. This group is lively, to say the least. I’m sure Friday night dinners at their house are a celebration unto themselves! The kids had a blast in front of the camera, so much fun in fact, that we barely managed to get all the extended family and parent photos done before moving on to the schmoozing and party portion of the event.  The food at the JCC […]
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