Harry’s Bar Mitzvah
Harry's Bar Mitzvah took place on a chilly Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Archeo Restaurant in the Distillery District. The family arrived looking absolutely gorgeous in their Bar Mitzvah attire. I could tell that they were very excited for their simcha ahead.
As a professional photographer, I knew that Harry’s Bar Mitzvah was an occasion that needed to be captured perfectly. I approached the task with my signature style, blending a mix of candid and posed shots to create a comprehensive story of the event.
Starting with Harry, we did a mini-session around the Distillery, taking pictures against various backdrops. Harry looked incredibly handsome in his black suit and maroon jacket, and he was a real natural in front of the camera. I then did a mini-session with Harry's younger sister, Mia, who was equally easy to work with and looked gorgeous in her beautiful blue dress.
After photographing the kids, we moved on to immediate family photos with Harry's parents against the brick walls behind Archeo. I loved watching the family’s playful interaction and capturing these real, raw moments through my lens.
After working outdoors, we moved inside for extended photos with Harry’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Everyone was so proud and excited to celebrate Harry’s simcha together.
As the guests started arriving, I documented all the festivities, including the gorgeous décor and rustic space, the hora and chair lift, the delicious dinner, and the dancing.
Throughout the evening, Harry's family and friends laughed, danced, and celebrated together. The speeches were touching and filled with warm sentiments, and there were even some hilarious anecdotes that had everyone in stitches. Harry's grandparents were beaming with pride, and his parents were overjoyed to see Harry surrounded by so much love and support.
It was a night that Harry and his family will never forget, and it was evident in every smile, every laugh, and every embrace. The warmth and love that filled the room at Harry’s Bar Mitzvah will be cherished for years to come, and it was an honour to capture it all through my lens.
Thanks so much for having me at your simcha, Harry! Mazal Tov to you and your family!
For Bar/Bat Mitzvah photography inquiries, please visit my website at justineapple.com or email me directly at hello@justineapple.com. I would love to work with you to create lasting memories that you and your family will cherish forever.
I approached the task with my signature style, blending a mix of candid and posed shots to create a comprehensive story of the event and Harry’s style!
Mazal Tov David on your Bar Mitzvah! It was a pleasure working with you and your family to capture your special day.
Austin was a trooper and posed for me against different backdrops around the shul. Next, I took photos of Austin's younger brother who had an infectious smile and was a natural in front of the camera.
I photographed the magnificent decor inside Factory Lounge, including the balloons, branded placemats, water bottles, candles, and cookies.
Austin looked very handsome in his light blue suit and red tie. He was easy to work with, and we took a variety of standing and seated shots against different backdrops around the shul.
The Middle Eastern food was delicious! Everyone enjoyed the falafel platters while they laughed and schmoozed at their tables.
Over the course of the lunch, I photographed the speeches, slideshow, hora, Bar Mitzvah cake, and shots of family and friends. It was a simcha filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.
The service was followed by a scrumptious lunch, including waffles, smoked salmon latkes, and yoghurt with fresh berries. Of course, I made sure to capture lots of detail shots of the food.
Photos began with an outdoor mini-session of Celia. She looked gorgeous in her blue Bat Mitzvah dress and Nike Air runners, and she was a natural in front of the camera.
The session took place at Celia’s home and the family looked stunning in their Bat Mitzvah outfits, and everyone was excited to get started.
We took photos against the different walls, on staircases, and in front of the main entrance. I photographed Lauren’s older brother and we got some cool shots of him posing seriously against a grey wall.
Everyone gathered in the small sanctuary for the morning service led by Rabbi Morrison. Jersey did an excellent job reading from the Torah, making her family and friends so proud.
We started out with a mini-session with Ellie. She looked stunning in her white Bat Mitzvah dress, and she radiated confidence in every photo.
I captured everything from the Aliyot to the speeches to the family reactions. Marlowe did an outstanding job reading from the Torah, making everyone around her so proud.
We then moved into the shul for a beautiful service led by Rabbi Gansburg. Zach did an outstanding job reading his Torah portion, making his family so proud.
The vibrant blue bima cover and the stained glass sections of the Aron Kodesh doors created the perfect backdrop for some stunning shots of Charlotte.
Seth and Lucy did an excellent job reading from the Torah, and it was clear that they had worked hard to prepare for their special day.
I ended the shoot with detail shots of the stunning decor inside The Avenue. Everything looked magical, and I knew Syd would have the best party with her friends and family.
One of my favorite parts of the session was photographing the twins together. Watching them interact and joke around with each other - capturing their bonding moments - was truly special.
Guests started arriving, so we went inside for a beautiful service led by Moshe Saadon. Darren read magnificently from the Torah, making his family and friends very proud.
From taking photos of Nathan’s family at the Ledbury Jewish Centre in North York to capturing photos during his Rehearsal and then photographing his Dinner Party at The ROM, the entire experience was filled with love, joy, and warmth.
Professional photographer specializing in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, headshots, and family photography.
I had the pleasure of photographing Ezra for his Bar Mitzvah. Working with him again brought back special memories of his intimate Covid simcha.