Lake Orion Band Banquet 2014

My friend, Asalyn, invited me to photograph her son and his fellow Lake Orion band mates at their annual banquet. Since they held it at Palazzo di Bocce and offered me free pasta and tiramisu, I had to say "yes!" This is the second year I've done photographed this event and its great to see the kids grow up. I spoke to some of the kids I met last year and learned where they're going to college and met some new kids this year. Everyone enjoyed playing bacce and they all had a great time.

Location: Palazzo di Bacci, Lake Orion, Michigan

Bennett's Bar Mitzvah

I was lucky enough to witness a young boy become a man during a Bar Mitzvah at Birmingham Temple. Bennett clearly studied very hard with his rabbi and gave a tremendous speech during the service about his hero, Lina Stern, a relatively unknown Jewish scientist who was a pioneer in her field and continued her work in Russia despite religious persecution by the Russian government. After the service, family and friends gathered in the temple hall for Kiddush. Later that evening, everyone met up at Andiamo Trattoria in Novi. I have been to several Bar Mitzvahs and can honestly say that this was the best. Bennett had an amazing MC and dancers from Star Trax to make sure everybody was dancing and having a good time. The party was a great way to end a very special day in Bennett's life.

Location: Birmingham Temple, Andiamo Trattoria