I rang in the New Year partying with Ariella! When her parents booked me for their New Years bat mitzvah and said they really want outdoor portraits, I prepared them for shooting in the snow. It’s New Jersey, and hello we had snow in October! So you can imagine our amazement when we had a perfect 50 degree day on January 1.
Ariella is one of the sweetest, most polite, caring 12 year olds I know. She’s quiet and unassuming, and even though she doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, she sure shines when she’s in it. Ariella walks into a room and that room just lights up. She doesn’t have a loud voice to make her presence known, nor does she push her way to the front, but in spite of that (or maybe because of that) she just sparkles.

As did her dress! Ariella loves fashion and has a style all her own. She picked out her dress herself and in my opinion it’s the perfect New Year’s party dress. It’s fireworks and sparkle and so much fun – just like Ariella.

She’s also an amazing artist and drew a photo as the centerpiece for each table. Her favorite (and mine!) is a sketch of her favorite singer Taylor Swift. How awesome is this?!

Did you see her adorable dimple?!

Her siblings are equally adorable, and were so proud of their big sis.


Her party was perfect – filled with fun and an incredible energy. As Taylor Swift says “with you I’d dance in a storm in my best dress, fearless.” Ariella’s friends and family danced fearless, and I loved every minute of it!

Ariella it’s hard not to adore you and the sparkle that follows everywhere you go. You’re a pretty special kid and I’m thrilled that I got to spend your bat mitzvah day with you. In the words of your favorite singer, “Just be yourself, there is no one better.” – Taylor Swift