As a documentary wedding photographer, the whole essence of my approach is to tell the story of the day through my photographs. When I was asked by Melanie to photograph her brother Jonathan’s Bar Mitzvah celebration, I was really keen to apply this method to different type of special occasion!

I’d never shot a Bar Mitzvah before, and wasn’t entirely sure what the evening would encompass. But Melanie and her family give me a good outline of the day, and couldn’t have been more helpful. Jonathan had his Bar Mitzvah ceremony the day before the party, and I was to document Jonathan and all his friends and family celebrating at Bowden Shul Hall the evening after.

What incredible fun it was. A huge party, with great speeches, food and even a special top gear visitor! Not to mention lots and lots of dancing, from traditional Israeli dancing to Gangam style to 70’s disco! I was on the dance-floor shooting for a large portion of the evening, and at the end of the night, I looked (and left) like I’d been partying at a night club for several hours!

 Ben, an event planner from ‘we are events’  ensured the whole celebration ran smoothly and looked amazing. Some of my favourite images from the night below…