Mazel tov to Elana, who celebrated her bat mitzvah this past weekend at Beth Shalom Congregation! This was my first time there, and my jaw dropped when I saw the magnificent sanctuary, with its towering stained glass windows. Amazing!
Beth Shalom Congregation doesn’t permit photography during its services, so we met the day prior to the actual bat mitzvah service for portraits. Even though she’d just had a cast removed from her leg the day before, Elana was all smiles. (When I asked what happened to her leg, she replied, “I’ve gotten the story down to just one word. Gymnastics.” Say no more.)
The next night, Elana celebrated with family and friends in the ballroom at Beth Shalom Congregation. DJ Alan Karelitz of ABK Productions kept kids and adults alike entertained all night. Mike the Balloon Guy’s airbrush tattoos were in demand all night long. And dinner was a real treat for guests – Italian, Asian and Mediterranean stations. Delicious, and beautifully presented by Deena’s Dishes.
Many 13 year olds seem shy, or reserved, and kind of embarrassed that their parents exist. And then there’s a 13 year old like Elana, who when her father compliments her on what a great job she did during her service that morning, leans over and says “thank you!” into the microphone with a big smile.
These industrious boys surrounded the entire dance floor with one giant ring of glow sticks.
Mazel tov, Elana!
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The Credits
Venue: Beth Shalom Congregation
DJ: Alan Karelitz, ABK Productions
Caterer: Deena Ross, Deena’s Dishes – Creative Kosher
Photo booth and airbrush tattoos: Mike the Balloon Guy
Photography: Christina Montemurro Photography
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Christina Montemurro Photography specializes in photographing Pittsburgh weddings and bar mitzvahs. Using a photojournalistic approach, Christina provides extraordinary attention to detail and customer service. Christina loves to work with happy couples who want to look their best in their wedding photos, but still look like themselves, not models in a styled shoot for a magazine.
Contact Christina now to check availability for your engagement session, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Christina has been rated among top Pittsburgh wedding photographers. Read reviews that Christina’s past brides and grooms have written here and here. Some of Christina’s favorite venues include the Carnegie Museum, Temple Sinai, Temple Ohav Shalom, Rodef Shalom, Heinz History Center, Edgewood Club, Hotel Monaco, Omni William Penn Hotel, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, PNC Park and Twelve Oaks Mansion.