My dear friend, Jodi, asked me last year if I would photograph her son's Bar Mitzvah and I happily said "OF COURSE!" but, I had a confession to make to her first: I had never been to a Bar Mitzvah before. I grew up going to Catholic school so I missed out on all the amazing Mitzvah celebrations as a child.

I told Jodi that I certainly understood if she wanted to hire someone who, well, knew what they were doing. But Jodi said no, it had to be me. She wanted my fresh take on the day. She liked that I'd shoot it the way I saw it and she liked that my style captured moments, not poses.  So, even though I was TERRIFIED, I put my big girl camera over my shoulder and made my way to Temple for the first time.

Before I start displaying all the gorgeous memories of Ben's special day, I just need to say that my first Bar Mitzvah was an incredible experience! Jodi's three boys are some of the greatest children I've ever come across. They are sweet and funny and kind, but they are also extremely respectful. Sitting in temple with Ben's family and friends, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the community, the tradition and the love that filled the room. The speeches from Ben's parents to their son -- to their son who has just become a man in the eyes of God -- were so very incredibly touching that I felt the urge all day to just jump in the middle of all of it and just hug every single one of these wonderful people. And I might, I just might have been doing the ugly cry a few times behind my lens.

There is no more adorable family for me to break my blogging fast with!

The Shepherds are not only a gorgeous and well-coordinated crew, but they are also very dear friends of mine. And I love them. A LOT.

I can't even begin to tell you how sweet and wonderful these people are. Since words can't do them justice, hopefully, these images really show off how amazing they all are.

I am winding down the sessions I have left to edit so I am finding a little time to squeeze in some holiday decorating. Most years, I set up our Christmas tree in our family room but have always wanted my tree in the front bay window and have set it up there this season. Missing the twinkle lights as I cozy up with my family in the evenings, I decided I needed to add some holiday decor with lights to my TV room mantel.

Thankfully, I have some incredibly creative friends who share their ideas on social media for me to copy! This idea is completely stolen from my dear friend, Ami, owner of Ella Mella Market. She is an insanely talented artist {and also, she looks so much like me that everyone thinks we're sisters}. I give her all credit -- my only idea was to photograph the steps and blog it for all to share!

Gather your supplies!

• 5 yard sticks (Ami's tip: buy them from the paint section because they are the least expensive. I paid $.98 per stick at Lowes!)
• White Paint - I had Annie Sloan Old White paint on hand
• 100 Christmas lights
• Hot Glue

Then go on IG while you wait for the paint to dry. Like IG? Me too. A LOT!

Flip sticks over and paint the back. My star was going to go up against a mirror so both sides needed to be white. If you're just backing to a non-relfective surface, skip this step!

If you feel you need more time on Instagram, go ahead and let the paint dry under your careful supervision. :)

Paint a second coat, if you'd like.

Once everything has dried, set your yard sticks up so they form a star. Then hot glue the pieces together. Seriously, does it get any easier!?

Then, run to Target because you will need white lights on a WHITE string. And that didn't come to mind until just.this.second.

Wrap those white lights all around your star.

If you're feeling you need some greenery, hook up that mantel with some fresh garland.

And some Mason jars with white candles. I love Mason jars. #masonjarallthethings

Voila!! Super easy, super inexpensive twinkly lights for the mantel!

Why shop this Monday when you can WIN!?

PBJ has had an amazing 2013 and that is all thanks to YOU - all my beautiful, wonderful clients and fans!

Instead of sales this Cyber Monday, I am saying THANKS and giving away a full session in the spring of 2014. Yup. I said FULL. Not mini. Not just just a couple of files. Not just a print or two. A full photo session with 15 digital image files included. 

There are a few terms and conditions like… you probably want to live in the DC metro area to enter or else you might have to travel quite a ways for your session that will take place in Fairfax County or Eastern Loudoun County… and I'd prefer if you were a nice person (meanies need not enter!!)… and the session is limited to 4 individuals… and newborns and boudoir are excluded… so, be sure to read all the fine print! :) A signed contract and model release will be required.

Already on my calendar for 2014? Don't be shy! Enter anyway! I'll drop those fees for ya' if you're my winner!

Like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram to enter!! Easy peasy!

Good luck and I can't wait to see you in 2014!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am never really sure how to control my excitement when I am hired to photograph little girls. Don't get me wrong, I just adore little boys. I have two of my own. Three, if my husband counts {which he kind of does}. But bows and ruffles and twirling - who doesn't melt for that?

I photographed these two GORGEOUS sisters to capture their September birthdays. I'm still swooning.