FAMILY: Palo Alto Mitzvah with Marcy Blum

You’re right, this isn’t a wedding! But bear with me….this event still holds so many great decor ideas for a wedding and producing a FUN event for your guests!

Anyway, I’m just bursting with excitement to share the incredible experience I had photographing Megan’s recent Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. I’m all about capturing special moments and this event is FULL of special. As a professional photographer specializing in wedding & lifestyle photography, I travel often for special events. And let me tell you, getting to the destination was worth it! Megan’s celebration was an absolute blast, filled with love, joy, and memories to last a lifetime.

It was an honor to reconnect with Julie and Erik, Megan’s parents. I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding many years ago here in San Diego, and it was incredible to be asked to be a part of another important milestone in their lives. 

From Palo Alto’s beauty to the exceptional coordination by Marcy Blum, this Bat Mitzvah was a celebration filled with so much love, joy, and a ton of fun. Photography by Jennifer Dery.

A brightly lit building with glass walls glows in purple illumination against the evening sky, setting a magical scene for a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. In the foreground is a swimming pool with clear blue water, reflecting the vibrant lights from the building. Trees and other structures surround the serene setting.

Friday Shabbat Dinner at Ettan Restaurant:

The weekend festivities commenced with a delightful Friday Shabbat dinner at Ettan, a Michelin star restaurant where Megan’s family and friends gathered to kickstart the celebrations. 

This is the first time many of these family members had seen each other since the lockdown. The love and enthusiasm of that night was palpable. Megan delivered her blessing to the group while everyone gather around her on Ettan’s amazing umbrella-filled patio. It was beautiful!

A woman sits at a table at Ettan restaurant with intricate blue and white patterned walls, reminiscent of a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. A large blue door frames the scene with a hanging chandelier in the center. Plants and green foliage add a touch of nature to the interior decor.
A group of people stands around a table set with wine glasses, challah, candles, and a challah. One person holds a microphone, and others look engaged in the moment. They are outdoors under a decorated canopy with greenery and lights at their shabbat dinner at Ettan restaurant in palo Alto, California
A bustling restaurant shabbat dinner at Ettan restaurant in palo Alto, California features a long table set for eight people, celebrating a Bat Mitzvah. Four diners are seated and conversing while others mill around, including fames event planner marcy blum walking by. The table is adorned with flowers and set with plates, glasses, and menus.
A group of smiling people posing at an outdoor gathering in Palo Alto. In the foreground, a girl in a black dress is being playfully held by an adult at what looks like a Bat Mitzvah celebration. The table in front of them holds various drinks, glasses, and decorative items. Vibrant decorations adorn the background.
A sophisticated dining area set for a shabbat dinner at Ettan restaurant in palo Alto, California. Tables set with white tablecloths, neatly arranged utensils, and glassware. The walls, adorned with geometric patterns and circular mirrors, complement the floral arrangements. This elegant setting is perfect for hosting a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah.

Saturday Morning Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah Ceremony and Kiddish Lunch:

Saturday morning brought the main event – Megan’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony at Congregation Beth Am. It was a privilege to document Megan’s dedication and remarkable maturity. The heartfelt speeches, proud smiles, and family connections were so loving and joyful to hear. The lunch that followed was a testament to the love and support Megan receives from her family and friends.

A black and white photo shows an elderly man seated in a wheelchair, wearing a prayer shawl and kippah. He faces a young girl also wearing a prayer shawl, likely at her Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. Several people stand around them, engaged in conversation, with some holding books or taking photographs.
A group of people stand around a table on a stage in a synagogue during a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. The backdrop displays Hebrew text with colorful designs. The congregation is seated in pews, attentively watching. An individual at the podium appears to be leading the group in an activity.
A group photo of four females standing outdoors on a sunny day captures a joyful Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah moment. An adult woman in a lilac dress stands in the center, with three girls of varying ages around her. The girl on the left wears a blue dress, the girl on the right a green dress, and the youngest in front wears a patterned skirt with a shawl. Trees and
A young woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera during a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. She is wearing a light blue sleeveless dress and a simple necklace. The background is an outdoor setting with greenery and a pathway.
A table centerpiece of fresh yellow and white flowers in a white vase is placed on a table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth. Blue wrapped chocolates are scattered around. In the background, there are additional floral arrangements and empty chairs, ready for the Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah celebration.
A group of eight young people are standing and hugging each other outdoors on a sunny day. They are wearing a variety of casual clothing and appear joyful. Trees and foliage are visible in the background. One person in the front poses with arms outstretched.

Saturday Dinner Reception at the University Club:

The pinnacle of the weekend arrived with the grand Saturday dinner reception at the prestigious University Club. 

Duet Botanical and Verducci lighting/AV must be commended for their outstanding work at Megan’s Saturday night reception. Their purple and neon-themed floral and decor transformed the venue into a captivating wonderland. The breathtaking ceiling floral installation was nothing short of extraordinary, adding a touch of elegance and enchantment to the evening. 

A beautifully decorated banquet hall hosts the Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah, with floral arrangements hanging from the ceiling, round tables adorned with elegant place settings, and soft purple lighting. The dance floor features a floral design, and a stage with musical equipment is set up.
A beautifully set table for a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah features a black tablecloth, white and blue patterned plates, black napkins, and bright pink name cards. Centerpieces of pink tulips and purple flowers add a vibrant touch to the elegant, modern table setting.
A young woman with long hair walks down a tree-lined road in Palo Alto. She wears a colorful strapless top and shorts with sneakers. The road is shaded by foliage, and a yellow line runs down the center. The background includes a white wooden fence and overhanging branches, creating an enchanting setting reminiscent of her Bat Mitzvah day.
A vibrant bouquet of mixed flowers, featuring light pink tulips and clusters of blue and white hydrangeas, interspersed with purple lilacs. The lush display was the centerpiece at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah, set against a blurred green background.

During the cocktail hour, an area at the tennis courts was transformed into an incredible hangout spot for the teens. They had their own appetizer and mocktail bar, allowing them to indulge in delicious treats specially crafted for them. A craft table was set up, where they could create live flower hair crowns, adding a touch of natural beauty to their attire. Games like corn hole and volleyball were available for them to enjoy, fostering a sense of camaraderie and fun. The talented DJ kept the vibe lively and energetic, and the Boba Bar by Milk Tea Lab kept energy up ensuring that the teens had an unforgettable experience.

A group of people socializing at an outdoor gathering in Palo Alto, surrounded by tall, leafy trees. Some people are sitting at picnic tables for the Bat Mitzvah celebration, while others stand and chat. A few musicians perform near a keyboard setup on the right side of the image. The atmosphere is serene and festive.
A bartender stands behind a mocktail bar set up outdoors at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. On the bar counter are several colorful, garnished mocktails next to a menu that lists drinks including the Mariposa Mojito, Churchill Mule, and Sports House Sangria. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.
Three girls are standing in line, each holding colorful flower crowns or decorations. They seem focused on the items in their hands. All are dressed casually, with light jackets or cardigans. The blurred nature background suggests an outdoor Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah celebration.
A group of women is playing basketball on an outdoor court under a clear blue sky, perhaps gathering after a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. Some are wearing casual dresses and others in sportier attire. They appear to be enjoying themselves, with trees and greenery visible in the background.

While the teens were enjoying their exclusive hangout, the adults mingled and enjoyed drinks and appetizers on the expansive deck provided by the University Club. The incredible charcuterie and appetizer spread by Feast and Floral delighted the guests’ palates, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures. It was fun watching all the guests visit the tables laden with tasty treats and see how they reacted to the abundance and choice in front of them. 

A colorful floral arrangement featuring pink tulips, blue delphiniums, and assorted greenery is artistically presented behind translucent red letters spelling "BABY." Set against a lush, green outdoor background, it creates a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere perfect for any Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah.
Two people are lounging on a blue couch in a modern, open-air seating area with purple lighting, reminiscent of a chic Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. One person is lying down with legs playfully kicked up, while the other is sitting upright. Surrounding the sofa are patio chairs and tables, with a round firepit in the center.
A long outdoor dining table with a black tablecloth, set with plates, silverware, and glasses, is adorned with pink floral centerpieces for the Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. Transparent chairs surround the table. In the background, people are conversing near a building with string lights overhead.
A lavish buffet spread at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah features an array of colorful appetizers, including skewered vegetables, assorted cheeses, fruits, olives, sliced bread, and crackers. Several people are serving themselves from the table adorned with decorative greens and floral accents.
A stylish, modern indoor seating area perfect for a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah, featuring a green velvet couch with colorful cushions, two matching green chairs, a black round coffee table with fresh flowers, and glass doors in the background with vibrant pink lighting outside.
A group of people are seated around a rectangular, black-tableclothed table decorated with pink flowers and ribbons, set beside a pool at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. Some are dressed formally in suits and dresses, engaged in conversation and appearing to enjoy each other's company.
A lively group of people, including children and adults, dance together in a colorful and joyous setting at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. They hold hands, forming a circle on an illuminated dance floor. Everyone is dressed in formal attire, and the ambiance suggests a festive celebration.
At a lively Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah, a young woman in a patterned dress sits on a chair being lifted by two men. She smiles while holding onto the chair. Flowers and greenery hang from the ceiling, and a group of people claps and cheers in the background.

After dinner and dancing, a side room opened its doors, revealing an incredible array of goodies for the guests to enjoy. A photo booth allowed them to capture fun and memorable moments, creating keepsakes to cherish for years to come. Pajama bottoms were provided, allowing guests to relax and feel comfortable while indulging in the festivities. Additionally, a custom Nalgene bottle to be custom-adorned with an array of “Megan” stickers added a personalized touch, making it a cherished memento of the event.

A colorful collection of stickers is scattered on a pink surface. Prominent ones include custom stickers with "Megan Rose" and a date, celebrating her Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah, along with a volleyball image and a "Palo Alto California" design. Other random stickers display various images and text.
A blue water bottle with a black cap sits on a table. The bottle has white text that reads "Megan & Rose 5.27.23" with floral designs, commemorating their Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. The background shows slightly blurred pink and green foliage.
A music performance stage with various brass instruments, including trumpets and a trombone, placed on stands. A microphone lies in the foreground. Colorful lighting illuminates the background, reflecting off the instruments, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah.

Megan’s Bat Mitzvah was an extraordinary journey filled with love, laughter, and fun. I am immensely grateful to Julie, Erik, and Megan for entrusting me once again to capture their great milestones. Witnessing Megan’s confidence as a young woman and being a part of this joyous occasion reminded me of the immense privilege I have in preserving cherished memories for families and couples through the years. 

The talented live band, Entourage, (as well as the DJ Team I’ll mention next) deserve special mention for their exceptional performance. They engaged everyone and kept the dance floor full all night, creating an electric atmosphere of celebration and joy. As a professional photographer, I cannot manufacture the energy and enthusiasm that radiated from the guests on the dance floor. This team brought out the best in the night so that finding moments of enthusiasm and excitement were downright easy.

People are enjoying a dance floor under dim, colorful lighting at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. A large floral arrangement hangs from the ceiling, and the room is decorated with vibrant, gradient lights that create a festive atmosphere. Guests are mingling and dancing in pairs and groups.

DJ Alan Waltz, who provided the DJ entertainment for the day, delivered the highest energy and engagement I have ever experienced with a DJ. The way they effortlessly interacted with the teens and encouraged their participation was truly remarkable. 

A person in a blue dress bends backward in a limbo dance under a colorful light at a Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. They attempt to pass under a horizontal stick held by two people. The floor is decorated with a vibrant, abstract floral pattern.

Now, let’s give a round of applause to Marcy Blum and her creative team, the masterminds behind the flawless coordination of Megan’s Palo Alto Bat Mitzvah. Finding a skilled event coordinator who can bring your vision to life is THE KEY to a stress-free and unforgettable celebration. They’ll handle all the intricate details, allowing you to focus on making memories and enjoying time with your loved ones.

‘till next time! – Jen