Riley’s Bar Mitzvah, Mavericks Conference Center, Half Moon Bay

I am so thankful for the life I was given… but there are times I wish I could live a completely different life just so I can have the experience of what I am witnessing… I tend to feel this way every time I capture a Jewish celebration.  But I can’t, so I will remain grateful for at least being able to witness and capture such culture and tradition of a beautiful heritage.  This celebration was of a young boy turning into a man.  The songs sang, the chants recited, and the festivities to be had were all reasons why I couldn’t stop smiling all day.  Riley’s family hosted this celebration at the beautiful and scenic spot of the Mavericks Conference Center located in the the fishing village of Half Moon Bay, CA.  The ceremony itself lasts a little over an hour which combines song, symbolism and reciting of ancient writings.  It had everyone participating in this celebration and everyone smiling…despite the less than warm temperatures.  After this joyous ceremony it was party on full of an outside band, passed hors d’oeuvres, a photo bus, a pool table, video games, and a club style lounge that was set up for a DJ and music for later in the evening.  It was perfect!