Happy Birthday! Nachshon's 3rd Birthday Party // Milwaukee Photographer

A couple weeks ago I was honored to photograph a very special birthday for my very dear friend!

In February, Nachshon, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. He underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor and has had intense chemotherapy treatments to fight the disease that spread to other areas of his brain and spinal cord.

Right before his third birthday, he had an MRI to see how effective the treatment was. With immense gratitude to The One Above, Nachshon's scans came back showing extremely positive reports!

It was a truly humbling experience to be privileged to photograph such a monumental birthday party, for my super special friend and her family!

Aside from reading ALL.THE.BOOKS (that kid loves to read - or have books read to him), his one birthday request was... Quiet. 😉. He wanted the whole throng of family to take their voices down to a roar. Which they did. For one whole minute!

I have to mention that the spread that Chai Lifeline Midwest put out was so impressive! I was truly touched to see the generosity, and fullness of heart and spirit they put in to making Nachshon's party an amazing event! The food, the music, the Tzitzis, I mean it was truly awesome!

And of course continued wishes for a full and speedy recovery for Nachshon. (Nachshon Meir ben Temima Chaya Sara Shlomit).

Bar and Bas Mitzvah Party // Milwaukee Photographer

I love photographing birthday parties. When you think of documenting a birthday party, you might think it's only for little kids - like first or second birthdays or for 5/6 year olds.

But in truth, every age and stage is a huge milestone. Especially for a girl turning 12 and a boy turning 13. And when you have both in one year, you get to make a combined Bar / Bas Mitzvah party for all your extended family!! 

This special family, who I'm lucky to call friends as well, celebrated with a beautifully intimate event for all their family and closest friends. And I was lucky enough to document it. I got one instruction and Amelia left the rest up to my creative vision. Her one instruction was to get photos of her Mom. She is the last living grandparent on both sides and they want to make sure they have their memories preserved with her. 

I have to say it was a pleasure meeting Bubbie (Mrs. Weitzman), who is so full of joie de vivre, happiness and great attitude!

I hope you enjoyed the slideshow. I love getting to meet extended families, watching dynamics, and seeing how everyone's personalities come out when they're all together! 

Are you planning a birthday, are your parents or in laws coming to visit, or do you get together with your friends and/or family for bbq dinners during the summer months? These are all special everyday moments that deserve to be documented and preserved!

Contact me to discuss your next session!

Of friends and cookies...

Don and Jerry have been close friends for close to 50 years now. I was recently honored to photograph Don's surprise 80th birthday where all his friends celebrated such a monumental occasion. Jerry asked Barbara if he could say a few words, and Barbara said as long as you keep it short, light and funny. Which in Jerry's words, "is fairly simple, because pretty much everything with Don is funny!"

Jerry and his family owned Milwaukee Biscuit Company for many years. About 41 years ago, when Jerry turned 40, his friends - Don included came over and figured they'd be funny and brought him a package of Oreos. Just so you all understand, the makers of Oreos were Jerry's biggest competitors, and he really disliked them because they were the best selling cookie on the market. They tried very hard to find a chocolate and cream cookie, but no matter what he found and sold for cheaper, he couldn't beat the Oreo. He made a personal commitment to not eat an Oreo in his life. So when his friends brought him the package of Oreos, he found a place to put the package, pretended to be angry, and that was the end of it.

So when he spoke at Don's 80th birthday, he thought he could relate this funny incident that highlights their unique friendship. He then proceeded to take out a wrapped gift for Don. As you might have guessed, it was a package of Oreos. "In honor of your 80th birthday, I would like to share an Oreo with you", said Jerry. And together they opened the package of Oreos and split a cookie. "So how did that taste", asked Don. And Jerry said "It was a huge disappointment".

This story and these photos are so much more than two men eating a cookie. It is a testament to their friendship spanning many decades and highlights their close connection.