RECENT WORK FROM ERIN LEE ALLENDER PHOTOGRAPHY.
Nashville Bar Mitzvah Photography: Sneak Peek of Blake’s Hockey | Themed Celebration at The Temple and Hillwood Country Club
A sneak peek of Blake’s Nashville Bar Mitzvah photography at The Temple and Hillwood Country Club. A hockey-themed celebration full of tradition, family, and non-stop fun.
This past Saturday, Blake became a Bar Mitzvah at The Temple in Nashville, and I had the honor of capturing the very first images of his incredible day. During the service, family members read the Aliyahs while Blake read from the Torah. His brother delivered a heartfelt speech and his parents offered blessings, creating a moving and memorable ceremony.
After services, the celebration moved to Hillwood Country Club for a hockey-themed reception. Guests entered through a custom “team tunnel” just like at a real hockey game. The food stations were cleverly named “concessions,” and Nashville Predators’ mascot Gnash even made a surprise appearance that had everyone cheering.
These sneak peek photos show just a few of my favorite moments so far — the Torah procession, the Aliyahs, speeches, a high-energy Hora with all four family members lifted high, and the candle-lighting ceremony. Enjoy this first look at Blake’s unforgettable celebration.
Huge thanks to Jess of Finn + Olive Events for coordinating every detail seamlessly behind the scenes and making sure the day ran smoothly from start to finish.
Vendor Credits:
Planner: Jess – Finn + Olive Events
Venue: Hillwood Country Club
DJ + MC + Party Crew: Magen Boys
360 Photo Booth: Spangler Entertainment
Bubble Hockey + Lounge Furniture: It’s Time to Bounce
Balloons: Wilco Events
Swag Station: Hey Hey Creative
Abe & Ruth’s B’nai Mitzvah | The Temple & Four Seasons Nashville
Twins Abe and Ruth celebrated their b’nai mitzvah with a heartfelt service at The Temple in Nashville, followed by an unforgettable party at the Four Seasons Hotel. From the Torah readings to the hora, every moment was filled with meaning, tradition, and joy — a perfect reflection of their journey and their family’s story.
Twins Abe and Ruth celebrated their b’nai mitzvah with a meaningful service at The Temple in Nashville, followed by an unforgettable party at the Four Seasons.
With tallits draped across their shoulders and Torah scrolls in hand, each took their turn reading their portion of the Torah, marking their official step into Jewish adulthood. From the Torah procession to heartfelt hugs from parents and grandparents, the ceremony was filled with emotion. One of the most memorable moments came during the lively candy toss — guests laughing and ducking as sweets rained down, adding playful energy to an otherwise deeply meaningful ritual.
Following the service, the celebration continued at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, where more than 300 guests were welcomed into a ballroom transformed into a colorful, energetic party space. The décor was inspired by all the places Abe and Ruth have lived — with a custom interstate road sign guiding guests into the ballroom, themed props like a lifeguard chair and Statue of Liberty, and even a neon cowboy nodding to their Nashville home.
The twins made their grand entrance in style — each lifted onto the shoulders of hype dancers as the crowd cheered. The ballroom buzzed with energy as friends filled the dance floor, the hora raised both twins high into the air, and LED screens lit up with animated signage and a montage of memories.
The candle lighting ceremony brought the family together again as Abe and Ruth honored loved ones with glowing candles, their parents looking on proudly. From there, the night kept the energy high — with custom Nikes on their feet, the twins danced, laughed, and celebrated surrounded by all their favorite people.
Every detail was intentional — from the donut wall playfully labeled “Abe & Ruth / Babe Ruth,” to a candy bar that wowed the kids, to balloon installations in bold primary colors. The celebration perfectly captured who they are: vibrant, playful, and deeply connected to family.
It was an honor to photograph Abe and Ruth’s milestone — from their readings at The Temple to their unforgettable celebration at the Four Seasons.
If you’re planning a bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, or b’nai mitzvah in Nashville, I’d love to document your family’s story.
- Planning: Happy Place Events
- Venue: Four Seasons Nashville
- Florals: Alison Bryant Events
- Balloons: Balloons & Confetti 615
- Candy: Twisted for Sugar
- Rentals: Curated Events
- Décor & Creative: Hey Hey Creative
- Entertainment: Spangler Entertainment
- Production/DJ: EK Event Group
- Photography: Erin Lee Allender Photography
- Videography: Keoni Keur
Same-Sex Wedding at Sycamore Farms in Nashville | Allison & Bryn Sneak Peek
A heartfelt sneak peek of Allison & Bryn’s same-sex wedding at Sycamore Farms in Arrington, TN. Emotional vows, a romantic first look, and a breathtaking chandelier-lit first dance captured from above.
Allison and Bryn’s wedding at The Barn at Sycamore Farms in Arrington, TN—just outside of Nashville—was nothing short of magical. This same-sex wedding celebration was filled with heartfelt emotion, powerful vows, and unforgettable moments.
Allison looked stunning in a lace bridal gown with puff sleeves, while Bryn, looking equally as gorgeous, wore an effortlessly chic all-white jumpsuit. Their first look was tender and emotional, setting the tone for the day.
When they read their private vows, all of us photographing them cried right along with their guests. They called each other “soulmates,” and it couldn’t have been more true. Their love is radiant, and their joy in finding one another is contagious.
One of my favorite moments was their first dance. I climbed up to the loft to capture the scene from above, and it took my breath away. With a crystal chandelier and soft white draping overhead, Allison and Bryn moved together while family and friends looked on with quiet admiration. From that vantage point, I could see the entire room wrapped in love and support—it was the kind of moment that reminds me why I do what I do.
Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of getting to know Allison and Bryn, and photographing their wedding day felt like celebrating two dear friends. I truly love this couple, and I’m so honored they trusted me to capture the beginning of their marriage.
This sneak peek is only the beginning—there’s so much more to come from Allison and Bryn’s LGBTQ+ wedding at Sycamore Farms.
