Nashville Mitzvah Photography | Sari's Beach Bash at the Loveless Barn
SARI'S BEACH BASH — BAT MITZVAH AT THE LOVELESS BARN
I've crossed paths with this family at more mitzvahs than I can count, but it was their cousin's bat mitzvah last year where I really got to know them. Somewhere between the service and the dance floor that night, I realized this was one of those families I genuinely look forward to seeing again. They're warm, they're funny, and they don't take themselves too seriously. Greg, I'm not photographing you pretend strangling your father-in-law again. When I arrived at The Temple for Sari's bat mitzvah, I already knew half the room.
As a Nashville mitzvah photographer who photographs regularly at The Temple, there's a rhythm to these services I've come to know well. Knowing the structure lets me stay ahead of the moments — the aliyahs, the tallit presentation, the Torah processional — while still being present enough to catch what you can't predict. Sari's sisters presenting her with the tallit. The cousins leading a prayer together. Her eyes lifting toward the Torah as it was raised. These are the frames that tell the story of the day.
FROM THE BIMAH TO THE LOVELESS BARN
The service was beautiful. Sari did an incredible job with her Torah portion. I love seeing the support systems of the mitzvah during the aliyot. My favorite part is always the parents' speeches. There's something about hearing how deeply they know and love their child that gets me every time.
From there, we went to the beach!
The Loveless Barn was transformed into Sari's Beach Club. A surfboard guest book at the entrance. A lifeguard stand greeting guests before they walked through the door. Escort cards with tiki drink umbrellas. A balloon ceiling and a towering Sari's Beach Club sign flanked by palm trees, courtesy of Swanky Balloon Co. Shell candles, feathers, coral, and rattan decor throughout — all designed by Branches TN. Signage by Rosie Days Collective.
The kids found the mocktail bar early. The Shark Attack — pink lemonade, Sprite, and a blue shark gummy — was a hit. Adults had a full bar with Beach-Mitzvah Margaritas topped with orchids. The embroidery station from The Tilly Goose had a line all night. The donut bar from Fox's Donut Den and the bicycle ice cream cart from Sweethaven rounded out the dessert situation. Custom sweatshirts from Scarlet & Gold went home with every kid.
The Loveless Barn is a venue I know well — if you missed the sports-themed bar mitzvah I photographed there, that one is worth a look too.
THE HORA, THE GRAND ENTRANCE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Sari came in to a room that was already ready for her. The hora pulled everyone onto the floor — Sari, her two sisters, and her parents all went up in the chairs. The dance floor at the Loveless Barn, under string lights and up-lighting, went straight through to 10pm — organized and run by Spangler Entertainment and planned from start to finish by Ellen Hollis Events.
This family didn't need much warming up. They were on the floor early and stayed there.
When you already love the family, it makes an already enjoyable job that much more rewarding — and this one was both.
INTERESTED IN WORKING TOGETHER?
If you're planning a mitzvah in Nashville and want a photographer who knows The Temple, knows the rhythm of the day, and will actually enjoy being there — I'd love to hear from you. You can learn more about my work here: Nashville Mitzvah Photographer
A huge thank you to the incredible vendor team that made Sari's Beach Bash everything it was:
Planning: Ellen Hollis Events
Venue: Loveless Events
Balloons: Swanky Balloon Co.
Florals: Branches TN
Signage: Rosie Days Collective
Entertainment: Spangler Entertainment
Ice Cream: Sweethaven
Donuts: Fox's Donut Den
Hair: Kara Gaylor
Swag: The Tilly Goose
Sweatshirts: Scarlet & Gold
Margarita Machine: Rent-A-Rita
Service: The Temple Nashville