One of the aspects of my work that I most enjoy is getting to be a participant in some of the happiest days of people’s lives. Although I see my job as quietly observing, and then framing the memories in the most flattering, meaningful and artistic way, I am a participant in the event as well.  This was never more true than several weeks ago when I flew out to Berkeley to photograph the Bat Mitzvah of Julia Bloom. Her father, Richie is an old and dear  friend and many years ago, I had been a guest at his Bar Mitzvah. Jodi and I also photographed the wedding of Richie to Isabel Alegria, and several years ago, I photographed the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Sammy. Our relationship has gone beyond friendship , and now a Bloom/Alegria family celebration is somewhat of a homecoming for us with lots of familiar and friendly faces. Over the years, Jodi and I have shot cars, people, still lifes, huge production, personal editorial stories and just about any thing else you can think of for magazines, design firms and advertising agencies. We’ve shot for ourselves, and we’ve created pictures for stock. But no work that we’ve done, is richer, or has more meaning than the photos that we make for Brides, parents friends and families on their big day. We help them remember these life events in the most positive way possible, and as a result, we become part of, and get to share in those memories ourselves.