Where to begin…I think I have to start with a few words to Joseph, our guest of honor for this wonderful day! Joseph, you are without a doubt one of the kindest young men I’ve gotten to work with. Throughout this busy day we were impressed by your thoughtfulness, whether with your younger brothers, family or many friends. Liz and I are both so glad we were there to capture it. Simcha and Michael, I know you’re already so proud of him and the person he is on his own, but I think you two have a whole lot to do with that too! Definitely doing something right.
I also want to give a quick shout out to all of the vendors who worked on this event…there were many and they all worked so hard to make this day awesome. We’re so lucky to work with and document so many talented people here in St. Louis!
On to the photos…so as you scroll down to begin this day, well you’ll notice that there really are a lot of photos. Guilty as charged, I can’t narrow them down! When your mom is an amazing event planner, you can bet that no part of your bar mitzvah will go unthought of, and every detail will be documented! Along with a whole lot of happy moments, because this group was ready to celebrate and have fun :)
We began at United Hebrew.
Despite being January, we had a mild day and snuck outside for a couple family photos.
We always say “hug and squeeze” during family photos, and it brings out the best smiles!
One last look over before the service started. Very calm and prepared!
Simcha is usually on the other side of events, making sure everything is going smoothly, so seeing her actually get to be in the moment as a mom was very special.
No tears from this guy, all smiles!
Here we go :)
The passing of the Torah is one of my favorite moments. I love seeing all the generations together – and Joseph is lucky enough to have great grandparents as a part of it!
Not going to lie, I might have teared up a little when Simcha and Michael spoke. Such a wonderful and loving family to witness!
Mazel tov! Watch out for the flying candy ;)
Sweets from Stan the Donut Man for the kiddush luncheon!
And a little something for the adults too ;)
Watching the slideshow put together by Michael.
We had a little break and then headed over to the new space downtown, Vue at 612 North, to capture the decor for the teen party. All the teens would be heading here for dinner and fun, while the adults enjoyed the Four Seasons. Vue is an awesome space with gorgeous natural light – Liz and I were both big fans of these chandeliers too!
Time to head to the Four Seasons and to get everyone evening-ready!
All three of the boys…I come from a family of all girls, so I can only imagine what all boys is like, but I think these three have a pretty good time!
I did chuckle a little when Joseph was perplexed by how cufflinks are put on, and tried to get out of having to wear suspenders ;)
That blue jacket is pretty slick – looking dapper!
Time for sunset photos on the terrace!
The decor in the adult reception was so lovely! I really loved this, fit so well!
A few more smiles during the Havdalah
Time to split up – kids to Vue, adults into the Mississippi Room of the Four Seasons. Quite the welcome for the Lourie boys!
I don’t think Ari likes being the center of attention at all ;)
Meanwhile, Simcha and Michael kicked off the adult party with a dance of their own.
Hey there Haleys ;)
Since the teens and adults were in different spaces, there was a livestream going so all the adults could see the toasts to Joseph. Thanks Zach for setting this up, so awesome!
Toasts from the brothers first!
And now it’s time to bring it all back together in the Four Seasons ballroom, for games, sweets, and just a couple special performances! This first photo really cracked us up #jewlander
All the blue things!
I’d be pretty stoked to walk in to this room too when I was 13 :)
Bring in all the kids…
…for a drum performance a la the Blue Man Group. (Note not the actual Blue Man Group, but they were pretty awesome and got everyone pumped up for sure!)
Following the drummers, the step group Gentlemen of Vision welcomed everyone in to the party and game space! Seriously, so much thought put in to this event to give everyone an experience to remember!
Joseph joined in a bit too!
Hora time! I think this face is universal – half terrrifed, half excited!
The brothers definitely needed a turn too.
And Mom and Dad!
Simcha’s father performed a special song he wrote when Joseph was born for the mother-son dance. So so sweet!
And Joseph danced with both his grandmothers and great grandmother – so many wonderful ladies to love on this sweet guy!
Custom party favors of course!
Thank you again to the whole Lourie family for trusting us to capture this day – we’re honored to have been a part of it! – Meredith & Liz
VENDOR LOVE
Planner: Simcha Lourie – Simcha’s Events
Service: United Hebrew
Teen reception: Vue at 612 North
Adult reception: Four Seasons
Florists: Festive Couture (service) Thorn Studio (teen reception) Belli Fiori (adult reception)
Stationery: M. Haley Design
Drummers: Blue Man Guys
Big Screen: Fun Flicks
Steppers: Gentlemen of Vision
Band: Griffin and the Gargoyles
DJ: Utopia
Photobooth: Fish Eye Fun
Backdrop: Backdrops Fantastic
Live Stream: Zach Dalin
Decor: Exclusive Events, Millennium Productions, Premier Party Rentals, Renown Rentals
Linens: BBJ & Connie Duglin
Ice sculpture: Ice Visions
Desserts: The Cakery, Bake and Sprinkle, Slice of Heaven, Sugaree, Insomnia Cookies, Dippin Dots
Late night snacks: St. Louis Kolache
Hoodie favors: Promotional Products
Transportation: Best Transportation
Videographer: Spoonful of Sugar
Makeup: Emily Miller
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