Every once in a while, I photograph a moment that reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place.
Ally's Sweet 16 at Jacques Reception Center in Middletown, NJ was one of them.
The day began outdoors, where fall mums in gold, crimson, and plum framed her lavender gown. Delicate flowers and tiny butterflies drifted across the tulle, and with her tiara catching the October light, Ally looked like she had stepped out of a storybook. She stood tall, smiled softly, and owned every frame.
Later, inside the ballroom, as family and friends gathered and the lavender florals glowed on the tables, the music slowed. Ally took her dad's hand for their dance.
There was no performance and no big gesture. Her hand rested on his shoulder,
Ally was in deep thought, and for a few minutes the party faded away. In more than 36 years of photographing milestones, those are the moments I treasure most. They can't be staged. You can only be ready for them.
Ally, thank you for trusting me with your day. You are a remarkable young woman, and it was an honor to be part of it. Happy Sweet 16.
Planning a Sweet 16, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or wedding in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania? Korbman & Company Photography has been capturing life's milestones since 1996, and I photograph only one event per weekend so you get my full attention. Reach out and let's talk about your day.
