Portofino Hotel Bat Mitzvah | Redondo Beach Celebration at Temple Menorah & Portofino
Temple Menorah • The Portofino Hotel • Redondo Beach
Stephanie Ip Photography
There’s something truly special about being invited back by a family for another milestone. We first met this wonderful family when photographing their older child’s bat mitzvah, and this summer we had the honor of capturing the celebration for their youngest — Katherine. It was a joyful 8-hour day in Redondo Beach that began with a meaningful Shabbat morning service at Temple Menorah and ended with a lively soccer-inspired party at the Portofino Hotel.
The Shabbat Morning Service at Temple Menorah
Our day began at Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach for the Shabbat morning service. Before the service started, the rabbi graciously gave us the opportunity to take close-up family portraits, even allowing the use of flash. This was such a gift, as it meant we could create timeless portraits the family will treasure for years.
Once the service began, we photographed respectfully from the back of the sanctuary, honoring the temple’s traditions while still documenting the most meaningful parts of the bat mitzvah ceremony — from Torah readings to family honors.
Afternoon Break Before the Party
One of the unique things about bat mitzvahs is the pacing of the day. After the Shabbat morning service at Temple Menorah, there was a welcome break before the evening celebration. That pause gave everyone — including us — time to refresh and prepare for the big party ahead.
Evening Celebration at the Portofino Hotel
As the sun began to set, family and friends gathered at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach for a lively and unforgettable celebration. Katherine is passionate about soccer, so the evening included playful nods to the game woven into the décor and activities. Christina from The Events Boutique coordinated all the details, bringing in a DJ who kept the dance floor full and a photobooth that had guests laughing all night.
The evening also featured heartfelt speeches, a touching video montage, and plenty of delicious food. It was the perfect setting to continue the day’s celebration — a beautiful blend of tradition, family, and fun.
Our Reflections
Spending a total of eight hours with this family, from portraits and the Shabbat morning service at Temple Menorah to the lively soccer-themed party at the Portofino Hotel, was both an honor and a joy. Being invited back to photograph their second mitzvah felt like being part of the family story, and it was especially meaningful knowing this was their final milestone of this kind.
We left Redondo Beach that night smiling and grateful — reminded once again how lucky we are to witness these once-in-a-lifetime moments and preserve them through photography.
Helpful Tips
📍 Temple Menorah, Redondo Beach; Portofino Hotel, Redondo Beach
📆 August 23rd 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 7:33pm
🌡️ Clear sky weather
Vendors
Event Planner | Christina at The Events Boutique – https://www.instagram.com/theeventsboutique
DJ | Robert Fox at Blvd Entertainment – https://www.instagram.com/blvd.ent/
Photographer | Stephanie Ip Photography
Flowers | Flower Duet Floral Design https://www.instagram.com/flowerduetla/
Soccer Darts Game | Magic Jump Rentals https://www.instagram.com/magicjumprentals/
Photobooth | Foto Mirror https://www.instagram.com/fotomirrorus
Let's chat about your Mitzvah!
We’d love to capture the sweet moments of your child’s Mitzvah celebration!
Check out our available packages and contact us when you are ready to start planning.
