THE SMILEY BLOG

Your child’s Mitzvah is a huge deal. They have spent the better part of two years constantly studying so they could prepare. Now, it’s time to make sure the celebration is everything they dreamed it would be. As a Washington Mitzvah photographer, I’ve gotten to help countless families throw a party, and I would love […]

Prom is such a rite of passage for high schoolers, as is shopping for the perfect dress! Whether you envision yourself in something long and sequined, short and sleek, or just want to be surprised, there are so many incredible dresses from which to choose. Seattle is home to a number of amazing stores that […]

Applying to colleges is stressful enough, but if you’re not a confident test taker, it can be downright brutal. Whether you’re taking the SAT or ACT, even the best students can succumb to the stress of test day or make mistakes. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help build confidence, impart test-taking strategies, […]

Let’s face it: the Pacific Northwest is not known for its uninterrupted hours of warm, welcoming sunshine. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a beautiful bronzed glow, especially if you have a big event or photoshoot in the near future! Sometimes, just looking like you’ve been lying out in the sun can be […]

When it comes to a Jewish event, there’s one thing on which everyone can all agree – the food has to be good. Food has always been a part of Jewish culture, and at its heart, it’s all about community and bringing people together. If you’re planning an upcoming event, be it a Mitzvah, a […]

Planning a Mitzvah is like planning a wedding, though my guess is that when you were planning a wedding, you weren’t also managing homework, an extracurricular schedule, Hebrew school, Mitzvah tutoring, and everything else that comes with a Mitzvah-aged kid. And that’s assuming you have just one! The point is, this wonderful and fulfilling time […]

The Jewish people have always been incredible storytellers. Whether it’s passing down stories from the Torah or sharing the hardships and triumphs of their ancestors with younger generations. Telling stories lifts people up, teaches important life lessons, and builds resilience and hope. Some of the most incredible storytellers are filmmakers who dedicate their lives to […]

Learning is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone learns in their own unique way and is challenged by certain subjects and content that can cause a sticking point when reflected in grades. A great tutor can help provide your student with the extra support they need to feel confident in their education, setting them up for […]

If you’ve ever been to a wedding or a Mitzvah, and chances are you have, you know that a DJ can make or break the entire event. One minute, everyone’s out on the dance floor, and a few songs later, they’ve retreated back to their tables, cringing or bored. Especially when it comes to Mitzvahs, […]

There comes a time in every young person’s life when a special occasion calls for a tuxedo. Whether it’s prom, a wedding, or a formal Mitzvah, you want to look – and feel – sharp. Maybe you’re looking to rent a tux, or perhaps the time has come to invest in one that will see […]