Surprise Destination Bar Mitzvah With A Club Theme

The Gary family celebrated their son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on September 17, 2016, with a service at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, New Jersey, followed by an afternoon party at Pure, an event space in South Amboy, New Jersey.

Their older son Spencer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with A Night Of Champions theme. For Alex’s party, they came up with a surprise for their guests.

In a unique twist, guests were not told the party location, it wasn’t even printed on the invitation. The element of a surprise destination gave people something to talk about for months prior to the celebration and then beyond once the big reveal was made as guests arrived via private transportation after the service. The family wanted the party to reflect Alex, keeping the emphasis on enjoying life’s journey while also making this celebration one to remember.

Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, Dad Aaron, Mom Rachel and Brother Spencer.

The photographer was Brad Photographers & Video Inc., and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Bar Mitzvah Invitation and Service

The family worked with Merri Kurzner of Letter Perfect on the invitation which kept the venue a secret only writing "Club Alex" as the destination!

Alex all smiles up at the Bimah

His proud family joining him

Mitzvah Party Bus

Immediately following the service, luxury coach buses were waiting at the temple to take guests to the surprise venue

For the adults, the party started as soon as they got on the bus as each adult received a gift bag on their seat with some beverages and snacks in a custom gift bag

A family friend, whose son shares the same birthday as the Bar Mitzvah boy, made a group toast to start the celebration

Mazel Tov Alex!

Alex's grandfather also made a toast to friends and family

Mitzvah Party Details

Extraordinary Productions designed the place cards and decor creating a sophisticated club atmosphere

Alex's picture along with his logo (created by his Aunt Vanessa) was projected on the wall

The sign-in book, designed by Mom Rachel on Shutterfly.com, incorporated pictures of Alex at different ages

Mitzvah Entrance and Music

Alex was introduced to his guests with "champagne fireworks" carried by two of the Pure Event Group dancers

Now it was time for Alex to enter his celebration! He drove a golf cart with MC Gregg sitting on top!

Alex got the crowd going as he welcomed everyone to “My House” by Flo Rida. Watch here

Alex had a great time at the party

Alex had the crowd on their feet!

The dancers wore custom t-shirts

Mitzvah Moments

The candle lighting display was floating votive candles and Alex's logo

The selfie photo booth was a great addition for photo fun!

Bar Mitzvah Favors

Boys received basketball shorts while girls received Soffe shorts (both with the event logo) as favors

Water bottles with custom labels

Delicious cookies to enjoy on the ride home

Mitzvah Project

As sports have played such an integral role in Alex’s family he wanted to make sure others always have the same opportunities. For the past three years, Alex has volunteered for Special Olympics New Jersey as part of his Bar Mitzvah project.  He welcomed 3,500 athletes at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and educated fans about the USA Games and the importance of making sports inclusive for all. In March 2016, Alex organized a bake sale that contributed to a $6,300 donation to Special Olympics New Jersey’s annual Snow Bowl. He even incorporated Special Olympics into his invitation by using the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Forever stamp on his response card to bring greater attention to the cause and raise additional funds that directly benefit athletes of all abilities.

Alex joined by some friends at a bake sale which raised funds for the Special Olympics New Jersey's Snow Bowl

Here is Alex back in 2014 when he started to raise funds for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games by handing out information at a WWE event

Advice from Mom Rachel

“For this second go-around, I found it to be much more stressful, but realized it was the undue pressure I was placing upon myself to make this one unique that caused the added anxiety. In hindsight, I wish I had enjoyed “the journey” more and did not work so hard to match our previous celebration. I also should have listened to my husband and not worried so much about what others were thinking for deviating from the expected with not letting people know of the destination.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Alex’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Temple: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, 973-376-0539
Centerpieces/Placecards/Candle Lighting: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions: 973-467-1637
Photographer/Videographer/Entrance Video: Brad Photographers & Video & Good Night Productions; 973-696-8763
Party Venue/Caterer: Pure Event Space, 732-952-2628
Party Planner: Parents, Rachel & Aaron Gary
MC/Music Entertainment/Photo Booth: MC Gregg Mistrella, Pure Event Group, 732-952-2628 
Invitation:  Merri Kurzner, Letter Perfect, 973-467-4541
Logo Creation:  Alex’s aunt, Vanessa Gary
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Favors: Tom Varga, MetroGraphics Printing, 800-932-6045
Mom Rachel’s dress: Seng Couture, 908-322-8700
Dad Aaron’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Bar Mitvah boy Alex and Brother Spencer’s service suits: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Party Shirts: Robert Graham, Bloomingdales
Hair Ana/Makeup: Olivia from Details Salon & Spa, 973-379-1770 
Transportation: Coach USA