Archive for February, 2012
February 29th, 2012
Event planner Judy Paulen of Judy Paulen Designs created a great Candy Land, we mean “Julialand” themed Bat Mitzvah that we had to share.
Photography was provided by Natural Expressions Photography who have locations in both New York City and Florida.
We know candy is a popular theme for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations and this is a great example of taking any child’s name and combining it with “land” to create a unique custom theme!
See pictures below:
Large signage resembles the Candy Land game board
Great place card table using the Candy Land theme
Close-up of each individual place card
Very colorful with chair cushions matching linens
Candy centerpieces
Menu cards continued the “Julialand” theme
Custom “Julialand” napkins
Real candy was part of the centerpiece decor
The “Julialand” cake looks like the actual game board!
What a sweet and delicious way to end the night!
We thank Judy Paulen Designs for sharing pictures from this “Julialand” themed Bat Mitzvah.
February 26th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today.
Last time my post was all about Photo Favors, but today I want to tell you about my recent trip to Coco Events with my friends Ashleigh, Rachel and MitzvahMarket’s founder, Sheri Lapidus.
As soon as we entered, there was a warm feel to the company. Although we could’ve sat all day and discussed our Bar/Bat Mitzvah experiences, we had some business to take care of.
We made this visit so we could test out their Hollywood Voice Over booth which lets the guest be in a movie scene. Yes, we were able to use our voice in our favorite movie scene.
Awesome, isn’t it?
L-R: Rachel, Ashleigh and I testing out the Hollywood Voice Over booth
As Brian (who created the Hollywood Voice Over booth) explained to us: If you were at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you would follow these simple steps:
1. Sign up (with up to 2 other friends) by selecting your movie/scene. You would then receive one ticket for your group.
2. Look over the script for the scene and decide who will play whom. The script goes by color. For example, if you were voicing over The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is red, Toto is blue, and Auntie Em is yellow.
3. Action! When you are seated in your director chair with your microphone all ready, deliver the words on the screen or make it fun with your own twist. Don’t forget to smile!
When you are all finished, a disc with a copy of the scene will be on a table waiting for you at the end of the party. My friends and I thought this was a great added entertainment option for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah if you are looking to wow your guests.
Special thanks to Brian and Dennis from Coco Events for setting this up for us!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
February 26th, 2012
We must thank Andrea Scatuccio, founder of The Dessert Fairy for telling us about this clever iMitzvah candy bar from the Pittsburgh Candy Buffet.
Since 2009, the Pittsburgh Candy Buffet has been specializing in amazing candy buffets for any occasion. They recently introduced the S’mores Station with custom flavored marshmallows and tiki-hut displays.
We loved their candy display inspired by the iPhone for one lucky Bar Mitzvah boy named Andrew!
iMitzvah candy buffet
App inspired favor boxes
Traditional Hershey’s Chocolate Bars wrapped in this personalized wrapper
A chocolate bar for every guest
Candy buttons
Custom fortune cookies
Rock Candy and Bullseyes
For more information about Pittsburgh Candy Buffet, please visit their Website.
February 25th, 2012
Hannah Greenberg celebrated her Bat Mitzvah service on December 15, 2011 at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York followed by a celebration on December 18, at The Carltun at Eisenhower Park in Westbury, New York.
Having a child with Autism or any special needs is a challenge for any family. In preparation for Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah everything had to be broken down step by step for her to alleviate any type of anxiety or unexpected occurrences. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Hannah recited her prayers at Temple Beth Sholom. As the Rabbi said, “Hannah, like the upcoming holiday of Chanukah, was truly a miracle.”
We thank the Greenbergs for sharing Hannah’s accomplishment and celebration with our readers.
All photography was provided by Richard Black Studio and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above: (L-R) Dad Evan, Brother Drew, Bat Mitzvah girl Hannah and Mom Amy
Mom Amy, now a Bar/Bat Mitzvah consultant for Bon Chic Events told us she had three requirements for Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah. She said, “I would only work with reputable people that have given back to the autism community, I wanted to work with vendors I found through Mitzvah Market that were sensitive to my daughter with special needs and lastly, the most important thing was making sure that Hannah was happy.”
Overall, Amy was very pleased with all of her vendors and the advice she received. “My daughter was beaming,” she tells Mitzvah Market, “she looked like any other typical Bat Mitzvah girl having the time of her life.”
Autumn Maglia at Minuteman Press designed Hannah’s fun carnival themed invitation.
Their Sunday night festivities included a carnival like celebration at The Carltun at Eisenhower Park. Hannah was the last 8th grader from Roslyn Middle School to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah and this family wanted to have a fun, casual, low key party for Hannah and her typical and special needs friends.
Both Dave’s Cast Of Characters and Great Neck Games provided the carnival fun!
The lounge furniture was from Great Neck Games
Angie’s Party Designs created terrific custom carnival designs!
A ferris wheel was next to Hannah’s sign in board
A big “H” for Hannah
A happy clown!
Dave’s Cast Of Characters provided the musical entertainment with Dave as the DJ.
Guests enjoying the music
Guests of all ages enjoyed the variety of carnival games available during the Greenberg’s celebration.
For Hannah’s entrance video, the Greenberg’s found Giftrapped.com after reading about them on MitzvahMarket.com. Mom Amy said, “Working with Jay from Giftrapped was truly amazing. He customized a beautiful entrance video that truly depicted Hannah’s personality. He even went so far as to edit the words due to the sensitivity of Hannah’s condition.
Watch Hannah’s Giftrapped entrance video here
Hannah and her friends with her colorful cake!
Hannah’s friends received a lacrosse pinnie with carnival lettering produced by Arena Sports.
Pinnie with lacrosse lettering
The favors were cleverly distributed in these boxes!
Mom Amy has some advice about planning a Mitzvah:
“Involve your child in the final stages of the planning process. From choosing the music to writing the candle lighting poems, by involving your child they have a vested interest in the whole event. For a child with special needs or just an anxious child in general having a visual schedule and a timeline of the party’s activities eased much of the anxiety.”
Hannah’s Mitzvah Project has been going on for ten years. Every year Team Hannah walks on behalf of Autism Speaks to raise much needed funds for Autism Research and to help find a cure.
Team Hannah in conjunction with North Shore Autism Circle (the charity Mom Amy has founded in 2005) have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is one of the top fundraising teams on Long Island for Autism Speaks.
The following vendors helped to make Hannah’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Carltun at Eisenhower Park, 516- 542-0700
Party Planner: Bon Chic Events, 516-499-3320
Music Entertainment: DJ Dave, Dave’s Cast of Characters, 914-235-7100
Photographer/Videographer: Richard Black Studio, 516-621-7995
Favors: Arena Sportswear, 516-767-5108
Party entertainment: Dave’s Cast of Characters
Invitation Design: Autumn Maglia, Minuteman Press, Williston Park, 516-746-4280
Invitation envelopes/printing: Inklinations, 516-365-4940
Cake: The Carltun
Montage: Giftrapped.com
Décor/Lounge Furniture: Great Neck Games, 516-747-9191
Balloons: Angie’s Party Design, 631-623-6496
Linens: Table Wraps, 516-334-8833
Dresses for Hannah and Mom: Lord & Taylor, Manhasset
Suits for Brother and Dad: Burberry
Hair/makeup: Nubest Salon
February 14th, 2012
From Michael Jurick Photography we are excited to share this “winter wonderland” theme Bat Mitzvah for a young lady named Julia. Her Bat Mitzvah not only was elegant and fun for her guests but we are sure that Mitzvah Market readers will be inspired by this beautiful family’s story as well.
Julia’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held in December 2011 at Central Synagogue in New York City followed by her evening celebration at the chic event space 583 Park Avenue. Event Planner Melissa Rosenbloom from Gourmet Advisory Services and florist DeJuan Stroud helped Mitzvah Mom Jennifer put all the elegant details together.
You may recognize Julia’s mom, Jennifer Gardner Trulson, from her poignant memoir, Where You Left Me, which tells her extraordinary tale of suddenly losing her husband, Doug, on 9/11, her struggle to live and raise their children after such traumatic loss and the surprise of finding love again with Derek Trulson, who eventually became her husband and loving father to Julia and Michael.
Jennifer and her husband Derek
L-R: Older brother Michael, Derek, Bat Mitzvah girl Julia and Mom Jennifer
The grandeur of 583 Park Avenue is evident both inside and outside
Guests fill the large space
Candles and white flowers run down the middle of long tables
The snow globe was the center of the decor and lots of fun!
Music entertainment was provided by Total Entertainment who also brought this giant snow globe which was lots of fun for guests of all ages
The kids lounge area featured lots of couches and games like air hockey and fooz ball
A candy bar coordinated with the blue and white decor colors
Waffle Cabin provided delicious treats for guests
Winter wonderland decor was evident throughout the celebration
Julia had fun with friends
Up in the chair for the horah
Mom Jennifer with her friends
A touching moment as Derek gives Julia a toast
Julia’s favor bags
Julia’s soccer logo and snowflakes were on the custom dance floor
We thank Michael Jurick Photography for sharing this special celebration with our readers.
February 12th, 2012
When Bat Mitzvah girl Alyssa was thinking about her upcoming celebration, she knew two things. She wanted a fashion theme and her uncle Evan Karfinkel of EK Productions to throw her a terrific party!
Since 1986, EK Productions has grown from a successful D.J. operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, M.C.’s and other exciting entertainment for your affair.
All photography was done by Scott at Art Photography.
Alyssa’s celebration was held at Crest Hollow Country Club. EK Productions provided the music entertainment with Evan and George as MCs. They also provided the dancers, photo favors, montage and all video production.
Check out all these great party ideas below:
Alyssa’s pretty short purple dress was from 2 Be Seen in Syosset, New York
The room at Crest Hollow Country Club is ready for Alyssa’s guests
The EK Productions dance area and stage in the background
Lighter Than Air Party Decorators created Alyssa’s fashion theme including the place cards below
Handbag place card holders were lined up for guests
Lighter Than Air put Alyssa on the cover of Vogue for her sign-in book
One of the fashion inspired centerpieces
Alyssa shows off her decor
Designer inspired signs were used as table signage
Alyssa makes her entrance with one of the EK Production dancers
MC George works the crowd
Evan having fun with his niece
Alyssa with her pretty cake!
Usually you don’t see the MC helping with the Horah, but Evan wore multiple hats at this celebration!
EK Productions produced this video compilation of Alyssa’s fun Bat Mitzvah celebration.
You will feel like you are attending Alyssa’s celebration by watching her video here
To learn more about EK Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 10th, 2012
Love is in the air! Not just because of Valentine’s Day but isn’t that how you feel when planning your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah (ok, maybe there is a little stress in the air too, but that’s why you read Mitzvah Market!)
If you are having your child’s reception around Valentine’s Day or just want to add a touch of that theme to your party why not do it with color – maybe a red or pink theme – maybe a heart or two here and there?
You can even finish the reception with a sweet touch like a dessert bar, heart shaped cake or cupcakes – anyway you choose to go you will surely have a sweet ending to a wonderful day.
Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy the sample of items below:
Pretty pink heart decor from Balloon Artistry
From BestKippah.com, a metallic embossed heart themed kippah
A pretty Valentine’s Day themed dessert bar from Just A Bite Desserts
A subtle rose design on the border and on the inside of the envelope from Luscious Verde
Learn how to make these chocolate dipped Valentine Marshmallow Pops from Farmgirlsdabbles.com
A one shoulder sweatshirt design from thecoolestgiveaways.com
From Creative Games Inc., a heart shaped photo booth
Looking for pillows? The Pieced Palette has many to choose from including these with hearts
Custom rose arch and columns from Shindigz
A touch of pink rose confetti on the tables may be all you need
A great candle lighting idea featuring a lucite heart. More here
Custom labels for Hershey kisses from PoshPixelsDesigns.com
The “Love” stamp was the inspiration for this Bat Mitzvah invitation ensemble found on invitationsdiy.com
Jacqueline Sorkin of Custom Candy Buffet Bars created this sugary sweet table in pink with touches of green
From Confetti Cakes in New York City
Creative Gifts by Heather custom makes these wrappers (please read the ingredients!). She can supply the chocolate bars already wrapped or you can wrap them yourself
Have a great day and we hope you get to spend it with the ones you love!
February 8th, 2012
Whatever the occasion, Sugar Rush Creations can create a special edible personal or corporate gift, party favor or centerpiece solution.
All SugarRush creations are made by hand with packaged candies that vary in size, depending on your order, from mini to full size.
They use traditional candy and chocolate, as well as gourmet chocolates.
Order a candy cake in any size
Your order can be made custom depending on your specifications or you can choose from their gallery selection.
Small flower pot centerpieces
They take special requests and can accommodate everything from Sugar Free, Kosher, Healthy or just Fun!
Any Sugar Rush Creation can be shipped nationwide right to your door.
For more information, visit their Website or give them a call at 800-286-9509.
February 7th, 2012
This beautiful Bat Mitzvah celebration is from Victoria Dubin Events. From Weddings to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events to Charitable gala’s, birthday celebrations and more, their events reflect signature style and originality.
As the event planner, Vicki spent lots of time with this Bat Mitzvah family so their celebration would truly highlight the special interest of the guest of honor who is a very passionate gymnast. Precision, accuracy and timing are all elements of her everyday discipline.
Her invitation was printed on a “rubber like” gym floor material and the wording was styled to invite guests at 7:08PM on 9.10.11 and conclude at 12:13PM. Thus a 7-8-9-10-11-12-13 theme for Sydney the gymnast giving the Bat Mitzvah a “Perfect 10 Night.”
No doubt everyone at the party left with a true understanding of the enthusiasm and dedication the Bat Mitzvah girl had.
Check out all the details below:
9-10-11 signage greeted guests
Sydney’s invitation featured clever wording about the date and time!
The centerpieces were custom printed lampshades alternating with Sydney’s initials, SMK, and the date, 9-10-11 with soft florals
Silhouettes of Sydney doing gymnastics were projected onto the fabric white walls as guests enjoyed cocktails at the “uneven bar” and “parallel bar”
The room is set and ready for Sydney’s celebration to begin
The adult tables were bar height with stools so that everyone would be able to admire all that was going on at the dance floor
The floors were covered in white carpet with a custom dance floor of her logo, “The Perfect 9.10.11 Night”
The children’s lounge area was modern and filled with personalized pillows of 9-10-11 and Sydney’s initials, long sofas and mirrored tables
Sydney was escorted into the party on parallel bars by dancers wearing shirts with her “nine, ten, eleven” logo. As guests danced the night away they were surrounded by cirque style girls dancing on platforms in mirrored costumes. As a special treat an aerialist came down onto the crowd on a silk rope
Sydney blew out her Bat Mitzvah candles on a cake made in the shape of an oversized cupcake with a figurine of a gymnast atop
Guests were treated to a variety of goodies to end their perfect 10 evening
We want to thank Victoria Dubin for sharing this Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers. For more information about Victoria Dubin Events visit their Website.
February 4th, 2012
Logan J. Pazol from Mendon, Massachusetts decided to create a Mitzvah Project that combined his love of video games and the love he feels for his grandmother!
Unfortunately, his grandmother passed away last March from lung cancer. To honor her, Logan and his dad created Donut Fighter, a video game app. They hope to sell 10,000 games to raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment.
We spoke to Logan to learn more about this creative project:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
LP: My grandmother died recently of lung cancer, so I wanted to do something to help people fight the disease. I’m very interested in computers and video games, so I thought that creating a game and selling it on iTunes would be a good way to raise money to help cancer research.
MM: Which charity is benefiting from your project?
LP: All of the proceeds from your purchase go directly to research and treating children with cancer St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
LP: Donut Fighter is a game I created for the iPhone, iPod and iPad. Once the game starts, you box against a giant pink frosted donut with sprinkles. The game lasts for ten rounds with each round more difficult than the last. When you beat the donut in all ten rounds, the game is completed. You can buy Donut Fighter on the iTunes app store for 99 cents. If you do not have a device, and still wish to donate, you can purchase the game on a Mac or PC with the free download of iTunes.
Donut Fighter game app
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
LP: It means that I am prepared to take on the responsibilities of the Mitzvot and shows you I am capable of following them.
MM: How are you getting the word out about Donut Fighter?
LP: Information about the game can be found on the iTunes App store. Stories about my project have been on the Fox 25 News, in the Miford Daily News, and the Worcester Telegram-Gazzette. We have submitted stories to technology sites and the MacDailyNews posted it. There is a Facebook page for Jimmy the Fighting Donut created to help awareness. You can help by clicking here to “like.”
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
LP: We are planning on selling Donut Fighter until my Bar Mitzvah on March 3rd but if sales are still strong, we will keep it going.
We hope our readers will help out Logan and buy Donut Fighter! Thank you for sharing this project with our readers.
