June 30th, 2013
The Hirsch family celebrated their son Bryan’s Bar Mitzvah on May 4, 2013 at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York. The next day it was a fun bowling bash at 300 Long Island, a bowling and event venue in Melville, New York.
This talented family designed many of the creative touches themselves!
Alex Wolff of The Portrait Shoppe was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Mark, Bar Mitzvah boy Bryan, Mom Eileen and older brother Matt.
Bryan at the Bimah of Midway Jewish Center.
Bryan at the Bimah
The beautiful Havdalah service
Mom Eileen handmade the invitations with supplies purchased at a variety of art supply stores!
The red and black color combination was used throughout the party
Custom bowling shirts was the style of choice for this Mitzvah family.
The front of the shirt featured each person’s name on the left side
The logo “Bryan’s Bowling Bash” was on the back
The good times really rolled at Bryan’s Bowling Bash! Bryan and his friends bowled and played games in a private room at 300 Long Island, a hip entertainment destination bowling alley.
Bryan outside 300 Long Island
Inside 300 Long Island prior to set up
Bowling pin flashlights found at Shindigz.com were used as lane assignment holders
Photos made into image cutouts of Bryan for the centerpieces were done by Lighter Than Air, designed by Mom Eileen and built by all 4 members of the Hirsch family!
Bryan “strikes” a pose next to his welcome sign which was designed by Mom Eileen and created by The Portrait Shoppe
Mom Eileen made so many of the creative touches for her son’s party. The wooden bowling alley below was 1 of 2 used to decorate the food buffet tables.
She purchased a wood base, painted the ball black, printed the logo and decorated it herself
There was one for the kids buffet and one for the adult buffet
Bar Mitzvah boy Bryan built a Lego bowling alley entirely by himself (not a kit of any kind). He ordered all the necessary bricks from Lego Pick A Brick section on Lego.com.
It features each member of the Hirsch Family bowling and was displayed in the center of the bar for all to see
The lucite display box was custom made for the bowling alley and ordered online
The cover of the sign-in book that Mom Eileen designed was created by The Portrait Shoppe.
Bryan “strikes” a pose
Bryan’s Grandma writing something special to her grandson
Everyone had a ball at this bowling bash.
Dad Mark with great form
Bryan knockin’ them all down
Even Bryan’s Grandma gets into the action
Bryan and his friends
Bryan’s iPod supplied the background music that MC Andre played.
MC Andre all lit up from glow sticks
The cake, in party colors of red back and white, was baked by ZuckerBakers.
The Hirsch family during their candle lighting ceremony
The logo and t-shirt favors were created by Gotham T-shirts.
The logo really popped on the red t-shirt
These fun bowling ball stressballs were also given to guests
The favor bags all lined up like bowling pins
Zucker’s Bakery also created cookie favors to look like bowling balls and Mom Eileen created the great “to go” labels.
These great labels were on the cookie bags
Some advice from Mom Eileen:
“I am a very organized and a well thought out planner. I made a to-do list at least 1 year in advance. After I booked 300 Long Island, I laid out my plan of what needed to be accomplished each month along the way, and this made it stress free.”
The following vendors helped to make Bryan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Temple: Midway Jewish Center, 516- 938-8390
Venue: 300 Long Island, 631-423-3091
Photographer/Videographer: Alex, The Portrait Shoppe, 516-389-6915
Welcome Sign/Top of centerpiece action shots: The Portrait Shoppe
Sign-in Book cover: Designed by Eileen, Created by The Portrait Shoppe
Photo cutouts: Rich, Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Invitation: Handmade by Mom Eileen
Music Entertainment: Bryan’s playlist from his iPod
MC: Andre provided by 300 Long Island
Lego Bowling Alley: Built by Bryan, Lego.com
Bowling Pin Placecards: Shindigz.com
Favors: Howard, Gotham T-Shirt, 516-676-0900
Bowling Ball Party Favors: 1001 Stressballs
Cake/Bowling Ball Cookie Favor: ZuckerBakers, 516-785-6900
Cookie bags: AC Moore
Cookie bag labels: Mom Eileen
Men’s Custom Bowling Shirts: Logosoftwear, 877-535-5646
Mom Eileen’s shirt: BowlingShirt.com, 800-444-1685
June 26th, 2013
Matthew Reid Zapken celebrated his Bar Mitzvah service on November 17, 2012 at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn, New York with a Kiddush luncheon following. The next day there was a twilight reception at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Brooke, Dad Howard, Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew and Mom Mandee.
All photography was provided by Jack Katz Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Matthew at the Bimah during his service at Temple Beth Sholom.
Matthew’s invitation from Elite Invitations gave his guests a tease of his theme using his favorite colors – navy blue and orange.
The outside of the invitation
The full invitation ensemble including the kippot worn at Matthew’s service
Matthew and his sister Brooke looked great. Matthew’s jacket is from Kenny’s Men and Boys Wear and sister Brooke’s dress is from 2 Be Seen.
The paisley jacket and orange shirt are very hip
Matthew and little sister Brooke
Matthew has many hobbies, so selecting one theme wasn’t easy. Their solution was to incorporate everything together with a play on words. His theme was “Matt State…Of Mind.”
The entrance to the ballroom was flanked with signage
Blue Star Promotions created pennant place cards for each guest.
They were placed on turf for an authentic look
The “State of Mind” theme was used to incorporate all of Matthew’s interests. Stefan’s Event and Decor created giant varsity banners throughout the room and props were placed all over the kids lounge to feature Matt’s hobbies.
Centerpieces in the kids lounge area included Matt’s hobbies such as tennis, lacrosse, chess, poker, and computers
Pictures of Matthew adorned one long wall of the ballroom
Custom drawstring bags were used as pillows – so clever!
The adult area of the room was filled with beautiful orange floral arrangements and navy table linens from Table Wraps
The Zapkens selected both round and communal tables in the ballroom
More Than Music provided the music entertainment and kept the guests dancing all night. MC Jared and his dance crew had the dance floor packed with both adults and kids.
Matthew enjoying the ride on the chair
Matthew having fun with the More Than Music dancers
Matthew being lifted by friends and family
MC Jared having fun with Mom Mandee and her guests
The cake, created by Morrell Caterers, was in the shape of a tennis court.
Matt surrounded by his close friends
Elite Invitations created the sweatshirts and Blue Star Promotions created the varsity logo which was used on Matt’s bags and party favor tags.
The back of Matt’s sweatshirt had a silhouette of Matt playing tennis on the back
Each bag had a luggage tag attached with one of Matt’s logos (he had two!) on the back and each child’s name on the front
Matthew standing next to his candy buffet which offered an amazing selection of sweets.
Hurricane Sandy struck the New York metropolitan area just two weeks prior to Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah. Matt switched gears and immediately began collecting, organizing and packing supplies, loading trucks and helping in the relief program to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Mom Mandee has some advice:
“You can never start planning too early. I joked that the day Matt was born, I began to plan for his Bar Mitzvah. I had booked our venue, caterer, music, and decorators very early in the process. Not only does planning early keep you on schedule and organized, but you have a better handle on pricing and availability. We had an idea for a theme and started developing it a year prior to the party. Invitations and party favors were planned early too. The only last minute decisions were for the kids’ entertainment. New ideas pop up all the time so we waited to see what was new and innovative before making any commitments. Even with all the pre-planning, who would have thought a horrendous hurricane would hit just two weeks before the event? If not for the early start, we would have been in big trouble. I also recommend using vendors that you feel absolutely comfortable with. Each of our vendors were professional, creative, and easy to work with and I would use each and every one of them again. We developed such great relationships with our vendors that I am sad the next Bat Mitzvah is going to be six years away. Pinterest became the rage during my planning stages. I had a ball finding ideas and pinning them on my boards.”
The following vendors helped to make Matthew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Reception Venue: Temple Beth Torah, 631-253-9100
Caterer: Scott, Morrell Caterers, 631-253-9100
Party Planner: Pejy, Morrell Caterers
Décor/florist: Josh, Stefan’s Event and Decor, 516-239-2402
Photographer/Videographer: Jack Katz Photographers, 718-948-3965
Music Entertainment/Extra Entertainment: MC Jared, More than Music
Invitations/Sweatshirt Favors: Lyssa, Elite Invitations, 516-496-8374
Photo Booth: Laura, Hi Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Cake: Morrell Caterers, 631-253-9100
Sign-In board: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Favor Bags /place cards: Adam, Blue Star Promotions, 516-621-2046
Brooke’s Party Dress and Tiara: 2 B Seen, 516-921-5777
Mom’s Dresses: Queen of Hearts, 516-377-1357
Matthew’s Temple Suit, Shirt & Tie: The Annex Shoppe, 516-621-1840
Matthew’s Party Blazer, Shirt, Slacks & Tie: Kenny’s Mens & Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Makeup: Amanda Evans: 516-455-1408
Party security: Morrell Caterers
Table Linens: Table Wraps, 516-334-8833
Kippot: Best Kippah, 800-435-1621
June 26th, 2013
Security at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a must!
Bar Mitzvah Bouncers Inc. work as chaperones for the young guests at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Birthday and Graduation Parties. They have seen and heard it all while overseeing these events.
We asked them to share some of their memorable moments:
THE BUS RIDE
“When we chaperone the bus rides to and from Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, we have a rule of lights always on. One time, a bouncer recalls kids asking for the lights to be turned off. The bouncer asked them why. They said they needed to study (study in the dark?). When asked what it was they were going to study, they quickly replied with, “we need to study for anatomy class.”
“Kids on the bus have the tendency to sing songs during the bus rides. One bouncer recalls repeatedly asking the kids to lower their voices. By the end of the bus ride, not only were the kids still singing, but the bouncer had joined in and was leading the song selection!”
NO ALCOHOL
“A big focus for us is to make sure that the kids don’t consume alcohol. A few times kids have attempted to get the bouncers to sneak them alcoholic drinks. On one occasion, a child said he had a medical condition and needed the drink to get better.”
THE BATHROOM
“The trips to the bathroom: We all know that the kids for some reason end up making their way to the bathroom, often times in groups. The bouncers have provided a list of the top 10 excuses used by the kids when questioned about their trip to the bathroom:”
1. We need to discuss who we are going to ask to dance with.
2. We need to practice our speech.
3. We have to counsel our friend.
4. I have to call my Mom to tell her how much I love her.
5. I am so tired of dancing I have to sit in the bathroom stall.
6. I chipped my nail and need a quick manicure.
7. I can’t go alone to bathroom, I need help with my dress.
8. I have to go to bathroom immediately, I just drank 10 Shirley Temples.
9. I have to check Facebook and I don’t want anyone to see it.
10. We need to discuss a text I just received.
THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE!
“And we kid you not: On one occasion, a bouncer recalls a 13 year old boy coming up to him and saying very seriously, “If I give you $20 will you leave me alone for the night so I can be with my girlfriend uninterupted?”
To learn more about having peace of mind at your child’s celebration, check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 24th, 2013
You have all the major decisions made: your venue is booked, the invitations are ordered, you’ve hired the DJ, photographer and any extra entertainment – phew! But wait, there are still more details to think about now, so you don’t have these items on your last minute to-do list.
Below you will find vendors that cover those not-so-little details including all the important things that need to get taken care of. Ordering your yarmulkes, finding a meaningful Mitzvah Project, selecting a gift for the special guest of honor and hiring security so you have peace of mind and can enjoy your child’s celebration.
See below for all the details.
Circles of Life
Contact: Mike Glaser, (978)2-KIPPOT, seedkippot@gmail.com
Circles of Life Seed Paper Kippot are made from 100% Recycled, 100% Recyclable, 100% Biodegradable Seed Paper. All Kippot are made in the United States and use only local sources. When exposed to a plant friendly environment (soil and water) a beautiful flower garden will grow from your Kippot. If kept away from moisture and soil the Kippot will keep for years as a memento of your special occasion. Circles of Life Seed Paper Kippot are available in a variety of colors and can be customized with images and inscriptions.
“Customized printed Kippot from past events”
The Mitzvah Bowl
Contacts: Cheryl Friedenberg and Val Franklin, info@themitzvahbowl.com
The Mitzvah Bowl Website guides B’nai Mitzvah students to find meaningful Mitzvah Projects. With over 150 non-profit organizations to choose from, tweens/teens can search for the ideal opportunity based on their personal interests. Projects range from being a dance partner with wheelchair bound individuals to videotaping Holocaust survivors to supplying books for a new library in Africa. To inspire others, students’ Mitzvah Project stories are featured weekly. Go to the “More Ideas Page” for even further inspiration!
Maddie Hunt, a May, 2013 Bat Mitzvah, combined two passions for her Mitzvah Project–baking and helping kids. She baked homemade goods during the month of March to sell at her middle school’s café. After raising $425, Maddie donated the funds to Camp Rainbow, a free non-profit overnight camp in Pennsylvania, in order to give other children the opportunity to go to overnight camp who would not be able to afford it
Jewelry Judaica
Contact: Customer Support, info@jewelryjudaica.com
Jewelry Judaica is a family owned and operated business with decades of experience manufacturing and selling traditional and contemporary Judaica jewelry for all ages, occasions and budgets. We know that one of the most meaningful and long-lasting gifts for a loved-one can be a cherished piece of Judaica jewelry. We make most of the jewelry ourselves and take great pride in our work. Get 25% off any jewleryjudaica.com order through July 31, 2013 using coupon code MITZVAH13 at checkout.
We sell only the highest quality gold and silver jewelry for all your special occasions. Visit us at JewelryJudaica.com to find the perfect Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift!
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer
Contact: Evan Wofsy, 973-758-9800, 631-367-1519, evan@barmitzvahbouncer.com
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduation and Birthday Parties. Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while we supervise the children. Our services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Our bouncers did not hesitate to wait with these young guests until their parents arrived at 2:15 am, keeping the girls safe and their parents worry-free
June 23rd, 2013
Camp Hess Kramer, part of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps was the beautiful setting for this terrific outdoor Bat Mitzvah which celebrated both the natural rustic beauty of Southern California and it’s beaches the Bat Mitzvah girl loves so much.
The event planner was Judi Walley better known in Southern California as founder of Mitzvah Mama Special Events.
Photography by Karen Ard.
The welcome sign to the campgrounds
The Bat Mitzvah girl making her way to the service with the cantor and her friends
The beautiful outdoor bimah among the rocks
The beautiful outdoor bimah among the rocks
The beautiful service surrounded by nature
After the service, the Bat Mitzvah girl arrived to her party in style
The Bat Mitzvah girl making her way in
The Bat Mitzvah girl also loves the beach, so starfish place cards were used
The tables set up for the reception
The beach theme centerpieces
Casual but delicious food
A dessert bar with some beach decor
Everyone received a personalized bag of sweets for the ride home
We thank Karen Ard Photography and Mitzvah Mama Special Events for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
June 19th, 2013
We love getting emails from our readers who want to share their ideas with MitzvahMarket.com.
We recently received an email from Mitzvah Mom Andi Ackerman who lives in Princeton, New Jersey and celebrated her son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah in April 2013.
Here’s what she said: “I did all the decor myself and used EVERY idea from Mitzvah Market! I used a giant letter A and covered it in blue and white York Peppermint Bites (instead of M&M’s) for the candy buffet. I covered a glass cylinder with a B&W image of my son on transparent paper for table numbers. Even the out-of-town boxes were from your Website. I am a huge fan of Mitzvah Market. Thank you for all of your ideas!”
Look for the Ackerman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight story soon, but in the meantime, we wanted to share her DIY place card idea. Her son has a great bobblehead collection, so they incorporated these into the party using them for a uniquely personalized place card.
Each photo is of every guest! Andi used Facebook to find photos of the adults and the yearbook for pictures of the kids
The names and table numbers are on the bottom of each bobblehead. To make it more casual, she used only the first names of the adults.
We thank Andi for sharing this great idea with our readers and can’t wait to spotlight the rest of this great Bar Mitzvah soon.
If you have an idea you would like to share with our readers, email us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 18th, 2013
Jessie Weinberg celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2013 at Temple Beth Shalom in Roslyn Heights, New York.
The Weinbergs had a traditional Havdalah service where Jessie read from the Torah, and was followed by a fabulous party with a “Jessiegram” theme to celebrate her hard work in preparing to become a Bat Mitzvah and to celebrate her 13th birthday.
Pictured L-R: Mom Susan, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessie, Dad Matt and younger Sister Ali.
Event planner Michelle Farber of M. Studio Events worked with the family on all the party details including this beautiful invitation suite in a purple and silver color palette
Jessie’s beautiful purple gown, embellished with crystals, was from It’s Simply For You
The theme was “Jessiegram,” a play on Instagram. Instagram is a fun way to share photos via social media and it was brought to life by event planner, Michelle Farber. The result was a sophisticated and fun party utilizing many of the popular symbols that all the kids and adults are familiar with. The gorgeous Jessiegram sign that hung from the ceiling featured her logo and was embellished with crystals
Since Instagram is all about pictures, Jessiegram was too! Using a purple palette, Michelle collaborated with Stefan’s Florist to create the decor using lots of pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl. The place cards featured pictures of Jessie
Beautiful purple draping with pictures of Jessie framed the entrance to the kid’s area
There were oversized pictures of Jessie behind the light up bar
Centerpiece lamp shades included shots of Jessie from her photo shoot
The ballroom walls looked amazing with pictures of Jessie and purple up lighting
Michelle Farber is known for branding events and incorporated “Jessegram” creatively into the decor by using #hashtag symbols throughout. The cocktail sign for the adults was framed in purple bling and highlighted the specialty drinks available
The satin pillow says it all!
LED light up cocktail tables with Instagram symbols
A young guest wearing a t-shirt giveaway = #amazing!
Jessie’s friends wearing socks with her Jessiegram logo!
A few different logos were printed on different color socks to show a “branded” feel for the party
Even #soap and Jessiegram hand towels were placed in the bathrooms
In keeping with the purple color scheme, #earplugs were provided at the grandparents table
The hooded grey sweatshirts and sweatpants with Jessie’s logo were created by M. Studio Events. The back of the sweatshirts were personalized with each kid’s last name
Jessie and her friends showing off their sweatpants
The silver favor bags had Jessie’s logo on a purple label
From the #togo bags to a reminder about changing the clocks, not a detail was missed!
Guests found 2 bottles of water with custom logos and change the clock cards in their cars to remind them that it was daylight savings time
The valet placed a key chain on the guests’ keys
Mitzvah Project:
Jessie donated a portion of her Bat Mitzvah gifts to the Child-Life Services Department of Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, a division of North Shore LIJ Hospital. This department ensures that the children who are admitted to the hospital are made comfortable by helping them understand the sometimes scary things they see in a hospital. Child Life Specialists provide kid-friendly activities and games to help them cope with their medical situation.
Advice from Mom Susan:
“The best advice I can give to another mom is to trust the professionals you hire to work on your party. This is what they do, and they know what to do and how to execute it flawlessly. Set a realistic budget based on the venue and catering, photo, music, entertainment and decor (and don’t forget to add gratuities into your budget) and try to stick to it because there are always things you will want to add as the date approaches, which can add another 10-20% to the bottom line. There are a lot of things that happen in the last month, like table placement, montage, favors, etc. If you are a working mom it can become overwhelming. There are certain things that you can’t get done until you have your final count, but if you can plan early and finalize the menu, decor, montage, and the favors, you will be able to relax the last couple weeks and really enjoy the event.”
The following vendors helped to make Jessie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Beth Shalom, 516-621-2288
Caterer: Craig Weinberg, Joseph Craig Caterers, 516-621-8200
Photographer/Videographer/Sign-in book/Photo Blowups: Steven Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography, 516-780-9100
Party Planner/Invitations: Michelle Farber, M.Studio Events, 516-418-3131
Decor/Florist: Danae, Stefan’s Florist, 516-239-2402
Party Details: Cocktail napkins, socks, earplugs, dancer t-shirts, soap, flashlights: M. Studio Events
Mitzvah Exit: “Togo” cups, bags, custom waters, flashlights, change your clocks cards, M. Studio Events
Music Entertainment: Tom Kaufman, Tom Kaufman Productions, 212-223-0962
Extra Entertainment: Magician: The Amazing Ken Salaz, 917-952-8967
Jessie’s Gown: It’s Simply for You (closed), 516-921-2863
Sister Ali’s temple and party dresses: Fetch Dress Boutique (closed), 516-864-0660
Hair: Kelly Haas, 516-410-8402
Makeup: Amanda Evans, 516-456-1400
June 15th, 2013
Rachel Greenblatt celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012 at The Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay after a havdalah service at the Jewish Congregation of Brookville at Jericho Jewish Center.
The theme for this celebration was “Rachel’s Runway,” and it was an event packed with great ideas.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Andrew, Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel, Mom Karyn and Dad Sheldon
Mom Karyn created all of Rachel’s purple acrylic invitations herself!
Gold lettering was used on the purple square acrylic invitations on display with purple yarmulkes at their service
Rachel and her Mom Karyn looked great. Rachel wore a short dress from Bloomingdale’s for her service and later switched into a long gown for her celebration. Karyn’s long gold layered gown was from Nordstrom.
Rachel and Mom Karyn at her havdalah service
For her celebration, Rachel wore a purple gown from Outrageous Boutique
When guests arrived at The Hamlet for Rachel’s celebration, they were greeted by a large “Rachel” gobo on the outside of the venue.
Simon Elliot Events created the seating card board. It featured a picture of Rachel cut into different squares with the guest’s name and table number on each square.
When each piece was taken by the guest, the same picture of Rachel was revealed underneath
Mom Karyn saw a posting on MitzvahMarket.com about “dress” centerpieces for sale from Melisa Imberman of The Event Of A Lifetime. She bought 11 beautiful dress forms for the lobby and table centerpieces. Verbena Floral Designs enhanced the centerpieces with flowers for a stunning look!
This purple dress was on a table in the lobby as guests walked in
More of the “dress” centerpieces on each of the tables in the ballroom
Rachel did a photo session with Simon Elliot Events who then created various magazine covers with Rachel as the cover girl!
Each table was named after a different fashion magazine and as an added surprise, each guest received a current copy of the magazine
Party Harty Entertainment provided the music with Willie as the MC. Guests were on the dance floor the whole night!
Rachel makes her entrance down a “runway” created by Party Harty
Rachel poses with the Party Harty crew
The packed dance floor!
In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for Rachel’s sign-in board.
Guests used purple Sharpies to leave a special message for Rachel
Rachel’s guests all took photos in front of her custom step and repeat created by Simon Elliot Events.
Jennifer of Just Sweets Candy created Rachel’s candy cake!
Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah cake was created from various packaged candy
Just Sweets Candy also created a candy table for guests to enjoy as they were leaving the celebration.
Best Express created Rachel’s sweatshirt favor for her friends.
The purple zip-up sweatshirt featured Rachel’s name written like the “Chaser” logo
Advice from Mom Karyn:
“Make lists and cross something off each day. Things go wrong, don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure to share that advice with your “Bat Mitzvah princess!” I told Rachel if she has fun, everyone else will follow and it worked!”
The following vendors helped to make Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jordana, Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Favors/Montage/Entrance Video: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Music Entertainment/”Runway” Lounge: MC, Willie, Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Invitations: Mom Karyn
Favors: Bestexpress@aol.com
Cake/Candy Buffet: Jennifer, Just Sweets Candy, 631-327-8886
Florist: Jennifer, Verbena Floral Designs, 516-935-3757
Sign-In Dress Form: Pier One Imports
Dress for Mom: Nordstrom
Dress for Rachel’s celebraton: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Dress for Rachel’s service: Bloomingdale’s
Hair/makeup: Yvonne and Jennifer Ann, Entourage Salon, 516-496-1700
June 15th, 2013
By Lindsey Sklar
This year I will begin attending Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for my friends and family. I’m so excited to write about each unique celebration. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are so much fun and I love looking at all of the different trendy dresses, themes, party favors, and more! I’m very excited to share with everyone all of the unique ideas I see at each and every party!
A few weekends ago I attended my friend Jarrett’s Bar Mitzvah. I really enjoyed myself and I’m hoping I can give you some good ideas when planning your own Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
When I first walked into Jarrett’s party, his signing item was out on display. I was one of the first people there, so nobody had signed it yet. It was a locker with his logo, an Under Armor symbol with his initials on the front. Around the locker was different sports equipment representing the sports he plays, such as a baseball glove and a tennis racket. I thought it was very creative that they were able to create something that represents him.
Jarrett’s sign-in locker
Jarrett’s centerpieces were also very nice. The adults had a vase with flowers and then a flag coming out of the top, while the kids had something more fun. The kid’s centerpieces featured a stand that had different sports on them. I took a picture of a baseball one – see below. It had a cartoon baseball on top and a bat going across it. That table was named the ‘World Series’ table. Each table had a sports related name instead of a regular number. I sat at the ‘Stanley Cup’ table.
One of Jarrett’s centerpieces
The DJ was Pulse Entertainment, which I am also using for my Bat Mitzvah. They put on a great show and the MC always knows how to get the crowd dancing. I was a little shy at first, along with my friend, but he got us both dancing on the floor. The MC was named Ian and he’s very funny. He jokes around with the kids and has a lot of fun. I really enjoyed dancing with him.
In addition to dancing, there was one other entertainment option. Out by his signing locker, a green screen was hung up and there was a trifold board with background options. I took three pictures with my friend, but my favorite one was the one with the Elmo background. It was really funny and cute. People were taking pictures all night, but they were also dancing too.
My friend and I with the Elmo background
Dinner was at a set time and it was a buffet style. The food was excellent. When dinner was over, people danced more, and then they announced an ice cream bar. All of the kids rushed to the cocktail room to be first in line. It took forever to get my toppings, and my ice cream started to melt. It still tasted great. I was disappointed when I heard there was no candy bar, but I was glad that the ice cream bar replaced it.
The party was excellent and my family and I had so much fun. Mazel Tov to Jarrett and his family.
Read Lindsey’s last blog post here.
ABOUT LINDSEY
I’m 12 years old, from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and more than halfway through 6th grade. Dancing is my favorite after school activity, whether it’s tap, jazz, ballet, or hip hop. Somehow I’m able to fit in my other hobby, softball, during my busy week. On top of all of that, I do whatever it takes to have time for my friends. My own Bat Mitzvah is coming up soon. It will be taking place in November, 2013. I can’t wait!
June 12th, 2013
Ann Marie Casey Photography sent in this cool “Seussified” styled Bat Mitzvah!
A love for Dr. Seuss’s colorful drawings, whimsical characters and rhythmical stories were brought to life in honor of Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah.
This celebration took place at the Merion Tribute House in Merion, Pennsylvania. As you will see below, along with Sophie’s guests, there were many characters from the “Fox and the Socks,” “The Lorax” and “The Cat and the Hat” on hand to celebrate.
Anne Marie Casey was the photographer, All Around Entertainment provided the music, decor by Campbell Studios and the cake was created by Truly Custom Cakes.
The family at the entrance welcoming their guests
The Fox, in his socks, showing guests the way
Guests had a choice “To There” or “To Here”
Sophie becomes part of the whimsical decor
The room was set up with round adult tables in one area and dais seating for the kids
Sophie loves her colorful table decor
One fish..two fish table decor for the kids
The adult tables were fun and elegant with Dr. Seuss books intertwined with beautiful flower arrangements
A special chair for the Bat Mitzvah girl Sophie…and Seuss
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s parents and brother pose in the hat giveaways
The cake was truly special and really captured the theme
The Cat hanging out
Thing 1 and Thing 2 holding the “Mazel Tov Sophie” sign
To tie-in with her theme, Sophie’s pedicure was red and white stripes
We thank Ann Marie Casey Photography for sharing these great pictures with our readers.
