November 9th, 2013
The Tucker family from Northbrook, Illinois, celebrated their daughter Melissa’s Bat Mitzvah on June 2, 2013.
Melissa is always on the go, so it was only natural that her theme was “Melissa On The Go.” Mom Debbie has been planning events for over 20 years and incorporated many great ideas into her daughter’s party.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Justin, Dad Scott, Bat Mitzvah girl Melissa, Mom Debbie and Brother Brandon
The photography was done by North Shore Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Melissa’s service was held at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois
Melissa’s beautiful purple chiffon tallit was a special gift given to her by her Nana
Melissa picked out the Carlson Craft invitation herself because she felt it reflected her outgoing personality. The front of the dual-sided invitation was colorful, fun, and meaningful
The service information was printed on the other side
The reception information was included as well
Melissa’s dress by Stella M’Lia was purchased at Frankie’s on the Park. The taffeta bubble skirt had beautiful ribbon detail
Comfortable silvery glitter sneakers finished the look
Pinstripes Northbrook was the venue. The Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Finals was playing on the outdoor bar TV, while chefs grilled salmon and steak to order. The outdoor fire pit helped make it the perfect setting for the evening
Melissa had some definite ideas that she wanted included in her party. Since she is a girl “on the go,” with sports, school and friends, “Melissa On the Go” seemed like the perfect theme. Working with Melissa’s favorite color purple, the logo coordinated perfectly
Mom Debbie is the owner of Eventure, LLC, a special events planning firm creating customized special events in Northbrook, Illinois. Table names were created based on Melissa’s on the go activities “On the Go with Nana,” “On the Go to Soccer,” and ”On the Go to Camp” to name a few
Adults were seated at long banquet tables adding to the casual, outdoor feeling
Long tables with bar stools provided convenient seating for the kids with custom water cups that turned purple when filled
The centerpieces featured beautiful floral pieces set on top of silver urns
Colorful guest towels in the restrooms stating, “Keep Calm and Celebrate,” “Keep Calm and Mazel Tov” and “Keep Calm and Party On,” added to the custom branding of the event
The energy and charisma from Flow Entertainment kept guests on the dance floor all evening. Perimeter lighting and draped fabric in the party colors served as a backdrop for the entertainment
Melissa enjoying herself on the dance floor
The kids and adults had a great time as seen above
Great LED give-aways
Custom apparel favors were provided by Shari Coleman of Corporate Presents. The girls received tanks and boys received basketball shorts, both with Melissa’s custom logo on each. Plus, purple socks for the girls kept their feet comfy all night
Shorts for the boys
An enormous interactive candy station provided by Wonka Dessert Stations, was unveiled for the first time that evening
As guests left the venue, there was a cupcake truck waiting to give them a treat “On the Go”
Guests were able to select from a few of the delicious offerings from Flirty Cupcakes Chicago, in customized boxes with Melissa’s logo
For her Mitzvah Project, Melissa wanted a project that involved her friends and made a difference. She created a team for the Autism Speaks Walk calling their team, “Maddie & Melissa’s Mitzvah Magic.” Together with her closest friends and family, they walked the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden and raised money for Autism
Team Mitzvah Magic
The following vendors helped to make Melissa’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Pinstripes, 847-480-2323
Party Planner: Mom, Debbie Tucker, Eventure, LLC, 847-877-7899
Décor: Epic Events, 847-272-3742
Invitations/Calligraphy: Ilene Diamond, 847-677-9607
Photographer: North Shore Photography, 847-849-5546
Videography: Video Experience, 847-843-3365
Custom Montage: Xpress Video, 224-723-5111
Entertainment: Flow Entertainment, 312-341-0800
Favors: Shari Coleman, Corporate Presents, 847-509-9988
Table candy: My M&M’s
Branded guest napkins/custom cupcake boxes: Eventure, LLC.
Dessert Candy Station: Wonka Desserts, 847-961-6444
Cupcake Truck: Flirty Cupcakes, 312-852-4441
Bat Mitzvah Dress: Frankie’s on the Park, 773-248-0400
Security: Elite Scheduling, 847-513-2075
November 5th, 2013
Oh So Fabulous! an event planning firm, and event planner Tina LaMorte from Maywood, New Jersey, planned a makeup and “bling” themed Bat Mitzvah at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey.
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s request was that everything shimmer and shine and incorporate her love of makeup. Using a pink and silver color palette, and lots of tasteful “bling,” this party was really glamorous.
The photographer at the reception was Caryn Leigh Photography.
Place cards in crystal holders gave a “kiss” to her guests
The Bat Mitzvah girl in her beautiful gown. The ballroom looked great and we love the black Chiavari stretched chair covers embellished with “bling”
Purple jeweled table number frames and candles wrapped in rhinestones
A lounge area with customized “lip” pillows
Custom pillows in black and silver sequins along with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initial shaped as a heart
A makeup bar, of course!
Lipstick at the makeup bar
The silver chevron cake with bling; beautiful and delicious
Favor bags
Invitations: Bella Dia Custom Invitations
Cake: Cakes by Stef
Venue: Brooklake Country Club
Lounge rentals: Something Different Party Rental, Luxe Event Rentals
Photographer: Caryn Leigh Photography
Logo: Triumph Display Graphics
Favors: MSI Promotions
Linens: The Cloth Connection
November 5th, 2013
SPACE, located inside Space Odyssey USA, is used exclusively for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. This unique party space is filled with all high tech games, extravagant entertainment, unique decor and customized menus.
They are celebrating their 8th Anniversary. We asked Elvira Grau, the Creator of SPACE, some questions to learn more:
MM: Please share with us what inspired you to create SPACE?
EG: As a mother first and foremost, it was initially for my own personal need and my desire to create a safe, clean and climate controlled environment for my own children. Having four kids who ranged, at the time, from 4-12 years old, I wanted to design an entertainment space filled with a diverse array of games and attractions that appeal to all age groups. SPACE combines the best aspects of a catering hall, a nightclub, and a gaming arcade: it’s conducive for both kids and adults. We’ve created endless fun for kids and an elegant venue for adults.
MM: What is your proudest achievement as an accomplished entrepreneur?
EG: Repeat business! I’m now hosting parties for the siblings, friends, and other family members of my current clients. I love when families come back to me for parties for their second and third child after a birthday, Bar Bat Mitzvah or Sweet 16. It’s the biggest form of a compliment to me. They trust me, and that’s priceless!
MM: What is your advice for someone interested in entrepreneurship?
EG: Never give up! If you have tenacity, perseverance, a true desire to succeed, and passion for what you do, you will go far. I was told many times to give up when I first started. People said my idea wouldn’t work. I didn’t listen and I didn’t give up, it works.
MM: Given the current economic climate, what has been your strategy for building awareness of SPACE for short-term & long-term growth?
EG: Reputation is everything! You’re only as good as your last party. I tell all my staff, there are no second chances, and we only have one time to get it right. It’s like a Broadway play – the curtain opens and we’re live. As long as we continue to give our clients everything they want and more, we will do well. Happy clients refer business, and whether the economy is up or down, people still need to celebrate milestones in life. I also work with clients on their own budgets.
About Elvira Grau, Creator and Founder of SPACE
Elvira Grau is a Russian immigrant who built her business from scratch in Englewood, New Jersey. A happily married wife and a mom proves that women really can have it all and is a firm believer that hard work can lead to the “American Dream.”
She founded SPACE in 2005 when she discovered an empty, 26,000 sq. ft. warehouse and envisioned a one-of-a-kind, entertainment event SPACE!
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 3rd, 2013
By Marisa Thalberg
While it was not practical to do too many venue visits, based on a combination of 1) budget, and 2) time, in conversations with our planners (and a lot of research on my part, as well as theirs), we booked a late afternoon to see what seemed like two very strong contenders: a very chic, trendy, English club-like hotel downtown frequented by fashionistas… and a lovely, waterfront venue at the lower tip of Manhattan much more accustomed to brides than Bat Mitzvah girls.
We first went to the waterfront venue. Entered through Battery Park, adjacent to the terminal for the Staten Island Ferry. Giant windows overlook New York Harbor, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance. I immediately began to conjure a narrative that connected the idea that once Hannah’s great great grandparents passed through those gateways dreaming of a better life… and here she could be a few generations later facing them as a Bat Mitzvah. THAT could be something to be thankful for… on Thanksgiving. Hannah and I both sparked to the decor, the silver Chiavari chairs, the simple but dramatic chandeliers and white linens.
We were all enthusiastic; however, we had the Hotel to see next, and I had a feeling the whole downtown super-chic mystique would be very enticing to Hannah, especially through the eyes of her friends. We explored the space and I could imagine how the clubby interior could work with our late November date.
After both, we all caucused, and Hannah’s summary words were these: “I just feel like the Hotel is more of a ‘dark’ place, and the waterfront venue is more of a ‘light’ place – and that’s just more me. I’m a ‘light’ person.” What I love is that I know she didn’t mean how well lit either was. It was such a moment of self-awareness, and a willingness to make the right decision, for her, and frankly for all of us.
Battery Gardens
We had a winner. And in the weeks since, Hannah has said, “when I walked into Battery Gardens I felt the same way I did when we toured Delta (her honors middle school). I just knew it was my place.”
Read Part 2 here
ABOUT MARISA THALBERG
Marisa Thalberg is the founder of Executive Moms which for 11 years has provided content and community for fabulous women who are both professionals and mothers. An executive herself, she is also the head of corporate digital marketing worldwide for The Estée Lauder Companies. She has been widely acknowledged for her work on both fronts, including being named a Working Mother of the Year, an Advertising Age Woman to Watch, and a featured mother in UNICEF’s State of World’s Children report. She lives in Manhattan with her husband David and their two daughters Hannah, age 12 and Avery, age 7. She will be celebrating Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah in November 2013 and is blogging about her planning experience for both MitzvahMarket.com and on her blog.
Read about Hannah’s celebration here.
November 3rd, 2013
A Mitzvah Mom told us about the custom pillows she made for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah using a terrific Website she found to be inexpensive and easy to use. We wanted to share this with our readers.
CafePress.com is a Website with 2 million shops where customers can choose from over 300 million products on every subject imaginable: from apparel and drinkware, to posters, electronic accessories, and more. Users can also make their own designs with their easy online design tools, then buy them, share them, or sell them in their own online shops.
Remy Babbush with her custom pillows created on CafePress.com
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, click here.
For more information, visit their Website.
November 2nd, 2013
The Goldberg family from Rye Brook, New York, celebrated their daughter Madison’s Bat Mitzvah on June 8, 2013, at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a Kiddush luncheon following services. Later that evening, there was a party for Madison and her friends at Coliseum Night Club in White Plains, New York.
The theme was centered around Madison’s initials, “MVG” a take on “MSG” – Madison Square Garden. Mom Leslie owns Out of the Box NY, an invitation and accessories company, so there were many great details starting with the amazing invitation.
Pictured L-R: Mom Leslie, Brother Greyson, Sister Emily, Bat Mitzvah girl Madison and Dad Paul
The photographer was Tiffany of Luciebelle Photography. The entire vendor directory is listed below.
Madison’s Bat Mitzvah service was at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, Connecticut
The service programs were elegantly displayed
Mom Leslie owns Out of the Box NY, an invitation and party accessory company. She created unique invitations for her daughter which included a classic letterpress invitation for the service featuring Madison’s name foiled in silver and a viewfinder for the party invitation.Guests really enjoyed the viewfinder!
This family worked with owner Elena DoVale of Designing Dreams to create Bat Mitzvah girl Madison’s ball gown.
Sneakers with “bling” were comfortable and very chic
The Goldberg kids
Brother Greyson changed into a custom jersey and hat for his entrance
The signed tickets looked bright and beautiful in the box The sign-in was very unique! It was an acrylic ticket box. Guests wrote their messages to Madison on neon acrylic “tickets” and put them in the box
Kids received their hot dogs concession-style in logo’d containers
An “MVG” hot dog
Waiter staff wore custom t-shirts while delivering food
Customized pretzel bags were a great touch
Madison’s picture on the Jones Soda label and custom candy boxes “made to go” for the MVG concession theme
“Party at MVG” glasses were a big hit
There were many special moments during the night including this spontaneous moment. This is one happy family!
ESP Production team wore custom t-shirts that read, “Live at MVG”
The custom Gobo lit up the dance floor
Everyone had a great time dancing
Big black & white photos, accented in turquoise, hung on walls around the room
Instead of using regular candles for their candle lighting ceremony, the Goldbergs had a clever idea: they created custom candles that represented the person or people who were coming up to light the candle. For camp friends, they had the Camp Robindel logo, for grandparents, they used the Jamaican Flag because they travel there together on vacations.
Sister Emily reading her toast to her sister Madison
Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady and all her goods with Mom Leslie. She was a great activity in addition to the photo booth
Instead of a candy table, the Goldbergs had the servers go around with concession-style trays and the children got to pick out what they liked
Everyone loved this idea
Created by Out of the Box NY, these beautifully wrapped favors were chocolate malt balls given to each adult as they left. The label said “Thanks for celebrating with me, XOXO Madison”
Madison’s friends received headphones with Madison’s logo from Suzanne Corbin of CorbinStyle. Each headphone was personalized with the guest’s name
The favor bags were personalized with a sticker that looked like a ticket stub
Madison’s Mitzvah Project
Madison volunteered all year at Edenwald at Pleasantville Cottage, which is a residence and school for mentally and emotionally challenged children. She tutored a student each week and took him out for dinner each month. As part of “Give a Mitzvah – Do a Mitzvah” through UJA Federation of New York, she also wanted to donate a portion of her gifts. Madison chose to sponsor and pay for part of the prom at Edenwald. This prom is a highlight in the children’s lives as they get dressed in prom dresses and tuxedos and get a real prom experience. She was able to secure ESP Productions, who provided the music at Madison’s Bat Mitzvah, to donate his services and be the DJ/MC at the prom. It was a highlight in Madison’s life as well as the Goldberg family.
Some advice from Mom Leslie:
“Keep it all in perspective. Focus on the importance of the service and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. At my 1st daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, I was hung up when things weren’t exactly as I had planned. This time, I realized that so much of what bothered me last time didn’t change the party. Just focus on having fun and enjoying every moment of it. It will be over before you know it!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Madison’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Coliseum Night Club, 914-285-0900
Music/Entertainment: MC Lesly, ESP Productions, 516-484-8377
Décor/Florist: ESP Productions and Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photography: Tiffany, Luciebelle Photography, 718-858-4328
Favors: Suzanne Corbin, CorbinStyle, 914-834-6627
Invitation/Program/Favor boxes/Candy Boxes/Sign-in Box: Mom Leslie, Out of the Box NY
Extra Entertainment: Wendy, The Pipe Cleaner Lady, 631-470-3308
Cake: Liz Kaye, EBK Creations, 917-328-8187
Custom soda: Jones Custom Soda
Bat Mitzvah girl Madison’s dress: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Greyson’s Suit: Lubin’s of Westchester, Scarsdale
Mom’s Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Emily’s Dress: Alice & Olivia
Hair: Audrey, Magnolia Salon, 203-354-3564
Make up: Jill Hamburger, jilly27@optonline.net
October 29th, 2013
Party Perfect Orlando planned a “spook-tacular” party for a Halloween-themed Bar Mitzvah last year.
The venue was The Groove Dance Club at Universal City Walk in Orlando, Florida.
When your last name is Horowitz and you have an October 28th Bar Mitzvah date, then “Horowitz Horror Night” is the only way to go!
Inspired by Universal’s popular attraction, “Halloween Horror Nights,” this party delivered thrills and chills!
Marc Harmon Photography was the photographer and the complete vendor listing is at the bottom of this page.
The Groove Dance Club at City Walk Orlando
Vintage horror movie posters lined the front of the venue with the Mitzvah family photoshopped into each terrifying image
The posters read: “Maxula, He’s a real pain in the neck”, “Franken-teen – Body of a boy, mind of a monster!”, and “Creature from Max Lagoon!”
The ghoulish decor was seen throughout the food displays. Coffins, headstones and planks were used to display the appetizer buffet
The Red Room: A fiery room at The Groove was embellished with bloody lanterns and custom “Max” pillows
A close up of the customized pillows
“Want a drink?”
All the guests were given special “VIP Passes” for the night with a photoshopped image of the Mitzvah Boy as Franken-Max!
Dancing in the dark included white gloves that were handed out to all the guests before Max’s grand entrance. Black lights came on, white gloves started clapping in the air and Max descended down the stairs to a crowd of family and friends
After the Horah, confetti bursts surprised guests
Guests created their own “zombie wax hands” that were placed in custom clear boxes to take home as souvenirs
Actors posing as zombies, walking dead, and Dracula, were hired to interact and scare the guests throughout the night
The adults were seated in a separate section on the top floor of the venue. The spooky atmosphere was enhanced by a long table decorated with candles, florals and plastic Dracula teeth as napkin holders
Adult table decor included cobwebs on candelabras and skeleton hands that popped up out of floral displays
Max’s gift box looked like a zombie pushing out from the grave to grab the guest’s hands as they put their cards in the box. Skull eyes on the tombstone flashed and made creepy noises
Old barrels and a wooden plank provided the space for the custom candy bar and a giant ghoulish figure reigned over the candy, daring guests to grab a bag and fill it up!
A custom logo for Max’s Zombie Candy was created for each item on the candy bar
Green chocolate-covered pretzel rods with almond “finger tips” were created to look like monster fingers. Other mini sweet treats included chocolate RIP headstones, ghosts, and eyeballs
Fresh cotton candy was spun on LED sticks and handed out to guests at the end of the evening
Every guest received a custom Horowitz Horror Night stadium cup for their drinks
October 28th, 2013
Emma Becker loves Halloween. Her Bat Mitzvah is taking place on Halloween, October 31, 2014! Her parents got married on Halloween!
When it came time to choose a Mitzvah Project, it was clear it had to be connected to Halloween!
The Becker Family, who live on the Main Line in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held a fundraiser they called, “Costumes for a Cause” benefitting Little Smiles.
Pictured L-R: Emma and her brother Dylan on top of all of their donated costumes.
We think this Mitzvah Project is pretty “Spook-tacular!”
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
EB: I was born eight weeks early, and spent my first five weeks of life hooked up to tubes and machines while living in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lankeneau Medical Center. When I heard about the Little Smiles annual costume drive for sick children, I knew it was exactly the type of charity work I wanted to be a part of for my Bat Mitzvah project. Little Smiles is a nonprofit charitable organization that supports children at many of the Philadelphia hospitals in my area as well as the Wesley House Shelter and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Houses.
Emma with her donated costumes
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
EB: For my Mitzvah Project, I held a fundraiser at my home.Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, I was able to collect close to 200 costumes for Little Smiles in just two weeks for this coming Halloween 2013. I want to keep it going and I want to collect more for 2014. Like WAY, WAY more. But I need your help. So please consider donating. Costumes can be any size, infant through teen, but they must be NEW (hospitals cannot accept used costumes due to germs).
Emma in the middle of her friends at her fundraiser
Emma’s parents Lance and Hollee and dog Mickey Jagger
MM: What are you doing to spread the word?
EB: I have a website that gives all the important information about this project. It is important to keep on buying those costumes after the holiday, (when stores mark them down big time!), because I will continue my collection over the next 10 months. Feel free to order your costumes online at Amazon.com and go to my page and have them shipped directly to me.
We thank Emma and her family for sharing her very “Boo-tiful” Mitzvah Project with our readers.
October 28th, 2013
Adam Wyner celebrated his Bar Mitzvah service and reception on October 31, 2009 at Kol Tikvah in Parkland, Florida.
After their traditional morning service and Kiddush luncheon, the family got ready for their evening Halloween party! The Wyner family called their celebration, “A Boo Mitzvah” party.
The family took advantage of their October 31st date and asked guests to dress up in costumes. They kept their family costume a secret until it was revealed that evening.
With a name like Adam, the perfect theme was a take-off on The Addams Family!
Everyone had a spooktacular time! All party photography was by Madgy Guirguis and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured left (L-R): Dad Howard as Gomez Addams, Bar Mitzvah boy Adam as Pugsley, sister Sarah as Wednesday Addams, Mom Lori as Morticia Addams, and brother Jason as Uncle Fester
How many families can say they bought their Bar/Bat Mitzvah party outfits at Party City!
Here’s the family dressed in their Temple service clothes before their costume reveal!
A family shot including Mitzvah Mom Lori’s parents dressed up as hippies!
Their invitation was created by Lynvitations.
Notice the orange envelope!
Very clever language on the RSVP card
The entry way into the party was designed after the outside of the Addams family house on the popular television show.
They used this area for a photo op, taking pictures as guests entered their party
The Wyner family took advantage of Halloween wherever they could! Their place cards were blinking orange pumpkins with names attached.
Someone was hiding under the table! There’s a real arm coming out from the center showing guests funny quips
Mom Lori was the party planner and she says the decor was lots of fun to plan. She was going for a “Halloween Festive” look!
The main wall, where the buffet was, was piped and draped with dozens of multi-sized creepy eyes staring out and blinking the whole time
The kids area was piped and draped with over-sized spider webs and 4 foot lighted spiders. There were also bats and other creepy creatures hanging around
The table linens were either orange or purple fringed table clothes with huge candelabras that helped create the Halloween mood
Another area featured the “Scary go round”
Pure Energy provided the music entertainment with their MC and dancers playing fun games with their guests like “Toss The Body Parts” in the Cauldron. There was also a mummy wrap contest for the kids during the party and a lot of Halloween inspired music. While this was going on, the adults had themed drinks like “green goblin martinis” and “smashed pumpkins.”
Dad as Gomez up in the chair!
They served a buffet dinner featuring Halloween inspired items! In keeping with the theme, Parents Lori and Howard had their own “Sweetheart Table” for the evening. It was a take off on Morticia and Gomez with Kings chair. Additionally, some cold displays were shredded brain dip and jack o lantern crudite.
Doesn’t Maggot Stew (beef dish) with Devilish Muffins sound delicious?
There were large fun signs everywhere including “Snakes in Pond Scum” (pasta), “Night Crawler Salmon” and “Witches Fingers”
For dessert they had a buffet with fun foods like blood red velvet cakes, pumpkin cheese cakes and individual dirt pots. The kids had a candy bar where they could trick or treat to their hearts content
Adam’s favor for his friends was a black drawstring bag with an orange pumpkin created by Lynvitations.
The mouth was a cutout that had Adam’s name carved out along with the date
This special Boo Mitzvah was filled with special moments.
Mitzvah Mom Morticia dances with Adam
Dad giving his speech
The Wyner’s family and friends were such great sports and got into the dress-up aspect of this celebration! There were mimes, baseball players, game show hosts and greek godesses to name a few. Everyone dressed up and just had a great time that night.
The following vendors made Adam’s celebration great. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Kol Tikvah
Party Planner: Mitzvah Mom Lori
Music Entertainment: Pure Energy 954-782-6989
Photo Favors: Funtastic Photo Favors 561-306-3700
Invitation: Lynvitations 507-386-2320
Costumes For Family: Party City
Photographer: Madgy Guirguis, 954-749-2763
Videographer: Robert Moskowitz, Frontline Video Productions Inc.
Favors: Lynvitations
Hair/Makeup: MAC
October 26th, 2013
The Miller family from East Hills, New York, celebrated their son Max’s Bar Mitzvah on May 18, 2013.
Anyone who knows the Miller family can tell you that they march to the beat of their own drum. With a reputation for throwing over-the-top theme parties, it was inevitable that their son Max’s Bar Mitzvah would be very unique.
Dad David turned to his business partner Gil Aldad of PBG Miller Immersive Environments to help create a Bar Mitzvah that would be unique, creative and non-traditional.
The service and celebration were held at Sunrise Day Camp, the only dedicated day camp in the nation for children with cancer. The theme was surprisingly simple. Son Max is obsessed with computers and technology so it was an Apple Computer “iMax” theme!
Pictured left: Top Row, Dad David with Bar Mitzvah boy Max. Bottom Row, Mom Vicki and younger Brother Miles
The photographer was Felicia Lebow and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
The Bar Mitzvah was held in the newly constructed Pavilion at Sunrise Day Camp. The Havdallah service was upbeat, fun and non-traditional and held in a tent in the parking lot of the camp.
As guests arrived they were handed a yarmulke
Circles of Life created these yarmulkes made of seed paper in keeping with the green theme of Max’s Mitzvah Project. Read more about his Mitzvah Project here
Guests were given sachets filled with spices made by Mom Vicki who runs a spice company
Rock music versions of traditional Jewish songs were performed by percussionist George Hooks and Guitarist, Eric Komar
Children in the front rows were handed percussion instruments to play along
Dad David was the party planning parent and says, “Part of planning a memorable event is getting your guests excited and involved.” This started with Max’s invitation. The Miller family had received so many beautiful invitations that ended up in the garbage, so they wanted to give their guests something they could reuse. They decided to make every invitation by hand! Each guest received an iPad (look-a-like) and pen set!
The outside of the box mimicked the packaging for an iPad, complete with images of an iPad featuring apps that represented Max’s hobbies and interests (i.e. iDrum, iSki, iDJ, etc). Inside the box, the invitation was wrapped in paper with Matrix code designed with the date of the Bar Mitzvah (05182013), sealed with a round “Max’s Genius Bar Mitzvah” sticker, and a combination pen/stylus/flashlight attached, which was custom imprinted with the iMax logo
For the actual invitation, they created a custom note pad that looked like an iPad, with an email inviting their guests. To get the guests involved, they created a Mac-themed color dress code of white, silver or black
While guests wore silver, white or black, Mom Vicki and Dad David glowed in their EL Wire trim clothing.
EL Wire also created glowing corsets for the dancers too
When it came to decor, David turned to his business partner, Gil Aldad, from PBG Miller Immersive Environments. Having worked together on many other projects in the past, he knew that together they could create custom decor elements that would bring the theme to life.
Projection artist Dutch Masterson helped transform this space into a fully immersive high tech lounge environment. The room was pulsing with Matrix code scrolling down the walls and sound reactive light up computers on all the bars and tables
Cocktail tables were decorated with iPads with chocolate candy apps. Chemistry beakers and graduated cylinders were filled with candy to tie-in the Genius bar Mitzvah theme
Cameras were placed around the room with signs asking guests to take pictures with them or post their own, on Instagram
For the centerpiece of the room, a 70” plasma TV was turned into a giant computer and speakers, which was used for the breakout and the montage
The digital iSign board, created by Simon Elliot Events, looked like a giant “MaxBook” Pro computer.
Guests left messages for Max on this giant Max Book Pro digital iSign
All of Max’s special messages were compiled into the iSign Guestbook with a custom cover
Food buffets and other passed hors d’oeuvres were designed by caterer Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs.
Taco Station for guests
Creative meatballs & spaghetti!
Mini grilled cheese and soup along with other “apps” were served on trays that looked like giant iPads
The adult guests were served shots from servers wearing illuminated backpacks, with clear tubes filled with two different signature drinks. Waiters wandered the room wearing shirts designed to look like Apple store employees
Guests were offered cookies & milk and Twinkies imported from Canada
(Note: Twinkies were not available in the US at the time of this celebration)
When it came time for dessert, a donut wall was created by PBG Miller Immersive Environments. The sign read, “iGoNuts For Donuts” and was rolled out onto the dance floor
Cool Haus was there to create handmade ice cream sandwiches in unique flavors that were served in an edible paper wrapper with the iMax logo and caricature image printed on them
PBG Miller Immersive Environments created custom logos which were affixed to the bars, cocktail tables and even the center of the round white dance floor. The cool t-shirts, worn by staff and guests, were created by Gotham T-shirt.
iMax branding was seen all around the room
T-shirts, like the one above, were handed out to all of the guests
Printed on the inside of the shirts upside down was a caricature of Max
When the bottom of the shirt is flipped over your head, it creates a mask of Max
More Than Music provided the music entertainment with MC Genady.
The More Than Music crew poses with the Miller family
Two males break dancers entered the room dressed in EL wire illuminated costumes and performed a robot dance
Dad David enjoying his son’s celebration
Max’s younger brother Miles was carried into the room by the male dancers on a custom made illuminated horah chair-chariot, followed by Mom and Dad also dressed in EL wire-illuminated outfits
Miles entrance created a diversion so the guest of honor could hide behind the giant computer. As the MC announced “DJ Max Trax” the female dancers pulled away the keyboard on the giant computer to reveal Max, who was wearing an EL wire jacket and a sound reactive “Daft Punk” mask, standing behind his own DJ mixing board. He performed a mix of his favorite dance songs that he produced and the crowd loved!
There were many activities for all their guests during this celebration!
During the cocktail hour, guests were encouraged to look into the “Maxtrix,” a “Punk” booth with a hidden camera that captured them peering in. Later these awkward images of the guests were incorporated into the projections on the ceiling, creating the illusion of them looking in on the party below
Kids played games and activities provided by Simon Elliot Events, including this Candy Drop game above, a video game station and Stick A Pic photo favors below, along with airbrushed neoprene iPad cases
The video game station
Stick A Pic photo favors were available for all guests
Simon Elliot Events also provided a custom Beatz Box station
Each of Max’s friends received their custom headphones in a customized box
Guests were entertained by the extreme magic of Eric Wilzig
The iMax candle display was created by Name with Flame.
Candle lighting display
As Max invited guests to light candles the ceiling was engulfed in breathtaking images of realistic flames
When it came time to make his speech, Max’s Dad announced that he asked a celebrity to speak on his behalf. Using voice-to-text software, Dad held his iPhone up to the microphone, and Siri delivered his speech in the form of a humorous rhyme and introduced the montage video.
The montage created by dad, with help from Genius Bar staff of the Apple store, featured family photos, home movies, TV and movie clips, all creatively tied together with a soundtrack of classic rock and current hits
Max’s friends each had a cubby with a logo’d bag for all their party swag!
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer provided the security for this celebration.
At the end of the night when guests departed they were given retro telephone iphone handsets with cartoon labels saying “Thanks for dialing, you’ve left us smiling” on them, and bottled water labeled iRecycle and the Max Cent’s 4 Sunrise logo.
The retro phone handsets
We wrote about Max’s terrific Mitzvah Project called, Max Cents 4 Sunrise. He collected recyclables and donated the deposit money to Sunrise Day Camp, a camp for children with cancer, where Dad David has been involved since it’s inception and sits on the advisory board.
Read more about Max’s Mitzvah Project and how you can do something similar in your town here
Max’s Dad has produced many events in his career. Here’s some advice:
“What an awesome night! From the minute Max was born we knew he would become a Bar Mitzvah, but it wasn’t until he was eleven that we began to really talk about what type of experience we wanted for our son. A night of tradition and celebration does not happen without a lot of thought, preparation and coordination. My wife stayed focused and organized throughout the entire process. She kept detailed notes and files for every step, including the guest list, vendor contracts and payments, reply cards, gifts and thank you notes. You can prepare all you like for the perfect evening, but there is no event that goes smoothly or without a hitch. There will always be hiccups and things that do not go exactly as planned, but keep in mind that you are the only ones who will know; we had our share. But don’t sweat the small stuff.”
The following vendors helped to make Max’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Beth Fetner, Sunrise Day Camp, 516-766-4341
Party Planner/Decor/Donut Wall: David Miller, PBG Miller Immersive Environments, 516-358-0800
Video Projection: PBG Miller & Dutch Masterson Designs, 516-358-0800
Service Music: Percussionist George Hooks & Guitarist, Eric Komar, Komar Music, 718-344-0440
Music Entertainment: MC Genady, More Than Music, 516-626-9400
Invitations: The Miller family
T-shirt Favors: Howie, Gotham T-shirt, 516-676-0900
Magician: Eric, The Extreme Magic of Eric, 516-944-4792
Photographer: Felicia Lebow, Photography By Felicia, 516-242-1947
Caterer: Andrea Correale, Elegant Affairs, 516-676-8500
Seed Yarmulkes: Circles of Life, 978-2-KIPPOT
iSign, Beatz Station, Stick A Pic: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Candle Lighting Display: Name with Flame, 609-933-0887
Ice Cream Sandwich Station: Amy McCullaugh, Cool Haus, 818-694-5733
Mom’s dress: Calvin Klein Custom Couture Dress
Suits for male family members: Glow City, 877-562-4569
Dancer Corsets: Electric City
Custom made sound reactive EL Mask: Jorge Pong
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, 631-367-1519
Valet Parking: Jeffrey Shapiro, Solutions, 516-432-7275
