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Mitzvah Inspire: An AHA Moment

 

When filled with these great favor bags in vibrant colors, the white cubbies became part of the decor
 

 
Continuing with the pastel theme: the AHA Candy Shoppe

Logo Love!

Everyone loves to look at Bar Bat Mitzvah logos for inspiration!

We recently ran our Best Of….Mitzvah Family Spotlight Logos story and asked our readers to send in their creative logos too.

Here are two that we have received:

 Mitzvah Market reader Barbara sent us this logo designed by Fabudesigns.com and said, “Our logo is meant to pay tribute to my son’s heritage, as he is reading the same parsha that my late father in law read in 1942, 72 years later”

Mitzvah Market reader Elise sent us her daughter’s “Carly Land” logo in two versions created by Balloon Artistry!

Thank you for sending these in!

Mitzvah Inspire: Picture Placement

Many families choose to do a special photo shoot with their child before their Bar Bat Mitzvah weekend. We have found some great ways they are using these photos for their celebrations.

Whether the pictures are placed on an invitation, used as part of the decor, as a sign-in idea or even on the favor, we think it’s all picture perfect!

Here are a few creative ways to use and display photos at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.

The invitation, by Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends, included a picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl taken by Stephen Andrews Photography

Rockmitzvah was the music entertainment at a Bar Mitzvah where the pillows featured photos of the guest of honor

PBG Events created life size cut-outs of the Bar Mitzvah boy skiing down a slope (steps) for this winter wonderland themed celebration

Hi Tech Photography Events used photos of this Bar Mitzvah boy on the lamp shade centerpieces

Balloon Artistry created photo cubes for this Bat Mitzvah celebration showcasing her love of horses

Space, an entertainment venue, used a large blow-up of the Bat Mitzvah girl at the entrance to her party

Oversized images of the Bat Mitzvah girl greeted guests at the entrance to this celebration from Saskia Marina Photography

 
Colorful pictures from Sarah Merians Photography and Video flanked the walls at NYC’s Hudson Terrace

Casual Candids used a photo from Jacob’s casual Bar Mitzvah shoot for this sign-in board

This Bar Mitzvah boy created a line drawing of himself which MazelTovGear.com put on ties for his family members to wear proudly at his celebration

Christine Foster Photography took the photographs at this fashion designer themed Bat Mitzvah showing how pictures of the guest of honor were incorporated into the theme

PARTIES! Rare To Well Done created a fabulous sign-in book with action shots of the Bar Mitzvah boy on the cover

A Promos USA/ImageMaker took a photo of an ice hockey loving Bar Mitzvah boy and used it on his t-shirt favors

This Bar Mitzvah logo, created by Simon Elliot Events, featured a drawing of the guest of honor Dylan

Lighter Than Air created a life sized blow up of this Bar Mitzvah boy which was included in the decor at his celebration

Dazzling Parties used the Bat Mitzvah girl’s photo for her “Club Getaway” place cards

Richie Hart Events used blow ups to flank the entryway into this Bar Mitzvah celebration

thecoolestgiveaways.com created this sublimated bag using the Bar Mitzvah boy’s jumpshot photo for this basketball themed celebration

Ann Marie Casey Photography created this custom made guest sign-in album with table top cut out asking guests to leave her a special “MSG”

A&G Picture This captured the decor with a sketch of the Bar Mitzvah boy on these cocktail tables

Sara Renee Events created a place card table with pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl on cutouts of the number “13”

From Real Card Studio, a portrait invitation using a sketch of the Bar Mitzvah boy

 
The servers at this Bar Mitzvah all wore personalized shirts of the Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan from Nina Bracker Events

 For a fashionista Bat Mitzvah, these pictures lined the entrance from Evantine Designs

MK Photography shows how this Bat Mitzvah girl’s friends really got into the friendship presentation with letter cutouts and tons of pictures

Did you include a great picture placement idea in your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.

Mitzvah Project Idea: Supplies For Success

If you live on Long Island and are looking for a great idea for a Mitzvah Project or just to perform a Mitzvah with your child, UJA-Federation of New York’s “Supplies for Success” needs your help.

The program works to ensure that children on Long Island return to school with the tools they need to succeed. Families will not have to choose between bread and butter or paper and pens. Last year, the program filled backpacks for more than 3,800 disadvantaged children. This year they hope to reach more.

You can help in the following ways:

Pack and Sort –  Assemble and fill backpacks with school supplies from Tuesday, August 20th to Thursday, August 22nd. The morning shift is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the afternoon shift is from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. You need to register and space is limited. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, August 15, 2013.

Purchase and Pack – You can also make a difference by donating supplies or a filled backpack. Some of the items requested include: backpacks, loose-leaf binders, loose-leaf paper, one, three & five subject notebooks, marble notebooks, pocket folders, index cards, book covers, pencil cases, crayons, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks and tape.

Donate – Can’t join them? Your donation of $18 will fill a backpack for one child. Please help as many children as you can. Purchase backpacks and they will fill them for you.

Community service letters will be provided upon request. For more information on “Supplies For Success” or to register, click here. You can also contact Orna Sheena by email at sheenao@ujafedny.org or 516-677-1832.

The Bennett Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight

Matthew Tyler Bennett celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Temple Beth Am in Parsippany, New Jersey and a reception at Skylands at Randolph in Randolph, New Jersey.

Mom Inez is a top party planner in New Jersey and incorporated many great details and vibrant colors to capture Matthew’s love of paintball.

Pictured L-R: Mom Inez, Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew, Dad Andy and Sister Kaitlyn.

Joselyn Diaz of Majestic Entertainment was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.

There was a beautiful service at Temple Beth Am. Matthew included a memory candle for his grandfathers, Antonio and Albert, who passed in 2007. His maternal grandmother Maria read a prayer in Spanish, which she wrote for Matthew.

A family picture with paternal grandmother Lottie next to Matthew and maternal grandmother Maria next to sister Kaitlyn

Matthew looked very handsome in his suit from Jos. A. Bank.

  Matthew’s theme was paintball, one of his favorite activities, and the place cards set the tone for the party.

Each place card was attached to a lanyard and had Matt’s logo with splashes of paint

 The majestic entrance to the Skylands at Randolph.

Mom Inez owns Elaborate Parties by Bennett and was involved in every aspect of creating the vibrant paintball themed decor. Working with the florist, The Potted Geranium, they created vivid centerpieces using different primary colors on each table.

The entrance to the adult cocktail area with the adult place cards

This blue table had blue flowers, with blue paint splats, blue menu cards, blue table numbers and blue napkins

The Bennett family created the centerpieces for the kids’ tables, which had a paintball silhouette on top and real paint balls in the tube.

A table decorated in red

Even the ice sculpture incorporated the paintball decor

Displayed in a paint splattered frame, the signature cocktail, “Orange Creamsicle Matt-tini,” was a play on Matt’s name

 When it was time for Matthew to make his way into the reception, he changed from his service suit into all black. He stood out in the crowd with a paint splattered tie which mom Inez said was “quite a challenge to find!”

Wearing some cool shades, Matthew is escorted into the ballroom by two Gemini DJ dancers

 Gemini DJ’s and MC Joe created a great party and dancing atmosphere.

Matthew’s up in the chair!

 
Matthew and his friends having a great time

The dance floor was always packed

 Always time for a photo op

There was an abundance of entertainment during the cocktail hour.

Listening to the calypso sounds of the Tropical Beat Steel Band

Matthew’s friends enjoyed some gaming tables provided by Events Plus Entertainment
 

Multi-talented performer R.J. Lewis entertained on the ground

And on stilts

 Some of the additional decor elements that also included the paint ball theme were:

The gift box, where envelopes were kept, read “Eat, Sleep, Paintball” and had paint splats with Matthew’s name and date

Personalized chocolate bars and personalized menu cards done in different primary colors to match napkins and table numbers

 
Matthew had a traditional candle lighting ceremony and a modern cake with pops of color.

Matthew’s cake was baked by the Skylands at Randolph’s own baker

Matthew with his friends after honoring them all with a candle for friendship

After finishing his candle lighting, Matthew posed with his family

 The kids favors were white t-shirts with Matthew’s silhouette playing paintball created by Party Art. During the reception, NPA Party Productions provided airbrush graffiti artists that personalized the t-shirts on the front and back any way the kids wanted.

Matthew’s logo and date
 

Guests picked up their custom made t-shirts on their way out

Guests were treated to a candy buffet which the Bennetts decorated with glass containers and paintball tape.

Matthew chose the Cuban Relief Project which collects over the counter medicines for under privileged Jews in Cuba. Twenty people, including the Bennett Family and 8 students from Hillel at Drew University, personally delivered the medications to Havana, Cuba. The trip required a humanitarian license from the United States Government. Matthew organized a paintball fundraiser in February to raise money for his project. His goal was to reach $1,000 in donations. He surpassed his goal by raising $2,500.

Honoring both his Cuban and Jewish heritage, Matthew showed off his collection of much-needed medicines for Cuba’s diminished Jewish population

 Advice from mom Inez:
“Since I am a planner by trade, I plan everything way in advance. Try to tackle projects one day at a time and don’t wait until the last minute to do things because the last month gets really crazy with everything else. On the day of, “take it all in” and enjoy every second. If something goes wrong, don’t sweat the small stuff and remember what’s really important is the unity of all your family and friends and your child achieving such a great milestone.”

 
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 products and services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Temple: Temple Beth Am, 973-887-0046
Venue: The Skylands at Randolph, 973-328-8600
Party Planner: Mom Inez Bennett, Elaborate Parties by Bennett, 973-660-0912
Photographer: Joselyn Diaz, Majestic Entertainment, 973-296-0016
Decor/Invitation/Place cards: Elaborate Parties by Bennett
Florist: The Potted Geranium Florist, 973-515-3433
Music Entertainment: MC Joe, Gemini DJ’s, 973-686-1003
Steel Band: Tropical Beat Steel Band, 800-335-8647
Magician: R.J. Lewis, 908-387-0114
Extra Entertainment: Gaming tables, Phreddy Cantor, Events Plus Entertainment, 973-503-1700
Air Brush Artists: NPA Party Productions, 917-446-2228
T-shirts with Matt’s Logo: Party Art, 973-216-8067
Cubbies: Lounge It Up, 973-616-7818
Cake: The Skylands at Randolph
Gift Card Box/Menu cards/Chocolate Bars: Elaborate Parties by Bennett
Dresses for Mom Inez: Nicole Miller; Kaitlyn Lord & Taylor
Bar Mitzvah Boy Matthew: Jos. A. Bank
Dad Andy’s suit: Calvin Klein
Hair/makeup: Denise, Gabanti Salon, 973-240-7731
Transportation: First Student

Mitzvah Inspire: Couture Celebration

Event planner Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events created a beautiful Bat Mitzvah for a “fashionista” in Boca Raton, Florida.

For Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor, there was never a question of what her Bat Mitzvah theme was going to be. With her sketch pad in hand and inspired by the television show “Project Runway,” Taylor laid out her vision for Linzi and a true collaboration began in creating her Bat Mitzvah theme, “Project Taylor.”

Candles and silver crackled vases filled with white, pink and mint green flowers lined the tables

Even the candles were dressed up in red roses

Cupcakes with names like “Donatella Vanilla” and “Red Valentino” were given to the adult guests

DIY Place Cards

We ran our Place Cards We Love last week and asked our readers to send in their ideas.

We heard from a reader in Chicago named Karen. She wanted to share the place card board idea they used for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Here’s what she wrote:

“We shared our Bat Mitzvah party with our best friends. There were 400 people that came – 200 of which were kids. We didn’t have a “theme” exactly, but needed a way to set up all those place cards without a “day of” person. We came up with a board idea.”

She continues, “We were able to have it done a few days in advance and just brought the boards to the temple. The adults had the same boards, but in another area.”

We want to thank Karen for sharing this great idea. Mazel Tov on your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and good luck with the next one in 2015!

The Lasky Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight

The Lasky Family from Chappaqua, New York, had daughter Allison’s Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2013, at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, New York.  An afternoon reception with a New York City theme was held at Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, New York.

Caryn Posnansky was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.

L-R: Mom Roberta, younger brother Dylan, Bat Mitzvah girl Allison and Dad Bob.

The service was held at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, New York.

Allison up on the Bimah with a big smile

The Lasky Family looked great. Mom Roberta’s cocktail dress was Adrianna Papell from Nordstom and Bat Mitzvah girl Allison’s dress was from All Dressed Up. Dad Bob and brother Dylan had matching ties and got their suits from Lubin’s/Rothman’s.

Alli’s Bat Mitzvah invitation from Checkerboard Invitations was bright orange with a pink trim and bow, and ordered from Perfectly Personal by Jen.

The New York City theme was created by Brian Williams Events and included some of Allison’s favorite places: Yankee Stadium, Washington Square Arch, Rockefeller Center and Broadway, which put guests into a New York State of Mind.

In typical New York style, guests received their Metro (Place) Cards 

 
The entrance to the ballroom included a cute subway sign using Allie’s name and Bat Mitzvah date

A Broadway centerpiece for this table

The Empire State Building

Letter luminaries from Paper Acorn added great ambiance to the room
 

Each centerpiece included pink and white balloons, which added a festive touch to the room

Some additional NYC landmarks added to the decor

 
Extreme Music Productions kept the kids busy on the dance floor.

Allison up on the chair

Allison’s guests on the dance floor

 Event designer Brian Williams made a great NYC themed sign-in book for Allison.

The cover worthy of the Big Apple 

Allison’s friends writing their good wishes

Allison’s candle lighting had many great elements including a custom made NYC scene.

Allison getting ready to start her candle lighting ceremony

A close up of the amazing cupcakes from Flour and Sun Bakery

Allison gives a candle to all of her friends

Campus Customs created cozy gray fleece blankets with Allison’s logo.

All rolled up and ready to be handed out

 Advice from Mom Roberta:


“Start early, double-check all your vendors, and use Excel spreadsheets for everything. Involve your child- they have the best ideas. Involve your other children as well.”

 Allison did her mitzvah project at the Mt. Kisco Child Care Center. She worked with the toddlers for two months on a Friday after school for two hours each time she was there.

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

Venue: Elmwood Country Club 914- 592-6600
Party Planner: Mom Roberta
Décor: Brian, Brian William Event Decorators, 845-628-0614
Music Entertainment/MC: Mike Allen, Extreme Music Productions, 914-478-3895
Photographer: Caryn Leigh Photography, 917-544-2066
Favor person: Jeremy Cobden, Campus Customs, 203- 789-1608
Party entertainment: Green screen photos from Extreme Music Productions
Invitation: Jen Prizer, Perfectly Personal by Jen, 914-241-6923
Invitation Calligraphy: Jen Chives, Chives Creative , 914-244-0939
Sign-In book: Brian William Event Decorators
Luminaries: Paper Acorn, paperacorn@gmail.com
Cupcakes: Flour & Sun Bakery, 914- 495-3232
Mini-Black & White cookies: Delancy Dessert Company
Mom Roberta’s Dresses: Adrianna Pappell, Nordstom
Bat Mitzvah girl Allison’s dress: All Dressed Up, 914- 908-5661
Suits for Dad/Brother: Rothman’s for Dad/Lubin’s for brother Dylan
Hair: Cathy’s Hair Room, 914-238-7150
Transportation: Chappaqua Transportation, 914-238-4404
Party security: Provided by Elmwood CC.
Yarmulkes: KoolKippah.com

Mitzvah Inspire: A Backyard Barbecue – Inside A Temple

Exceptional-Events in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, a full service event, design and planning company brought us this great celebration.

Using the Bar Mitzvah boy’s nickname, Goldy, event planner Stacey Kesselman transformed the ballroom of Or Ami Synagogue in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania into “Goldy’s Backyard Barbecue.”

Creating a backyard BBQ feel for the temple ballroom was easy using vintage signage and banners from Visual Resources, the family’s business, as well as picnic tables, paper lanterns and garden flowers. “Eat, Drink and Enjoy” was the theme for the night and everyone did just that.

As guests entered they were greeted by this rustic vignette to create a feeling of being outside

Pie pops served as place cards and were displayed in these hollowed out moss containers which added to the outdoor feel

The mash sign directed guests to the food and fun!

Signs like this one tied all the elements together for a cohesive look

“Eat, Drink, Enjoy” was the theme for the evening

White garden chairs were used for a backyard feel along with blue up lighting

Centerpiece table numbers

Galvanized buckets with moss and beautiful flowers were paired with lanterns, which added to the vintage feel

A chip bar was a great addition

 The favors all lined up ready to be given out

A nice note to thank guests for celebrating with the family

Sweatshirts for the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends were printed with the custom logo

Aprons were given out to the adults

And of course you can’t have a BBQ without S’mores!

A closer look at the custom bags

We want to thank Stacey Kesselman of Exceptional-Events for sharing this great party with our readers. Venue: Or Ami Synagogue, Signage and Banners: Visual Resources, Decor/Favors: Exceptional Events, Apple Pie place cards: Sweet Surprises Candy, Caterer: Infinity Caterers, Photographer: Linda Morrow, Entertainment: All Around Entertainment