Archive for February, 2014
February 5th, 2014
Scrap Your Event makes custom scrapbooks by using your photos and memorabilia. What a great way to preserve your Bar Bat Mitzvah memories.
Creator Orit Lagnado has been scrap booking for over 13 years and decided to create a business around this hobby. She uses all the great details that are special to you but does not usually get into your photographer’s album like the speeches, candle lighting poems and accessories like place cards and napkins. This is a great opportunity to save all of the things that made your event unique, the choices you spent weeks and months making to make the event reflect your son or daughter.
This scrapbook will tell the story of the entire weekend including the invitations you sent out at the beginning to the thank you cards at the end.
The invitation
A place for the RSVP, directions and party info
Kippot and favor tag
Color coordinate page backgrounds according to the items given to her like these napkins and photographs
The details of the Mitzvah Project can be included as well
You can include the speech for your son/daughter as well
Scrap Your Event makes it easy and so special that years from now you and your child can open the album and reminiscence about this special time. You can email Orit at
Oritcm@Yahoo.com.
February 4th, 2014
The Talarico family from Merrick, New York, celebrated daughter Paige’s Bat Mitzvah on March 16, 2013.
Their Havdalah service took place at Temple Beth Am in Merrick, New York, with a reception at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park, New York.
We previously wrote about son Ross’s party theme, “Hats Off To Ross,” now it’s daughter Paige’s turn.
Her theme was inspired by one of Paige’s favorite colors and store, PINK.
Pictured L-R: Dad Ed, Brother Drew, Bat Mitzvah girl Paige, Mom Marci and Brother Ross.
The photographer was Classy Candids and the rest of the vendor directory is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Their Saturday night Havdalah service at Temple Beth Am was followed immediately by a black tie optional celebration.
Paige is beaming holding the torah and looks beautiful in her creme colored dress
Debbie Kahn of AGI Events created the pretty pink and gold invitation.
The invitation and yarmulke basket were presented beautifully at the service
Paige was elegant in her her floor-length gown embellished with hearts and roses on the tulle overlay from Eleanor Schain Boutique.
Paige’s gown went with her theme “Love Paige”
Using the popular teen store PINK as inspiration, Dazzling Parties created the decor using a pink and gold color palette in all the details around the room.
Great pictures of Paige were incorporated into the 3-D place card table
The credit card look-a-like place cards used a similar font and style of the PINK stores in keeping with the theme
Posters of Paige were hung around the ballroom
The ballroom was elegant with vibrant pink and alternating gold table linens
Four different centerpieces were used. Manzinita branches for height and a low centerpiece with different pink flowers used at the base
On the branches hung pink crystal votive candles
Dazzling Parties also created the sign in book
With great pictures of Paige
Evolution Productions provided the entertainment with MC Don who kept the dance floor packed all night long.
Paige entered the ballroom with the Evolution Production dancers holding a pink heart to go along with her theme!
Paige had a great time with her friends on the dance floor
So did Mom Marci!
Perfect photo op for Paige surrounded by her friends
Mom Marci made up the tag lines for the sock to give the feel of the PINK stores as they always have fun commands on their garments
There were many unique elements at this party. Interactive activities included a bike game set up by Creative Games, an interactive cocktail display from Screaming Queens and event artist Martin Hardy who captured all the fun on canvas.
Brother Ross and guests having a great time on the bike game where they had to chase Paige on a video screen.
Offering delicious hors d’oeuvres this strolling character from Screaming Queens added a bit more PINK
Artist Martin Hardy created a picture of the party which now serves as a great memory
When it came time for the candle lighting, Paige chose a beautiful cake from The Sweet Peace and cupcakes that held the candles.
A Promos USA/Imagemaker created the hooded sweatshirts and gold bags for Paige’s friends.
Paige surrounded by her gold favor bags
The girl’s hoodies were black with “PINK” personalization
The boy’s version in black and grey
Tobo Foods provided a truck filled with party treats for all guests.
Great custom signage announcing “Sweet Treats” from Paige
Love this door hanger that was hanging on each car’s rear view mirror at the end of the night
Paige did her Mitzvah Project thru the Remember Us Holocaust B’nai Mitzvah Project.
She did a twinning and conducted her service in honor of a girl named Roza Heier that died in the Holocaust and therefore did not have the opportunity to have her own Bat Mitzvah.
Some advice from Mom Marci:
“My advice would be to make a list of all the things that need to get done as well as a time frame in which to do them. Staying organized and planning ahead is extremely important. Also, make sure that you hire communicative, trust worthy people you can depend on.”
The following vendors made Paige’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Bridgeview Yacht Club, 516-432-2400
Music Entertainment: MC Don, Evolution Productions, 516-586-8600
Photographer: Classy Candids (no longer in business)
Post production party photography/entrance video/montage, White Light Photo and Video, 516-933-3399
Décor/Florist/Sign-in: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Favors/Favor Bags: Mindy Younger, A Promos USA/Imagemaker, 516-377-0186
Party Entertainment (Parfume/Cologne interactive station, bike game): Dominique, Creative Games, 516-626-1900
Invitation: Debbie Kahn at AGI Events, 516-374-6867
Cake: The Sweet Peace, 516-596-2253
Event Artist: Martin Hardy, 201-965-3441
Strolling Table: Screaming Queens, 212-714-8097
Treat Truck: Tobo Foods, 516-623-4624
Yarmulkes: www.skullcap.com
Doorhangers www.123print.com
Socks: Sockprints.com
Paige’s gown: Eleanor Schain, 718-444-4253
Dress for Mom Marci: Eleanor Schain, embellished by Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Esquire Tuxedo, 516-378-6060
Hair: Studio Envy, 516-442-2200
Make up: Elizabeth Drucker, 516-374-4224
Transportation: We Transport, 516-349-8200
Party security: Bridgeview Yacht Club
February 2nd, 2014
We had a chance to interview Lexi Zisselman, a seventh grader from New Hyde Park, NY.
She is dedicating her Mitzvah Project to her grandfather Isaac who died from multiple myeloma, a cancer in the body’s blood plasma cells.
So when Lexi, an accomplished soccer player who currently plays for the Albertson Fury soccer team of the Albertson Soccer Academy, was considering what to do for her Bat Mitzvah project decided to honor the memory of her late grandfather with a Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation fundraiser called Kick For-A-Cure.
Kick For-A-Cure will challenge both soccer players and non-players to take two penalty shots at goalkeepers in the Hofstra University Bubble on Saturday, Feb. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. in a fundraising event that offers a 32-inch flat screen TV, an iPad Mini and a pizza party for 20 people as possible prizes for those who take a shot for a great cause.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
LZ: I was taught from a young age that it is good to help others. Having a Bat Mitzvah is more than just a party so I wanted to do something special. My father runs a Charity Event in NYC every year so I decided to follow his lead.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
LZ:Kick For-A-Cure will challenge both soccer players and non-players to take two penalty shots at goalkeepers in the Hofstra University Bubble on Saturday, Feb. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each kid from ages 6-19 years old will take two (2) soccer penalty shots on a goalie–cost is $10.00. Depending on if they score 0, 1 or 2 goals they will receive a ticket and be entered into a drawing for a great prizes. We have some awesome sponsors who have donated a 32” flat screen TV, iPad Mini and pizza party for 20 kids. Plus, Puma has donated soccer balls to all of the kids who attend. My goal of the event is to raise $10,000.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
LZ: Donations will be thru February 22, 2014.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
LZ: I wanted to honor my grandfather, Isaac, who died of multiple myeloma at a young age. I play soccer for the Albertson Fury and thought it would be fun to have a soccer charity event in his honor.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
LZ: We had a few newspapers write articles about the Event and are having an e-mail campaign by the Long Island soccer clubs.
We thank Lexi and her family for sharing this great Mitzvah project with our readers and we wish her good luck on February 22nd. Please join them if you live on Long Island.
For more information about the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation go to their website at www.themmrf.org.
February 1st, 2014
Runway Couture specializes in extraordinary and unique evening wear, cocktail, suiting and great statement pieces.
Kimberly and her staff create one-of-a-kind custom designs as well as an array of ready-to-wear dresses and gowns to flatter any figure.
They are now at their new, larger location at 2464 Merrick Road in Bellmore, New York.
This boutique dress shop specializes in ready-to-wear and custom designed, high end evening wear for women and Mitzvah young ladies. They are careful not to duplicate the gown or fabric of Bat Mitzvah girls in the same school district.
They are known for the “one of a kind” design that is different from all the rest. They think out of the box utilizing many different mediums in dresses – leathers, metallics, crystals, feathers, snakeskin to create opulent and elegant designs that enhance any figure.
They take the time to personalize and individualize each dress to match each client’s personality and feel of their party. They always have designers on hand and many of the staff are trained designers who understand quality and fit.
Many of their custom designs have made it to the Academy Awards, SAG Awards and Grammys. They also design dresses for The Real Housewife of NY and her daughter – Ramona Singer and Avery Singer. In addition to their custom collection, they carry an affordable, unique, high quality ready-to-wear collection handpicked by their design team including many beautiful guest dresses as well as hostess!
Appointments are recommended, especially for custom design and to meet with a designer.
Learn more about Runway Couture by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 1st, 2014
Innovative Party Planners an event planning and design firm in Owings Mill, Maryland, recently created a Bat Mitzvah for a girl named Lilly Rose.
Owner Heidi Hiller worked with the family to make sure it was a sophisticated and youthful celebration with great decor elements.
Taking direction from magazine spreads that the Bat Mitzvah Mom had saved, Hiller worked with the family by selecting linens and accessories such as such as elegant chargers, colorful chairs, beaded napkin wraps, custom floral Gobos (light projections) and hand crafted centerpieces.
The service and reception took place at the beautiful Four Seasons Baltimore. The photographer was Silber Photography.
Custom Gobo flower lighting were projected on the walls during the service
The logo was a fun and sophisticated design with Lilly’s favorite colors and namesake in mind
The place card table was accented with pink roses in vases of varying heights and floating votive candles
Guests were greeted by a work of art sign-in board featuring Lilly Rose and her dogs images painted into Claude Monet’s 1899 work, “The Japanese Bridge”
When guests entered the ballroom, they were greeted with a “WOW” from floor to ceiling
Custom crafted tissue paper flowers hung from the ceiling adding color and amazing visual interest
A sophisticated look for the adult tables accented with pink Chivari chairs and beautiful table linens
A pink and orange color theme was also used for the kids tables with a parasol as part of the centerpiece
The kid’s tables were called “Lilly’s Pad”
The teens place setting included this playful polka dotted butterfly napkin wrap
On the adult tables, the custom menu incorporated the logo in a very artistic way. It was set carefully below the bengaline pink napkin with the beaded napkin ring.
Paper flowers added a pop of color and were displayed on the buffet
The dance floor plasma screens showed off the beautiful logo and the custom floral gobos danced along the walls
We thank Innovative Party Planners for sharing this beautiful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planners: Innovative Party Planners, Photographer: Silber Photography, Lighting: Excel Lighting, Caterer and Venue: Four Seasons Baltimore, Grand Ballroom, Flowers: Flowers & Fancies. Rentals: Select Events and Party Rental Ltd., Linen: Table Toppers, Entertainment: Glyde Productions, WTA, Videography: The Big Umbrella
February 1st, 2014
We have written about the trend of creative entrance videos and creative entrance decor, now it’s time to talk about the actual entrance!
If you don’t want to have an entrance video produced or just have the MC announce your child’s name and enter on the shoulders of your dancers, we have some alternatives.
How about involving your child’s friends in the actual “entrance?”
We have found unique ways families are “making their entrance” into their Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations by including their child’s friends.
Bar Mitzvah boy Josh gathered a dozen of his summer camp friends right before “making his entrance” and asked them to put on football jerseys. They all entered together, carrying Josh as if they were arriving on the football field for a big game. Appropriate NFL music played and the DJ provided a “smokey” effect
Skylar’s Bat Mitzvah took place at the East Meadow Jewish Center and she gave her friends lighted sequin gloves from Windy City Novelty. They lined up and she “made her entrance” through a tunnel of flashing, multicolor fingertips!
From Adams Creative Images, this Bar Mitzvah boy asked some of his female friends to act as his “cheerleaders” by giving them T-shirts and pom poms as he made his entrance
From the Milbauer Family Spotlight, hockey fan Mitchell had his friends holding up hockey sticks. He made his “entrance” by walking thru a tunnel of hockey sticks being held up by his teammates!
Party Perfect borrowed this idea from the Wedding world. Ribbon wands were purchased from Living a Fairytale on Etsy. They were customized to match theme colors, and each one had a little crystal on the top. Guests waved the ribbon wands as the Bat Mitzvah girl “made her entrance”
Did your child involve their friends as they “made their entrance?” We would love to share your idea with our readers. Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
