February 23rd, 2014
The Rothenberg family celebrated son Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah on October 12, 2013, at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. The reception followed at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.
They had a four hour cocktail party with a hockey theme and a special Horah chair dad Steve made himself!
Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Bar Mitzvah boy Daniel, Mom Shelley and younger brother Jack.
The photographer was Images by Cathy and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Danny’s Bar Mitzvah was at B’nai Israel Congregation.
The family up on the Bimah
The beautiful invitation, created by Sincerely Yours, was blue and silver.
Designed by Lisa Schneider of Party Favorites, Danny’s Stanley Cup hockey logo was used throughout the party.
Danny’s Mom Shelley and Dad Steve own Talk of the Town, a special event company in Rockville, Maryland, that provides interactive entertainment, props and decorations. Since it was a 4-hour cocktail party there was no formal seating arrangements, but lots of great lounge furniture, ottomans and LED cocktail tables for guests to enjoy.
When guests walked into the lobby of Lakewood Country Club, they saw two hockey statues dressed with Danny’s hockey jerseys, ottomans decorated with custom logo throw pillows, and a step and repeat photo op background
Custom step & repeat with Danny’s logo
Guests could sit at LED lit tables or banquettes
Lots of great lounge seating was available
Cool ice sculpture centerpieces with Danny’s logo
“The Danny Cup” Gobo was projected on the main wall
For the sign-in, guests could sign-in on the replica Stanley Cup!
Dad Steve created a special “hockey stick” Horah chair for this special occasion!
Created from old hockey sticks
This chair was a true labor of love from Dad to son!
MC Spots and the entire Washington Talent team provided great music with guests dancing non-stop.
A Mitzvah mosh pit
MC Spots doing his thing with Danny on stage
The dance floor was packed
Talk of the Town provided amazing hockey entertainment including floor hockey, air hockey and dome stick hockey. There were also many interactive stations including green screen pictures that were instantly put on hockey pucks, tattoo artists and a photo and audio booth. The kids also loved the signature drinks including the “Blue Line” Slushie.
Over-sized floor hockey
Some stick hockey fun
The photo and video booth was a big hit…
…especially when they got to see their photos on hockey pucks!
“Blue Line” slushies kept with the hockey theme
Danny’s guests showing off their tattoos
Adults entered the ballroom to begin the cocktail party which featured delicious buffets, passed appetizers and a large sushi station.
Everyone raved about the food
The sushi station prepared for the crowds
Lisa Schneider of Party Favorites created the sweatshirts.
Danny’s Stanley Cup logo really popped on the black sweatshirts
Danny & his family made dinners at Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville, Maryland.
This organization provides support to homeless families with children in order to move them from crisis to a stable home environment by providing temporary shelter and services
Some advice from Mom Shelley:
“Go with your gut with planning every aspect of your event – don’t worry about what other people may say. It’s your family’s day – if you feel good, your event will be a blast!”
The following vendors helped to make Danny’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Lakewood Country Club, 301-762-5430
Party Planner/Decor/Lounge Furniture: Shelley Rothenberg, Talk of the Town, 301-738-9500
Extra Entertainment: Video/Photo Booth, large floor hockey, stick hockey, tattoos: Talk of the Town
Photographer: Cathy Gorey, Images By Cathy, 703-655-9613
Invitation: Sincerely Yours, 301-340-1989
Signage, Gobo, and Stickers: Talk of the Town
Music Entertainment: MC Spots, Washington Talent, 301-762-1800
Logo/cocktail napkins/favor: Lisa Schneider, Party Favorites
Sign-In NHL Stanley Cup: Amazon.com
Ice sculptures: Hot Ice, Inc., 301-464-4558
Linens: Choice Linens, 800-546-3678
Mom Shelly’s dress: Nordstrom
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Hair: Paula, Salon 4, 301-984-1177
Makeup: Stacy Ferguson, stacybrobbins@gmail.com
Party security: Diverse Services, 301-412-0376
February 11th, 2014
Does your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date fall out around Valentine’s Day? Do you just want to add some creative ways to incorporate hearts, love, or chocolates into your celebration?
We have gathered some great options to show your family and friends how much you love them.
Pictured Left: From Just A Bite Desserts
Fabu Designs created this invitation suite cleverly incorporating the last name of the Bat Mitzvah child into the logo
Kippahs Your Way has many different styles to choose from including hearts!
From an upcoming Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this Bat Mitzvah girl dazzled in her beautiful red gown from It’s Simply for You, Photo Credit: Art Photography
A classic tie in navy with white hearts tie from Vineyard Vines
This LOVE logo from a recent Bat Mitzvah is from Jordan Elyse Photography who also creates Bar Bat Mitzvah logos
Jersey Street Furniture created the logo “Liv.Love.Dance” for the dance floor at a recent Bat Mitzvah
Pink up lighting and a XOXO theme is the perfect combination from Dazzling Parties
Balloon Artistry celebrates “Live, Love, Leora” using a heart in her logo
A heart shaped piece of chocolate from Chocolate Promises, with any image encased in a gold or silver box and clear case would make a delicious favor
MazelTovGear.com created this artwork incorporating the name and date for a wearable Bat Mitzvah favor
“iheart” place cards from Andrea Polito Photography
A Promos USA/ImageMaker offers many heartfelt options
From our story Mitzvah Inspire: Circus of Love, there are many great decor elements to inspire
Petals Premier/Adam Leffel Productions created this beautiful Bat Mitzvah escort table using a rose wall centerpiece with escort cards on top of roses
Leopard animal print heart Bat Mitzvah logo from Cutie Patootie Creations
TheCoolestGiveaways.com can create a variety of “love” logos for blankets, shirts, sweatshirts and more
From Guitars for Parties, they use a red glitter heart and guitars for an awesome sign-in board
A pretty in pink candle lighting display with red roses from Linzi Events
Magnolia Bluebird Events created heart shaped labels for cubbies
Cards by Gaynor has handmade 3D Bat Mitzvah Cards that are truly hearfelt
Purple themed Bat Mitzvah cake with hearts to match the invitation design by Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes
From Paper Style, this chic cup is a great idea for your coffee and hot chocolate Mitzvah Exit treats
Did you incorporate any heartfelt ideas into your celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 9th, 2014
By Melissa Stoller
“Welcome Home.” That’s the message we got throughout our two trips to Israel to celebrate our two daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs. It’s a poignant message that resonated strongly with us as we were being welcomed to our Jewish homeland and land of our ancestors.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism welcomes visitors on its website and encourages Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations there. “No one belongs here more than you,” it states. And that is just how we felt when we decided to travel to Israel in honor of our daughters’ accomplishments and to forge deeper connections to Israel, our religion, our family and our Jewish community.
Many families decide to make this trip before or after their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at their home synagogue to make the mitzvah year more meaningful. Others travel there to actually conduct the service in Israel and there are many ways to accomplish this long-distance event by participating in a specialized Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour, working with a private guide or even planning it yourself.
However you do it, the welcoming spirit of the country makes it a special place to celebrate. Here are some tips on how to have a great trip:
The Ceremony, Celebration and Tour – With a Group, a Private Tour, or Do It Yourself
When you are traveling to Israel for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or just to celebrate your child’s milestone, you can choose to take a group tour, use a private guide or plan it yourself. There are pros and cons for each choice. Here’s what you need to know to make the decision.
With a group tour and Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, everything is taken care of for you from the travel arrangements, touring options and enrichment, many meals and the actual service and festivities. Such groups usually consist of families with children the same ages so there will be much bonding over shared experiences. These trips can also be intergenerational, so parents, grandparents, and even siblings can potentially meet peers with whom they can form friendships. The tour company will take care of all logistics and will arrange for the rabbi, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and the celebration afterwards. Usually with a group, all your airfare and hotels will be included in the price, and many tour companies offer a fully complimentary tour for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
On a private tour a qualified Israeli tour guide will handle all the logistics and can customize the tour to your exact specifications. A private guide can also handle all the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and party details. You have maximum input on the type and location of the ceremony as well as the sites you will explore, and complete flexibility on travel dates. Also, the tour guide will accommodate all reasonable requests about touring options, hotels, restaurants, and timing of each day. (If you are late risers this might be very helpful and if you’d rather have a less regimented schedule, this allows you to dictate the pace of the day.) Also, if you are traveling with elderly grandparents who might need extra assistance, or with very young children, a private tour might allow you to best accommodate their needs. Further, on a private tour, you can really maintain an in-depth dialogue with your tour guide about your personal interests including historical, biblical, political and current events. If you have a large family group, this is a wonderful option, but with a smaller group, your child might prefer being with other same-aged children on the journey. On a private tour, you will likely plan your own flight and hotel arrangements, although many tour companies do offer these services.
For a Do-It-Yourself Tour you need to do thorough research yourself regarding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, celebration, plus all your day trips. This is the ultimate in flexibility and it works very well if you have family in Israel that you are visiting or if you have been to Israel before and know exactly what you want to see and do.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism can help with logistical details including providing names of rabbis and suggestions about where to hold the service, party locations and accommodations. Go to: www.goisrael.com and search “Jewish themes” under “tourist information.”
Your hometown rabbi and/or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor may also be able to assist you in gathering the appropriate materials, Torah portion and prayers to include in your own special service.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony Sites
The Israel Ministry of Tourism offers a comprehensive website of ideas and resources to plan bar/bat mitzvah services and celebrations in many locations. Go to: www.bar-and-bat-mitzvah-in-israel.com. The most popular locations include The Kotel (Western Wall), Masada, Neot Kedumim (a nature preserve between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), Safed, and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park/Davidson Center. The most popular days for services are Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (although the Davidson Center is closed on Saturdays).
For specific information about having a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel, visit www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en. Bar Mitzvah services are held on Monday and Thursday mornings when the Torah portions are read. Note that services are held in the Orthodox tradition, so if you choose a Bar Mitzvah at The Kotel, men and women will have separate prayer areas and female relatives will not be able to stand with the Bar Mitzvah boy. It is recommended to coordinate the details at least a month in advance, and six months in advance if you are interested in also touring the Western Wall Tunnels or other areas of interest. Note that Orthodox ceremonies are also conducted in the Western Wall Tunnels. At this point, girls are not permitted to have a Bat Mitzvah at The Kotel, although the Israeli Government is studying the issue. For further information about Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies at The Kotel and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, see http://www.jewishjournal.com/bar_and_bat_mitzvahs/article/bat_mitzvah_at_the_kotel_is_it_possible.
The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is also a good choice for Bar and Bat mitzvahs. Families may celebrate together as the service is conducted according to the family’s religious affiliation. The ceremony may take place at Robinson’s Arch adjacent to the Western Wall prayer area. During ceremonies at the Southern Wall, the guests and congregation sit on the Hulda Steps, which are the ancient stone steps that led up to the Second Temple.
There are also many other sites throughout Israel that are conducive to ceremonies such as the Tower of David Museum, the Hurva Synagogue and other synagogues throughout the country (several are listed on the Israel Ministry of Tourism site).
Planning for an Israeli Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service
Age of the Celebrant
According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, it is customary for a Bar Mitzvah boy to be at least 13 years and a day old, according to the Hebrew calendar. For a girl, it is customary to be at least 12.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificate
The Israel Ministry of Tourism will provide a beautiful Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificate. Contact them at least 21 days in advance of the ceremony and fill out the online form on their website. If you are participating in a group or private tour, the tour operator will arrange for a certificate.
Learning a Torah Portion
Once you finalize your travel dates, the rabbi you work with in Israel, either through your tour or privately, will coordinate your Torah portion and study materials based on the date of the service. You will have time before the ceremony to become familiar with the materials and to be fully prepared for the special day.
Travel Tips
When to Go
If you are working with a tour group, the most popular times to go are summer vacation or in December during winter break. If you are doing a private tour or DIY, you have more flexibility in timing.
Also, consider the weather when planning the service. Most tour companies recommend that if the service is in December, plan for Masada or another southern location rather than Jerusalem as it can get too cold there for an outdoor service. Conversely, the summer heat can be very intense, so if you plan to hold the service in Masada or another outdoor destination especially in the southern parts of the country, secure a shady spot in advance.
Essentials to Pack
If you are traveling in the spring or summer, pack lots of sunblock, hats and long skirts and shawls for girls and women to preserve modesty when going to The Kotel. Also, make sure you carry lots of water. In winter, a light jacket and sweaters are recommended. An adapter is essential for plugging in American appliances.
You can bring your own tallit, but if you wish to buy one when you are in Israel you’ll find many specialized shops such as the famous Gabrieli Talit Shop located in Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem. www.gabrielirubin.co.il.
Flights
Flight time is approximately 11 hours with many different carriers available. We have flown El Al, where you feel an immediate connection with Israel as you start eating hummus en route. Take advantage of the long flight by reading about the history of Israel and sharing Jewish-themed children’s books with any younger family members.
Length of Trip and Destinations
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah trip can be any length that suits your family’s timeframe and budget. If you plan to tour Israel along with conducting a ceremony, stay at least 8 nights if possible, although 10-12 nights, or even 15 nights, is really ideal. A longer trip will allow for more in depth travel throughout the country.
On our first trip, we stayed 10 nights; two nights in Tel Aviv, three in Tiberias/Golan Heights, and five in Jerusalem (with a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea). With eight nights on our second trip, we stayed two in Tel Aviv; then we went south with our guide and stopped for lunch and a camel ride at a Bedouin tent and for a drive through the Makhtesh Ramon; then three nights in Eilat (with a day in Petra, Jordan), and three nights in Jerusalem, stopping for a swim at the Dead Sea and hiking at Ein Gedi along the drive north. On both trips, we enjoyed Shabbat dinners in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, truly highlights of our experiences.
I am already planning another trip to celebrate my third daughter’s simcha in 2018!
Making it Fun for Siblings and Family
Make sure you include activities and sights that the whole family will enjoy. Of course the focus is on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child but also consider the interests of older or younger siblings, as well as any grandparents. Either before or after the ceremony, add activities such as river rafting, camel riding, participating in an archaeological dig, doing a scavenger hunt or other wonderful enrichment opportunities.
Activities to consider:
In and Around Jerusalem:
*The Israel Museum and the Scroll of the Book
*The Tower of David Museum
*Walking the Old City Ramparts in Jerusalem
*Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt with Ross Culiner in Jerusalem (they are working on a Bar/Bat Mitzvah scavenger hunt)
*Western Wall Tunnels
*Hezekiah’s Water Tunnels in Jerusalem
*Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem
*Yad Vashem
*Chagall Windows at the Hadassah Medical Center
*Archaeological Dig at Beit Guvrin Caves at Tel Maresha with “Dig for a Day Archaeological Seminars”
In and Around Tel Aviv:
*Independence Hall
*The Ayalon Institute
*The Palmach Museum (for ages 6 and over)
*Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market
*Carmel Market (Shuk Ha’Carmel)
*The Tel Aviv Museum of Art
*Tel Aviv Port
*Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
In the North:
*Jeep Ride in the Golan Heights
*Rafting on the Jordan River
*Lunch or overnight at a Kibbutz
*Boat ride and dinner at Decks on Lake Kinneret
*Tree planting at a Jewish National Fund site
In the South:
*Bedouin Tent experience
*Touring The Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert
*Touring Masada
*Swimming in the Dead Sea
*Hiking and swimming in a waterfall at Ein Gedi
*Coral World Underwater Observatory and Marine Park in Eilat
*Boat ride on the Red Sea
Other Overseas Locations for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
On our trip to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, this past December, we toured The Hebrew Congregation of Saint Thomas Synagogue, and happened to witness two girls from the United States preparing for their b’nai mitzvah ceremony. To find out more go to: www.synagogue.vi. Also, Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, which is American’s oldest synagogue, is available for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. Go to: www.tourosynagogue.org.Totally Jewish Travel offers Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips to Israel, Hungary and London. www.totallyjewishtravel.com/bar_bat_mitzvah/.
Melissa Stoller is the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009), and the author of numerous articles about family-related topics.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
February 8th, 2014
As a story teller, Todd Shapera Photography captures a child’s inner beauty and close family connections with relaxed, lifestyle images, and beautiful lighting. He is a calm, unobtrusive artist.
He was the photographer for Ryan & Brody’s recent B’nai Mitzvah and put us in touch with their Mom to hear more about their special “Miracles On Ice” themed celebration.
Meet Ryan (left) and Brody (right)
Ryan and Brody were born at 25 weeks, 15 weeks early and they were each a pound and a half at birth. They were at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey for 4 1/2 long months with many ups and downs. Their older brother was very into hockey and they taped hockey sticks inside the Ryan and Brody’s isolates.
At one point, they needed a blood transfusion and one of their parents friends, who played for the New Jersey Devils, donated. The boys love to tell everyone that they have hockey player blood in them! Today, these brothers play on a travel hockey team. Ryan is a goalie and Brody is a forward.
When they were strong enough to go out, most of their outings were to numerous hockey rinks to watch their older brother play. Before they even began to walk they would crawl around with mini hockey sticks. Brody’s first word was “score” and Ryan’s was “goal.” They were on skates as soon as they could walk and would even walk around the house with all of their hockey gear on.
Their “Miracles On Ice” logo
From the moment they were born, this family knew they were their “Miracles.” Their B’nai Mitzvah theme was easy to decide, “Miracles On Ice” was beyond perfect because not only were they Miracles, but their all time favorite movie is “Miracle on Ice.”
As proud Mom and Dad tell Mitzvah Market, “We never knew 13 years prior if we would ever get to this day or what the outcome would be with their lives…so this to us was the most unbelievable milestone and event in their lives!”
Todd Shapera Photography provided the pictures below and we hope you enjoy seeing some of this special celebration.
This party took place at Seasons, in Washington Township conveniently located near Westchester where the family resides. Alexa Maniaci from Anna Rose Floral in North Haledon created a Winter Olympics feel for the ballroom
The room was decorated in red, white and blue with Ryan and Brody’s names in lights
Red and blue hockey players were part of the decor
Pure Energy Entertainment provided the music entertainment with Brian as the MC
Each of the boys had their own cake for the candle lighting ceremony
Dad gives the boys a special toast
Mom shares a dance with Brody
They had an ice sculpture featuring their logo
Their entrance video included part of Herb Brooks’ speech featured in the movie Miracle On Ice. The family was announced the way a hockey team is announced and also included the grandparents
The entire family
Mom Jules said it best, “It was a night filled with so much love, happiness and joy. Not just because they became a Bar Mitzvah but because they truly are our Miracles.”
We thank Todd Shapera Photography for sharing this special B’nai Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
February 8th, 2014
As many of you have experienced when attending a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, there is usually a Mitzvah Exit treat!
MM.com founder Sheri Lapidus recently attended Julia’s Bat Mitzvah and had to share her latest find.
Waiting in the car for the drive home was a delicious bag of white truffle bliss POP! Gourmet Popcorn. We later learned this is Oprah’s favorite flavor and we understand why!
Although based in Seattle, Pop! Gourmet Popcorn can ship anywhere and they have over 30 flavors to choose from.
Their Popcornologists strive to create the most innovative flavors and the most ultra premium product. They are popped in small batches using only the purest and freshest ingredients. They offer all natural, gluten free and GMO free popcorn.
Julia’s family used her logo on colorful labels and gave the bags above to guests
Here’s another option: We found this adorable party favor on Pinterest.com and thought these tags could work on your Pop! Gourmet Popcorn!
These free printable labels are available here
To learn more, visit Pop! Gourmet Popcorn.
February 5th, 2014
Mitzvah Inspire: Cakes was such a hit, we’ve decided to share cakes again!
A fun custom-themed cake can become part of the decor at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Guests might not remember what you served for lunch or dinner, but they might remember the special cake!
You can also use your Bar Bat Mitzvah cake to show off your child’s interests and personality.
Above is a cake created by Cake Fiction for a Bar Mitzvah boy. The design is based on his own surfboard logo.
Here are some great cakes that have the wow factor and are delicious too!
This Bar Mitzvah boy wanted his favorite TV show on his cake from Amelie’s House
Tory Burch themed cake from Truly Custom Cakery
This cake was created for a french fry fan from Pink House Events
LaBella Cakery created a Katebook cake for a Facebook fan
A candy cake from Basketworks
For a Phillies fan, this cake says it all from Bredenbeck’s Bakery
Sweets By Alissa is the creator of this unique Bat Mitzvah memory cake where you can list names and other special things important to the guest of honor!
Mario’s Bakery created this basketball jersey cake for a “Bar Knicksvah” theme
Cake Boss Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery designed this intricate cake for a Las Vegas Bar Mitzvah with a working slot machine!
There is more cake when you have triplets from Enchanted Icing Celebration cakes
For a fashionista from Truly Custom Cakery
For a B’not Mitzvah this cake from Gateaux incorporated each of their favorite colors, their love of music, their Russian heritage, and all things New York for a Minneapolis party!
For this preppy Bar Mitzvah boy, his cake showcased his love of lacrosse from Sweet Grace Cake Designs
For a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves makeup created by Caked by Goldie
Yes, this is a guitar cake! From cakeandconj.com
Did you have a unique Bar Bat Mitzvah cake? Send us a photo at info@MitzvahMarket.com so we can share it with our readers.
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.
