May 31st, 2015
The Silverstein family of Morganville, New Jersey, celebrated their daughter Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro, New Jersey. The reception followed at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The family re-created a summer day with a Boardwalk-inspired theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Fern, Brother Josh, Bat Mitzvah Girl Brooke, Sister Samantha and Dad Greg.
The photographer was David Todd Photographers & Video and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The boxed invitation which was presented beautifully with popcorn, confetti and shells
The RSVP card was a beach pass and resembled a boardwalk displaying the date 12.13.14
Bat Mitzvah girl Brooke and her parents were all smiles on the Bimah at Temple Rodeph Torah
Brooke with Cantor Alexander (L) and Rabbi Weber (R)
Keeping with the Boardwalk theme and party colors, the blue kippot were displayed in beach pails
The whole family looked great and couldn’t wait to celebrate
Brooke wore her cocktail dress for her service and during the cocktail hour. Then she changed into a beautiful floor length aqua gown embellished with crystals
Cut-out numbers with the special date
At the entrance to the ballroom, the over-sized flip-flop seating chart helped guests find their tables
Brooke posed on the dance floor with a customized logo behind her and pictures from her boardwalk photo shoot
The kids’ section looked great with centerpieces that included fun rides and games from the boardwalk
Flower centerpieces for the adult tables accented with Brooke’s favorite color purple
The menu was designed by Brooke’s Aunt Sona. On one side was the menu and the other was a picture of Brooke from her photo shoot.
Brooke posed with her sister Samantha and brother Josh and Doug the Stilt Walker
Doug kept an eye on all of Brooke’s friends from above
The sign-in was a surfboard, perfect for a boardwalk theme
Brooke made her entrance on a surfboard provided by Xplosive Entertainment
Brooke had a great time with her friends
Brooke shared a special dance with her Dad to the song, “My Girl”
In keeping with the boardwalk theme, guests received a caricature picture and glitter tattoos from The Main Event
The Silverstein family in caricature form
Time for some glitter tattoos, the perfect accessory!
The candle lighting display featured some of Brooke’s favorite hobbies
Brooke surrounded by her friends
Her sweatshirt favor featured Brooke’s initials, flip-flops and date
The back of the sweatshirt
Adults also left with a great treat these edible flip-flops by Chocolate By Design
The following vendors helped to make Brooke’s celebration extremely special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 732-938-9696
Photographer/Video: David Todd Photographers & Video, 732-792-6580
Music/Entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Invitation/Sweatshirt favors: Dana Kaufman, by dana, 732-625-1471
Decor/Candle lighting display/Sign-in: Marquis Florals and Event Design by Kim, 732-441-4800
Favors/Adults: Chocolate by Design, 800-536-3618
Caricature and Glitter Tattoos: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Stilt Walker: B. Happie Entertainment, 888-867-4282
Party Perfect Rentals: Food Carts, 732-303-8211
Brooke’s service dress/party dress: Lola’s Boutique, 732-972-5222
Mom’s dress: Lord and Taylor
Dad’s/Brother Josh’s suit: Men’s Warehouse
Dad’s/Brother Josh’s accessories: Lord and Taylor
May 27th, 2015
By Chloe Cornell
Recently, I attended my friend Sammy’s Bat Mitzvah and her theme was CANDY! Candy is a definite favorite for all us kids. Everything from the colorful décor, to the photos and candy around the room reflected the theme.
Upon arrival at Beach Point Country Club in Mamaroneck, New York, guests were greeted by two “candy girls” each holding a tray of candy. They were standing beside a table filled with more beautifully displayed candy and five giant pictures of Sammy with, what else? Candy!
Giant pink letters spelled “SAMMY”
This was a very festive and exciting welcome for all guests
Sammy’s sign-in station was a giant gum ball machine. Kids wrote their messages with Sharpies on the giant globe part. She is so lucky to get to bring that home for her room.
I look forward to hanging at her house!
In the kids’ cocktail room, there were so many fun games to choose from:
There was a graffiti studio where you could customize your own mini soccerball, football, or basketball
Additionally, in honor of the Kentucky Derby (which took place on the same day), there was a great horse race themed game for six players in which you were given four buttons and whenever a button would light up, you would tap it. Based on how fast you tapped it against the other five players, your horse would move forward. This game was a big hit with both boys and girls.
There was also a station where you could design your own fantasy sneakers. Then guests voted on who made the best sneaker. Whoever had the most votes, received their “real” personally designed sneakers – they will be made and sent to the winner.
There was a photo station with props (always a favorite of mine) and a glitter and flash tattoo station (picture above)
As if that wasn’t enough, there was also candy sushi station, which was really yummy!
The party room was a candy lover’s heaven! Giant light box photos of Sammy with candy, or colorful photos of candy surrounded the room and created a festive vibe. The dance floor was white with a giant center image of SAMMY written in sprinkles. The screens above the dance floor showed different candies and Sammy’s logos throughout the night.
The ballroom for Sammy’s celebration was very colorful
There was a kids’ bar which was held up by clear cylinders filled with different colored gum balls
The kids’ hang-out area, next to the dance floor consisted of colorful beanbag chairs, cool tables and couches with candy printed pillows
The adult tables featured clear high sculptures with hanging balls of candy and glass jars of candy. There were also mini gummy bear key chains and more candy on the tables
In the party room, there was an amazing karaoke booth where you could pick one of many songs and sing it with up to two people. It was such a hit and there was a huge line throughout the entire night. At the end of the night, you got a recording of your singing
There were also two photo stations – one where you could send the photos to your phone in addition to getting a printed copy which the adults seemed to enjoy as much as the kids.
Sammy’s entrance video, produced by Jacklight Productions, featured footage of a bunch of her friends (including me) having fun at different candy stores in the city to the song “I Want Candy.” We filmed at Dylan’s Candy Bar, FAO Schwartz, Toys R Us, M&M World, The Hershey Store, and Just Sugar. Her montage, which was also created by Jacklight, included photos and video, and more footage of her friends being interviewed in the candy stores.
Throughout the night, there were nonstop giveaways on the dance floor – from baseball hats that read, “Got candy?” to candy printed hair ties, light-up glasses, bracelets and necklaces. The candy ladies also brought out cotton candy and other delicious treats.
At the end of the night, after a lot of fun dancing and activities, guests were led to a custom made candy store where you were handed a bag to fill. There were giant-sized candies such as Sugar Babies, Rice Krispy treats, lollipops, and more as well as regular sized items such as chocolate covered pretzels, M&Ms…. they had it all!
Everything looked beautiful and the kids had the best time picking out their favorite stuff
There were also amazing baked desserts outside the candy room including cupcakes and whoopee pies – YUM! I’m sure everyone left this event bouncing off the walls!
Kids received sweatshirts with a gum ball machine “Sweet Sammy” logo.
The front had a smaller version of this logo on one side
We also received happy feet slippers, which many of us wore during the party to dance in!
I’m so happy for Sammy – she had an amazing event and most importantly did a wonderful job becoming a Bat Mitzvah.
The following vendors helped make Sammy’s celebration a success:
Planning, Design & Candy Store: Victoria Dubin Events; Lighting: Frost Productions; DJ and Games/Entertainment: TK Productions; Entrance and Montage Videos: Jacklight Productions
About Chloe
I’m a 7th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement. I celebrated my Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015.
Read Chloe’s blog post #1
Read Chloe’s blog post #2
Read Chloe’s blog post #3
May 27th, 2015
We recently read about a great Bat Mitzvah on the The Celebration Society’s Website featuring a modern take on a Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah.
Event planner Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous! in Maywood, New Jersey, created the decor for this party which took place in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The two themes, Broadway and New York City, were incorporated with Playbill accents, Broadway show centerpieces, acrylic signage and New York City-inspired foods.
Just in time for the Tony Awards, we present this show-stopping theme.
Photography by Mitzvahmanphoto.com and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah girl Carly in front of great signage to welcome guests
The family was ready for “Carly’s Premiere “
The place card table had a light-up marquee letter “C”
The place cards had the initial “C” as a dot and were in hot pink and black
An acrylic “C” for Carly held pink gumballs
Modern signage in the ballroom featuring the star of the evening, Carly!
Alternating centerpieces included Broadway shows with black and white lampshades
The tables featured black polka dot linens with black plate chargers and hot pink napkins
Oh So Fabulous used the door from Carly’s bedroom as a sign-in board and now she remembers her special day every time she walks in or out of her room!
The favors were pajama pants for girls and t-shirts for boys
Playbill cookies were part of the favors given in conjunction with a donation to the Colon Cancer Society
We thank Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous! for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Venue & Catering: Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta; Event Design & Decor: Oh So Fabulous!;
Photography: Mitzvahmanphoto.com; Entertainment: DJTOD; Photobooth: Button It Up; Videography: Duke Mania; Bar & Luge: K & Z Ice Carvings; Logo & Invitations: Bella Dia
May 27th, 2015
With over 300 Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories since 2008, and new features each week, we know it’s hard to remember everything these creative families have done to celebrate their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah milestone event.
Many families get creative with their Bar and Bat Mitzvah details. We love showcasing creative invitations, cakes, logos, entrances, themes and place cards.
Fashion is always one of favorites. If your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is during the day or at night, black tie or casual, everyone still wants to know what the guest of honor, and their immediate family are wearing.
Here’s a look at a round-up of what the Bar Bat Mitzvah boys and girls and their siblings and parents wore to their special celebration!
Matthew’s Mitzvah style was very hip. He got his jacket and shirt from Kenny’s Men &Boys Wear. Read more about this celebration here
Bat Mitzvah girl Brittany in her pink cocktail dress from Mario Pucci Boca posing on the wing of a plane during her travel themed party. Read more about this celebration here
Bat Mitzvah girl Miranda found her dress at Designing Dreams and her younger sister’s dress was from Best Dressed NY. Mitzvah Mom is wearing a Zac Posen dress from Bloomingdales and Mitzvah Dad is in a Ralph Lauren suit. Read about the rest of this celebration here
Andie is beaming as she makes her way to her Bat Mitzvah service in a fuchsia fitted gown from All Dressed Up. Read all about her celebration here on MM.com soon
Jason looked great while chillin’ out in his suit from Nordstrom. Read more about this celebration here
Camryn’s beautiful pink gown was from It’s Simply For You. Read more about her celebration here
The Miller girls are modeling! Louie Max created basketball jerseys (shown on sister Ally) in Duke University colors of white and royal blue. Mom Shari worked with Kimberly from Runway Couture to design a white leather dress with royal blue suede panels to look like a jersey. Read more about this celebration here
Jordan Dictrow looks like a princess in her beautiful gown from Diane & Co. Read more about this celebration here
For his bowling Bar Mitzvah reception, Bryan wore a custom made shirt from Logosoftwear.com. Read more about this celebration here
Sophie was very chic in a short cocktail dress created by Designing Dreams. Her long tulle skirt was removed after her entrance so she could dance in a shorter version of her dress. Sister Maddie’s custom outfit was designed by Holly Green. Read more about the celebration here
Tyler makes his entrance wearing a white dinner jacket from Victor Talbots. Read more about this celebration here
For Tyler’s Bar Mitzvah celebration it was “Jeans, Jewels and Jersey’s” for everyone! Read more about this celebration here
Comfortable and hip, Mom Robin created custom Nike sneakers to match the colors of the party. To read more about this celebration click here
The entire Imberman family got into the animal themed Bat Mitzvah with their footwear. Read more about this celebration here
Matthew looks great in his suit from Jos. A Bank. Read more about his celebration here
All three of the Karen women wore white. Bat Mitzvah girl Ali’s dress was from Outrageous Boutique, Marissa’s was a BCBG and Mom Carla bought her long gown from Melony Mazzeo. Read more about this celebration here
Did your child wear a stylish or unique outfit for his/her Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 25th, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
Back in 2008, shortly after launching Mitzvah Market, our very first Mitzvah Family Spotlight story was about Jake Barzilay’s Miami Heat themed Bar Mitzvah.
When we saw this family’s sign-in idea, we knew it would become one of the most popular Mitzvah ideas we shared and we were right!
Jake’s sign-in board was ingenious and didn’t cost very much at all! They cleverly used Jake’s bedroom closet door. By taking it off the hinges, painting it red, drawing lines across the top and adding an eye hook and lock, it resembled a locker room door. Jake’s friends signed the door using a black Sharpie and at the end of the night, the door was brought home and rehung. You can have the kids sign the inside or outside of the door.
This idea has been copied countless times across the country and we are so proud to share it again as one of our favorite Mom Finds.
Jake with his “closet-door” sign-in board on the left and the closet door back in place on the right!
Jake recently completed his Sophomore year at college, but his door (with signatures) is still in his room.
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
May 25th, 2015
The Berman family of Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated their son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, New Jersey, and a reception later that evening at The Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey.
Ethan, who is an actor and enjoys making movies, editing films and playing the guitar, chose the “13th Annual Ethan Awards,” as his Bar Mitzvah theme.
There were many star-studded details including a very special candle lighting ceremony.
Pictured L-R: Dad Stuart, Sister Ava Rose, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan, Mom Shari, Brothers Gavin and Aidan.
The photographer was Sarah Merians Photography & Video and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Julie Maloof Designs on double-sided invitation with the service information on one side and the evening celebration on the other
Black and silver words, meaningful to Ethan, decorated the inside of the envelope liner
Ethan made his family and friends very proud on the Bimah. After the service, there was a beautiful Kiddush luncheon at The James Ward Mansion in Westfield, New Jersey
A gift from brother Gavin after the service
The kiddush luncheon at The James Ward Mansion
This family was dressed to walk the red carpet! Mom Shari looked elegant in her gown from Barney’s New York. Sister Ava’s royal blue cocktail dress was from Princess Charming. Dad Stuart’s outfit was from Nordstrom. Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan and brother Aidan’s outfits were from Sam’s Fine Mens Clothing and brother Gavin looked awesome in his outfit from Lester’s
Debbie and Iris of Debbie’s Designs, brought Hollywood-style to New Jersey with fun and festive decor. Plus the entrance of the Crystal Plaza had search lights like a movie premiere
Signage directed guests upstairs
The theme was evident as guests arrived. A large over-sized envelope included all of Ethan’s hobbies and activities
The place card table was star-studded
Ethan’s star on the dance floor shined bright throughout the night
The royal blue serpentine couch and director’s chairs offered guests great seating options
The adult tables were named after some of Ethan’s favorite movies such as “Grown Ups”
There were many award-winning details at the party including this mail box from Simon Elliot Events, where guests “mailed” their gifts for Ethan. Pictures taken from Ethan’s pre-shoot, with Sarah Merians Photography and Video, wrapped the mailbox
Themed drink names included “The Red Carpet” and “The Director”
A movie reel lamp shade added decor detail to the place card table
Cocktail napkins worthy of a star
The sign-in was a director’s chair of course, which now sits in Ethan’s bedroom
MC Bijan and the Unique Musique Entertainment dance team had everyone on their feet and dancing all night. Ethan made his entrance on a Vespa with a thumbs up!
Ethan up in the chair for the Horah
Never too young for the Horah, right Gavin?
Dad Stuart fell into the Mitzvah mosh pit
Mom Shari hired Simon Elliot Events who provided amazing entertainment including a customized paparazzi photo booth where guests could pose on the red carpet and print a “selfie.” There was also a customized “Superstar” Photo Booth
The Selfie Photo Booth was a huge hit
Mom Shari and brother Aidan had shirts printed from the Behind the Screens custom t-shirt printing booth
Ethan, the star of the night, called up family and friends to hand out custom “Ethan” statuettes, similar to the Oscars. Ethan wrote poems for each award recipient and ended each with “And the Ethan Award goes to….” When each recipient or recipients were announced the DJ played a song from a movie soundtrack. The “Ethan” statuette was created with the help of David Bruner, the owner of Size Stream, a 3d body measurement technology company who created 3D images of Ethan. Two additional companies participated in the final production, Shapeways and A Custom Apparel
How could Ethan host the “13th Annual Ethan Awards” without an Ethan award?
And the Ethan Award for “Best younger siblings” goes to… Aiden, Ava and Gavin!
In the best friends category, “the award goes to…” Ethan’s friends!
The Crystal Plaza made a 4-tiered red carpet cake
The Bermans worked with Julie Fermaglich of SWISH on the amazing SWAG! Ethan’s friends received hoodie buddie sweatshirts and film tins filled with movie theater candy!
The front
The back included Ethan’s logo and Bar Mitzvah date info
At the end of the night, the Bermans’ guests left with lots of sweet treats from a candy truck waiting for them!
The custom label for the candy bags read:
“Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah
It’s a Rap!!!!!”
A truck filled with candy as an exit treat
Personalized water bottles displayed on the candy truck
For Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah project he asked guests to help an organization called the Mandy Reichman Feeding Program. Included in his invitation was the information asking guests to bring items that are needed by the organization.
Ethan posing for a picture taking a break from packing sandwiches
Some advice from Mom Shari:
“The best advice I can give is to focus on making the day meaningful from the get-go. This includes helping your child choose a Mitzvah Project to your guest list, from the words you say about your child on the bimah to the special touches that you add for their celebration that is a reflection of them. Remember that this is your child’s special day, and make them a part of the process – to the extent they are interested, be a part of their learning, and make it a joyful celebration of them. Of course, it helps to be organized. Although I tend to use my iPhone all the time, I went old-school for this occasion, and early on purchased a binder where I kept all of the contracts organized in separate tabs by vendor. I was able to quickly review what I needed when the time came. Also, I found it was helpful to have a good friend or two, a few months ahead of me. As they did certain things, I did them. There are certain things that can’t be done ahead of time and unfortunately have to wait until the last two weeks, so focus on the things you can do (like ordering kippahs, picking out favors, beginning your program – if you are doing one, going through your hundreds/thousands of photos for your montage, figuring out centerpieces and décor, thinking about songs you want the DJ to play, etc.) The more you do in advance, the more relaxed you’ll feel in the hectic weeks leading up to the day. Finally, remember to enjoy the process. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime event for your child. During the service, step back and actually watch your child chant from Torah. It’s incredibly moving. At the celebration, when you are called into the room, take a moment to look around the room and see the smiling faces on the special people in your life who are there to celebrate your child becoming a Bar/Bat mitzvah. There are few opportunities in life to bring all of these people from all walks of your, your child and your family’s life into one room for such a happy occasion. Above all forget all of the planning you did, and just have fun with your child, immediate family, extended family and friends – all of whom are there to celebrate this Mitzvah with you.”
Vendor Directory
Here is the list of vendors who made Ethan’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Crystal Plaza, 973-992-8100
Photographer/Videographer: Sarah Merian’s Photography & Video Company, 212-633-0502
Party Planner: Mom Shari
Music Entertainment: Larry Gold, MC Bijan, Unique Musique, 800-556-6535
Décor/florist: Debbie’s-Designs, 973-696-7930
Favors/Logo Design/Dancer t-shirts: Julie Fermaglich, SWISH, 917-714-8357
Ethan Award Statuettes: David Bruner, Size Stream
Additional Ethan Award Production: Shapeways, A Custom Apparel
Candy/personalized waters/hotel bags: Andrea Festa, Sugar Rush, 973-632-8240
Photo Booth/Mailbox: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Julia Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Cake: Crystal Plaza, 973-992-8100
Sign-In director’s chair: Debbie’s-Designs, 973-696-7930
Montage: Jenny Herrero, Storyteller Productions, 914-923-3595
Entrance Video: Bob Anthony Productions, 732-914-1949
Dresses for Mom Shari: Barney’s New York
Dresses for sister Ava: Princess Charming, 973-325-1419
Dad’s suit: Nordstrom
Ethan and Aidan suits, Sam’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Little brother Gavin, Lester’s
Hair: Lisa Fedorochko Saturday am and Ava/Katelyn Padden/Saturday pm, Charles Salon, 908-889-5008
Transportation: Academy Buses
Kiddush luncheon venue: The James Ward Mansion, 908-389-0014
Kiddush Caterer: Alan Perl, Ultimate Caterer, 732-577-0490
Kippahs: Klipped Kippahs
May 25th, 2015
Carlyle Catering boasts four exceptional Long Island venues that are sure to make your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah memorable: Temple Israel of Lawrence, Carlyle at the Palace, Carlyle at the Omni, and Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park.
Carlyle Catering has been a premier caterer on Long Island for over 20 years. Accompanied by incredible service and management, Carlyle is the best choice for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration. Let Carlyle’s expert Event Planners help you plan your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah at any of their six locations and allow their decor team to bring your vision to life.
No matter the venue, you can expect the extraordinary from Carlyle. They provide decadent cuisine and service that is unsurpassed in the industry – both Kosher and Non-Kosher. Carlyle can provide Glatt Kosher catering in partnership with Foremost RAM Caterers.
Visit their Website to view their venues in detail and contact them via phone or email.
Here are pictures from their beautiful locations:
An exquisite lounge set-up at Carlyle at the Palace
Carlyle at the Omni retro themed Bat Mitzvah
Carlyle on the Green candy themed Bat Mitzvah
A colorful Bat Mitzvah at Carlyle of Lawrence
Carlyle Catering creates mouth-watering food displays:
Sushi Station
Dessert Station
Passed Watermelon Slices
Glatt Kosher Wok Station
To learn more about Carlyle Catering, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 20th, 2015
Is your child celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah with a theme that would require a ticket? We found a great Website that can help.
Fake Ticket Generator allows you to print custom tickets that can be used as a Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation or place card. All you need is a computer, internet connection and a printer!
Whether it’s a sports, movie or concert/music themed celebration, you can choose from two different ticket styles and enter information such as row and seat numbers, event title and place, and date of the event. After entering information, click “Make My Ticket!” to view and save your ticket in JPEG format.
To learn more visit their Website.
May 20th, 2015
New York based Sweet Dreams Studio provided the photography and photo booth entertainment for Arielle’s Bat Mitzvah party at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Working with the theme Arielle’s Aquarium, Innovative Party Planners transformed the National Aquarium, a very public space, into an intimate event. This involved the collaboration of many vendors working together to create a shared vision.
Arielle has a love for sea animals including dolphins and manatees. This set the stage for not only her theme and decor, but also incorporated her Mitzvah Project. Using this celebration, Arielle raised money and awareness for manatees.
Arielle looked beautiful in her aqua gown
The Bat Mitzvah service, set-up in the Underwater Viewing room of the National Aquarium, gave all guests and mammals the perfect view! It was challenging taking pictures in the dimly-lit aquarium room for the ceremony because flash wasn’t allowed, but Sweet Dreams Studio still took great shots!
Bat Mitzvah girl Arielle and her family, passed the Torah from generation to generation–starting with Arielle’s great grandmother and ending with her brother
Guests were welcomed into the party by a poster of Arielle on a dolphin
Photos of sea mammals were used for the place cards
The view from the mezzanine level, with the aquarium ceiling full of jellyfish, provided the perfect backdrop
and inspired the color scheme
Table names, created by Innovative Party Planners, were adorable and educational!
Arielle’s logo was featured on the centerpieces
Each centerpiece included a mammal and fun decor elements
Beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl posed in front of a beautiful photo booth backdrop from Sweet Dreams Studio
Everyone had fun dressing up in the photo booth from Sweet Dreams. Props added to the fun
Award winning magician, Steven Brundage, came in from Schenectady, NY, to entertain
The dolphin candle stick holders, intended to be Arielle’s Shabbat candlesticks, were a gift from her parents and beautifully fit with her theme
Arielle’s Mitzvah Project raised funds for Save the Manatees and was on display at her celebration
A beautiful way to end the party with a color-coordinated candy buffet styled by Innovative Party Planners
We thank Sweet Dreams Studio for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Photography: Sweet Dreams Studio; Event Planning and Decor: Innovative Party Planners; Venue: National Aquarium in Baltimore; Caterer: Classic Catering People; Entertainment: Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos, NYX Entertainment Nailed-It, Sweet Dreams Photo Booths, Steven Brundage Magic; Lighting: Maryland Productions; Linens: Gala Cloths, Chair Covers and Linens; Flowers: Flowers & Fancies; Transportation: Erye Bus, Tour & Travel; Video Montage: Event Video, Magician: Steven Brundage
May 17th, 2015
The Lesser family of Reston, Virginia, celebrated their son Jack’s Bar Mitzvah at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. After the service, guests headed to the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Virginia.
Baseball was the theme which is Bar Mitzvah boy Jack’s passion.
Pictured L-R: Dad Jeffrey, Bar Mitzvah boy Jack, Sister Sam and Mom Darlene.
The photographer was Jof Panlaqui Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The tone of the party was set with the Save-the-Date card which featured a baseball glove in the grass with the date printed on three balls: 1.10.15. For the invitation, the family worked with Studio Rose Design
A more formal blue and green pocket invitation followed, which honored the reverence of the service
We love Jack’s logo which was placed on the outside of the invitation belly band
The service was held at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. It was “all in the family” as Jack’s 88 1/2 year-old grandfather, Monroe Lesser, had come over daily to tutor Jack on his haftorah portion six months leading up to his Bar Mitzvah. Jack posed in front of the Ark
Dad Jeff, Bar Mitzvah boy Jack and Grandfather Monroe Lesser at the bimah
Jack had a baseball themed celebration complete with grass centerpieces and accents to keep it sporty and masculine. The escort card table was filled with wheat grass and royal blue trim
Baseball jerseys tented over Lindor Truffles served as escort cards and treats
Each pinstriped jersey was personalized with their guests’ name and table number
The adult tables, each named for a team Jack played on in Little League, were decorated in royal blue and white linens
There were baseballs (rubber for safety) with Jack’s logo throughout the reception venue
The kids had long communal tables with fiber optic centerpieces
The DJ set-up looked great flanked by baseball jerseys
Some of the special details included a card from Jack thanking each guest for being a part of his special day. The card, placed at each place setting, included those most important to Jack as they are his friends, family, relatives, coaches, teachers, neighbors, teammates and mentors
A large decorated baseball hat box served as a place to put gift envelopes
The lounge furniture was accented with customized pillows
Each table had memorable quotes from baseball legends: “There’s no crying in baseball!” from Tom Hanks in “A League of Their Own” and repeated by Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals
An enlarged picture of Jack in his travel uniform served as his sign-in board. Mom created it on online at LTLPrints.com
Everything Entertainment created a high energy atmosphere and kept people on the dance floor throughout the reception. During the cocktail hour, DJ Mark Burch and MC Cliff led a baseball game with an inflatable ball while the adults were mingling over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For Jack’s entrance, MC Cliff announced the “Starting Line Up” and Jack had fun with it, wearing cool glasses
Jack was all smiles for the Horah
MC Cliff was great on the dance floor
Jack had fun activities for the guests including a double Pop-A-Shot basketball arcade game, a caricature artist and a photo booth
Guests enjoyed the Caricaturist
The candle lighting ceremony with Mom, Dad and Jack and a huge baseball themed cake created by Marse Hammond
The candy buffet had lots of great choices complete with bags and take-out boxes
Jack’s candy bar featured blue and green candy
Baseball helmets were used as dishes for the ice cream sundaes
Jack’s gift bag to his guests included an aluminum sports cup, a power bank charger and a jumbo Hershey Bar. The sports cup customized with Jack’s logo
Mitzvah Project:
Jack is collecting “experienced” gently used baseball equipment from his little league community then organizing a swap meet, where the families who are on scholarship in the league can select equipment first at no charge, then the remainder of the families can select equipment for a fraction of the cost of new. The proceeds are being donated back to the league for more scholarships, so kids who couldn’t otherwise afford to play baseball will have the opportunity.
Some advice from Mom Darlene:
“Select a theme with your child early and enjoy the planning. My son wasn’t into planning all of the little details, but he always had veto power so the day would be one he would be proud to share with his friends. Splurge on a DJ because the experience is what people remember most. Select outstanding experienced vendors who will make your day memorable while making the experience effortless. Have activities for the kids who don’t like to dance or have the DJ plan more games or a conga line that everyone can join. Do as much as possible in advance because the last few weeks fly by. Leave plenty of time for errors (the calligrapher took 3 weeks instead of 3 days, signs had to be reprinted). I had prepared checks and tip envelopes for all of the vendors in advance and hired a day-of coordinator, who enabled me to focus on Jack’s service and not worry about executing our plan. I sent an email to all vendors a week in advance and the day before. Also, getting into the venue the day before allowed extra time for set up.”
The following vendors helped to make Jack’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Lansdowne Resort, 877-419-8400
Party Planner: Mom, Darlene
Day of Coordinator/Decor: Jamie Anderson, dmsjamie@aol.com
Photographer: Jof Panlaqui, 571-337-0095
Music Entertainment: DJ Mark Burch, Everything Entertainment, 240-351-5434
Place Cards: Lindor Truffles on Amazon.com
Favors: Marco Promotional Products, 877-545-9322
Party entertainment: Your Moment Photo Booth, 240-505-8017
Caricaturist: Ted Sanderson Caricatures
Invitation: Rose D’Arcangelis, Studio Rose Design
Baseball gift box: Mom Darlene
Cake: Marse Hammond, Marhamm@netzero.net
Sign-In board: Larger than Life Prints
Wheatgrass on escort table and centerpieces: by Mom Darlene
Signage: Signs by Tomorrow
Dresses for family members: Nordstrom and Ideel
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Transportation: Chariots for Hire
