Mitzvah Inspire: Jamaican Themed Bar Mitzvah
June 7th, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: Jamaican Themed Bar Mitzvah

The Sands at Atlantic Beach offers a tradition of quality along with impeccable taste. Its innovative additions allows for you to throw a party that is unique along with memories that will last a lifetime.

Recently, they hosted a Jamaican themed Bar Mitzvah on the beach under a tent which was added to their Beach Club and Lounge venue.

 

See pictures below:

The Sands Atlantic

The Bar Mitzvah boy is all smiles

The Sands Atlantic

Before guests headed outside to the tent, they could stop by this tropic bar for something to drink

The Sands Atlantic

Some of the Jamaican inspired signage

The Sands Atlantic

Young guests enjoyed playing on the congas

The Sands Atlantic

The red, yellow and green Baked By Melissa cupcakes matched the Jamaican color scheme for guests to enjoy as a Mitzvah Exit treat 

The Sands Atlantic

The Bar Mitzvah cake is presented by staff in matching themed shirts

The Sands Atlantic

A good time was had by all

To learn more about The Sands at Atlantic Beach, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Mitzvah Inspire: LAX is Life
June 3rd, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: LAX is Life

It Events by Julie, an innovative special event planning company in South Florida, recently created a lacrosse themed Bar Mitzvah for the Dalley Family.

Event planner Julie Cohen incorporated Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan’s passion for lacrosse as inspiration for all of the decor and creative elements starting with the great logo, LAX is Life.

So many great elements including a stage that rotated 360 degrees when the Bar Mitzvah boy was revealed from behind after his entrance video. The venue was the beautiful Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.

 LAX check it out!

 

 It Event Lax for Life program kippot
The programs, lacrosse-themed kippot and candy on display for guests

  1It Events LAX for Life

 Lacrosse sticks hung from the ceiling above the place card table

It Events LAX is Life place card display
The place cards included the logo and a lacrosse stick

Lax for LIfe logo
The logo was used on the dance floor, pillows, centerpieces, bar, dance floor and favors

 It Events LAX is Life room decor

A view of the ballroom

 lax is life decor

 The ballroom washed in blue up-lighting
 It Events Lax for Life menu details
Chocolate covered pretzels and lacrosse stick lollipops were at each place setting

 It Events LAX is Life lounge signage decor
Signage into the kids’ lounge area

It Events Lax is Life lounge decor
The kids’ lounge area decorated with white draped couches, custom bolster pillows and coffee table

 Lax Is Life stage

The stage rotated 360 degrees and Jordan was revealed from behind after his entrance video

Screen Shot 2015-05-20 at 3.27.44 PM

The DJ was set up in the middle of the bar with a LED front

 It Events LAX is Life buffet decor

  Hung above the kids’ buffet, a great shot of Jordan in his uniform taken at his Bar Mitzvah pre-shoot

It Events LAX is Life candle lighting display
An authentic lacrosse stadium candle lighting display complete with cheering fans!

 LAX is Life Favors

At the end of the evening favors were displayed; hot pink for girls and blue for boys. The candy concession stand
was a big hit!

LAX is  Life Exit Treat Food truck

 As the final treat of the evening, a BFF (Best French Fries) truck was waiting for guests as they left. Life-size cut-outs with Jordan thanking his guests celebrating his special day

 

 We thank Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah with our readers.

Event Planner: Julie Cohen, It Events by Julie, Photography: Munoz Photography; Decor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral and Events; Logo Design/Party Favors/Yarmulkes: A Special Favor, Venue: Woodfield Country Club; Music: Rock With U Entertainment; Montage: Timeline Video Productions;
Food Truck: Best French Fries

 

Boardwalk Inspired Bat Mitzvah Celebration
May 31st, 2015

Boardwalk Inspired Bat Mitzvah Celebration

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.

Silverstein invite
The boxed invitation which was presented beautifully with popcorn, confetti and shells

Silverstein rsvp

  The RSVP card was a beach pass and resembled a boardwalk displaying the date 12.13.14

  Brooke Silverstein service

Bat Mitzvah girl Brooke and her parents were all smiles on the Bimah at Temple Rodeph Torah

 Silverstein service

 Brooke with Cantor Alexander (L) and Rabbi Weber (R)

silverstein kippot

Keeping with the Boardwalk theme and party colors, the blue kippot were displayed in beach pails

brooke silverstein

The whole family looked great and couldn’t wait to celebrate

Silverstein style
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

Silverstein decor1
Cut-out numbers with the special date

 silverstein flip flop table signe

At the entrance to the ballroom, the over-sized flip-flop seating chart helped guests find their tables

Silverstein decor

Brooke posed on the dance floor with a customized logo behind her and pictures from her boardwalk photo shoot

Brooke Silverstein centerpieces

  The kids’ section looked great with centerpieces that included fun rides and games from the boardwalk

Silverstein decor
Flower centerpieces for the adult tables accented with Brooke’s favorite color purple

 Silverstein menu

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.

silverstein fun

 Brooke posed with her sister Samantha and brother Josh and Doug the Stilt Walker

                                                             Silverstein stilt walker
Doug kept an eye on all of Brooke’s friends from above

Silverstein table number

The sign-in was a surfboard, perfect for a boardwalk theme

 silverman entrance

 Brooke made her entrance on a surfboard provided by Xplosive Entertainment

Brooke SIlverstein dj
Brooke had a great time with her friends

Silverstein moment

Brooke shared a special dance with her Dad to the song, “My Girl”

silverstein style
In keeping with the boardwalk theme, guests received a caricature picture and glitter tattoos from The Main Event

Silverstein fun
The Silverstein family in caricature form

Silverstein fun

 Time for some glitter tattoos, the perfect accessory!

silverstein candle lighting

The candle lighting display featured some of Brooke’s favorite hobbies

 Silverstein candle lighting

Brooke surrounded by her friends

silverstein BackSweatShirt
Her sweatshirt favor featured Brooke’s initials, flip-flops and date

 Silverstein FrontSweatShirt
The back of the sweatshirt
                                                Silverstein Favor

                     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

On The Bar Bat Mitzvah Circuit…With Chloe
May 27th, 2015

On The Bar Bat Mitzvah Circuit…With Chloe

 

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!

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy
Giant pink letters spelled “SAMMY”

On the Circuit with Chloe: 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.

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

I look forward to hanging at her house!

In the kids’ cocktail room, there were so many fun games to choose from:

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

There was a graffiti studio where you could customize your own mini soccerball, football, or basketball

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

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.

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy
There was a photo station with props (always a favorite of mine) and a glitter and flash tattoo station (picture above)

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

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.

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy

The ballroom for Sammy’s celebration was very colorful

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy
There was a kids’ bar which was held up by clear cylinders filled with different colored gum balls

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy
The kids’ hang-out area, next to the dance floor consisted of colorful beanbag chairs, cool tables and couches with candy printed pillows

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy

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

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

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.

Chloe Cornell

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!

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

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!

On the Circuit with Chloe: Sammy

On the Circuit...With Chloe: Candy

Chloe Cornell

Kids received sweatshirts with a gum ball machine “Sweet Sammy” logo.
The front had a smaller version of this logo on one side

Chloe Cornell
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

 

Mitzvah Inspire: Modern & Chic Broadway Bat Mitzvah
May 27th, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: Modern & Chic Broadway Bat Mitzvah

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.

The Celebration Society Broadway Bat Mitzvah
Bat Mitzvah girl Carly in front of great signage to welcome guests

Oh So Fab Broadway theme family
The family was ready for “Carly’s Premiere “

Os So Fab broadway theme place card table

 The place card table had a light-up marquee letter “C”

The Celebration Society Broadway place cards

 The place cards had the initial “C” as a dot and were in hot pink and black

 The Celebration Society Broadway Bat Mitzvah girl
An acrylic “C” for Carly held pink gumballs

 The Celebration Society Broadway room decor
Modern signage in the ballroom featuring the star of the evening, Carly!

The Celebration Society Broadway centerpiece
Alternating centerpieces included Broadway shows with black and white lampshades

021DSC_6548

 The tables featured black polka dot linens with black plate chargers and hot pink napkins

The Celebration Society Broadway Bat Mitzvah sign in door
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!

Os So Fab broadway favors
The favors were pajama pants for girls and t-shirts for boys

The Celebration Society Broadway Bat Mitzvah project

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

The Best Of…Bar Bat Mitzvah Style
May 27th, 2015

The Best Of…Bar Bat Mitzvah Style

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 invitationscakeslogosentrancesthemes 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.

 

 

Mitzvah Mom Find: Sign-In Door
May 25th, 2015

Mitzvah Mom Find: Sign-In Door

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.

 

Barzilay sign-up doors

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.

Ethan’s “Emmy” Awards Bar Mitzvah
May 25th, 2015

Ethan’s “Emmy” Awards Bar Mitzvah

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.

 Berman Invitation
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 

Berman invite liner

Black and silver words, meaningful to Ethan, decorated the inside of the envelope liner

 Ethan Berman service
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

Ethan Berman moment
A gift from brother Gavin after the service

Berman kiddush

The kiddush luncheon at The James Ward Mansion

Berman style

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

Berman venue
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

 Ethank Berman signage

 Signage directed guests upstairs

 Berman place card signage

 The theme was evident as guests arrived. A large over-sized envelope included all of Ethan’s hobbies and activities

Ethank Berman place card table
The place card table was star-studded

Ethan Berman dance floor 
Ethan’s star on the dance floor shined bright throughout the night

 Ethan Berman lounge decor
The royal blue serpentine couch and director’s chairs offered guests great seating options

 Ethan Berman table decor

 The adult tables were named after some of Ethan’s favorite movies such as “Grown Ups”

Ethan Berman gift card mail box

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

 Berman drink signage

Themed drink names included “The Red Carpet” and “The Director”

Ethan Berman details mini light

 A movie reel lamp shade added decor detail to the place card table 

Ethan Berman cocktail napkins

 Cocktail napkins worthy of a star

Ethan Berman sign in

The sign-in was a director’s chair of course, which now sits in Ethan’s bedroom

 Berman entrance2
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!

Berman horah

 Ethan up in the chair for the Horah

Berman horah

Never too young for the Horah, right Gavin?

 Ethan Berman dj

 Dad Stuart fell into the Mitzvah mosh pit

 Ethank Berman fun
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

Berman selfie booth
The Selfie Photo Booth was a huge hit

Berman shirts
Mom Shari and brother Aidan had shirts printed from the Behind the Screens custom t-shirt printing booth

Ethan Berman statuettes
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

Berman candle lighting

 How could Ethan host the “13th Annual Ethan Awards” without an Ethan award?

 

berman candle lighting
And the Ethan Award for “Best younger siblings” goes to… Aiden, Ava and Gavin!

Berman friends candle lighting 
In the best friends category, “the award goes to…” Ethan’s friends!

Berman candle lighting2

The Crystal Plaza made a 4-tiered red carpet cake

Ethan Berman movie reel candy favor
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!

Ethan Berman movie favor front
The front

Ethan Berman movie favor
The back included  Ethan’s logo and Bar Mitzvah date info

Ethan Berman red carpet

At the end of the night, the Bermans’ guests left with lots of sweet treats from a candy truck waiting for them!

 Berman candy bags

 The custom label for the candy bags read:
“Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah
It’s a Rap!!!!!”

 Ethan Berman Mitzvah exit

 A truck filled with candy as an exit treat

Berman personalized waters

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 Berman Mitzvah Project

  Ethan Berman mitzvah project

 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vendor Spotlight: Carlyle Catering
May 25th, 2015

Vendor Spotlight: Carlyle Catering

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: 

Carlyle at the Palace Lounge Bat Mitzvah

An exquisite lounge set-up at Carlyle at the Palace 

Carlyle at the Omni Retro Themed Mitzvah with Lounge

Carlyle at the Omni retro themed Bat Mitzvah

Carlyle on the Green Candy Bar Mitzvah

Carlyle on the Green candy themed Bat Mitzvah 

Carlyle of Lawrence Bat Mitzvah

A colorful Bat Mitzvah at Carlyle of Lawrence

 

Carlyle Catering creates mouth-watering food displays:

Carlyle Sushi Station Sushi Station

Colbeh by Carlyle Dessert Station Dessert Station

Carlyle Watermelon SlicesPassed Watermelon Slices

Colbeh by Carlyle Cocktail StationGlatt Kosher Wok Station

 To learn more about Carlyle Catering, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Mitzvah Find: Ticket Generator
May 20th, 2015

Mitzvah Find: Ticket Generator

 

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.

 

 fake ticket generator

To learn more visit their Website.