Archive for February, 2016
February 28th, 2016
By Carrie Berk
I’m an 8th grade Bar & Bat Mitzvah teen blogger for MitzvahMarket.com and live on the Upper East Side in NYC. I love fashion, soul cycle, theater, hanging out with friends, and cupcakes (I have a blog about them: www.facebook.com/PLCCupcakeClub). My Bat Mitzvah Project is for my dance teacher and friend, Elizabeth Maria Walsh, who died of a rare form of cancer at just 26 years old. Direct message me on Instagram (@carrieberkk) for information on how to donate, and follow me for more fun Bat Mitzvah photos!
I’ve been writing blog posts for MitzvahMarket.com about the many Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations I attend. Recently, my cousin Jason Saperstone’s Bar Mitzvah celebration was held in Boston. He loves the theater and he’s a really talented actor. I knew his love of theater would be incorporated on his special day—and I was right!
Here’s more from his Bar Mitzvah celebration:
The venue for his Bar Mitzvah ceremony and reception was an actual theater inside The Revere Hotel in Boston
Outside, there was a giant window card with Jason’s name and head shot, so guests knew they had come to the right place. It reminded me of something you’d see outside a Broadway theater—very authentic!
After the service, it was time to party! Everything was branded with his name; from the tabletops and pillows in the lounge to the giant plasma screen over the dance floor. The color scheme of red, black and silver was reflected in all of the décor.
Jason was truly a star during his ceremony
Jack, Jason’s older brother created his “Home Alone” comedy video to herald his brother’s entrance into his party. Then…confetti canons exploded on the dance floor!
At the photo booth, you could pick your favorite celebrity and they would photo shop you next to them. I had to go with Justin Bieber!
No ordinary tattoo would do, at Jason’s celebration we had to have sparkle and glitter. My grandpa thought it was so cool, he got a gold skull and crossbones on his hand
Dinnertime! For the adults, there was something really unique since it was close to a holiday: a Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and stuffing. For the kids, there was a buffet bar with pizza, french fries, mozzarella sticks, mini dogs on a stick and chicken fingers. There were passed foods as well; everything from artichoke cakes and mozzarella and tomato skewers to mini “ice cream cones” filled with tuna tartar. Everything was delicious!
The dessert was really creative as well. Instead of a cake, there was a personalized cupcake tower
There was also a DIY Chipwich bar. I chose vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chunk cookies and drizzled with fudge sauce, sprinkles and M&Ms. And of course I had to sample a cupcake with a “J” on top!
I’m so proud of Jason and I’m glad that I was invited to his show-stopping party, inspired by his love of all-things theatrical. Applause, applause!
VENDORS: Music Entertainment: Maverik, Northern Lights; Venue/Food: The Revere Hotel; Cake: Icing On The Cake; Photo booth/Tattoo’s: Evolution Media/Northern Lights; Photographer: Robert Castagna; Decor: P.S. Designs and Party By Design
Read more of Carrie’s blog posts:
Blog #1
Blog #2
Blog #3
Blog #4
Blog #5
Blog #6
Blog #7
February 28th, 2016
A family from Cobleskill, New York, celebrated daughter Madelyn’s Bat Mitzvah on August 15, 2015, with a service at Temple Israel in Albany, New York, and a reception immediately following at Franklin Terrace Ballroom in Troy, New York.
Madelyn wanted a colorful Bat Mitzvah theme filled with never-ending sweets so the family came up with “Madelicious.” Her cheerful and happy theme included lots of candy decor, signage and special DIY touches all made by an incredibly creative Mom and inspiration from Mitzvah Market.
We featured brother Harrison’s Bar Mitzvah a few years back, click here to read about his luncheon with a chess theme, followed by fun at the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in Lake George, New York
Pictured L-R: Brother Harrison, Mom Elise, Bat Mitzvah girl Madelyn and Dad Marc.
Collen Piccolino from More than Memories Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation & Service
The family worked with Caryn Poskanzer of Caryn’s Occasions on the white and pink invitation and kippot.
The RSVP card read, "Madelicious Teen Buffet" giving a hint to the theme. There was a laser-cut rosy design that was carried onto the information card as well
The traditional Saturday morning service was held at Temple Israel
All smiles from Dad and Madelyn on her special day
Madelyn held the Torah next to the very proud Cantor
Candy themed kippot
Mitzvah munchies were set up for something sweet during services
Mitzvah Seating
Mom Elise created the place cards and signage with Madelyn's name wrapped in dots for a playful twist
Each place card was personally cut out by Mom Elise using a die-cut machine. There were place cards for some special guests including: President and Mrs. Obama and Cinderella and Prince Charming to name a few!
Mitzvah Details
Mitzvah Market made a match! After Madelyn’s older brother’s spotlight was featured on MitzvahMarket.com, Mom Elise connected with Karen, one of our readers. Elise helped Karen with her daughter’s theme using some of Elise’s ideas from her son’s celebration. Karen walked Elise through every detail of making the giant lollipop centerpieces. They never met or spoke on the phone, they just emailed for well over a year and offered advice to one another.
The centerpieces were displayed in colorful rice filled vases. The multi-colored napkins looked great on the black linens and the napkin rings were SLAP bracelets with gummy bears, dots and licorice on them
A mix of the colorful centerpieces added punch to the room. Many of the children took home the lollipop centerpieces and are using them creatively for other parties and even as jewelry holders!
During Madelyn's candle lighting ceremony, her grandmother came up to the James Taylor song "How Sweet It Is," (To be loved by you) incorporating a touch of the candy theme
A great picture of Madelyn with Mom and Dad
The cheerful bathroom basket filled with all the necessities and a cute note that read:
Fix your hem or tie up your hair, freshen your breath or mend a tear.
This basket holds the kitchen sink
and much more…
Feel free to use what you need & head back to the dance floor! From a
Candy Themed Celebration
Dance floor socks placed on each table
Mitzvah Oy Vey
The family helped assemble, move and store the centerpieces.
Lollipops set up in the house were a little overwhelming, but fun to look at!
There were many trips back and forth from their house to the venue with lollipops stacked in the truck!
Mitzvah Sign-in
Donuts and candy pillows were used for the sign-in. Mom Elise created the “Madelicious” sign using real candy dots and letters from a craft store.
Madelyn's Barbie car was used for holding lollipops at the sign-in table
Even the wheels of the Barbie car had the logo!
Guests signed sweet messages to Madelyn
Mitzvah Video
The family had Stan Stokas from Rappit.com create a custom “rap song” video about Madelyn. During the cocktail hour, the video and song played continuously at the entrance to the Franklin Terrace Ballroom.
Watch here
Mitzvah Music & Fun
Conway Entertainment with DJ Kyle and a great party motivator immediately entertained the kids with games galore. They had awesome prizes and give-aways including: blow up shoes, hats and gift cards. Foto Magic supplied the amazing photo booth that all the guests loved.
A comfy chair for the Horah
Madelyn and friends had a blast on the dance floor
Competition was heated for the kids to win Dunkin' Donuts gift cards and other favors during the DJ game time
Madelyn's Aunt Amy, Uncle Joe and Cousins Hunter and Emma
Photo props were a big hit including the masks
Cake & Exit Treats
Aimee Yorke, an amazing baker and local mom, created her first Bat Mitzvah cake for Madelyn! Mom Elise created the candy bar and decorations using supplies from Oriental Trading, Shindigz and Rhode Island Novelty.
It was delicious and carried out the candy themed beautifully
This sign says it all!
The biggest hit was the giant jaw breakers, and Madelyn's friends are still enjoying them!
Here's to making this a
"Madelicious" good-bye
Baked by Melissa is something you just have to try!
Enjoy the cupcakes as you go on your way...
Thank you for coming and sharing this "Madelicious" Day
Mitzvah Wow!
The family sent President and Mrs. Obama an invitation and got a very nice response.
A great keepsake!
Mitzvah Project
Madelyn is a softball player. She truly loves playing the sport. However, there was always something bothering her about it. It was the lack of a true softball field in our town. As it turns out, her small town only has a little league baseball field which the softball players do not get much playing time on. The softball teams often are scheduled for a grassy field without a dugout, stands or even a bathroom. Madelyn decided that the girls needed a field of their own to host tournaments and feel good about. Therefore, she approached the mayor about the issue. Land was secured for the future home of “Fast Pitch Fields: It’s a Girl Thing” and the fundraising began to prepare the fields. Madelyn secured a grant, held a dance and a Zumba-thon raising over $2,500 towards Fast Pitch Fields. The real magic happened when one event led to another and subsequent fundraisers were planned throughout the summer to continue to contribute to this effort. Madelyn has now teamed up with her Girl Scout troop members and will continue the movement as her silver award project planning a softball clinic this spring. What started out as a Mitzvah Project keeps growing and will continue to inspire young girls to play softball in our town.
Madelyn was featured twice in the local newspaper for her Mitzvah Project
Mom to Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Elise:
“It is never too early to start planning and thinking of ideas. Do not be afraid to do-it-yourself so that whatever you are doing turns out exactly as you pictured it. Be sure to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Much of the planning must be ‘talked through’ for it to come alive as pictured. Having a site like Mitzvah Market to turn to for a never-ending flood of ideas was very important. In addition, in our case, most of the guests had never been to a Bat Mitzvah before so it was equally important to help our guests understand the special meaning of the celebration. Everyone was thrilled to be a part of such a milestone and the genuine feedback was heartwarming.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Madelyn’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Temple Israel, 518-438-7858
Venue: Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 518-274-3421
Photographer Colleen Piccolino, More Than Memories, 518-514-8632
Logo Design: Adam, Gotham T-shirt
Invitations/Kippot: Caryn Poskanzer, Caryn’s Occasions, 518-438-1803
Label Printing/Programs/Hospitality notes: Race Printing, 518-234-4442
Centerpiece and Room Decor/Stickers/Table numbers/Place cards: Mom Elise
Centerpiece Decor Idea: Mitzvah Mom Karen
Music Entertainment: Conway Entertainment, 518-882-7216
Photo booth/magnets: FotoMagic, 518-877-3046
Entrance video: Dan Stokas, Rappitt.com
Exit Treat cupcakes: Baked By Melissa
CAKE: Aimee Yorke, aimyorke@yahoo.com
Dance socks: Cool Party Favors, 877-328-6778
Bat Mitzvah girl Madelyn’s Dress: Terani, Ferri’s Formals, 518-374-3464
Mom Elise’s dress: Ursula of Switzerland, Fancy Schmancy Couture, 518-452-1269
Men’s Suit’s Macy’s
February 24th, 2016
The telecast of the 88th Academy Awards is this weekend. They say most of our trends start on Hollywood’s red carpet.
Many of today’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are incorporating “Hollywood” into their theme.
We’ve rounded up great ideas to make your child’s party red carpet-worthy and memorable for your guests for years to come.
See our past story with more ideas here.
Simon Elliot Events customized their Mitzvah Madness basketball game for Judy’s Hollywood Night themed celebration
A Promos USA dba The Imagemaker can put your Hollywood theme or logo on anything
Sweet Dreams Photo Video provided a red carpet background for their photo favors at a party at Chelsea Piers NY
The Mitzvah Mavens created a logo for a “Hannahwood” Bat Mitzvah celebration
Shine in the Mitzvah Hollywood spotlight with favors from MazelTovGear.com
Balloon Artistry created all the décor for this Hollywood themed Bat Mitzvah, including this beautiful Wall Mural in the background
Todd Yahney Music & Entertainment entertained guests at this Hollywood themed celebration for Josh!
As guests arrived, “Paparazzi” snapped their picture and asked questions like, “Who are you wearing?” as they walked the red carpet to a party from The Event Of A Lifetime
NY Party Works can make you a star in one of your favorite Hollywood Movies. These can be 13″ x 19″ posters or printed on many other items like t-shirts or boxers
Enjou Chocolat made this classic Hollywood clapboard icon as favors
Flower Power Designs custom printed this 8′ sign for a Mitzvah at the Meadowood Manor in Randolph, New Jersey
Trans Trade Promotions created a logo for Halle worthy of a movie star
Luxury on Loan…leasing special occasion jewelry from Diva Tonight is a perfect solution for the fashion-forward individual to feel like you are walking the red carpet at any event
Cookie Girl Bake Shop created this cake for a Hollywood themed Bat Mitzvah celebration
Chocolate fit for the red carpet by Favor It Things – paparazzi please!
Did you have a Hollywood themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration? Send us a photo at info@mitzvahmarket.com. Thanks!
February 21st, 2016
The Shapiro family of Plainview, New York, celebrated son Maxwell’s (Max) Bar Mitzvah during the week of Chanukah on December 20, 2014. They hired New Star Caterers at Temple B’nai Shalom in Rockville Center, New York.
A sports fan, Max’s theme was “The Max Event,” a clever take on The Main Event, a popular sports pub restaurant on Long Island.
Mom Beth, a well known custom invitation designer, created a funky, modern industrial look for Max’s invitation and room decor for family and friends to enjoy.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Max, Mom Beth, Dad Craig and Sister Jenna.
The photographer was Hi-Tech Photography Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
Mom Beth has a stationary company, Invitations with Love.
There were two invitations sent; one for the kids and one for the adults. For the kids' there was a two layer, Lucite invitation with metal bolts which was shipped in a mailer. The inside box featured a belly band to neatly hold information card and RSVP cards. The invite took stage at the National Stationery Show 2015 as a top design for the year!
Max’s custom oversized adult invite was foil embossed with tone-on-tone shades of warm grey and a leather texture with a belly band for info and accessories
Bar Mitzvah Service & Style
Max did a great job reading from the Torah and Haftorah in front of family and friends during his service at Temple B'nai Shalom
The family wore shades of black and grey for the temple service
Mom Beth and Sister Jenna continued to shine in their beaded gowns. Max and Dad Craig went for a more casual look in Robert Graham
Décor & Details
Mom Beth created the logo which was used on everything from room décor and place cards to catering favors, napkins, and guest towels. Hi-Tech Photography Events and Party Harty Entertainment collaborated on the contemporary room décor and lounge area with Beth adding creative touches throughout.
The sign-in locker is now in Max's bedroom
The Max Event was fully branded!
Hi-Tech Photography Events created an amazing display for the place cards, including a spinning basketball
The place cards were black photo books and they were used in place of the typical frames for the photo booth. The logo colors were carried throughout the party
Some coordinated accessories with Max's logo, created by Mom Beth
A lighted decor element with the initial "M" on the bar
For a fun twist, all the basketball pictures had Shapiro on them instead of Spalding
There were both round and long tables, with piano sequin cloths from The Finishing Touch. Flameless candles in various heights were placed on mirrored table runners for a modern look
Pictures of Max from his pre-party photo shoot were hung to highlight the kids' lounge area and catwalk
Max on the awesome illuminated catwalk with seating pits created by Party Harty Entertainment
The dance floor changed colors throughout the night
Music & Candle Lighting
MC Howie and the Party Harty Entertainment team had the party in full dance mode all night long.
Max celebrated with his friends on the dance floor
One member of the Party Harty Entertainment team jumped over the family!
The Party Harty Entertainment team with Max
Since Max's Bar Mitzvah fell during the week of Chanukkah, they bought a beautiful menorah from Pottery Barn to use for his candle lighting service
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
The family worked with Lisa Willet of Print Me a Tee on the Spalding/Shapiro’s throw-aways and black hooded sweatshirts.
Max posed in front of his favors
The family modeled the cool sweatshirts
Custom branding continued with Bagels to Go
On the way out of the celebration, guests were treated to bagels-to-go and an additional gift for the ladies, slippers
Mitzvah Project
For his Mitzvah Project, Max collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes for Shoes For All ,which is a non-profit organization that provides shoes for people living on Long Island that are unable to afford them.
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“The most important part to ensure the success of a Mizvah celebration is to fill the room with the people that matter the most to your family. Everything else is secondary. Trust your gut instincts when hiring vendors. As with anything in life they are typically correct. Understand that collaboration in event planning is a group effort. Hire vendors that have earned their reputation and that you value their opinion so you can trust their capabilities. Don’t be afraid to give your vendors a budget. As someone with an invitation business, I am always working within a client’s budgets offering many different price points. Once vendors know the budget they can focus in on what might be an option for you and not over extend your budget or set you up with unrealistic and unreachable outcomes. Bring your ideas with you on your meetings. Search sites like Pinterest and Mitzvah Market. Let your vendors expand on your vision and create an event that is uniquely your design. Day of…Take a moment to truly be present and enjoy how others are celebrating your family. Remember to relax and enjoy.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Max’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Custom designed invitation/Logo/Stamps/Napkins/Kippot/Centerpieces/Branded Bags/Place Cards:
Mom Beth Shapiro, Invitations With Love, 516-314-7298
Venue/Caterer: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Photography/Spinning basketball place card stand/Decor: Hi-Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Caterer/Bagels to Go: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Piano Sequins Table Linens: MaryAnne, The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Music Entertainment/Lounge decor: MC, Howie, Party Harty Entertainment: 516-845-8585
Fun tower decor: Oriental Trading Company
Giveaways and favors: Lisa Willet, Print Me A Tee, 516-965-3084
Mom’s Gown: Eva’s of Sayville, 631-567-6650
Sister Jenna’s gown: Lord & Taylor
Makeup: Erika Jansen 917-579-3964
February 21st, 2016
Jars by Dani started when founder Dani Beckerman wanted to share her love for baking. She came across a mason jar in a craft store and was driven to develop the next new dessert obsession!
She has a loyal following among Fashion Week party planners and New Yorkers and has started shipping nationally.
Jars by Dani caters many events including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. There are a variety of jars in many sizes. You can choose custom, layers, colors and toppings. Additionally, your custom logo can be placed on jar.
Jars are shipped overnight on ice, need to be refrigerated upon arrival and last a week.
You can make a colorful dessert “Jar Bar” or give your guests a great Mitzvah Exit treat! Either way we think these desserts in a jar take the cake!
Layers of decadents dessert comes in two sizes. Above is the 8 oz version
The 4 oz sizing is just as delicious
You might also like the Party bowl version shown above in the White Chocolate flavor
Jars by Dani can add a logo and or message
There are many options to choose from or create your own!
You can order them online or get more information on catering by visiting their Website at Jars By Dani.
February 10th, 2016
Some Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations include creative menu cards at each guests’ seat.
Menu cards can incorporate the theme or child’s logo or initials and make everyone feel like your celebration has a special touch of creativity. Below are some great menu card ideas.
Check out our previous story about creative menu cards.
Creative custom menus at each place setting included popular Philly Mexican restaurants. Read more about this Cinco de Mayo themed party here
Balloon Artistry used the Bar Mitzvah guest of honor’s initials and party colors
Simon Elliot Events created a clever menu of texts letting everyone know what they would be eating
For this baseball themed Bar Mitzvah, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. put the menu inside an actual program from an All Star game
Beth Fink Events designed a lounge style menu card with the table number on the front and the menu on the inside
Pat Glenn Productions designed an elegant menu tucked into the napkin for Jack’s celebration
Cutie Patootie added a napkin ring of bling next to this Bar Mitzvah menu card for Joshua
A chocolate menu from Enjou Chocolat is a delicious option
The menu for this boardwalk themed Bat Mitzvah was designed by the Bat Mitzvah girl’s aunt. On one side was the menu and the other was a picture of Brooke from her photo shoot
Did you have a great menu card idea? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
February 10th, 2016
By Chloe Cornell
I’m a 8th 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.
A couple weekends ago I attended one of my best friend’s, Paige’s, Bat Mitzvah at Brae Burn Country Club. Her theme was Lilly Pulitzer and everything from the tables, to the bar, to the dance floor reflected her theme.
Outside the venue, there was a giant Lilly Pulitzer hammock and umbrella that transported guests to a Palm Beach/Lilly Pulitzer vibe, setting the tone for the party and letting everyone know that it was going to be a great night!
Upon entering Brae Burn Country Club, there were big letters that spelled “PAIGE” in signature Lilly Pulitzer fabric and pink and green flowers continuing with the Lilly Pulitzer theme
There were many unique and fun games to choose from
Everyone’s favorite activities were the casino table and the roller coaster simulator
After the cocktail hour, we went into the party room for her celebration. The entire room was lit up pink! Lilly Pulitzer’s signature is “Xx, Lilly,” so Paige’s Bat Mitzvah signature was “Xx, Paige,” seen here on throw pillows
There were rattan couches and bamboo chairs in the party room, (very Lilly Pulitzer), for the kids to relax and take dance breaks. Giant “flowers” were hanging above the dance floor, which looked festive and unique
The tables were beautiful! The centerpieces were huge vases of green and pink flowers with a flamingo on top – very cool!
At the end of the night, outside of the ballroom, there were giveaway bags with sweatshirts featuring Paige’s logo
There was also a candy bar, so you could take home candy – all pink and green of course!
Everyone had so much fun. Mazel Tov Paige!
VENDORS: Venue: Brae Burn Country Club; Music Entertainment: Untouchable Events; Décor: Stefanie Bartell, SBZ Events; Photographer: Todd Shapera Photography
Read more of Chloe’s blog posts:
Blog #1
Blog #2
Blog #3
Blog #4
Blog #5
Blog #6
Blog #7
February 10th, 2016
Simon Elliot Events employs a full-time creative team providing graphic design, photo and video production, extra entertainment services, large format printing, unique photo stations or booths, web development, and event planning services for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They have a passion for producing creative events that exceed their discerning clients’ expectations. They understand the challenges presented when planning an event of any kind, and pride themselves in their ability to bring a sense of clarity to your vision.
SOMETHING NEW: FOOTBALL FRENZY!
Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids are going crazy over the new game Football Frenzy. Two players compete simultaneously in a football toss. Each player has 10 attempts to beat their opponent by racking up the most points. Two screens keep track of each complete pass. A leader board is kept throughout the party and gift cards are given out to the top winners.
A custom graphic panel adds just enough customization to this already cool game!
For this ultimate football experience, your guests will have unlimited plays with two attendants on hand dressed as referees.
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 8th, 2016
Phyllis Skolnick of Extraordinary Productions and her team recently produced a spectacular Bar Mitzvah with a James Bond 0013 theme. The event took place at the Current at Chelsea Piers; a waterfront venue in Manhattan.
The party was sophisticated and fun. The creative and cool decor elements suggested the theme, but did not scream “Hey it’s a James Bond theme.”
Andy Foster Photography photographed the event.
Party Decor
Extraordinary Productions designed and printed the custom chargers at each place setting
The place cards had the signature James Bond 00 plus each guests' table number
Jake's lounge was gorgeous with chrome upholstered fabrics, illuminated coffee tables which showcased his logo and leather pillows!
The adult centerpieces sat on blue plexi glass tables in rectangular and square shapes
The center briefcase was trimmed with Jake's 0013 logo
Lucite mini briefcases designed with sleek flowers
Blue roses, and orchids added that masculine touch
A spectacular Diamond Chip bar for the adults
Party Details
The sign-in board was a replica of a James Bond movie poster in a acrylic frame
The plexi-glass menu. We love the clever title for the dessert, "You Only Live Twice"
James Bond classic car cake
Bar Mitzvah Invitation
The top secret invitation was created by Blacker and Kooby by Vanessa
The Party information card with logo
Favors
The favors and giveaways took this party to the next level. They included a watch, hat, sunglasses and a custom pack of 4 logo’d cupcakes.
We thank Extraordinary Productions and the Deutch Family for sharing this amazing party with our readers.
Event Stylist/Decor: Extraordinary Productions; Venue: Current at Chelsea Piers; Caterer: Abigail Kirsch; Entertainment: MC Chris Porter, Total Entertainment; Photography & Video: Andy Foster Photography; Lighting & Staging: Fusion Productions; Invitation: Blacker and Kooby by Vanessa; Cupcakes/Cakes: Janet, Hey-Cookie, Favors and Giveaways: Lori Bland, LB Squared
February 7th, 2016
The DelAngelo family celebrated daughter Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Later in the evening there was a party at the Stepping Stones Museum For Children in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The theme, Life’s a Beach, was done with a great logo, decor, fun food and an amazing dance party.
We featured Sister Caroline’s Bat Mitzvah a few years back.
Pictured L-R: Brother Andrew, Dad Henry, Bat Mitzvah girl Melanie, Sister Caroline and Mom Jennifer.
The photographer was Cari Miller Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this feature.
Mitzvah Invitations & Style
The family worked with Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box on this beautiful invitation suite which hinted at the theme with the beautiful color.
Their invitation ensemble even included a camp sleepover information card!
Melanie as a baby at the beach on her custom stamp
Bat Mitzvah girl Melanie looked stunning in a beautiful custom turquoise gown accented with crystals
They also worked with clothing designer Jennifer Butler on the service and party clothes, highlighting the beautiful blues in all of their clothing
Décor & Details
Graphic artist Stacy Rosenthal created the logo similar to the popular “Life is good” logo incorporating the theme Life’s a Beach. Party coordinator Arlene Rosenthal of Party Ideas helped bring the beach theme to life creating a cool hip beachy vibe.
For
Melanie Del Angelo's Bat Mitzvah, they incorporated a girl with red hair into the logo which looked just like Melanie!
Melanie's sign-in was her bedroom door with a logo painted right in the center. It looks so good!
Place cards were beach pails with chocolate rock candy and a shovel
Each shovel told guests which beach (table) to go to
Enhancing the beach theme was Melanie’s name projected onto the screen for all to see
Beautiful beach centerpieces filled with shells and a rose. A painted rock with the name of the beach sat on each table
The floor was interactive and had Melanie’s logo
The logo was wrapped around clear vases
The ceiling treatments had hanging shells and turquoise lanterns
Melanie holding the lemonade sign
Custom lemonade cups that read “Mel’s lemonade stand”
Custom t-shirts worn by party servers and wait staff
Bat Mitzvah Video
Mom Jenn owns Caramel Studios which creates montages and videos for special events. Jennifer worked her magic for Melanie!
For her entrance video, guests watched Melanie go from birth to 13 years old in just 2 minutes!
Watch here
Check out more of Mom Jenn’s work with Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah video
Watch here
Music & Entertainment
Starlight Express and MC Kayo played great music and had Melanie and her guests on the dance floor the whole night.
Melanie up in the chair for the Horah!
Here she is with MC Kayo belting out a tune
Melanie surrounded by her friends in front of the interactive dance floor
At the end of the party beach balls were tossed around
There were many interactive activities for the guests, like a green screen from Capitol Photo Booths, as well as tattoo/hair braiding stations from Artemix Entertainment
Candle Lighting
Melanie during her candle lighting service
There was also a puzzle photo of Melanie which started as a baby picture and turned into a current picture of her on the beach as pieces were added to create the new photo
For her candle lighting ceremony, mini Adirondack chairs held the candles and fit in perfectly with her theme
The happy DelAngelo family
Mitzvah Favor & Idea
The long-sleeve shirt favors from Arlene Rosenthal featured Melanie’s logo, “Life’s a Beach” on the front. There was a note attached to the water bottles, which reinforced Melanie’s Mitzvah project – encouraging her friends to use a reusable water bottle instead of buying water when possible.
For the girls, their shirts included a blue rhinestone and name in blue. The boys' shirts had their name in black and no rhinestone
At the end of the night, reusable water bottles with Melanie's logo were given out at the candy bar
Mitzvah Project
Melanie chose to do 26 Mitzvahs, although she had one as her main focus. Since her Torah portion was Noah’s Ark, Melanie decided to double her Temple’s 13 Mitzvot program to make the connection with Noah’s Ark and the animals traveling in twos. She also chose 26 Mitzvahs to honor the 26 lives lost in Sandy Hook. Melanie baked and sold cookies for the Sandy Hook Promise. Another mitzvot included Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, organizing a team in memory of her Grandma Carol. She also baked cookies for people who could use a smile. She raised money for Relay for Life as well. Her big project was collecting water bottles, recycling and redeeming them. She took the money from redeeming the bottles and donated it to Nourish the Children, which feeds malnourished children around the world. She worked on this for 18 months and still continues with it today. She wanted to involve her family and friends in her projects, so she asked if they could drop off water bottles, which helped her to recycle and donate even more. By her Bat Mitzvah, Melanie was able to donate 3,600 meals, which was her goal. These meals all went to Malawi, Africa and her hope is to one day visit and meet some of the children she is helping to feed. Melanie created a website, www.recycle4meals.com, so she can continue her Mitzvah project.
The creative way Melanie got the message out about her Mitzvah Project
Some advice from Mom Jenn:
“My advice is to enjoy the year leading up to this special day. As we all know, the day will come and go way too quickly. Each part of the process is so special. Spend time with your child and listen to him/her practice – you will be amazed at the progress they make. Talk with your child about the Mitzvah project and help him/her choose something he/she can be passionate about. Melanie’s project was very meaningful and it’s still going strong, 2 years later.
As far as planning for the big day – be organized and plan ahead. Involve your kids in the decisions – but do the leg work ahead of time- so you only present them with options you will be ok with! My goal was to have everything 100% complete a week before Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah. I wanted the final days to be calm so I could focus on my daughter without feeling distracted. Even if you plan to get it all done, no doubt that something will come up last minute, so do as much as you can, and then you won’t get frazzled if an issue comes up in the final week!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Stepping Stones Museum For Children, 203-899-0606
Party Planner: Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas, 203-984-0610
Photographer: Cari Miller Photography, 203-722-4509
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Kayo, Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
Caterer: Marc Weber, On the Marc Events, 203-274-6808
Invitation: Leslie Goldberg, Out of the Box, 914-934-2323
Custom stamp: Stamps.com
Candle lighting/T-shirt favors: Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas, 203-984-0610
Montage & Entrance Video: Jenn DelAngelo, Caramel Studios, 203-610-0015
Party Entertainment: Green Screen Photos, Capitol Photo Booths, 203-635-0017
Hairbraiding/tattoos, Artemix Entertainment, 718-886-2253
Sign-In board: Melanie’s bedroom door
Service and Party Dresses: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Custom Ties: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Hair/makeup: Leslie Atiles, ESPN Make Up Artist, 203-257-0591
