A B’nai Mitzvah For Two Cousins Who Know How to “LIVE BIG”

Growing up as some of the youngest cousins in a close knit family, Brett Nussbaum and Lindsey Phillips have shared a lot of memories over the years. From holidays and birthdays to summer camp, they have a special bond. When their moms, sisters Tracey and Amy, suggested a B’nai Mitzvah for the pair, they were totally on board. “Originally we were going to plan a destination vacation with our extended family,” says mom Tracey. “But Brett and Lindsey really wanted an actual celebration together.” The planning process was easier than expected. Both moms had already planned Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations for their older children (see Carlee Nussbaum’s spotlight here), and Brett and Lindsey were pretty laid back about the process. “They both gave their input, but in the end it was our final decision,” says Tracey. 

(Above L-R: Brett Nussbaum and Lindsey Phillips)

The photographer for this event was Colleen Piccolino.  A complete vendor list follows at the end of this story.

All in the Family

The B'nai Mitzvah service took place at Congregation Ohav Shalom in Albany, NY, a very meaningful place to both families. Amy, Tracey and their brother Rick all became Bar/Bat Mitzvahs there, as did the sisters' older children, and Amy and Tracey were both married at the synagogue too!

Moms Amy (left) and Tracey enter the ballroom at Franklin Terrace with their husbands Keith (left) and Jon.

The Nussbaum and Phillips families celebrated together. The Phillips have one more to go!

Proud grandparents were thrilled to be a part of this special B'nai Mitzvah

The cousins/siblings clan! There are 16 first cousins in all!

Living Big!

Lindsey and Brett's initials - and their mutual desire to always live life in a fun, exciting way- inspired the celebration's theme: "LIVE BIG!" which was created by FabuDesigns.com

The Mitzvah kids hit the dance floor

The ballroom was filled with lanterns, oversized balloons and sweet photos of the cousins through the years

The unique candle lighting display was a DIY project for Tracey and Amy. They bought the gumballs at Michael's, the jars came from Amy's family business, Phillips Hardware, and with a little help from their mutual decorator, they added silver ball candles, confetti, and metal letters

The hora was filled with family and plenty of friends joining in the fun

Special Touches

The invitation gave guests a hint of the party color palette

"Live Big" signage was used in a variety of ways throughout the party

Lindsey and Brett each had a sign-in locker and a place for their gifts

Custom sweatshirts were given out to Lindsey and Brett's friends...

Sweatshirts were inside these branded drawstring bags

The following vendors helped make this celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you heard about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Franklin Terrace Ballroom, Troy, NY, 518-270-9622
Music Entertainment: Events by Cool Cat, 518-384-2288
Decor: Party With Mia, 518-782-2313
Logo: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Photographer: Colleen Piccolino, More than Memories, 518-514-8632
Brett’s suit: Lord and Taylor
Lindsey’s dress: Jovani from Azalea Dresses, 518-952-6727
Hair: Joelle Averill, The Beauty Bungalow, 518-505-9413
Sign-in Trunks: Hayneedle.com
Favors/Airbrushing: TSS T-shirt Spot, 518-915-1107
Invitation: Caryn Poskanzer, Occasions, 518-438-1803

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Truly Musical Mitzvah is a Family Affair

Jordana Lichtenthal has always loved music. She was singing before she could talk, she began playing piano at seven and at ten she taught herself to play the ukulele. Add to that her interest in poetry and her recent discovery of the GarageBand software and it was no surprise to her family that to mark the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah Jordana composed an original song – mixing her vocals, harmonies and ukelele music – for use in her montage.

 
To celebrate this very talented girl, the Lichtenthals chose an intimate Bat Mitzvah celebration with close family and friends. The ceremony and brunch were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. Thanks to the contributions of many family members, the event had a distinctly personal feel. Jordana’s mom, Stephanie Steinberg, who owns Party Logo Design, created the musical logo, graphics and video montage. Grandma Cynthia made the kippot and embroidered the tallit bag; and Jordana was joined by her mom (singing harmony) and dad (on the guitar) to sing Lo Yisa Goy.

How to “Hit” Your Bat Mitzvah Outta the Park!

“Mitzvah Mom Deborah knew she didn’t want the party in a typical  space, so after looking at many traditional venues we decided upon the gorgeous atrium at Kean University,” says Rubel. “It was important to the family that the festivities be fun and less structured. We partnered with the amazing Encore Catering to develop a continuous cocktail party menu with everything being passed or at stations. There was no assigned seating. The crowd was on the dance floor all night from young to old(er) and Xplosive Entertainment rocked the house!” She adds: “As a planner, I love it when client and planner are a true team and this was the case every step of the way with the Jacob family. We made thoughtful, practical decisions along the way which allowed us to knock this party outta the park.”

The Atrium of the Stem Building at Kean University was transformed by Rubel Event Management and Oh So Fabulous Events

Custom centerpieces featuring Daniella's logo and red gerbera daisies topped tables; above, white lights and red pennant flags added a festive flare

Red baseball bats, gerbera daisies and decorative grass conveyed the baseball theme with a feminine touch

The color story continued in the lounge where turquoise and red pillows added a pop of color to the sleek, white lounge furniture

Illuminated letters created a focal point behind the bar

Pop art profiles adorned the front of the bar

The Grand Slam logo was featured on everything from pillows and the step and repeat...

... to table centerpieces and more

Candles and tall vases with gerbera daisies added a little drama to the tables

Ceramic baseball vases filled with white hydrangea were another way to keep the sports theme decidedly girlie

Mini baseballs were used in these circular vases which greeted guests when they entered the space

For the candle lighting ceremony, small baseballs were submerged into glass columns filled with water

A locker (purchased at TJ Maxx!) served as a fun sign-in board and keepsake

Daniella's custom Converse sneakers featured her logo and Bat Mitzvah date on the left shoe...

and her profile on the right shoe

Dancers from Xplosive Entertainment wore 3/4 sleeve baseball jerseys and kept the dance floor packed

The continuous cocktail menu featured passed hors d'ouevres with delicious foods like Peking duck on scallion pancakes

Themed stations like the Hawaiian station with baby bok choy and shiitake mushroom stir fry, allowed guests to eat at their own pace

Desserts included a chipwich station. YUM!

We thank Rubel Event Management for sharing this story with us. Additional vendors who made this event special include: Venue: The Stem Building at Kean University, Union, NJ, Décor and Event Styling: Oh So Fabulous, Maywood, NJ, Logos and Graphics: Lisa Fitzhugh, Wideyed, Montreal, Canada, Catering: Encore Catering, East Hanover, NJ, Photographer: Omar Gonzalez, Montclair, NJ, Photobooth: Flashbooth, Maplewood, NJ, DJ and Games: Xplosive Entertainment, Manalapan, NJ,  Daniella’s Sneakers: Sneakers by Kara, Locker Sign-In: TJ Maxx, Security: The Sayf Group, Livingston, NJ

Five Reasons to Check Out NY Party Works for Your Bar Bat Mitzvah

NY Party Works is a full service event planning company dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in innovation and creativity through the release of new products and new approaches in entertainment production. Think Virtual Reality, Interactive Games, Photo Walls and more.

Here are five reasons to look into NY Party Works for your upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration:

1. Everything VR 

If your child is obsessed with Virtual Reality, NY Party Works’ VR Pod Experience and VR Slide Flyer will be a surefire hit at his/her Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

The VR experience is taken to the next level with NY Party Works' VR Slide...

... and VR Flyer

The VR Pod Experience will be a huge hit

Walk the Plank VR gives guests the experience of walking on a narrow plank hundreds of feet above the ground!

2. Total Event Planning

One-stop-shopping for you! NY Party Works will help plan every aspect of your Mitzvah celebration from decor, lighting and furniture to DJs, MCs and dancers.

The latest in lounge decor combined with LED lights and room lighting can transform any space

NY Party Works will work with you to create a fun, engaging game show experience for your guests

NY Party Works' Silent Disco Party is a big hit with kids and adults

3. Rentals for Every Theme

From LED mini golf and “glow” air hockey, darts or shuffleboard to pop-a-shot basketball and football, NY Party Works has access to the hottest party rentals.

Everything glows with a NY Party Works Glow Party

NY Party Works also features the latest in Arcade gaming including Giant Space Invaders Pac Man and more

The giant Light Brite is always a guest favorite

Photo booths are taken to the next level...

... and guests can share their photos to social media during the party

Guests can take home photo memories of your Mitzvah celebration with the ultimate Mirror Me booth

Giant robots can walk, talk and dance around your event.

Casino gaming tables are also availble

4. We Have 25 Years Of Experience

NY Party Works has seen and done it all! They are pros and will take the stress out of your Bar Bat Mitzvah planning.

5. ANY Budget

NY Party Works creative approach to event planning means that no matter your budget, you can have the Mitzvah you’ve dreamed about.

For more information about NY Party Works, check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

A Whimsical, Pop Art Bat Mitzvah

Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime, has planned hundreds of Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and while each one holds a special place in her heart, sometimes one particular theme or family really stays with her. Recently she worked with a family for the second time on their younger daughter, Della’s, Bat Mitzvah celebration. (Read about big sis Bailey’s party here.) “I really loved this Bat Mitzvah- it was so bright, cheery, whimsical, fun and age appropriate,” says Imberman. With logos in every color of the rainbow, Warhol-esque images of the Bat Mitzvah girl, and tons of bright, funky decor, the result was pure joy! 

Read on to see how Imberman, who collaborated with X-Quisite Flowers & Events, Inc., on the design, infused color and whimsy throughout the Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, NY.

Photographs by Rebecca Weiss of Rebecca Weiss Photography.

Fabulous, Funky Decor

A beautiful shot of the space, designed by The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. in collaboration with X-Quisite Flowers & Events, Inc.

Inspired by the oversized weather balloons and logo of the annual music festival Lallapalooza, the room was lined with weather balloons saying "Dellapalooza" in bright colors to match the decor

The ceiling was dressed with ribbons and stars that lit up the room from above

The kids' lounge featured velvet couches and custom logo pillows

An LED white leather table with ribbon treatment and spandex covered stools was a perfect spot for Della's friends to gather

This iridescent pink ottoman was a focal point of the lounge

Custom pillows featured Della's logo and pop art of her favorite activities, including soccer, lacrosse and basketball

The adult bar featured a Warhol style banner with photos from her pre Bat Mitzvah photo shoot

White leather rectangular tables, with a ribbon treatment in rainbow colors, and a variety of brightly colored luminaries draped in white orchids created a vibrant palette for dinner

Round tables were covered in bright blue spandex and centerpieces featured white orchids, floating candles in clear vessels wrapped with brightly colored wire and ribbon

A beautiful shot of the adult tables and colorful lighting

Graphics Galore

This rainbow colored logo inspired the decor and colors of the entire event

Custom pop art added a touch of whimsy and FUN

Images from Della's pre-shoot were turned into life size banners...

...which flanked each side of the stage

Another version of her logo was used on t-shirt giveaways

Pillows, water bottles and more featured this third logo

Special Touches

Invitations by Small Fry Press gave guests a hint of what was to come by introducing the pop art, brightly colored, star-filled theme

The place cards display featured a pop art conversation about where to find your seat. This clever work of art was accented with brightly colored bottles and white orchids

Cocktail napkins featuring the rainbow colored Dellapalooza logo

The menus, depicting a conversation about what was being served for dinner, were inspired by a Roy Lichtenstein piece of art

Della's cake was pop art inspired and incorporated Della’s logo. Inside were alternating tiers of S'more S'merrier: Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Fudge, Graham Cracker Streusel, Marshmallow Crème & Cookie Monster: Chocolate Cake, French Vanilla Buttercream, Chocolate-Covered homemade "Oreos" YUM!

The Bat Mitzvah girl had a ton of fun in the Super Selfie booth with a custom illuminated cube wall as a back drop

The dance floor and stage were wrapped in white with Della's logo and scattered stars, and flanked on each side by photos from her pre shoot

Della and her big sis, Bailey, had a blast

The last hour of Della's celebration turned in to a black light dance party! All lights were turned off, black lights were turned on and special UV light reactive items were given out. Floral crowns, sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets and hats all lit up the room, while dancers offered guests special black light face paint and tape

The mirrored sign in board featured Della's logo in the middle and a bright blue border

Giveaways & Favors

Dance floor giveaways included logo'd tshirts, phone pouches, baseball hats and message fans

Della's friends took home hockey sweatshirts with custom laces and logo inside a clear "stadium approved" backpack; The custom logo fuzzy pj shorts were given out at her camp sleepover

The back of Della's hockey sweatshirt favors with her logo and date of celebration

At the Elite Feet Shop, each kid could chose a design and have it heat pressed onto their socks

On the way out guests picked up a bottle of cold water with custom logo...

... and hot made to order gourmet mini donuts

We thank Melisa Imberman for sharing these great ideas with us. To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

How to Plan an AMazing Bat Mitzvah & Party to the AM!

Alexandra Malkin’s initials were a natural jumping off point for the theme of her Bat Mitzvah celebration at LIFE, the place to be. She and her family had two goals that night: to Party to the AM and to make sure everyone had an AMazing time! With the help of some eye catching logos and decor (all in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite colors), a ton of games and entertainment and the love of family and friends, Alex’s Bat Mitzvah dreams came true. A truly AMazing night was had by all. Read on to see more about this fun, creative affair where there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Pictured above L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Alex, brother Josh, mom Diane and dad Jason

The photographer was Chad David Kraus Photography. Additional vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Custom Logos & Decor

LIFE, the place to be, was transformed with AMazing pink and blue lighting and decor

Custom logos by FabuDesigns.com featured Alex's logo and were used in various ways throughout the party

Alex is ready to party - surrounded by custom logos, pillows and signage

LED table bases, colored lighting, crystal votives and candles lit up the room

#ALMAL was projected on the walls so friends could tag their social media photos

Oversized letters, purchased on Etsy, made a great base for the candle lighting ceremony and were also used as a decor element

Custom centerpieces were supplied by LIFE and featured images of Alex by Chad David Kraus Photography

Throughout the night changing colored lights kept the dance floor packed

The place card table also displayed Alex's acrylic sign in board and was decorated with crystals and candle light

The AMazing step & repeat made for fun shots of guests

Non Stop Entertainment & Games

The Bat Mitzvah girl made her grand entrance on the shoulder of a Jimmy Dee dancer who provided all the music entertainment

Alex and her family were surrounded by loved ones for the hora

Alex (the MC) led the kids in a game of Alex (the Bat Mitzvah girl) Trivia

Alex hit the stage with brother Josh to get the crowd hopping

The venue provided games for every age. Guests enjoyed foosball...

... arcade games...

...even a four person ping pong table!

The Bat Mitzvah girl took a swing at the baseball simulator

Alex's friends enjoyed tons of dance floor giveaways including oversized candy, t-shirts, gift cards, glow in the dark glasses...

... and cell phone pockets for the back of their phones

Special Touches

Mom Diane found this unique acrylic sign-in board on Etsy

A special fun message in the women's restroom was created by FabuDesigns.com

Guests enjoyed some AMazing cocktails

The custom watercolor inspired invitation was designed by mom Diane's friend

Alex's friends presented her with collages filled with cherished memories

Brightly colored socks were on hand so guests could take their shoes off

A delicious donut wall...

...sent guests home on a sweet note

Mitzvah Advice

“Make lots of lists,” says mom Diane Malkin. “At some points it can seem totally overwhelming, and having lists makes it more manageable.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Alex’s Bat Mitzvah an AMazing night. If you contact any of them about their services, please let them know you read about their company on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue/Custom Decor/Furniture/Games: LIFE…the place to be, 914-591-4400
Music & Entertainment: Jimmy Dee Entertainment, 914-428-9231
Photographer: Chad David Kraus Photography, 917-532-3478
Graphics & Logos: FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Oversized Letters: Uncle Fox Design, Etsy
Sign-In Board: Even Table Decor, Etsy
Place Cards: AllWriteByMe, Kimberly Jenna Simon, allwritebyme.com
Invitations: AMM3 Design, Debbie Kagan, amm3design.com
Dresses: All About the Dress (Alex), 914-219-5300; All Dressed Up (mom), 914-690-1593
Hair & Makeup: Debbie Bartko, Trio Salon, 914-472-1412; Laura Melissa Scalere Makeup, 914-438-8018

A Royal Mitzvah at the Castle Hotel & Spa

If you’re planning a smaller Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration and want to give your guests a truly “royal” experience, check out the Castle Hotel and Spa in Tarrytown, New York. This historic castle, just 30 minutes from NYC, is a spectacular venue for private parties. With 3,300 square feet of interior event space, stunning grounds (think photos, cocktail hour, even your service!) there are so many options for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. On-site event planners and caterers will work with you to create the perfect party, and if you want to make a whole weekend out of your affair, there are 31 guest rooms and suites for you and your guests. The architecture of the Castle lends itself best to parties up to 120 people.

Read on to learn more about the Castle Hotel & Spa and to see images of their beautiful location.

Steeped in history, the Castle sits perched above the Hudson River

The Great Hall features 40-foot vaulted ceilings

Original Gothic windows with heraldic motifs are a dramatic backdrop

Lighting easily transforms the space

Crystal chandeliers, artistic moldings and a ton of natural light highlight the Caramai Ballroom

The Castle's Library can easily host an intimate pre-Mitzvah dinner or your Bar/Bat Mitzvah service

A life-size chess set is a perfect spot for photos... and some fun during your party

The Castle's gardens are a natural spot for photos or a cocktail hour

An onsite culinary team will work with you on a custom menu for your Mitzvah

Luxurious guest rooms turn your Mitzvah into a weekend-long affair

Another shot of the striking castle