April 17th, 2017
The only thing better than eating an Oreo is attending an Oreo themed Bat Mitzvah!
84 West Events recently created a delicious themed Bat Mitzvah for Hanna, a girl who loves Oreo cookies.
The party was held at the Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Owner Debbi Casper Greene, along with Regional Event Producer Lisa Pierce and Creative Director Amanda Johnson, loved working on this project, especially since Mom Michele brought in Oreo cookies for the team for “inspiration” throughout the planning process. It was important to the family that the team replicate the colors and design of Hanna’s favorite cookie!
Good Enough To Eat Centerpieces
The planning process from 84 West Studios Creative Director Amanda Johnson: “These centerpieces were so much fun to create because they challenged us to come up with creative production techniques. We made everything ourselves, which meant that we spent a lot of time testing different materials to create the perfect look. Our entire company, from Jeff, our CEO, to our photography manager, Tammy, all helped Debbi, Lisa, and I create these beautiful centerpieces. We love all of our clients and their events, but these Oreo Bat Mitzvah centerpieces were particularly fun and delicious!”
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves Oreo cookies and wanted to design the decor around them
This centerpiece was a milk and cookies cocktail on a stack of giant Oreo cookies
This centerpiece was a giant glass of milk with an Oreo on top and a huge silly straw
Here is a giant Oreo sundae in a sophisticated cocktail glass
Special Touches
As guests walked into the venue, they were wowed by the creative Oreo "H" in honor of Hanna. The display was created to incorporate many different Oreo flavors
Custom menus were placed at each seat on chargers with bling. Tables were dressed with navy linens
There was a 10 inch LED Oreo centerpiece in the teen lounge
Of course, there was a "real" Oreo cookie bar as a delicious Mitzvah dessert
We thank 84 West Events for sharing this creative Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor: 84 West Events, Venue: Broken Sound Club
April 6th, 2017
Event planner Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events of Boca Raton, Florida, coordinated a Bat Mitzvah party for a girl named Avery. The back of her colorful custom invitation provided the inspiration for the celebration.
The tagline was a very clever play on the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name making this ‘A Very Fun Night’ for all!
Domino Arts was the photographer.
Party Logo and Invitation
This great tagline, incorporating the Bat Mitzvah girl's name AVERY, was used throughout the party
The back of the invitation created the colorful theme
Party Decor
Linzi collaborated with Party Perfect Events on the decor to make the invitation artwork and color palette for the party.
The night’s theme featured bright purple, turquoise, fuchsia and lime green which made a great color combination!
This gorgeous centerpiece had a lively lampshade
A wrapped low flower box was vibrant and served as the centerpiece
The teen lounge with its white furniture highlighted the colorful pillows
A wrapped dance floor matched the invitation
Party Details
Colorful cocktail napkins with Avery's logo
The place card table made a bright and beautiful first impression
The candle lighting display featured purple, turquoise, fuchsia and lime green roses
Party Favors/Desserts
The sweatshirts captured the night perfectly
Special dessert cupcakes were delicious
We thank Linzi Events for sharing this wonderful and colorful Bat Mitzvah with our readers!
Event Planner: Linzi Eitzon, Linzi Events; Photographer: Domino Arts Photography; Room Decor: Party Perfect Events; Venue: Congregation B’nai Israel
April 6th, 2017
We read about a great Mitzvah Project in the Atlanta Jewish Times by Kevin Madigan.
Alex celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Since he’s been practicing magic since he was 4-years old, he decided for his Mitzvah Project he would host a “Magic Night.” He performed his magic to raise money for Camp Sunshine and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Pictured to the left: Alex Newberg
Below is more information about Alex and his Mitzvah Project as reported by Kevin Madigan:
“My grandpa bought me a magic set as a birthday gift, and since then it’s been a passion of mine. It’s grown to be more of an obsession over the years,” Alex said in a phone interview with the Atlanta Jewish Times.
Now 13, he has received kudos from the likes of Penn Jillette, who described Alex in his podcast as being “really good,” and from New York magician Steve Cohen, who posted that Alex “has a mature understanding of magic for such a young fellow.” Cohen praised his “surprisingly vast mastery of sleight of hand” and said “the future of magic is in excellent hands.”
Alex’s mother, Jennifer Gelder, told the AJT that sleight of hand is his favorite trick, but “that was also the most challenging to learn because his hands are small. He had to work hard to master that skill.” She said Cohen, Penn & Teller, and Las Vegas magician Mac King all sent congratulatory messages to Alex, which she incorporated into a video montage for his magic-themed Bar Mitzvah celebration in February.
During his speech at the event, Alex thanked his grandfather Roger Gelder for his guidance and inspiration. “My dad, his grandpa, has been highly instrumental in Alex’s magic career,” his mother said. “He was the one who took him to meet Penn & Teller when he was 9. At that point, we didn’t realize how talented Alex was with magic. After that, my dad has really helped Alex by taking him to many magic conventions and several other trips to see and meet other famous magicians.” In his speech, Alex spoke of his influences. “If you ever closely watch a magic performance by a classic like Penn & Teller, my personal favorites, you can truly see the elegance, hard work and practice put into it. In my opinion, that is art.”
Alex has been putting his unusual skills to good use, his mother said. “He has been involved with Camp Sunshine since he was little, as his dad has volunteered there for many years. He has always donated to camp when he makes money with his magic, as well as performed for many of their functions.” Lately, Alex has been up to his tricks at venues around town. “I perform at different restaurants, but mainly Ippolito’s in Roswell,” Alex said. “I do children’s parties as well. I prefer the older crowd; I feel I connect to them a whole lot better. They have a better attention span.”
“Alex also goes to Tannen’s Magic Camp during the summer at Bryn Mawr College,” his mother said. “Many famous magicians, such as David Copperfield, went there as kids. This was also my dad’s doing.”
A student at the Davis Academy, Alex will play the lead role in the school’s musical production of Peter Pan on March 26 and 27 after portraying Young Simba in last year’s The Lion King. “I’m into acting, singing. I enjoy basketball, soccer and tennis,” Alex said. “I’m pretty easygoing. I like a lot of things.”
Read about other Mitzvah Projects here.
April 3rd, 2017
The Goldberg family from Rye Brook, New York, celebrated their son Greyson’s Bar Mitzvah on May 28, 2016 at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a Kiddush luncheon following services. Later that evening, there was a party in Greyson’s honor at West Rock in Nanuet, New York.
The theme was centered around Greyson’s name and favorite sports, football and hockey. The family wanted a casual party with the feel of a backyard BBQ within the indoor space. Mom Leslie owns Out of the Box NY, an invitation and accessories company, so there were many “GREYT” details, starting with the custom invitation.
Pictured above L-R: Sister Emily, Mom Leslie, Bar Mitzvah boy Greyson, Dad Paul and Sister Madison whose party we also spotlighted!
The photographer was Luciebelle Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation and Service
The custom invitation was created by Greyson's Mom Leslie, owner of Out of the Box NY. The football textured invitation arrived in a turf lined box and set the tone for the party
G2 for Greyson Goldberg was one of the logos for this celebration and was also used throughout the party
Bar Mitzvah boy Greyson in the middle of his sisters at temple
Greyt Logos
G2 and All Star were the logos used and represented Greyson’s love of sports, especially football and hockey.
Custom Gatorade bottles with the G2 Logo for his initials GG (Greyson Goldberg)
The 2nd logo celebrates Greyson's love of hockey
Greyt Decor and Party Details
The “GREYT” decor was proved by Debbie’s Designs.
Instead of having actual place cards, a light up board had everyone's name and table and was designed by Out of the Box NY
The tables were all picnic tables, which added to the backyard picnic feel
All cocktail tables were covered in either footballs or turf
Market lights hung from the ceiling
Posters of Greyson taken at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg hung near the food vendors
Lite up block letters spelling out Greyson's name were placed over the bar
Greyt Branding
Mom Leslie was very creative incorporating Greyson’s name into the party.
Various favors were given out throughout the night from foam fingers, baseball hats, and logo'd sunglasses
Greyson's sister and Mom Leslie think Greyson is Number 1
Mom Leslie had lots of fun napkin options
Each one GREYT!
Napkins and pillows with his picture were so cute and represented him throughout the years
Greyt Mitzvah Food
No game day is complete without “GREYT” food. The cocktail hour was catered by La Promenade from Tenafly, New Jersey. For the party, there were different vendors from Smorgasburg, the Brooklyn Food Flea Market. Some of the vendors included: Ramen Burger, Takumi Taco, Dan & John’s Wings, Eddie’s Pizza, DOUGH, The Good Batch and Batter & Cream. People’s Pops were at the cocktail hour making frozen drinks and ice pops throughout the night.
GREYT food served up in GREYT packaging
The servers used concession trays and there was a big concession stand in the kids' area with drinks, popcorn and pretzels
Servers wearing custom All-Star t-shirts
The food vendors served from their own tents for an and Ramen Burger served off the back of a pick-up truck
Video Candle Lighting
Greyson's sisters sang a song to him from Hamilton and there was a video candle lighting. Greyson's candle lighting was pre-recorded, which kept it moving much faster. They used the G2 bottles instead of candlesticks
Mitzvah Favors
T-shirts were given out that had his All- Star logo and hooded sweatshirts that said "Strive for GREYTness"
GREYT bags to hold all the swag
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Greyson’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Invitation/Branding/Kippot/Pillows/Cocktail Napkins: Mom Leslie Goldberg Out of the Box, 914-934-2323
Decor: Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Logo Design/Custom Party Favors: Suzanne at CorbinStyle, 914-834-6627
Music Entertainment: Milo, ESP Entertainment, 516- 484-8377
Venue: West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex, 845-623-3636
Photographer: Luciebelle Photography
Cocktail Party Catering: La Promenade Tenafly
Food Vendors: Ramen Burger, Takumi Taco, Dan & John’s Wings, Eddie’s Pizza, DOUGH, The Good Batch and Batter & Cream, People’s Pops
March 29th, 2017
Event Planner & Designer Mindi Shaevitz from Flower Power Designs recently worked with a family from New Jersey who wanted a fun and vibrant basketball theme to represent their daughter and her favorite sport.
Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, New Jersey became “Madison Skye Garden” for the night with a modern and feminine touches to bring this basketball theme to life!
Elena Mitchell Photography was the party photographer and Dina Bustin Photography shot pre-party photos of the room for Flower Power Designs.
Bat Mitzvah Party Decor
A boxed lamp shade over the chandelier was created to look like a jumbotron. It was filled with photos of the Bat Mitzvah girl, taken at a pre-party photo shoot with Elena Mitchell Photography
Madison's logo was designed by SWISH and was also used throughout the party
Blue orchids and a real basketball were used on the sculptural centerpieces and were a great design element
This celebration had a lounge feel with no set table seating for guests
Real basketballs were spray painted pewter, blinged with blue crystals and placed on the royal blue linens
Large over-sized pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl hung over the modern white quilted bar
Special Party Details
The family worked with Stationery Stephanie on the royal blue and orange invitation which set the tone for the party palette
Fitting perfectly with the theme, a basketball backboard was used as the sign-in
For her candle lighting ceremony, the display used vases filled with water & crystals with floating candles
The signature drink options cleverly incorporated Madison's first and last name
Bat Mitzvah Style
Madison's beautiful gown was from Party Girl
Her custom sneakers with bling and Bat Mitzvah date was from SWAK
The Dulman family looked great!
Lily's short blue dress was from Princess Charming
Bat Mitzvah Favors
Young guests received sweatshirts with Madison's logo inside
The outside of the sweatshirt
T-shirt giveaways
Mitzvah Video
Madison surprised her guests with a special performance after she made her entrance.
Watch Madison's special dance!
We thank Mindi Shaevitz of Flower Power Designs and the Dulman family for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor Design/Furniture/Sign-In/Candle Lighting Display: Mindi, Flower Power Designs, Party Photographer: Elena Mitchell Photography; Pre-Party Photography of Room: Dina Bustin Photography; Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club; Video: Seth Elgart, Professional Video, LLC.; Invitation: Stationery Stephanie, Logo Design: Swish, LLC; Madison’s Gown: Party Girl, Custom Bling Sneakers: SWAK; Younger sister Lily’s dress: Princess Charming
March 27th, 2017
The Gordon family from Allentown, Pennsylvania celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of daughter Amanda at Temple Beth El on November 12, 2016. There was a party in her honor at Steel Stacks, an event space in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The winter wonderland themed party was sophisticated and elegant with lots of special touches, even snow falling on the dance floor!
Pictured L-R: Mom Ellen, Sister Danielle, Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda and Dad Lance.
The photographer was Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service and Invitation
When it came time to choose the invitation, the family worked with Invitations of Distinction on the turquoise and silver border invitation
Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda, along with Mom Ellen and Sister Danielle, up on the bimah
Bat Mitzvah Style
Amanda in her beautiful sweetheart beaded ballgown
The Gordon family ready to celebrate Amanda's special night
A great shot of Danielle and Amanda with the iconic Steel Stacks in the background
Mitzvah Place Cards/Table Seating/Sign-In Board
The kids place card table area featured this snowy vignette so guests felt like they were walking into a winter wonderland. The table assignments were listed on a large seating chart
The sign-in board (on the right) with a snow topped mountain and skis left lots of room for guests to sign
The adult place card table display was sophisticated with lighting and draping
The adults had ski lift passes as place cards and the tables were named after popular ski destinations like Aspen, Breckenridge and Deer Valley
Mitzvah Decor
The cool and sparkling decor gave the distinct feel of winter
The blue up lighting added to the illusion of winter
The decor palette was white with clear “ice-like” chairs and elegant white tablescapes
Amanda posing on the dance floor with her inital "A" Gobo and snowflakes which were projected on the dance floor
Mitzvah Winter Wonderland
The indoor theatrical snow machine was a big hit!
"Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow"
Mitzvah Music
MC Todd Yahney of Todd Yahney Music Entertainment was in charge of keeping the dance floor packed and he did an amazing job!
Todd Yahney provided cool vertical foggers and white sky tubes
MC Todd Yahney and his dancers wearing custom logo'd t-shirts
The Bat Mitzvah girl being carried into the ballroom for her entrance
Mitzvah Interactive Fun
Amanda and her friends had fun with the Karaoke station during the cocktail hour
Todd Yahney's Famous TV Trivia Game
Mitzvah Toast and Candle Lighting
A Mitzvah family moment toasting the Bat Mitzvah girl
Amanda starting the candle lighting ceremony
Amanda surrounded by her friends for her candle lighting
Mitzvah Favors/Giveaways and Exit Treats
At the end of the night, the kids took home beanie hats and all the guests loved and enjoyed the extensive candy bar
Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment had an awesome air-brush station and Amanda's friends all wore their new shirts
All of the guests loved the extensive candy bar
Logo'd beanie hats were displayed beautifully and were given to Amanda's friends at the end of the evening
Advice From Mom Ellen
“Your planning should start very early. Being well organized is definitely the key to staying sane throughout the entire planning process. On the day of the event, make sure to look around and take it all in as it goes by in a flash. Have fun and enjoy every minute.”
Mitzvah Project
Amanda’s Mitzvah project was called “Pretty Our Playground.” She chose the project of beautifying the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA. I was very excited to spend my time in making this playground a special place for the current and future preschoolers at the JCC to play on and enjoy using. Amanda, along with friends and family, cleaned up, mulched, weeded, raked and created a toy wall for the JCC playground where Amanda went to preschool. She wanted to give back to a place that was so important to her.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Photographer/Music Entertainment/Air Brush T-shirts/Photo Station: Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment, 516-781-4700, 800-729-863
Locations/Venues: Steel Stacks, 610-297-7141
Event Planners/Decor/Beanie Hats: Stacey Kesselman, Exceptional Events Philadelphia, 610-290-3696
Invitations: Invitations of Distinction, 610-940-1100
Dresses for Amanda and Sister Danielle: G Lizzy by Gabrielle, 610-668-2801
March 23rd, 2017
Fatty Sundays colorful gourmet chocolate covered pretzels are completely custom and bursting with flavor.
The pretzels are made in Brooklyn, where they are dipped in chocolate and then coated with toppings such as toffee, sprinkles, roasted almonds, and toasted coconut, to name a few. The flavor combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy topping, and a classic pretzel delivers an unforgettable sweet and salty flavor.
Sisters Ali and Lauren Borowick are from Long Island. Their business was inspired by their Mom’s famous chocolate covered pretzels with rainbow sprinkles. They’ve reinvented and modernized everyone’s all time favorite sweet and salty treat. The entire family is involved in the business and they named their business based on their family tradition of kicking back, relaxing and indulging on Sundays.
Fatty Sundays offers some gluten free options and all products are certified Kosher (OU-D.)
So many flavors to choose from
Or customize your pretzels to match your theme or decor
A great Mitzvah favor, Exit treat or Out-of-towner's welcome gift
Customize the box and use as a Mitzvah Exit treat
Sisters Ali and Lauren, founders of Fatty Sundays
Design Your Own Pretzels
Step One: Pick Your Chocolate
Step Two: Pick Your Topping
Step Three: Design Your Packaging
To contact Fatty Sundays, call 646-762-2555.
March 20th, 2017
The Keyes family of Parkland, Florida celebrated their daughter Logan’s Bat Mitzvah on February 18, 2017 at The Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
The theme was Logan’s Enchanted Garden with an additional play off the family’s last name, Keyes. This fun and elegant party had gorgeous florals, butterflies hanging over the dance floor and a swinging entrance for the Bat Mitzvah girl, all adding to the feel that the party took place outdoors in a garden.
Pictured L-R: Mom Jaime, Bat Mitzvah girl Logan, Dad Zach and Brother Jack.
The photographer was Munoz Photography and the rest of the information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Invitation
Logan and Mom Jamie worked with Pioneer Announcements to create a unique invite that wowed everyone with the purple crocodile outside
And with a nod to the family last name, they included a key (Keyes) on the invitation
Mitzvah Decor
Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators and party planner Julie Cohen of It Events coordinated on incorporating the party theme throughout.
Nature was brought indoors with the beautiful decor. Guests entered the ballroom through this wrought iron gate
The place card table included hanging butterflies, moss, and beautiful florals that covered the base of the tree making quite a statement
Place cards included the key (Keyes) logo
A flower key was placed behind the bar. On the front of the bar were floral letters which spelled out Logan's initials
The adult side of the ballroom was festive with each table dressed with different colored linens and centerpieces
A cozy teen lounge with custom colorful pillows that popped
Close up of the garden-style centerpieces
Butterflies hung over the dance floor
Mitzvah Party Details
Keys and butterflies were found throughout the party
The candle lighting display was made out of real flowers and wood
Garden themed signage to direct the kids
Logan and her parents lighting the last candle
Logan was surprised at 11:30 pm by a cake with sparklers and huge confetti canyons for her actual 13th birthday, provided by Broken Sound Club
Logan's Adidas Superstars were custom made by Liz Waxer with her monogram and Bat Mitzvah date
Mitzvah Entrance and Music
Logan came in on a real swing made by Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators
Mitzvah Favors and Giveaways
Logan's favors wrapped and ready to be given out also included cutsom name tags
Julie Cohen of It Events created the quarter zip sweatshirt favors for Logan's friends and even included the key logo
T-shirts were passed out during the party with different sayings using Logan's initials LIK
Mitzvah Exit Treat
Guests received donuts made on the spot and could choose different toppings on their way out
Logan’s Mitzvah Project
Logan raised money for Cycle for Survival in honor of Carl Goldstein, an amazing man who died too soon from a rare form of cancer. The event event raised money to fund critical rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Advice from Mom Jaime
“Hire a party planner and florist that you absolutely trust, give them a framework for what you envision, and let them ‘run’ with it. Also, hire a DJ you know will keep the party running – I told ours I wanted guests on the floor all night, sweating, and that’s exactly what we got. Lastly, don’t forget to take it all in. Those 5 hours go by unbelievably quickly after a year and a half of planning”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Logan’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Broken Sound Club, 561-241-6800
Custom Invitation: Pioneer Announcements, 305-573-7000
Decor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators, 800-423-2622
Event Planners/Favors/T-shirts: Julie Cohen, It Events, 561-866-4019
Music Entertainment: Motiv8Events, 954-753-7500
Videographer: Timeline Video Productions, 954-571-5155
Montage: Cheryl Runsdorf, Montage 4 Mitzvahs, 561-716-2106
Mom Jaime and Bat Mitzvah girl Logan’s dresses: Mario Pucci Boca, 561-982-8382
Custom Adidas Superstars: Liz Waxer, 516-695-5966
March 16th, 2017
100 Layer Cake, a Website with inspiring ideas for special events, recently featured this beautiful Bat Mitzvah for a lucky girl named Amelia from Los Angeles, California.
This party was both laid-back and stylish. The venue, Lombardi House, a fully restored Victorian-style farmhouse in the heart of Hollywood, was decked out by L.A. party stylist Wilmarose Orlanes with lots of chic details.
The photographer was Caca Santoro.
Party Details
The tone was set with this custom invitation suite. We love the rendering of the venue on the RSVP and the iconic Santa Monica Pier ferris wheel on the envelope liner
Welcome signage made everyone feel at home
Long farm tables were set up on the lawn behind the venue for the reception
A California sunset-esque color palette for the paper and glassware
Guests were asked to write special messages to the Bat Mitzvah girl
Nice cozy lounge area
Market lights were strung for the evening festivities
Special Party Touches
A 1959 vintage VW photo booth bus parked on the grounds. It was a great part of the decor and fun for taking pictures too
An "Amelia" Temple in honor of the Bat Mitzvah girl
A custom neon sign hung over the dessert table full of cupcakes
Custom corn hole game
Photography: Caca Santoro, Planning & Design: Wilmarose Orlanes, Venue: Lombardi House, Catering: Urban Palate, Invitations, Graphics, & Paper Details: Underwood Letterpress, Flowers: Twig & Twine, Dessert Table Backdrop Production & Rentals: Modest Peach, Furniture Rentals: Found Rentals, Tabletop Rentals: Borrowed Blu, Rentals: Premiere Party Rents, Linens: La Tavola Linens, Photobus: Das Bus
March 13th, 2017
The Lokoff family celebrated the B’nai Mitzvah of daughter Taylor and son Jackson on November 26, 2016. The Havdalah service and party in their honor was held at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Taylor and Jackson easily agreed on the theme, “Keep Calm and Glow On” and included many glow-in-the-dark details in the party.
One of the many highlights of this amazing party was the sensational entrance video, which featured the Lokoff family’s version of James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, creating a celebration to remember!
Pictured L-R: Sister Lily, Mom Jodi, Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor, Dad Jamie and Bar Mitzvah boy Jackson.
The photographer was Lafayette Hill Studios and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Creative Mitzvah Entrance
The Lokoff family stayed outside of the party room for the first 15 minutes to prepare for their big entrance. The entrance video, similar to James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, was shot 3 weeks prior to the celebration with iPhones mounted to the car dashboard. They did a trial hair and makeup and wore the same party clothes to create the illusion that the video was “live.”
Watch the talented Lokoff family
here
Guests watching the video on the big screens in the ballroom thought the family was doing this carpool karaoke "live" and that they had left the party to drive around
B’nai Mitzvah Service
Taylor and Jackson are only 18 months apart and decided they wanted to celebrate with a B’nai Mitzvah. Since they are not twins, their synagogue would not allow them to share their service. Instead, the family found a wonderful tutor, Michelle Shefsky, who customized a Havdalah service that was led by both Taylor and Jackson.
Jackson and Taylor holding their customized prayer books
Carrying around the Torah for guests to touch with their prayer books
Mitzvah Style
The Lokoff family strutting their Mitzvah style looking great in this pre-party shot
Taylor and Jackson
B’nai Mitzvah Decor
Neon logos rotated on the video screens during the party
To enhance the "Keep Calm and Glow" theme, All Around Entertainment illuminated the room with black lights aimed on the dance floor and light up cubes around the room and in the teen lounge
Custom neon pillows were in the teen lounge with different "Keep Calm" sayings that represented Taylor and Jackson’s personalities
On the adult tables, there were simple and elegant orchid flowers with floating candles to compliment the glow feel
Glowing Party Details
Upon entering the ballroom, guests were greeted with signature drinks with LED light up ice cubes and butlered appetizers
There was a glow body and face paint artist so guests would glow on the dance floor
For the sign-in boards, Jackson had an LED wipe board and Taylor had a mirror board. Guests signed the boards with neon paint markers
Neon cotton candy was a bit hit
Mitzvah Entrance and Music Entertainment
Jackson made a glowing entrance with his custom made glow-in-the-dark LED trimmed suit jacket and LED light up shoes
Taylor made her entrance with her neon socks
MC RJ and the team from All Around Entertainment were awesome
Cake and Candle Lighting
The Sofitel Hotel created a fake cake with neon splash paint to be used for the candle lighting, which included 4 candles: Past, Present, Future and one for Good Luck
Taylor and Jackson surrounded by their friends
Mitzvah Favor
Since Taylor and Jackson are sporty, they wanted to give out Swell type neon water bottles
B’nai Mitzvah Project
Taylor and Jackson did their Mitzvah Project with Saved Me, a homeless animal adoption center. They volunteered their time walking and playing with the rescued dogs. They also posted pictures on social media to spread awareness and to encourage their friends and family to consider adoption. They completed 25 hours in total. And in return, they received lots of wags and licks of appreciation.
Jackson and Taylor with one of their furry friends
Advice from Mom Jodi:
“Try to enjoy every moment of it because the party goes by fast. We enjoyed having our event at the Sofitel Hotel because we were able to do the service and party all in one place. They provided a complimentary suite for us to get ready and stay overnight. We were able to send presents, cards, etc. up to our room during the event. Most of the real planning happened in the last few weeks so don’t get too stressed if you don’t have everything worked out months in advance. We didn’t finalize most of the details like the menu, head count, and the time table of how the event would flow with the DJ until 10 days prior. I hear that’s pretty standard since most companies have Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s every weekend and the caterers, DJs, photographers can’t plan too far out.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Taylor and Jackson’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer/Cake: Lisa DeLuca, The Sofitel, 215-569-8300
Music Entertainment: MC RJ and Jared Tangir, All Around Entertainment, 215-354-0124
Photographer/Videographer: Paul Csihas, Lafayette Hill Studios, 610-828-1142
Logo: Designed by family
Neon Water Bottle Favors: American Advertising Company, 215-447-7544
Glow Cotton Candy/Glow Face/Body Paint & Photo Booth: Bounce4U Inflatables, 877-757-0897
Invitation: Cindy McDonnell, Paper on Pine, 215-625-0100
Florist: Flowers by Mindy Rhodes, WhisperWind Studios, 610-563-8788
Sign-In boards: Jackson’s LED Wipe Board, Amazon.com/Taylor’s Mirror Board, HomeGoods
Dresses for Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor, Mom Jodi and Sister Lily: Gabrielle’s/Lizzy G, 610-668-2801
Dad Jamie’s suit: Boyd’s Philadelphia, 215-564-9000
Jackson’s suit: Macy’s/LED trim suit: Glow City, 877-562-4569
Jackson’s LED Shoes: Amazon.com
Hair/makeup: Blo/Out Blow Dry Bar, 215-305-8245
