March 9th, 2017
RKN Designs and Events specializes in inspiration and branding. Owner Cindy Gerber has over 20 years of experience both designing and merchandising apparel and luxury event design.
For this Bat Mitzvah celebration, Cindy pulled inspiration from the guest of honor’s love of art incorporating the iconic pop art style of artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein creating a masterpiece celebration.
Ira Rosen Photography was the photographer. The venue was The Sewane Club in Hewlett Harbor, New York.
Entrance/Place Cards/Sign-In
The family posing in front of the venue which was wrapped with Warhol style portraits of the Bat Mitzvah girl
Guests found their seats on the Pantone paint chip place cards
The acrylic sign-in box, which can be used after the celebration as a night stand table, had squares in the same material which guests used to write special messages
Bat Mitzvah Decor
The entire ballroom was eye catching including the hip teen lounge
Iconic images with pop art elements including the Bat Mitzvah girl's initials were a fun addition to the lounge area
The dance floor featured a huge painters palette decal
Cindy collaborated with Stefan's Flowers on the fabulous place settings and flower arrangements. We love the pink custom shot glasses for the adults and coloring place mats!
There were two different versions of custom pillows. One included the Bat Mitzvah girl in Warhol's signature portrait style
The other, a take on the famous Warhol lips illustration
Chic Serving Ideas
Personalized trays with the Bat Mitzvah girl's picture
What a chic way to serve!
Live pop art strolling tables to serve the guests dessert
Bat Mitzvah Exit Treats
Paint cans filled with candy were displayed beautifully
The amazing colorful cupcakes looked great and were yummy
Custom branding continued on the Starbuck like coffee cups
Bat Mitzvah Favors
The family let their guests know it was daylight savings time by giving them frames that tell time. Bat Mitzvah girl Julie's art work was inside each one!
The favors included comfy grey hoodie sweatshirts with the tag line, "Art is anything you can get away with." There were also colorful-shirt giveaways and tote bags to hold all the swag!
To-go cups with the tagline in an array of colors
We thank RKN Designs and Events for sharing this amazing Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event planner/Branding/Favors: Cindy Gerber RKN Designs and Events; Decor: Stefans Event Decor , Photographer: Ira Rosen Studio; Venue: The Sewane Club
March 6th, 2017
We read about a great Bar Mitzvah project and organization in the Jewish News of Arizona and wanted to share.
Jacob Cohen of Las Vegas, Nevada is looking forward to his Bar Mitzvah on March 11, 2017 at Temple Chai. He has started working on his Bar Mitzvah Project which will benefit The Crayon Initiative. This organization takes unwanted crayons, remanufactures them, and provides them to hospitals that care for children,
Pictured left: Jacob with some of the crayon collections that he will donate to The Crayon Initiative.
Describe your Bar Mitzvah project:
JC: The Crayon Initiative organizes crayon collections that take unwanted crayons, re-manufactures them and provides them to hospitals that care for children. Hospital arts’ programs provide in-hospital entertainment and learning programs. The wax from crayons is not biodegradable and will never break down, leaving a waxy sludge in our landfills for centuries to come, according to the program’s Website, thecrayoninitiative.org. The Crayon Initiative supports environmental efforts by diverting crayons from the landfills, collecting unwanted crayons from restaurants, schools, as well as other locations, and recycling them into new ones. Annually, over 500,000 pounds of broken crayons are discarded in landfills throughout the country.
What inspired you to do this project?
JC: I love art! Coloring, drawing, painting. When we first saw the Crayon Initiative on a TV news show, my whole family got excited. My mom has always bought crayons for us and we had bins and bins of them. I thought it would be a great idea to collect them and have them reused for kids that are in the hospital.
Why did you choose to work with this organization?
JC: I like that they recycled a product that we all love and is giving children the chance to love them as I do.
When did you start the project and how long will it last?
JC: I have been thinking about it since I was 12. I received the collection boxes, made signs and had my mom post on her Facebook page. I am getting ready to send in three boxes of crayons that I have collected so far. This is really never ending! We have friends in New York and Florida that are also donating and hope to always get the word out. People can send in their crayons right to the foundation.
Describe the work you’ve had to do to complete the project:
JC: I contacted the organization and they were really happy to send me the donation boxes. Then through social media (Facebook), we asked for donations at Temple Chai in Phoenix as well as in Las Vegas. There was arranging for the collection boxes, preparing and printing up a flier to have next to the collection so people would understand the program. Then broadcasting it on social media and collections. Now I will be boxing them up and shipping them off!
How do you hope your project will affect the people it’s designed to benefit?
JC: Happiness! Everyone is happy when they can color. The recycled melted crayons go to children in hospitals. They need something to make them smile!
Will you continue to be involved with the project, even after your Bar Mitzvah?
JC: Yes! I would love to visit the organization someday and see how it all works up close.
What have you learned from the project?
JC: Something as simple as a crayon, that we all have laying around, can be made into something so special. We used to toss broken and old crayons away – we won’t do that anymore for sure.
To read more about the Crayon Initiative, click here.
March 6th, 2017
The Silverman family from Roslyn, New York celebrated their daughter Abigail’s Bat Mitzvah on December 31, 2016 with a Havdalah service and New Year’s Eve party at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York.
The “Abby” New Year theme was a big hit with so many special touches, including an entrance video a la ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest and a live feed from Times Square for the all important countdown, making this one memorable Bat Mitzvah at Midnight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Carin, Bat Mitzvah girl Abby, Brother Jacob and Dad Josh.
The photographer was White Light Photography & Video and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Style
Abby looked stunning in her gown which had pretty sequins throughout
The Silverman family looked ready to party in Abby's honor and to celebrate New Year's Eve
Abby had her sneakers blinged out by Kouture Kicks
Mitzvah Room Decor
The ballroom looked sophisticated and festive
The adult side of the ballroom had amazing centerpieces and shimmering table linens with gold Chiavari chairs
Abby's monogram was displayed on the video screens around the room
Adult centerpieces with a beautiful mix of orchids, roses and hydrangeas
The white furniture in the teen lounge area was modern and chic with LED custom cocktail tables and pillows
Fun chic lounge seating
Pictures of Abby taken from her photo shoot were placed near the ballroom doors
A custom banner hung outside the ballroom
Special Party Details
Abby's New Year's Eve themed step-n-repeat
Pretty flowers in the ladies room were a nice touch
The family worked with Aha Printing on the Bat Mitzvah invitation
There were custom hair bands
Photofetti with Abby's picture could be found on the tables adding a personal touch to the decor
The marshmallows for the Bimah were from Treat House
Custom Welcome Gifts
For the New Year’s Eve themed Bat Mitzvah out of town guests received a welcome letter, personalized water bottle, a Hershey Bar and a "Coming Soon" candy bar with brother Jacob's future Bar Mitzvah date. Read more about this celebration
here
There were additional goodies to snack on as well
Happy New Year Bat Mitzvah Videos & Music Entertainment
White Light Photography produced two fun videos. One was her “entrance” video and the other was shown just before midnight.
For Abby's entrance, a clever video promoting ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve was played right before she entered the ballroom. Watch
here
Abby's entrance after her video played
Abby's brother Jacob made his entrance to the Monday Night Football Song
A beautiful father daughter dance made more special as Dad Josh sang "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon to Abby as they danced
Todd Barrie Entertainment arranged for and coordinated the evening's music with "live" band Gotham. MC's Kevin and Deano were awesome
The Gotham Band played live as the clock struck 12
Just before midnight, this video was played for guests. Watch
here
Bat Mitzvah girl Abby in the center of the dance floor at midnight
As the clock struck midnight, everyone was in the mood to party
Interactive Fun & Games
Coco Events provided fun games and Revolution Eyes 360 provided a virtual reality game that guests all loved!
Speed of Light was a a big hit
Guests loved Basketball Mitzvah Madness
Mitzvah Food/Dessert
Gala Event and Food Artistry provided the amazing food. Here is Abby's initial logo AHS made from the sushi
Sparkling desserts kicked off New Year's
These chocolate boxes were visually beautiful and delicious
Monogrammed yummy cupcakes
The cake featured Abby's monogram and an "A" topper
Mitzvah Exit Treat
Abby New Year cups for Hot Chocolate To Go
There was a fun candy buffet
Logo'd water bottles, credit card wallets and mints were waiting for guests as they left the party
Mitzvah Favors
Gotham T-shirts created the various logos and great party favors. They turned around favors very quickly and accommodated the family’s requests.
Each sweatshirt had the guest's last name on the sleeve
The back of the sweatshirt had a New Year's themed logo
The sweatpants featured Abby's initials
A different logo was used on the credit card wallet giveaway
Personalized power chargers were given to the adults
Mitzvah Project
Abby helped to raise money by collecting and sending out birthday gifts to over 300 children in a Long Island program called the Lend a Hand Project (LAHP). This organization supports people living below the poverty line on Long Island by providing them with both goods and funds throughout the year. The birthday fund at the LAHP was started in memory of Abby’s grandfather and she helped package and mail small birthday gifts to the children in the program throughout the year.
Advice from Mom Carin
“Having a Bat Mitzvah on a vacation week or weekend has positives and negatives. My daughter was upset that some of the kids were away, however we discussed our choice of date prior to booking it with close friends and family to get their ‘buy in.’ I recommend doing this because we knew that everyone who came wanted to be there with us. We also provided the dance floor giveaways to all of the kids (e.g. Hats and shirts). This way the kids were motivated, but not excluded. We feel very lucky that we were able to work with such a wonderful group – all the vendors were people that cared about our satisfaction and happiness. Special thanks to all of the people who helped to put together an amazing Bat Mitzvah.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Abby’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer/Candy Buffet: Temple Beth Torah/Gayle and Russ, Gala Events, 631-920-6776
Favors/Step-N-Repeat design: Howie, Gotham T-Shirts, 516-676-0900
Photographer/Entrance and Midnight Videos: Mike, White Light Photography & Video, 516-933-3399
Logo Design: Howie, Gotham T-Shirts and friend Wayne Steck
Games: Coco Events, 631-274-4929
Virtual Reality Game: Todd Stark, Revolution Eyes 360, 516-827-9090
Decor/Flowers: Danae, Stefan’s Florist, 516-239-2402
Invitations/Kippot: Aha Corp, 516-487-1830
Music Entertainment DJ/Live Band, Gotham: Todd Barrie Entertainment, 516-625-4700
Interactive Games/Cubbies: Coco Events, 631-274-4929
Montage: Deb Rangell, 917-796-8234
Bimah Candy: Treat House, 212-799-7779
Mom Carin and Abby’s party dresses: It’s Simply For You (Out of Business)
Dad Custom Tuxedo:La Rukico, 212-753-7848
Brother Jacob’s Tuxedo: Calvin Klein from Amazon Prime
Abby’s custom sneakers: Kouture Kicks, 516-313-7335
Makeup Artist: Melinda Erxleben, 917-816-2478
March 1st, 2017
Michelle Farber and her amazing team at M. Studio Events are well-known for their creative parties and event branding. Recently they planned and executed an unforgettable Great Gatsby themed Bat Mitzvah for the Yormack family at Oheka Castle in West Hills, New York. This sophisticated celebration evoked the splendor of the roaring twenties, but still kept it modern and chic. Michelle used the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initials of “S.B.Y.” and created The Great @SBY.
The photographer was the Ira Rosen Studio.
Mitzvah Family Style
Posing outside the gorgeous grounds of Oheka Castle, Bat MItzvah girl Stephanie looked beautiful in her ballgown from Runway Couture
Stephanie taking it all in, her gown just as beautiful from the back
The Yormack family struck a pose on the beautiful custom dance floor
Stephanie in Gatsby Style
The Venue Decor
The dramatic grand entrance was lit up in a hot pink hue with votive candles and featured the party logo
When guests entered the grand ballroom, they were greeted by the custom dance floor logo
There was a mix of tables and hot pink lounge seating off the dance floor
The party color palette was pink and gold which was reflected in table centerpiece arrangements
A special moment captured during the father daughter dance
Perfect Party Details
The art deco invitation was a lenticular, giving an illusion of depth. It had movement like a hologram
A special candle lighting featured a lucite heart. Candle lighting honorees each filled the heart with chocolate kisses
Mom Bonnie in the center with some of the fun party giveaways and props added to the Gatsby theme
Custom menu in a distinctive art deco font
"A Little Party Never Killed Nobody," recorded by Fergie for the soundtrack to the 2013 film adaption of "The Great Gatsby"
Custom wrapped favors for each guest
Custom logo'd coffee cups looked great!
Custom napkins
Entrance Video
Watch this “dreamy” entrance video here
Mitzvah Swag
We thank Michelle Farber and the Yormack family for sharing this amazing Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planning/Branding: Michelle Farber, M. Studio Events; Photography: The Ira Rosen Studio; Decor: SBK Event Design; Venue: Oheka Castle; Entertainment: Tom Kaufman Productions; Lighting: Frost Productions; Invitation: Wow Creations; Bat Mitzvah girl’s gown, Runway Couture; Entrance Video and Montage: Thaler FIlms
February 27th, 2017
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah celebration took place during a fun-filled weekend in September 2016 at her favorite place, Indian Head Camp in Equinunk, Pennsylvania. Her service took place separately at B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey. S’mores was the theme with S’more Games, S’more Party and S’more Fun!
Pictured L-R: Dad John, Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Brother Michael, Sister Danielle and Mom Carrie.
The photographer was Brian Delia and the rest of the information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Save The Date & Unique Bat Mitzvah Invitation
This family used AniMails as their Bat Mitzvah invitation. These cute collectible animals, made from a rubber like material can be written-on and mailed as is! The AniMails directed guests to a webpage designed by Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns
The family sent PostaGrams as their Save-the-Date 6 months earlier via postcards using a logo designed by Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com
Sydney surrounded by the AniMail invitations before they were sent
Special Party Details
The logo was also created by Amy Wohl of Fabu Designs and used throughout the weekend
Indian Head Camp created an agenda booklet with S'more info
Custom signage welcoming guests to "Sydney's S'more Camp" Bat Mitzvah weekend
Guests were asked to write special messages to Sydney on these rocks
How clever, the kayak held the soft drinks. On the counter were yummy home made s'mores trail mix for guests to snack on
"S'more cheese and crackers"
Mitzvah Music
EK Productions provided the music entertainment with MC Benny.
Sydney made her entrance with the help of EK Production dancers
The kids had fun with MC Benny
MC Benny and the entire EK Productions crew played great music and had everyone on the dance floor
EK Productions provided the lounge decor
Fireworks and Candle Lighting
The evening ended with fireworks, a campfire and a movie
Sydney's name lit up on the lake
Sydney with her parents during the outdoor candle lighting service by the lake
Favors
Grey hoodie sweatshirts with Sydney's logo in pink were given out to friends
Guests arrived to bunks that were ready for the weekend
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Sydney decided to focus her attention on Seniors in the area who were in need of food support, specifically during Rosh Hashanah. In collaboration with Jewish Family Services Metro West, Sydney chose to organize and deliver Rosh Hashanah holiday packages to the residents of the Jewish Federation Plaza in West Orange, New Jersey.
Guests received this card upon arrival explaining Sydney's project and the different ways they could contribute
With the help of her friends and family, Sydney (pictured here with her family) raised over $1,400. This allowed people to enjoy many traditional Jewish foods for the holiday
Mom-to-Mom Advice from Carrie
“We found the process of planning a weekend Bat Mitzvah exciting and challenging. There are so many small details. We gave ourselves plenty of time to plan the event. We found it fun to include the entire family in the process. As a team, we brainstormed, organized and partied. It made the event quite memorable.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Signage/Agenda Pamplet: Indian Head Camp, 914-345-2155
Music Entertainment/MC/Lounge Decor: MC Benny, EK Productions, 718-982-6000
Photographer/Videographer: Brian Delia Photography, 808-445-5292
Logo/Website: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Favors: Rachelle Schuster, Captiv8 Promotions, 212-473-2440
Invitation/Postagram Save-the-Dates: Bee Bee Designs, 973-535-0602
Sign-In Memory Rocks: Handmade by the family
Bat Mitzvah girl’s/sister’s dresses: Princess Charming, 973-325-1419
February 13th, 2017
Nicole Lopez Menendez is an origami artist who specializes in beautiful, custom made origami paper flowers. Nicole who lives in New York currently has her beautiful creations being shown in the Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza, Spain.
Paper flowers are now a big trend in the event industry and a great way to add unique elements to your Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah party decor.
The benefits of using paper flowers are they last forever, are available in multiple colors, are cost effective and there is no particular season, so you can have the type of flower you want in any season!
There are many ways to incorporate these into your decor elements by using them on the place card display table, as centerpieces, as a backdrop for a photo booth or a simple addition to a Bar Bat Mitzvah cake.
Here are just a few of her designs:
All pieces are made out of hand colored paper making the flowers look more realistic and the color won’t fade. This Rose box would make a great centerpiece
This would be great as a photo booth backdrop
Beautiful hydrangeas... and Nicole makes the vase too!
Star of David cake topper
This napkin ring can be reused either for gifting a wine bottle or to put on a vase as a special added touch
Please visit Nicole’s Website or email her at info@nlmorigamipassion.com.
February 13th, 2017
The Hargrove family of New Hyde Park, New York, celebrated their daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah with a Havdallah service on November 19, 2016, at Temple Torah in Little Neck, New York. There was a party immediately following in Sydney’s honor at Two Events @ K-Pacho, an event space in New Hyde Park, New York.
Sydney is an actress and loves performing so she was ready to take center stage with her Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah. Her family is also very creative and much of the decor elements were designed and created by them.
Pictured L-R: Dad Craig, Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Brother Logan and Mom Shari.
The photographer was Ashley Anderson Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation/Service Program Basket/Candy Bags
Broadway-themed invitations that Dad Craig designed were a big hit. Guests detached the RSVP which was in the form of an ACRONYM spelling out Sydney's name
The service programs were Playbill-inspired
The kippot basket was tied with personalized ribbon - what a nice touch!
Mom Shari created pretty candy bags and cute signage, directing guests when to throw candy onto the Bimah after Sydney recited her Haftorah
Mitzvah Decor
As guests arrived, they picked up their place cards which led them to their respective table assignments. Each table featured one of Sydney's favorite shows
The sign-in board was made by Grandma Helene spelling out "Mazel Tov" using pictures of shows that Sydney has appeared in
The "Hamilton" centerpiece
Here's "Cinderella"
A fan favorite, "Grease"
Mitzvah Party Details
Sydney's name in lights
A perfect photo op!
Photo signage made by Grandma Helene
Block letters spelling out Sydney's name with her pink candle lighting display
Sydney surrounded by her friends
Mitzvah Style
The Hargrove family looked ready to party
Sydney looking every bit the star in her beautiful Bat Mitzvah dress from Estelle's Dressy Dresses
Mitzvah Music & Montage
Sydney making her star worthy big entrance
Followed by Dad Craig, Brother Logan and Mom Shari
It's Horah time!
Sydney's guests watching the montage while enjoying some candy
Picture perfect shot of Sydney with her friends on the dance floor
Mitzvah Special Moments
Father daughter dance
Sydney's Grandfather sharing her special day
Favors/Dessert
Favor bags, t-shirts and water bottles were given out to Sydney's guests as favors
There was a great candy buffet for everyone to enjoy at the end of the evening. Sydney's Grandma Helene made the sign
Mom and Grandma had fun buying and arranging all the candy
Some Advice from Mom Shari
“Enjoy the night. it goes so fast. Make sure to eat. I didn’t and regret it since my guests told me how great ALL the food was. Take a moment to look around the room and take everything in. Have fun!”
Mitzvah Project
Since Sydney is an actress and loves performing, her Hebrew teacher came up with the wonderful idea to allow her to use her love of acting as well as her talent to bring joy to people. She will be performing for the senior residents at the Atria Assisted Living facility in Great Neck. She will also be helping out at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Two Events at K Pacho, 516-358-2222
Invitation/Service ProgramLogo/Favors Design: Dad Craig Hargrove
Centerpieces: Michelle Gluck Designs
Sign-In Board/Photo Booth Props/Candy Signage: Grandma Helene Beides
Photographer: Ashley Anderson Photography, 646-361-8539
Videographer: Cottage Video, 516-270-4548
Favors Produced by:: The Business Gift Company 973-376-2270
Sydney’s Party dress: Estelle’s Dressy Dresses, 631-420-0890
Mom Shari’s dress: Nordstom
Dad Craig/Brother Logan’s suits: Macy’s
February 8th, 2017
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
Mitzvah Mom Jodi recently celebrated her daughter Gabbie and son Charlie’s B’nai Mitzvah and wanted to share a great idea with our readers.
A Bench for Two
Mom Jodi bought a conversation bench built for two that was used for the Horah on Wayfair.com
This was a great way for the twins to enjoy the Horah together!
Do you have a great Mom Find that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
See past Mom Finds here
February 6th, 2017
Bar Mitzvahs & Bat Mitzvahs are always a special day for any young adult and their family.
When your plans include more than one child, (whether siblings, cousins or friends), it will be extra special because they celebrate together.
Here’s how other “multiples” have celebrated:
DECOR
For these siblings' celebration
Party Harty created photo cube centerpieces with crystals and a variety of pictures
Their party logo, which featured the first initial from each of their names, looked great on the place card table by
Balloon Artistry
INVITATIONS
The
Ryder and Ohel families celebrated their daughters’ B’nai Mitzvah together. The theme was clear once guests received their hand delivered invitation, including hot chocolate and a mug!
Sophie & Bennett celebrated their B'nai Mitzvah at
Space and worked with Petite Paperie on their unique invitation. Each guest received a bottle of apple cider with a custom label and invitation attached
LOGOS
SIGN-IN
When Joshua & Jordyn celebrated their
B'nai Mitzvah with a cooking theme, they used chef coats for their sign-in boards
FAVORS
Gotham T-shirts created this logo for twins celebrating their B'nai Mitzvah
Did you celebrate with more than one? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
February 6th, 2017
The Gary family celebrated their son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on September 17, 2016, with a service at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, New Jersey, followed by an afternoon party at Pure, an event space in South Amboy, New Jersey.
Their older son Spencer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with A Night Of Champions theme. For Alex’s party, they came up with a surprise for their guests.
In a unique twist, guests were not told the party location, it wasn’t even printed on the invitation. The element of a surprise destination gave people something to talk about for months prior to the celebration and then beyond once the big reveal was made as guests arrived via private transportation after the service. The family wanted the party to reflect Alex, keeping the emphasis on enjoying life’s journey while also making this celebration one to remember.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, Dad Aaron, Mom Rachel and Brother Spencer.
The photographer was Brad Photographers & Video Inc., and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bar Mitzvah Invitation and Service
The family worked with Merri Kurzner of Letter Perfect on the invitation which kept the venue a secret only writing "Club Alex" as the destination!
Alex all smiles up at the Bimah
His proud family joining him
Mitzvah Party Bus
Immediately following the service, luxury coach buses were waiting at the temple to take guests to the surprise venue
For the adults, the party started as soon as they got on the bus as each adult received a gift bag on their seat with some beverages and snacks in a custom gift bag
A family friend, whose son shares the same birthday as the Bar Mitzvah boy, made a group toast to start the celebration
Mazel Tov Alex!
Alex's grandfather also made a toast to friends and family
Mitzvah Party Details
Extraordinary Productions designed the place cards and decor creating a sophisticated club atmosphere
Alex's picture along with his logo (created by his Aunt Vanessa) was projected on the wall
The sign-in book, designed by Mom Rachel on Shutterfly.com, incorporated pictures of Alex at different ages
Mitzvah Entrance and Music
Alex was introduced to his guests with "champagne fireworks" carried by two of the Pure Event Group dancers
Now it was time for Alex to enter his celebration! He drove a golf cart with MC Gregg sitting on top!
Alex got the crowd going as he welcomed everyone to “My House” by Flo Rida. Watch
here
Alex had a great time at the party
Alex had the crowd on their feet!
The dancers wore custom t-shirts
Mitzvah Moments
The candle lighting display was floating votive candles and Alex's logo
The selfie photo booth was a great addition for photo fun!
Bar Mitzvah Favors
Boys received basketball shorts while girls received Soffe shorts (both with the event logo) as favors
Water bottles with custom labels
Delicious cookies to enjoy on the ride home
Mitzvah Project
As sports have played such an integral role in Alex’s family he wanted to make sure others always have the same opportunities. For the past three years, Alex has volunteered for Special Olympics New Jersey as part of his Bar Mitzvah project. He welcomed 3,500 athletes at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and educated fans about the USA Games and the importance of making sports inclusive for all. In March 2016, Alex organized a bake sale that contributed to a $6,300 donation to Special Olympics New Jersey’s annual Snow Bowl. He even incorporated Special Olympics into his invitation by using the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Forever stamp on his response card to bring greater attention to the cause and raise additional funds that directly benefit athletes of all abilities.
Alex joined by some friends at a bake sale which raised funds for the Special Olympics New Jersey's Snow Bowl
Here is Alex back in 2014 when he started to raise funds for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games by handing out information at a WWE event
Advice from Mom Rachel
“For this second go-around, I found it to be much more stressful, but realized it was the undue pressure I was placing upon myself to make this one unique that caused the added anxiety. In hindsight, I wish I had enjoyed “the journey” more and did not work so hard to match our previous celebration. I also should have listened to my husband and not worried so much about what others were thinking for deviating from the expected with not letting people know of the destination.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Alex’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, 973-376-0539
Centerpieces/Placecards/Candle Lighting: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions: 973-467-1637
Photographer/Videographer/Entrance Video: Brad Photographers & Video & Good Night Productions; 973-696-8763
Party Venue/Caterer: Pure Event Space, 732-952-2628
Party Planner: Parents, Rachel & Aaron Gary
MC/Music Entertainment/Photo Booth: MC Gregg Mistrella, Pure Event Group, 732-952-2628
Invitation: Merri Kurzner, Letter Perfect, 973-467-4541
Logo Creation: Alex’s aunt, Vanessa Gary
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Favors: Tom Varga, MetroGraphics Printing, 800-932-6045
Mom Rachel’s dress: Seng Couture, 908-322-8700
Dad Aaron’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Bar Mitvah boy Alex and Brother Spencer’s service suits: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Party Shirts: Robert Graham, Bloomingdales
Hair Ana/Makeup: Olivia from Details Salon & Spa, 973-379-1770
Transportation: Coach USA
