October 5th, 2016
JA Special Events based in Colorado recently worked on a Bar Mitzvah for a boy who is a car enthusiast. The celebration took place at a very fitting venue! The Vehicle Vault in Boulder, Colorado. JA Special Events owner and event planner Jessica Adler really revved up the creative and design process for this one.
Start your engines and check this one out.
Faux license place cards with guests' name and a picture of the Bar Mitzvah boy
State abbreviation decoder to help guests find their tables
This Vehicle Vault had a fabulous collection of rare and exotic automobiles from all over the world, perfect for this theme!
License plates from different states were used as table names
Make your own Italian flavor soda bar right next to the Ferarri
Bar Mitzvah boy Sam making his entrance. Dancetrax kept the party going into the night
Delicious food and dessert were taken care of by Relish Catering
Sam had some nice wheels for the night!
The Cohen family celebrating Sam who did a great job leading the prayers in temple
We thank Jessica Adler of JA Special events and the Cohen family for sharing this special Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Planning and coordination: JA Special Events, Venue: Vehicle Vault; Photography:Caitlin Hamilton; Catering: Relish Catering; Music: Dancetrax
September 28th, 2016
Flour. Sugar. Love. a New York City-based baking company makes bite-sized desserts and specializes in bringing homemade delicious party desserts to your celebration. Friends Andrea and Corinne were told many times to “open a bakery” so they did!
These two moms specialize in delivering desserts for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations, dinner parties, birthday bashes and anything in between.
After PAR"TAY" Treats were the delicious snack at Taylor's Bat Mitzvah celebration
Everything arrives beautifully wrapped on a platter
Their signature brownie is in the shape of a heart
Having a college sports themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Here's the perfect exit treat
They can also bake many different types of pies. Here's a delicious pecan perfect for a Fall
For more information, visit Flour. Sugar. Love.
September 28th, 2016
Balloon Artistry, a full-service party decorating company, recently created the decor and party details for Laura’s Emoji Themed Bat Mitzvah at The Fountainhead, an event venue in New Rochelle, New York. It is one of the most fun and colorful rooms we’ve seen. From the custom logo backdrop to the Emoji balloon sculptures, the decor made a huge statement in the room. 🙂 😀
The photographer was Chad David Kraus Photography.
Decor and Logo
Multi-colored ceiling balloons with lights above the dance floor
Emoji themed place cards with yellow M&Ms
The place card table also held the gift card box and an adorable blow-up photo of the Bat Mitzvah girl
Custom logo'd backdrop signage
Emoji themed photo cube with 36 inch balloons and lights
Each centerpiece captured the Bat Mitzvah girl mimicking the emoji picture!
Party Details
Gift card box included pictures from Laura's photo shoot and the colorful logo
The candle lighting display, decorated with Laura's name in glitter and Emoji cutouts, was a big hit
Neon custom napkins with Laura's clever logo
We thank Shaina Fine and Balloon Artistry for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor/Party Details/Logo: Balloon Artistry; Photographer: Chad David Kraus Photography; Venue: The Fountainhead
September 24th, 2016
The Kaplan family from Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated daughter Lily’s Bat Mitzvah on November 28, 2015, at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, New Jersey. Later that evening, the party was held at the The Grove, an event space in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
Modern, elegant and fun was the way Lily wanted it, and there were many unexpected interactive entertainment surprises which completed this perfect night.
Pictured L-R: Dad Joel, Brothers Jake and Max, Mom Lori and in the center, Bat Mitzvah girl Lily,
The photographer was Elena Mitchell Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Style and Invitation
Bat Mitzvah girl Lily and Mom Lori got their gorgeous gowns from Seng Couture and Dad Joel and brothers Jake and Max got their suits from Lord and Taylor.
The Kaplan family ready to party!
High heeled silver Ash sneakers completed Lily's chic style
The beautiful invitation from Stationary Stephanie highlights Lily's name
Decor and Party Details
The ballroom was enhanced by exqusite lighting. The huge dance floor set the stage for an amazing dance party
A fabulous over-sized photo of Lily served as the backdrop
The elegant silver and white color palette
The alternating centerpieces of beautiful flower arrangements and oversized white ostrich feathers
A stunning entryway for the place card table
Table numbers all a glow
The teen lounge had a fun feel to the decor
Custom plush pillows in the teen lounge
The Lily Pulitzer-inspired logo
Mitzvah Entrance and Music Entertainment
Lily made a grand entrance
It's Horah time!
Guests had a fantastic time dancing the night away with Unique Musique Entertainment
Fun hat giveaways on the dance floor
Interactive Entertainment
Strolling performance artists took fun to the next level with high energy performances.
A human snow globe
"I see you!"
The lights were lowered and confetti came down from the ceiling. The guests loved it!
This violinist performed on a plexiglas violin - so cool!
Cake and Candle Lighting
Lily's cake
Lily surrounded by her family
All her friends were included as well
Mitzvah Project
Lily raised money and dog supplies for Home for Good Dog Rescue in Berkley Heights, New Jersey. This is where the family rescued one of their dogs Gizmo. The organization rescues dogs from Georgia and South Carolina and brings them to New Jersey to get adopted. They collected items and set up at a local pet store to collect donations.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Lily’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Locations/Venues: The Grove, 973-239-0270
Photography/Videography: Elena Mitchell Photography, 973-889-3615
Event Planners: Carrie Gold Events, 732-915-2143
Invitations – Calligraphy/Stamps: Stationery Stephanie, 973-376-551
DJs/Music/Band: Larry Gold, Unique Musique, 732-431-4082
Lily’s/Mom’s gown: Seng Couture, 908-322-8700
Lily’s sneakers: Ash, Alibaba.com
Dad and brother’s suits: Lord & Taylor
September 21st, 2016
Rubel Event Management owner and event planner Amy Rubel planned a Bar Mitzvah celebration for the Weber family of Maplewood, New Jersey. This family felt strongly about keeping their event local with a casual feel and few formalities and the Woodland in Maplewood, New Jersey was the perfect choice.
Mom and Dad felt they had taken care of the formal ceremonial observances on Friday night and Saturday morning and wanted Isaac to relax at the party. Most important to Bar Mitzvah boy Issac was his theme and of course with the last name of Weber, a barbecue party was perfect!
The photographer was Kristine Foley Photography. Pictured below: The Weber family
Event Planner Amy Rubel tells us, “Another thing I loved about working with this family, is that the Dad, Steve, was my point person. As we all know, it is usually the Mom who works with the planner, but it was so refreshing to have constant input from the Dad. Of course Mom was consulted and participated in all our meetings, but for day to day communication it was always working with Steve.” In addition, Laura Himmelein, Owner of Party Cake Party Cake, had the kind of vision and sensibility that would work perfectly for this style of event. Laura has also worked at the Woodland a number of times so this was also a key factor in wanting her to be on my team.”
Decor and Party Details
When guests entered The Woodland they felt like they were at a big country barbecue decorated as though they were walking into an old weathered barn strung with twinkling lights.
Guests were wowed by the venue transformation. The red and white check table cloths and lights strung together were the perfect combination
Red check tablecloths, and fresh field flowers along with string lighting
A 'barn' themed decor vignette as guests walked into the venue
The place cards were hung on a large screen door and included a BBQ grill on them
You can't get much more authentic than Dinosaur BBQ, who catered the event
Tin cans and mason jars turned into charming vases
Chalkboard menu lettering and signage by Claire McGee
A red wheelbarrow made a great cooler for beer and bottled drinks
This simple rustic look made everyday items extraordinary
Xplosive Entertainment had everyone on the dance floor
The perfect BBQ Mitzvah Exit Treat was S'mores with a note that read: "Take home some S'more fun for later"
We thank Amy Rubel and the Weber Family for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Amy Rubel, Rubel Event Management;Venue: The Woodland; Photographer: Kristine Foley Photography, Decor, favors and design: Laura Himmelein, Party Cake Party Cake; Photobooth: Amy Lewin, AirGraphics Entertainment Catering: Dinosaur BBQ; DJ and Games: Xplosive Entertainment; Custom Hand Lettering/Chalkboard Artist: Claire McGee, Hand Lettering
September 11th, 2016
We love for our readers to see great ideas from other families who have already been through the Bar Bat Mitzvah process.
We’ve rounded-up some very clever ways we’ve seen Mitzvah hosts “talk” to their guests. These messages and sayings are meant to make guests feel special and happy that their presence at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah was appreciated.
After seeing these Bar Bat Mitzvah ideas, we hope they will inspire you!
For their winter Bar Mitzvah celebration, the Wabnik family gave each family a delicious mini apple crumb pie with an adorable ‘goodbye’ sticker
As guests left the Lapidus celebration, a comfy pair of slippers were waiting along with a reminder to turn back the clocks!
The sticker on the slippers read:
We hope you had fun, but you’re probably beat,
Ladies take off your shoes and “slip” these on your feet.
The Sunday paper is for you to check out the news,
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back before you snooze!
Thanks for coming to share in all our joy,
With hugs and kisses from Carly, Evan, Sheri and Roy
The Maskell family provided these bags of ear plugs, with a poem attached. They were on the tables for any guest who needed them!
The poem read:
Wanna dance and hang out with the rest of the crowd?
Wanna have fun but the music’s too loud?
Open this bag – this is your chance:
Plug up your ears, then GET UP & DANCE!!!
The Laff family created a custom “thank you” note from their family to their guests at each place setting
At this ski lodge themed party, a custom printed “thank you” was at each place setting from the guest of honor
The Rofe family decided on an “Art Mitzvah” theme for their daughter Kara. The decor was Pop Art and they infused that into much of the decor. Pictured above: A message for their guests as they were leaving at the end of the night
When the Malamud family wanted to include the older sibling in brother Zach’s celebration, Hi-Tech Photography Events created a poster with a great saying: “Brett and Jenna Been there, Done that!”
Inspired by the Lapidus slipper idea above, the Shiff family put their own spin on this idea since the next day was Mother’s Day!
These napkins were served at the Weinstein Bat Mitzvah kiddush. It had the directions to the party venue where guests were headed!
Did you have a great saying at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
September 11th, 2016
The Satran family from Briarcliff Manor, New York, celebrated their daughter Hayley’s Bat Mitzvah on May 30, 2016, at Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor, New York. The party in her honor was at Life..The Place to Be, an event venue in Ardsley, New York.
Hayley’s favorite TV show is CBS’s Survivor, which is also a very fitting Bat Mitzvah theme as Hayley was born with a congenital heart disorder, so she is very much a survivor! There were lots of tribal touches and a Survivor contestant surprise for this island vibe celebration.
Pictured L-R: Sister Taylor, Dad Jon, Bat Mitzvah girl Hayley, Brother Daniel and Mom Merrie.
Todd Shapera Photography was hired to provide photography and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Invitation and Service
The family got the kippot from
David Kippot USA. We love the inscription #mazeltov!
The satin kippot
The Satran family worked with Andrea Kronethal of Small Fry Press on the tribal designed invitation
Hayley up at the bimah during her service
A great shot of the temple service from photographer Todd Shapera
Decor
The party took place at Life…The Place To Be. In-house planner, Clarissa, turned the family’s theme into a reality. The party colors were blue and neon green and the logo featured the words, “Out Play, Out Work, Out Party” with Hayley’s initials.
Hayley posed in front her "Survivor" themed logo created by Sue Smith of The Coolest Giveaways. The logo was used on the decor, cake and favors
The table themes featured favorite "Survivor" seasons
The large neon "Survivor" gobo was displayed on the wall
The LED bar customized with her logo
Balloons in party colors added to the fun
Hayley relaxed in this really cool light-up neon chair in the teen lounge
Food
In addition to the great food that the venue provided, there was also a food truck to help with the island feel.
Korilla Korean BBQ was a great treat during the cocktail hour
The themed food was a big hit!
Mitzvah Candle Lighting Surprise!
Hayley’s family surprised her at her candle lighting ceremony by inviting “Survivor” runner up, Stephen Fishbach, one of her favorite contestants, to light candle 14!
Hayley with Stephen Fishbach of "Survivor" Fame lighting Candle 14
All the guests loved seeing the surprise, including Mom Merrie who planned it!
Hayley's candle lighting display
Music Entertainment
Travesties Entertainment provided the music entertainment.
Hayley made her entrance holding a torch just like in the show!
Lots of great music and fun on the dance floor
Some "Survivor" competition
Favors/Cake/Dessert
The adult guests received very cool tribal flip-flops for under $1.00 a pair! and Hayley's friends got tribal socks
Custom favor towels from The Coolest Giveaways
Life...The Place to Be designed the cake featuring her logo
Guests also enjoyed a candy bar
Jimmy's Soft Serve was a great treat for guests to enjoy at the end of the party
Mitzvah Project
Hayley was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart disorder. She decided to lead a team for the Westchester Heart Walk to raise money and spread awareness of congenital heart disorders. She also modeled in the Fashion Show for Westchester Medical Center’s Girls Night Out. She was the youngest model and planned out her Mitzvah Project and completed it, before the family booked her Bat Mitzvah venue!
Hayley (on the far right) and her team of family and friends raised over $7,000 dollars!
Hayley on the catwalk modeling
Mom to Mom Advice from Mom Merrie
“Keep it all about the child. It wasn’t my party, but Hayley’s party. I wanted it to reflect her. My guests who knew her loved that and were able to enjoy the party more because of it.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Hayley’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Congregation Sons of Israel, 914-762-2700
Photography/Videography: Todd Shapera Photography, 914-631-8353
Music Entertainment: Travesties Entertainment, 914-592-2121
Kippot: DavidKippot USA Inc, 917-683-5879
Event Planner/Venue: Clarissa, Life…The Place to Be, 914-591-4400
Invitation: Andrea, Small Fry Press, 914-747-6668
Korean Food Truck: Korilla BBQ, 646-823-9423
Ice Cream Truck: Jimmy’s Soft Serve, 914-909-2417
Adult Flip-Flop Favor: Dollar Days
Logo Design/Favor towels: The Coolest Giveaways, 516-466-5728
Hayley’s Dress: The Best Dressed Of Westchester, 914-723-2244
September 7th, 2016
Not all Bar Bat Mitzvah children are required to complete a Mitzvah Project, but many do.
As many parents know, finding a Mitzvah Project that your child is passionate about can be challenging. We are happy to share a great list of Mitzvah Project ideas from A To Z from Areyvut.
Areyvut’s mission is to infuse the lives of Jewish youth and teenagers with innovative programs with the core Jewish values of chesed (kindness), tzedakah (charity), and tikkun olam (social action). We thank Daniel Rothner and Areyvut for sharing these wonderful Mitzvah Project ideas with our readers.
AMIT enables Israel’s youth to realize their potential and strengthens Israeli society by educating and nurturing children from diverse backgrounds within a framework of academic excellence, religious values and Zionist ideals. Areyvut has worked with AMIT’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah program to offer Bnai Mitzvah celebrants the opportunity to bond with an AMIT child in Israel who is also preparing for his or her Bar/Bat mitzvah celebration and provides underprivileged children in Israel with the memories of a lifetime.
Areyvut helped a Bar Mitzvah celebrant facilitate a Bowl-a-Thon Bar Mitzvah project called “Bowl Over Hunger,” which benefited Table to Table, a food rescue network of Israel. More than 40 kids attended the Bowl-a-Thon and, together, they raised more than $700 to help feed families in Israel.
Children’s Aid and Family Services’ Center in New Jersey was the recipient of twins Shoshi and Emma who decorated mini-hope chests for girls who are in the process of being adopted but are currently living in a group house. The Bnot Mitzvah and their friends decorated and personalized boxes so that the girls would have something to keep their memories in once they are adopted.
DOROT is a partnership of volunteers, professionals and seniors dedicated to enhancing the lives of the elderly. DOROT enables older people to maintain their independence and live with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. Volunteer opportunities include visiting an elderly person in person or on the phone, making gifts for homebound elders, becoming a pen pal to a home bound elder or collecting household items for elders in need.
Eva’s Village is a non-profit comprehensive social service organization located in Paterson, NJ. Their mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and provide medical care to those in need. Eva’s kitchen provides weekly volunteer opportunities for children ages 15 and above. Other opportunities for the youth to get involved include sharing art work in their Youth Art Gallery and coordinating donation drives to raise awareness and collected needed items.
The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of Jewish and social experiences. Areyvut has sent groups of Mitzvah Clowns to interact with children of the Friendship Circle and have also participated in many walks that raised money for the organization.
Giving2Gether is an initiative to create inter-generational and developmentally appropriate Jewish education programming for families with children ages five years and younger. Giving2Gether provides an opportunity for schools, synagogues, community centers and families to benefit from a new, innovative and collaborative model of inter-generational engagement. Participants of the program are exposed to new models of family engagement and have rich opportunities to deepen their connection to Judaism and Jewish friends. Topic covered in the program include visiting the sick, welcoming guests, charity, human dignity, honoring parents, and ethical treatment of animals.
At the 2015 New Jersey Jewish Film Festival, Areyvut sponsored Havana Curveball, a film that explores the rocky journey of Mica, a Bar Mitzvah-aged boy as he works on his Mitzvah Project – providing baseball equipment to poor children in Cuba. Following the film, Areyvut facilitated a panel discussion that included a hands-on teen workshop to help participants come up with a value to address for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project.
Areyvut facilitates community Israel fairs in order to raise awareness of Israeli organizations and volunteer opportunities that unite and educate our communities. Responding to the needs of people affected by Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Areyvut facilitated an Israel Chesed Fair to support businesses located in the most affected communities in Southern Israel. Areyvut worked with Tal Tours to bring 30 vendors to America, found home hospitality for those who needed it and arranged the seven locations where the fairs were held. This fair drew 2,000 attendees and vendors’ sales were $70,000.
The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services has a century long tradition of helping families and children – a tradition that began with its commitment to poor Jewish families and immigrants. Areyvut’s volunteer work with The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services includes helping children with homework, organizing recreational activities and doing arts and crafts with families.
A Kindness a Day offers calendar and email daily suggestions on how to make the world a better place. The purpose of the calendar is to give each reader a practical suggestion on how to incorporate the values of chesed, tzedakah and tikkun olam into his/her daily life. Each day of the week contains a kindness that corresponds to a traditional Jewish text. To sign up for Areyvut’s A Kindness a Day emails, click here!
Leket Israel, Israel’s largest national food bank and rescue network, works to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity and eradicate hunger in Israel, providing food and nutritional support to 140,000 Israelis each week. Leket has presented at Areyvut’s chesed fairs numerous times and offers many hands-on volunteer opportunities including Project Leket: Gleaning the Land.
Areyvut’s Mitzvah Clowning program has taken the area by storm. Each new clown is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for bikkur cholim (visiting the sick), elderly and those with special needs. Mitzvah Clowns also learn how to apply clown make-up, create balloon animals and initiate conversation with others who may be different from them. To date, Areyvut has trained over 500 Mitzvah Clowns.
Areyvut’s National Mitzvah Day is an opportunity to get children, teenagers and adults involved in community service activities. With activities taking place from coast to coast, there is something for everyone to get involved with! National Mitzvah Day, which is partnered with Good Deeds Day, is the perfect opportunity to actively make a difference and give to your community through a variety of service projects.
OneFamily Fund was created in response to the ongoing tragedies caused by terrorism affecting families and children in Israel. One Family provides emergency and long-term support for physical and emotional health, education, housing and other needs of survivors and their families. Areyvut has worked with One Family Fund at its Chesed Fairs and has introduced Bnai Mitzvah celebrants to the organization’s mission.
Jewish Teen Philanthropy is one of Areyvut’s most important programs. This unique program brings Jewish teens together for the purpose of learning about charitable giving and philanthropy, resulting in the group’s allocation of funds to organizations in need. This program is a wonderful way for students to gain leadership skills, work on their team building and come together as one cohesive unit.
The Queens Jewish Community Council serves the needs of the people of Queens with kindness, compassion and understanding. The QJCC provides social services, cultural programming and educational forums for senior, immigrant and low-income communities living in Queens. QJCC is one of the organizations listed on Areyvut’s Bnai Mitzvah database and offers several volunteer suggestions. For example, food pantry volunteers pack food into individual packages to go out to those in need and office volunteers help put together mailings that reach over 3,000 people a month to let them know about social services, community events, concerts and lectures sponsored by the QJCC.
Red Nose Day is an international campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh. To celebrate, Areyvut organized three Mitzvah Clowning programs, educated 500 students at a local school about the importance of kindness and gave out 3,000 red noses to the local community.
The Shabbos Project brought Jews together, not only for the observance of Shabbat, but also ina group Challah baking session, chesed programming and a large-scale end of Shabbat program. Whether people kept Shabbat every week or have never observed before, all were welcome to unite at the Shabbos Project.
The Tikkun Olam Tour is a day of service that gives kids, teenagers and adults the opportunity to experience a few different types of volunteering over the course of one day. The goal of this program is to expose participants to various community needs, communal agencies and volunteer experiences, with the hope that they will feel passionately about one specific cause and volunteer in the future. Through the Tikkun Olam Tour, Areyvut partners and develops its relationships with local agencies and organizations to offer families and friends the opportunity to volunteer together and serve the community.
Areyvut organized a Unity Day to honor Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frankel who lost their lives on June 3rd, 2014, Event are planned to educate the community about ways to get involved in volunteer opportunities while offering children and adults a space to work together on various hands-on chesed projects. By bringing together 12 Israeli not-for-profit agencies, Areyvut was able to create a sense of unity within the community.
The Agahozo Shalom Youth Village is just one of the many organizations that has presented at Areyvut’s Bnai Mitzvah Chesed Fairs. ASVY aims to create a safe and structured community for orphaned children in Rwanda. It is a place where these traumatized youth can “dry their tears” (Agahozo) and “live in peace” (Shalom). Areyvut has worked with Bnai Mitzvah celebrants to donate pillow cases, crafts and games to the Youth Village.
Short Ribs and Chilli and Lamb, oh my! Areyvut partnered with The Wandering Que to host a fundraiser event in their own backyard. Community members were invited to enjoy a full day of Texas Smokehouse BBQ. Proceeds from the event went to support Areyvut’s new and ongoing programming.
Areyvut participated in the Kesher Olam Expo at Temple Emanu-El in Closter, NJ. The expo highlighted Mitzvah project opportunities for pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and their parents. Areyvut met with parents and students to teach how they can get involved in a variety of hands on projects. Programs highlighted at the expo include Mitzvah Clowning, Tikkun Olam Tour and Bnai Mitzvah Consultations.
For Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Areyvut organized and implemented a Tzedakah challenge for the Middle School students at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. The program engaged more than 300 students in an interactive educational program learning about Israeli needs and non profits.
ZAKA is an Israeli voluntary humanitarian organization with nearly 1,000 volunteers that responds to emergency situations throughout the country, providing immediate first aid and rescue to victims of disaster. Bnai Mitzvah celebrants have the opportunity to help raise funds for the organization, through fund raisers, school drives or simply by asking family and friends to donate to ZAKA instead of buying a present.
To get more ideas, read our past Mitzvah Project Profiles. To find other organizations who offer Mitzvah Projects, click here.
September 7th, 2016
iSparkle Events owner and event designer Ali Weitzman recently worked on a very special Bat Mitzvah for a girl named Lily. With a name like Lily, flowers come to mind. This celebration was filled with amazing paper flowers along with impressive party branding and details that wowed!
Photography by Amy Rabb of Image Link Photo. The venue was Woodmont Count Club in Rockville, Maryland.
Invitation/Logo/Color Palette
The color palette was turquoise and pink. There were also great tag lines including ILY (I love You), a take off of Lily’s name, and Bae (Lily’s actual middle name) aka Before Anyone Else.
The beautiful color palette used in the decor was first seen on the invitation
One of two logos used for this celebration
The other logo
Decor
In honor of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name, Lily, the party decor, food and details included flowers. The family and iSparkle Events worked with local artist, Heather Grimstead of Especially Paper, on their vision to incorporate paper flowers. The result was a room that was stunning!
The Greenleigh family in front of the beautiful entrance to the room decorated in paper flowers along the border of the draped curtains
The teen area looked great with white acrylic tables and stools - with pops of turquoise
Sleek white ottomans and lounge furniture in the teen area
Flowers everywhere
Paper flowers added a feminine touch that really made the dance floor stand out
Special Touches
iSparkle Events did all the party branding and details.
These custom hair ties were perfect when it was time to pull your hair up!
ILY (I Love You) a play on Lily's name was used throughout the party
Bae, her middle name, but for the party stood for: Before Anyone Else
Food signage with cut-out flowers attached
A great added touch to top the grilled cheese
Mitzvah Exit Treat
Custom wrapped cotton candy
White modern cubbies went great with the rest of the decor and held the custom favor bags
We thank Ali Weistzman of iSparkle Events and the Greenleigh family for sharing this special Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planning/Logos/Favors/Party Details/Sprinkle Bar: Ali Weitzman, iSparkleEvents; Paper Flower Artist: Especially Paper; Decor/Custom Fabrication: Fox Ventures; Venue: Woodmont Country Club; DJ & Photobooth: NYX Entertainment; Photography: ImageLink; Invitations: InvitingLee
September 4th, 2016
The Fliegler family of East Hills, New York, celebrated daughter Emme’s Bat Mitzvah on October 10, 2015, at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York. The next day there was an evening party in her honor at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York. The E! Live from the Pink Carpet “Emme” Awards theme was perfect for this Bat Mitzvah girl.
Pictured L-R: Mom Allison, Bat Mitzvah girl Emme, Brother Matthew and Dad Brett.
The photographer was Stephen Andrews Studios and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Style
The family was Pink Carpet ready for their special night
Emme was picture perfect in her beaded tulle gown
Emme recited her prayers beautifully during her service
Mitzvah Decor/Sign-In/Party Details
The family worked with Dazzle By Debbie on the pink and gold lucite custom invitation. The RSVP wording and back of the envelope hinted at the theme
A "correspondent" from "E! Live from the Pink Carpet" was on hand to interview guests as they walked into the party
The clever place cards and table were designed by PBG Miller Immersive Events. It included a mini Pink Carpet and a mini Step-N-Repeat with Lucite chairs holding each place card
The "paparazzi" took pictures of guests as they arrived in front of the custom Step-N-Repeat. The Fliegler family were ready for their special night
Emme's family was all smiles
PBG Miller Immersive Environments also created four different centerpieces alternating in the room including life-size gold mannequins dressed in tulle and sequin dresses
Beautiful crystal-filled vases with gold branches
A gold sphere with different shades of pink roses - a la the Emmy Awards
Backlit movie posters with the "13th Annual Emme Awards" logo
A custom menu with Emme's logo was at each place setting
The sign-in door from Emme's bedroom was decorated with decals. It is now back in her bedroom with all the well-wishes
Emme with one of her custom pillows
Mitzvah Entrance/Music and Moments
Before Emme made her entrance, there was a music video playing on the huge screen of Emme singing “Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield. Halfway through the song, Emme came out to finish it live!
Emme came out singing on the shoulder of MC Heat from More than Music
Some of Emme's guests got in on the Go Pro action
Lots of energy on the dance floor!
Emme having a blast on the dance risers with the More Than Music dancers
Some fun giveaways
Candle Lighting and Cake
The “Emme Awards” candle lighting ceremony included different nominee categories. Each winner (guest) lit the candle and received an “Emme” award statue.
The beautiful cake and Emme statuettes
The ceremony was divided into categories and had TV nominees along side the actual group coming up for the candle lighting
And the winners of the Best Family goes to ....The Fliegler Family!
Emme with all her friends with the "Friends" cast on screen behind them
Mitzvah Exit Treat/Favors
Guests received delicious cupcakes and Emme’s friends got swag bags filled with sweatshirt favors. Comfy slippers for the moms too!
Yummy...Kombert Catering created a cupcake bakery display filled with a variety of delicious cupcakes for guests to enjoy on their way home
Out of the Box Creations designed the logos used on both the girls and boys sweatshirts and swag bags
The boys' sweatshirt and swag bag
Slippers for all the moms were given as they left the party
Mitzvah Project
Emme loves to sing so for her Mitzvah project, she sang at the assisted living home where her great grandmother, Lena Stein, had lived and passed away just before Emme was born. Lena also had a beautiful voice, so this was Emme’s tribute to her 13 years later.
Advice from Mom Allison
“Start early and stay organized. Do your montage as early as possible (preferably while kids are at camp!). Be prepared for last minute items that come out of the wood work– most of the vendors are too busy with parties before yours to focus on you until the last minute. Invoke the help of your family (picking montage pictures and songs, building spreadsheets for the various lists you have, etc). Expect to break your budget, but be level-headed about what you choose– everything adds up quickly! Sit back and look around at your party– all of your hard work and effort has paid off — enjoy every minute of it!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Emme’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 Beth Sholom, 516-621-2288
Venue/Caterer: Temple Avodah/Kombart Caterers, 516-678-6161
Photography/Videography/Step-N-Repeat: Stephen Andrews Studios, 516-780-9100
Catering/Cupcake Concession Stand: Kombert Caterers Inc, 516-678-6161
Sweatshirt logos: Out of the Box Creations, 917-518-9389
Sweatshirt Execution: Embroidery Designs, 845-724-3986
Invitations – Calligraphy/Stamps: Dazzle by Debbie 917-721-9170
DJs/Music/Band: More than Music, 516-662-69400
Event Planners/Decor/Favors: PBG Miller Immersive Environments, 516-358-0800
Emme’s service dress: All Dressed Up 914-690-1593
Emme’s party dress: Fetch (no longer in business)
Mom Allison’s gown: Filly’s, 516-739-9090
Dad Brett’s suit: Suit Supply, 212-259 0400
Brother Matthew’s outfit: Nordstrom
