May 26th, 2016
Alexa Cohn from Plainview, New York, is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah on June 11, 2016, at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York. She just had a very successful Mitzvah Project at Family Bagel in Plainview, New York, where she raised over $600 with her own lemonade stand and collected teddy bear donations for Hugs Across America.
Hugsacrossamerica.com is a nondenominational, not-for-profit charitable organization providing teddy bears, curricular materials, and messages of care to lessen the fear and anxiety experienced by children in crisis. “Hugs” has created a national network of regional response centers, or chapters, throughout the country and was started as a way to help children as a direct and intuitive response to the World Trade Center disaster.
We spoke to Alexa to learn more:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AC: I am fundraising for Hugs Across America. This organization provides teddy bears to first responders, hospitals and kids in crisis. The teddy bears also go to kids with cancer, kids who have lost a parent and kids in foster care. I sold lemonade and collected teddy bears at Family Bagels in Plainview, New York. The money raised will go to purchasing and tagging new teddy bears. My goal is to buy as many bears as possible to support this organization.
Alexa and her friends working for a great cause
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
AC: The day I was born, my brother Ryan gave me a pig stuffed animal. Till this day, I sleep with it and always find comfort with “Piggy” and having a stuffed animal to cuddle is so helpful when I am sad or lonely. When I read about Hugs Across America, I knew I wanted this to be my Bat Mitzvah Project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AC: Doing a Mitzvah Project means that I’m giving back. I feel I have such a fortunate life and I wish that everyone could feel that way. When I’m sad I always have something to hold or something to cheer me up, and I feel like every child should be able to have someone/something to turn to when they are sad or just need something to comfort them. I hope these bears that go to children in hospitals, children in foster care, or survive difficult times, will make them feel a little better, having a new friend to hold.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
AC: I had a lemonade on Sunday, May 29th at Family Bagels in Plainview, New York. I will be collecting donations or new bears sizes 9-14 inches.
MM: Does it involve a donation?
AC: It can involve donating money and I will buy the bears or a new bear can be donated as long as it is 9-14 inches.
MM: How are you doing to spreading the word?
AC: Through Plainview Moms website, my mom’s Facebook, my Instagram, my brother’s Instagram, flyers at my temple and Mitzvah Market!
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AC: I will be collecting donations till June 26, 2016.
We thank Alexa and the Cohn family for sharing this great Project with our readers. If you would like your Mitzvah Project to benefit Hugs Across America or more information, please contact Sue Lucrelli, at hugsacrossamerica@yahoo.com.
May 25th, 2016
The Celebration Society recently featured a great dual themed B’nai Mitzvah from Isabel Bryan of Best Event Ever. This creative event planner made sure the twins, Ben and Sydney, each had their interests showcased. The dual theme of ‘dance and play’ in a pink and blue color palette was cleverly executed.
The venue was at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Georgia, and the photographer was Robin Nathan Photography.
Custom design invitation suite
Pink and blue table assignments
To accentuate the theme, half the room was pink and the other was blue
The cocktail napkins captured the theme and color scheme perfectly
Each table centerpiece had pictures of Ben playing baseball or Sydney dancing
Life-sized cutouts suspended from the ceiling
Close-up of the silhouettes hanging from the ceiling
Pink and Blue uplighting added to the fun
We thank The Celebration Society for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
Venue: The Foundry at Puritan Mill; Photography: Robin Nathan Photography; Event planner: Isabel Bryan, Best Event Ever; Decor: Bold American Design; Invitation: Simply Put Paper; Paper decor: Event Prints; Catering: Dennis Dean Catering; Linens: Cover Up Linens
May 22nd, 2016
The Turnof family from Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated daughter’s Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah service on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Temple Beth‑El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, New Jersey. After services, there was a party in her honor at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Kayla has a strong love of the ocean which worked perfectly with her logo, Kayla’s Caribbean Cove.
Pictured: L-R: Dad Aaron, Brother Cole, Bat Mitzvah girl Kayla, Brother Chase and Mom Stacy.
Photography by Gina was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation and Service
Guests received a “message in a bottle” invitation assembled by Danielle Gorman of Magnolia West Events.
Kayla's brand stamp was featured as the "K" in the starfish on top of the invitation. The glass bottle was filled with sand and seashells and delivered in a beautiful box with aged parchment in colors of sand and turquoise
Kayla looked beautiful in her tallit in shades of blue
Beautiful kippot from David Kippot
Beautiful handmade ladies' head coverings in white lace with turquoise rhinestones
Mitzvah Style
The Turnof family looked great in a palette of blue/green tones and pink accents
Kayla looked beautiful in an emerald green dress. Her brothers wore pink Vineyard Vines fish ties and flashing LED sneakers in colors to coordinate with the party decor
Kayla in her royal blue service dress
Mitzvah Decor and Details
Danielle Gorman of Magnolia West Events created an underwater paradise and worked closely with Mom Stacy and Dad Aaron on every detail.
As her sign-in board, guests were asked to place a "message in a bottle" on parchment paper in a oversized glass bottle
Dad Aaron created a handmade treasure chest where guests could drop cards in for Kayla
The place card table was covered with antique fish netting (bought in Maine) and beautiful hydrangea and sea shells
For
Kayla Turnof's Bat Mitzvah, guests found their starfish place cards in an antique box filled with sand. The starfish used were not real as it was important to the family not to deplete the ocean of real starfish
The kids' area looked like an underwater scene with beautiful greenery hanging off the tresses
Tables were named after Caribbean Islands and chairs were covered in turquoise spandex to make the room come to life under the sea!
A lounge area created from pallets were painted turquoise with custom logo pillows as accents
The adult tables had large glass vases filled with a live beta fish surrounded by coral and candles and topped off with a beautiful rose and hydrangea centerpiece. Custom menus were tucked into napkins
Mitzvah Entrance, Cake and Candle Lighting
Todd Yahney of Todd Yahney Music & Entertainment was the DJ and provided great music, a beautiful montage and lots of interactive fun including a photo booth.
Kayla Turnof made her grand entrance on a custom surfboard on wheels designed by her Dad
Kayla up in the chair for the horah
A blue four-tiered cake with edible pearls and sea shells from Conca D'Oro was delicious and added to the room decor
The candle lighting table included fishbowls accented with glassware, sea glass, sea shells and star fish
The family was all smiles during the beautiful ocean themed candle lighting
Mitzvah Favors and Dessert
In addition to the airbrushed custom beanies provided during the party, the kids also received large boogie boards complete with Kayla’s brand stamp. Guests also received a bag of salt water taffy, (flavors such as key lime pie and coconut), as well as bottles of water with her custom logo on them.
Salt water taffy, yum!
Boogie board favors
100 pounds of candy were displayed in large glass fish bowls and guests used real fish nets to get the candy
Kayla’s Mitzvah Project
Kayla participated with her family in Beach Sweeps in association with the Ocean Conservancy where she cleaned up the beach in Belmar, New Jersey. She also ran several days of lemonade sales at her grandparents’ beach house also in Belmar where she raised over $500 for the Ocean Conservancy. Kayla has a strong love for keeping the ocean clean and keeps a large salt water tank in her room where she has various fish and sea horses.
Kayla cleaning the beach in Belmar, New Jersey
Her family pitching in
Some Mom to Mom advice from Stacy
“Planning ahead is absolutely essential. As soon as we got our daughter’s date, we searched for our place. Lots of spreadsheets and note taking make this a fun and pain free process. By the last month, almost everything was done except for a few minor issues. My husband was extremely active in the process which made the planning much easier for me. Pinterest was a great resource for getting ideas – create a board and share it with your family and party planner.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Clubhouse at Galloping Hill, 201-321-0518
Photography: Photography by Gina, 908-668-0464
Videography: Gerry Condez Photography, 908-578-3685
Event Planner/Decor/Invitation: Danielle Gorman, Magnolia West Events, 201-579-0542
Music Entertainment/Montage/Photobooth: Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment, 800-729-8633
Extra Entertainment/Favors: TopGun Air Brush, 718-819-1094
Cake: Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop, 908-964-1234
Kippot: DavidKippotUSA, 917-683 5879
Kayla’s service and party dresses: CW Designs at Gotham City Clothing, 973-467-9797
Mom Stacy’s service and party dress: Kay Unger and Jovani from Neiman Marcus
Dad Aaron’s suit: Hong Kong Grand Custom Clothing, 702-491-9122
Brother’s party clothing: Sam’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Tallit: World of Judaica, 800-818-8394
May 22nd, 2016
Cubbies and lockers are the perfect place for young guests to place their giveaways, shoes and other items during your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
In addition to their practicality, they add to the decor too. Cubbies can be stacked, custom made and labeled with your guests’ name.
Here are some examples:
Painted lockers for a Bar Mitzvah celebration from Party Artistry
Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company
Dazzling Parties created this urban inspired basketball theme with rustic looking lockers
The Event Of A Lifetime always recommends cubbies for the kids if the celebration has a lounge area. Although they have done several different types of cubbies; wood, plastic, wire, cloth hanging, this video shows the latest in cubbies! They can be set to light up the color of your party or they can change colors
Watch here
Illuminated cubbies from Entertainment Tonite keeps favors organized and can match any color theme
PBG Miller Immersive Environments created a wall of cubbies that held customized computer bags for an iMax theme
Personalized cubbies at Carlyle at the Palace also held gift bags at the end of the night
EK Productions set up these black cubbies right outside the ballroom
These are illuminated cubbies that Hal Prince Entertainment set up at a Bar Mitzvah where the young guests stored their custom goody bags, airbrushed hats and dance floor giveaways
Jimmy Dee Entertainment has several styles to choose from like these on poles which lift the cubbies off the floor
Balloon Artistry used lounge cubbies with LED lighting and custom logo signs
VIP Luna Rentals can illuminate cubbies for an amazing decor element
Custom signage directed the kids to their personalized cubbies for a camp themed Bat Mitzvah from Amazing Celebrations
Creative Occasions placed handsome “Cubbies” off to the side of the ballroom
Did you use cubbies & lockers in a creative way at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Share the photo with us and be featured in our next story! Email us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 15th, 2016
After your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, there is one more thing you need them to do and it isn’t always easy!
Saying “thank you” is basic etiquette, and will be greatly appreciated by your guests, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
Families have found different ways of saying “thanks” and we are bringing you a variety of ideas.
Enjoy….thanks!
We recently featured The Segelman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight where Bat Mitzvah girl Alana spray-mounted photos to the inside of a thank you card so each guest received a photo of themselves from the celebration!
Many families are now having “live” event painters. The Lapidus Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight featured a fold-over card using an image of the finished painting done at their celebration
Sara Renee Events created a thank you card that was at each guest’s place setting
Fabu Designs created this Bat Mitzvah girl’s thank you card from a great action shot taken during the party
The Rofe Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight featured this pop art themed thank you card
Spencer used a pre-printed card and just had to sign his name!
Thankster.com helps make it easier to write and send off thank you notes. Your child’s handwriting can be used for the print and each message can be easily personalized for every recipient
We found a great idea on Aish.com. Before she even received her gifts, the Bat Mitzvah girl wrote a thank you note to each of her guests. The note wasn’t about the presents, it was an expression of what each particular attendee means to her. It was a few paragraphs describing the role this family played in her life, reliving some shared experiences and memories and expressing gratitude for enhancing her life
Did your child have a creative “thank you” note? Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 11th, 2016
iSparkleEvents created a preppy chic B’nai Mitzvah for sisters, Paige and Sloane, who live in the Washington, DC area. The inspiration… custom Scout tote and handbags. Ali Weitzman of iSparkleEvents partnered with Scout by Bungalow bags which come in bright colors and patterns. She incorporated the print into the decor, details and even the lighting design. The venue was Bethesda Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, and the photographer was Bradley Images.
Look below to see the making of this B’nai Mitzvah theme!
THE INSPIRATION
The inspiration started with this Scout by Bungalow "Diane Rose" ikat pattern tote
Pantone colors, navy and two shades of pink, were used for the preppy color palette
Scout by Bungalow's "Walk the Vine" pattern was also incorporated into the decor
THE B’NAI MITZVAH CELEBRATION DETAILS
Drinks were served at this navy fabric flanked bar with white and pink stools in front
Behind the bar was modern shelving backed with the pink fabric making a great decor statement
Pink and navy straws along with navy logo'd cocktail napkins with the girls' logo and "Cheers"
A modern lounge area set up for the young guests
The table linen looked great
The custom Scout fabric was used on pillows
The centerpieces incorporated shades of pink
Beautiful whimsical centerpieces
Their photo booth included the party colors. There were pink and navy tassels on the back drop which featured the ikat pattern
THE LOGO AND FAVORS
One version of the logo incorporating the initials of both girls
Another version was used on various signage
The logo shown here on a custom drink sign
Cute custom labels on the candy bar
Additional logo'd signage
Scout favor bags with pretty hang tags featured the girls' photo on one side from this preppy Bat Mitzvah
The logo'd shirt favors
We thank Ali Weitzman of iSparkleEvents for sharing this wonderful B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planning/Logos/Favors/Event Extras: iSparkleEvents; Custom Material & Favor Bags: Scout Bags; Decor & Custom Fabrication: Edge; Venue: Bethesda Country Club; Music Entertainment: Glyde Productions; Photography: Bradley Images; Invitation: Sarah Schwartz; Donuts: Krispy Kream; Nailed It: NYX Entertainment; Photo Booth: DC Photobooth; Flash Tattoos: Washington Talent; Runway & Lighting: Talk of the Town
May 11th, 2016
If you have been trying to find the perfect way to show off your child’s personality the RSVP card may be the perfect way to do it!
With a little creativity, you can turn a great Bar Bat Mitzvah invite into the most talked about part of the event.
And just an FYI, according to Peggy Post, great-granddaughter of manners maven Emily, it is absolutely ok for you to reach out to people to request they send in their RSVP cards once the date has passed!
This vintage sports-themed reply card from Low Schmaltz turned each element of a classic event ticket into the RSVP info
Out of the Box NY included two RSVP cards for guests to choose from
From Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends, this Basketball themed RSVP scores big time
Rsvp-to-me created a Mad Lib inspired RSVP card with a sentence that required guests to fill-in the blank, “When the invitation arrived we (past tense verb) and (exclamation phrase!)”
Becca Goldberg of Suite Paperie offers a colorful splatter paint RSVP perfect for an art-themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah
TheCoolestGiveaways.com features a great lacrosse design that is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s Mitzvah and the sport
Little Black Dress Paperie created the perfect RSVP using the girl’s name and keeping with her “sweet” theme
Your guests can RSVP via text message with their mobile phone inspired response card which coordinates with their iMitzvah invitation suite from BarMitzvahCards.net
The Invitation Lady incorporated the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name into the RSVP
Elegantly Stated used the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials for a very creative RSVP making it more personal
Paper Works and Events created a modern 2 color letterpress RSVP on 1 side, solid mat board on the other, and an orange foil stamped address on a blue envelope
On this glow-inspired RSVP from Alexandra Bisono, there is a space for a hand written note below each response
Did you have a great RSVP card for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation? Please share it with us at: info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 8th, 2016
The Shapiro family of Plainview, New York, celebrated son Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah over two days. On Saturday, February 6, 2016, his service was held at Temple Shalom in Woodbury, New York, followed by a luncheon at Cirella’s Restaurant in Melville, New York. Then on Sunday, February 7, 2016, there was an afternoon celebration at the Omni Diner in Uniondale, New York.
Stefen is an avid football fan and it was no coincidence that his Sunday celebration fell on Super Bowl Sunday! The party ended by 4:00pm, just in time for guests to enjoy the the second most important event of the day.
Pictured L-R: Sister Jaidyn, Mom Heather, Bar Mitzvah boy Stefen and Dad Scott.
The photographer was Howard Gorchov and the rest of the vendor information is listed a the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
The family worked with Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice on the custom invitation.
Along with the monogrammed football, guests received an invitation to the service and a game ticket featuring party information
Super Bowl Style
The attire was “Jerseys, Jeans and Jewels.” Incorporating their love of the Dallas Cowboys, Bar Mitzvah boy Stefen wore a Dallas “13” Jersey. Dad Scott wore a Troy Aikman throwback jersey, Mom Heather redesigned a Dallas Cowboys jersey with spaghetti straps and bling around the collar and Sister Jaidyn had her Dallas Cowboys’ jersey custom designed into a one shoulder dress.
Mitzvah Decor
Simon Elliot Events created the logo, over-sized photos and graphic displays.
Guests entered The Omni Dinner and saw SJS Stadium signage
Football Fashion: Stefen sported a custom name and number “Throwback” Jersey Dallas Cowboy Jersey for the cocktail hour, and then changed into a current Dallas Cowboy jersey with the number 13. Both jerseys were worn with Lucky Brand Jeans, and Nike Lebron “What if” Dallas Cowboy sneakers
Custom pillows with the logo
Geo Events created the centerpieces
Stefen's party logo became a giant decal on the dance floor
Mitzvah Music and Extra Entertainment
The music was provided by Geo Events with MC Nore. Simon Elliot Events provided interactive entertainment and the sign-in board which doubled as a box pool to create Stefen’s Super Bowl Sunday. During the party, MC Nore pulled random numbers at different intervals at the party based on the sign-in board. They created their own winning combinations.
The Geo dancers, in custom football jerseys, escorted the star player
MC Nore and the team of GEO Events kept all the guests having fun on the dance floor
Everyone loved the confetti storm
An amazing sign-in board by Simon Elliot Events that also served as a box pool for the Super Bowl game
The winners were announced during the party. They won Kindle Fires and NFL jerseys
Guests checked out the prizes available for the box pool
Guests checking out the designs available for the Power Banks by Simon Elliot Events
Football Frenzy from Simon Elliot Events was a big hit
Guests enjoyed the Selfie Booth. What a great picture of Stefen!
Cake and Candle Lighting
Stefen's cake was baked by Francesca's bakery
Stefen surrounded by all his friends
Mitzvah Favors and Exit Treats
Hyman and Harry created the custom logo'd footballs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, beanies and bucket hats for the Shapiro's guests
What's Your Flavor supplied the custom to-go boxes which included: water, custom popcorn, potato chips and pretzels
What's Your Flavor also created custom candy tins with Stefen's logo and football pictures
It was a big hit!
The Fatheads, used for decor and for Step N Repeat photos, were given to Stefen's friends at the end of the night!
Mitzvah Project
We featured Stefen and friend Mikey Espinosa’s joint Mitzvah Project a few months ago. Since both are video game and football fanatics, they organized a flag football event last October 18, 2015, in Plainview, New York. The clever name of their project was the M.E.S.S.(for the boys’ initials) Flag Football Warrior Bowl. The organizations that benefited from their project are: Wounded Warriors, Rangers Lead the Way; and Building Homes for Heroes.
Pictured L-R: Stefen Shapiro and Mikey Espinosa
Mom to Mom Advice from Heather
“Have fun with the party! Let the experts you are hiring guide you…they know what works best. Stay organized and stress free – this should be an exciting and fun!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue/Caterer/Party Security: Chistoper Leo, Carlyle at the Omni, 516-227-2600
Party Planner/Signage/Sign-In/Graphics/Entertainment: Simon Elliot Events 516-586-6822
Music Entertainment/MC/Centerpieces: GEO Events, MC Nore, 212-572-8323
Photographer/Videographer: Howard Gorchov, 917-653-5044
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Favors/Pillows: Hyman and Harry, 516-433-1340
Candy/Mitzvah Exit Boxes and Snacks: Kim Khazzam, What’s Your Flavor, 516-659-7567
Cake: Francesco’s Bakery, 516-931-6821
Stefen’s jersey/Dad Scott’s Jersey: Purchased at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Mom Heather/Sister Jaidyn: NFL Shop.com, Executed and blinged by Robin at Designs On You, 631-473-6363
Makeup: Vanessa Soda, All Dolled Up, 516-776-2947
Hair: ID Salon, 516-692-6400
May 4th, 2016
Jodi Raphael Events from Newton, Massachusetts, designed and planned all of the events for a Bat Mitzvah girl who wanted her celebration to be in her backyard. It was both playful and sophisticated and the perfect place to entertain guests. The Bat Mitzvah girl is a fun-loving young woman who likes color, pattern and roller coasters! The gorgeous linens were chosen with her favorite colors in mind.
The photography was done by Person + Killian Photography.
Family and friends gathered in a draped section of the tent that held the beautiful, traditional service
After the service, guests enjoyed the cocktail hour outside
High top tables with beautiful yellow linens decorated the pool patio
Inside the tent there were lots of fresh and fun elements, such as the white dance floor with the Bat Mitzvah girl's monogram in bold colors
The color palette of turquoise and lime green reflected in the chic linens and floral arrangements, was chosen with the Bat Mitzvah girl's love of color in mind
Each guest had a lime green custom menu and each napkin was placed in an acrylic napkin holder
The modern curved bar featured a neon green "soda" sign
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves roller-coasters, so there was a virtual ride available for guests
Air-brushed Mitzvah favors given to young guests at the end of the evening
A beautiful glow from inside the tents and the outside sky
Watch this backyard transform into a great party space right before your eyes!
We thank Jodi Raphael for sharing this beautiful backyard Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor, Design and Coordination: Jodi Raphael Events, Photography: Person+Killian Photography; Music Entertainment: Northern Lights Entertainment; Linens: Table Toppers of Newton, Party Rentals: Creative Event Services, Inc., Be Our Guest, Inc., and Tommy Wholesale Products.
May 1st, 2016
The Caress family of New York City celebrated the B’nai Mitzvah of their daughter Amanda and their son Ryan on December 5, 2015, at Temple Israel in New York City. There was an evening reception at the Edison Ballroom, an event space, also located in New York City.
They used the first initials of both Amanda and Ryan for their logo. This was one amazing pARty, enjoyed by family and friends.
Pictured L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda, Dad Jeffrey, Mom Tammy and Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan.
The photographer was H&H Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Invitation and Service
Ryan and Amanda’s service was at Temple Israel. They both did a beautiful job chanting their Torah and Haftorah portions.
The family worked with Reed Cohen Paper and Events on the Tiffany blue and gold layered invitation
Amanda at the bimah
Ryan at the bimah
Tammy and Jeffrey Caress along with grandparents Dr. Danny and Madelyn Zelman and Dr. Donald and Amy Caress were beaming on the bimah with Amanda and Ryan
As guests entered the temple, there was a beautiful picture of Amanda and Ryan on display along with the kippot in a basket, candy and a framed note to guests
Mitzvah Style
The family was all smiles ready for the celebration to begin
Amanda posed in her cream and gold service dress
Ryan looked handsome in his suit and coordinating tie
For her celebration that evening, Amanda changed into her Jovani gown from Party Girl
Ryan looked sharp in his black DKNY suit and silver tie for the evening party
Mitzvah Decor and Details
The place cards, signage, posters and sign-in were created by Balloon Artistry.
The Edison Ballroom is a historic private event space in Manhattan
Twinning: Amanda sparkled in a long beaded
and sequin Tiffany blue Jovani dress from Party
Girl in Tenafly, New Jersey, while Ryan wore a
crisp, black DKNY silk suit from Lubin’s, which
was accented with a silver pocket square and
worn over a white shirt and silver tie
Amanda in front of her oversized poster
Ryan in front of his poster
Their party logo, which featured the first initial from each of their names, looked great on the place card table by
Balloon Artistry
Each table featured glowing custom lampshade centerpieces with pictures of Ryan and Amanda
Elegant table linens were used to complete the look
The party logo and monogram were alternately placed behind the bar
Small arrangements of roses completed the look
Iluminated custom centerpieces personalized the tables
The ballroom was lit in turquoise and blue uplighting accented with a gobo monogram on the dance floor
Customized lamp shades with wine glass bases dazzled the room
Pillows were made in navy, teal and silver with 'ACRC' and 'pARty' logos
Balloon Artistry created life size posters of Amanda and Ryan framed in lights
Ryan's poster
Balloon Artistry designed sign-in boards with over-sized pictures and Lucite overlays
Mitzvah Logo
Top Elements designed many logos which were used for the room decor and favors.
This logo was used around the room
Ryan's logo incorporated tennis
Amanda's logo incorporated dance and piano
Music Entertainment & Special Moments
MC Benny and the crew from EK Productions provided non-stop fun and dancing. Ryan and Amanda each had a special entrance.
Ryan made his entrance with a big smile
Amanda entered escorted by two dancers
The Horah, twice as fun!
Nice moves Ryan!
The dance floor was packed all night
Costume Change: After the candle lighting,
Amanda changed to a silver-beaded cocktail
dress by LEXIE from Party Girl and Sarah Jessica
Parker rhinestone stilettos for the father-daughter
dance. After the dance, she changed into high heel Nike sneakers that were blinged-out with rhinestones
Ryan and his Mom danced to Ed Sheeran's song, “Thinking Out Loud”
Mitzvah Entertainment
Mentalist and magican Oz Pearlman from America's Got Talent fame was on hand to wow guests
Phil the Magic Man entertained during the cocktail hour
Guests enjoyed the Poker table and a Blackjack table where the dealers used custom playing cards with the pARty logo
Some fun hockey action
Ryan being roasted by his friends
Candle Lighting and Challah
Balloon Artistry created candle lighting displays for both Ryan and Amanda.
Amanda and Ryan lit the candles with their parents
With their friends
Grandparents Madelyn and Donald are being honored with a candle
Prayers over the challah with Grandpa Don Caress and Grandpa Danny Zelman
Favors
The girls got shopping bags and the boys got gym bags with the pARty logo
All the kids at the party customized sweatshirts from the Bling Bar from Top Elements
Ryan wearing his sweatshirt favor
Amanda enjoying her beanie cap with custom logo which was also given to each friend
Mitzvah Project
For their B’nai Mitzvah Project, these siblings raised money and awareness for stomach cancer, specifically for www.DebbiesDream.org, which was started by their Aunt Debbie. They organized multiple promotions and sold lemonade and cookies and sold tickets to a NYC event, Night of Laughter. Mitzvah Market recently profiled their great Mitzvah Project.
Amanda baking the cookies they sold
Delicious cookies and poster at the all day lemonade stand
Ryan working the booth
Mom to Mom Advice from Mom Tammy
“Start going through your pictures for your montage early, The day of bring slippers and make sure to take a family photo at the photo booth. Start your speeches early. Make a timeline of the night and stick to it! I hired a ‘day of’ person and I highly recommend that if you are not working with a party planner.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Amanda and Ryan’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: Edison Ballroom, 212-201-7650
Day of Event Person: Laura Goldstein
Cocktail Party Musicians: Metro Electric Trio
Music Entertainment: MC Benny, EK Productions, 718-982-6000
Signage, sign-in board, candle lighting and blow-ups: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Photographer/Videographer: H &H Photographers, 914-591-4200
Favors/dancer T-shirts: Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Décor and Florist: Atlas Floral Decorators, 212-707-8355
Photo lamp shades: Illuminaria, 978-706-1797
Party entertainment: Oz Pearlman
Magician: Phil the Magic Man, 914-260-5686
Invitation: Reed and Cohen Papers and Events, 212-757-7702
Cake: Cakes N Shapes, 212-629-5512
Linens table clothes: The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Dresses for family members: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Suits for family members: Lubins of Westchester, 914-713-0300
