March 20th, 2016
The Scarselli family of New York City celebrated daughter Sofia’s Bat Mitzvah on October 31, 2015. The morning service was held at Central Synagogue and later that evening was a reception in Sofia’s honor at the W Hotel, both in New York City.
Sofia’s favorite holiday has always been Halloween and when the Temple gave her a choice of a few dates she immediately chose October 31st. Since it fell on a Saturday, she decided it would be a costume themed Bat Mitzvah party.
It had a mix of all of the essential Halloween elements with a touch of NYC glamour!
Pictured L-R: Dad Bruno, Bat Mitzvah girl Sofia, Sister Isabella and Mom Lysa.
Michael Priest Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation
The invitations, by Sara Schwartz Mitzvah Paper Company, were carefully designed not to distract from the seriousness of what the Bat Mitzvah service means.
The second part of the invite incorporated some fun Halloween wording
The RSVP card
The
Scarselli family hinted at the theme with the invitation's color palette of black, orange, white and hot pink which set the tone for the entire party
Halloween Style!
Talk about Halloween Glam! Sofia and her family were made up by Face Art by Melissa who used skeleton makeup on one side of their face and bodies. Sofia was made up in pink. All the guests had fun in their costumes as well.
Even Sofia's grandfather got in on the action, he dressed as Donald Trump!
Lysa with her guests, including the guest who was dressed as "Mom Lysa" too!
These guests came as Alexander Hamilton and wife Elizabeth
Party Decor
Mom Lysa is a jewelry designer and loves styling parties. She worked with Nancy of Shimmer NYC to create a sophisticated and spooky ambiance. Everything at the W Hotel was decorated with items Lysa started purchasing the year before. As the assortment grew, the family found themselves sharing a NYC apartment with 20 skeletons, zombies and monsters!
Entrance decor and signage
Decor props were hidden everywhere
Pictures of Sofia from past Halloween celebrations were placed throughout the room
Count Dracula lying on the bar
20 zombie hands and bodies (battery operated) crawled around the dance floor
Even the bathroom mirrors were themed
Each table featured something different. Here's what looks like Sofia's head in a jar!
A fun way to feature a pumpkin
Just some guy hanging around the lounge
Celebration Details
Halloween toilet paper
Bathroom signage
Spooky socks for dancing
Over 20 skeletons were dressed in Sofia's school and camp uniforms and were placed around the room
Skull pillows chic and scary
Spooky Sign-In
The sign-in was a dressed up skull headed mannequin. Sofia has always wanted her own mannequin, so now it stands in her room with her friends’ notes and wishes.
Creepy Food!
There were creepy crawling spiders and scary hands on all displays at the delicious food stations.
Skeleton hand toothpics
A few extra hands to pour the punch
Mitzvah Entrance
Sofia entered the room in a cage by illusionist Eric Wilzig and afterward he performed a show. He was amazing and even the adults couldn’t figure out how he was able to do some of his tricks.
Sofia Scarselli made her entrance with the help of illusionist Eric Wilzig who also performed a show for guests
Magician Eric starting his show
Party Entertainment
MC Shiran Nicholson of Nicholson Events was amazing. There were many great giveaways including LED skull masks and LED devil horns.
Up in the chair for the Horah
The Nicholson dance crew got into the spirit of the night
Great music all night long
Sofia and her friends having a great time singing along
Special Mitzvah Moments
Family doing a West Side Story skit but changed all the words to fit Sofia
Sofia's friends giving a toast
Extra Mitzvah Fun!
Boom Event Source provided interactive activities such as live mummies, wax zombie hands, roller coaster fun and a graffiti wall photo booth.
Sofia's getting her hand dipped in wax
Roller coaster fun was a big hit
Custom Instagram photobooth frame
Favors
There were many great giveaways and favors at this party. The girls were excited to receive a Lolo brand coin key chain and ID cases and the boys received black skull t-shirts. Mom Lysa told her guests if they liked something on a skeleton in a particular outfit or a sign that was part of the decor, they could take it home with them.
Boys received a black skull t-shirt the girls received key ring holders and luggage tags
Witch favor bags
Mitzvah Dessert
At the end of the night there were many dessert options to enjoy. Max Brenner chocolate syringes, Wafels and Dinges candy apples and of course, a trick or treat candy table by Mom Lysa.
Sofia in front of her dessert table
Guests enjoying the famous Max Brenner chocolate syringe
Waffles and Dinges supplied the Halloween sprinkled candy apples
Wrapped chocolate bars with Sofia's Halloween pictures
Mitzvah Project
Sofia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes recently and has put her energy into JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their strength lies in their exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D. Sofia is working towards starting an organization where children would be visited in hospitals by other T1D children to make them feel at ease with their new diagnosis.
Mom To Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Lysa:
“Instead of taking this so seriously, enjoy and have fun and put your own creativity to use,,,,your child will love that you are involved.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sofia’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Tina Birch, W Hotel, 212-755-1200
Party Planner: Nancy, Shimmer NYC, 646-524-6491
Creative Decor/Sign-In Mannequin: Mom Lysa Scarselli
Photographer: Michael Priest Photography, 212-462-2250
Invitation: Sarah Schwartz Mitzvah Paper Company, 844-446-2935
Entertainment Company: MC Shiran Nicholson, Nicholson Events, 212-534-6868
Extra Entertainment/dance floor/furniture: Jeff, Boom Event Source, 800-862-7805
Magic/Illusionist: Eric Wilzig, The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig, 516-374-6186
Party supplies/Halloween Decor: Dawn Sherman, Party Fair, 973- 366-5909
Candy Table: Mom Lysa Scarselli
Chocolate Syringe Dessert: Max Brenner, 646-467-8803
Skeleton makeup: Face Art by Melissa, 212-876-3332
Head in a jar: Little Jars of Horror
March 16th, 2016
What’s in a name? A logo!
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah families get very creative when it comes to incorporating their child’s name or initials into their Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo. We’ve seen some really clever variations that ‘brand’ the celebration for things like custom postage stamps, centerpieces, Gobos, napkins, cakes, Mitzvah Favors and more!
Who’da thunk 13 years ago when you were naming your child, you would be considering how to use the name as a logo?
We hope these ideas will inspire you to create a logo with your child’s name. Enjoy!
Names In Bar Bat Mitzvah Logos
Here are some clever ways we have seen names incorporated into the Bar Bat Mitzvah logo and then used on a variety of party elements. See more clever logos here.
Scroll through to see more!
When Evan Karfinkel, owner of
EK Productions planned his daughter Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah, he created a logo based on her nickname Amanda Panda
MazelTovGear.com can work with you to create a clever logo using your child’s name or initials
"One IncrediMEL Night" was the clever logo for this celebration created by
The Mitzvah Mavens
Hi Tech Photography Events worked closely with Julia to create her ultimate logo incorporating her name and a silhouette of her dancing from her studio shoot
Lauren's Logos works with her client's to create clever ways of incorporating their first or last name into a familiar logo
“Charbucks” was cleverly used on Mitzvah Treat bags for
Charlotte Forman’s tennis themed Bat Mitzvah
For
Evan Shuster’s Bar Mitzvah, his logo incorporated his nickname and love of basketball in the decor and favors
A great logo for a girl named Ella, “cELLAbration” from ShimmerNYC.com
Initials In Bar Bat Mitzvah Logos
If you can’t think of something clever with your child’s first or last name, here are some clever ways to use a boy or girl’s initials in their Bar Bat Mitzvah logo. We hope these examples inspire you for your own celebration!
Scroll through to see more!
Simon Elliot Events designed this creative logo using the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials for a sneaker themed celebration
A Promos USA can work with names and/or initials to design a creative logo. "Did someone SAY baseball?" was the logo for initials S.A.Y.!
This Bat Mitzvah celebration included the guest of honor's initials B.T.M. And That created the tagline, "Bring The Music" that was used on a step n repeat and her wearable favors
These parents did some advance thinking! How lucky...this Bar Mitzvah boy's initials are B.M.W. - thus a car themed Bar Mitzvah celebration with this logo on the invite box!
Did you have a clever way of incorporating your child’s name or initials into their Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 13th, 2016
White Light Photography & Video is a highly skilled, professional and detail oriented company run by a young, energetic staff with a passion for visual production. They offer photography, video, entrance videos, photo booths, and decorative printing & branding. Their family portraits and candid party shots balance creativity and tradition.
Starting with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah pre-shoot and going right thru till the end of the celebration, they won’t miss a shot! Check out their work for a recent B’not Mitzvah.
B’not Mitzvah Pre-Shoot
An amazing graffiti wall is the perfect backdrop for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah pre-shoot
It is a great relaxed atmosphere
The shoot was light, fun and artistic
This family also gathered for some portraits before the party began. Here is Bat Mitzvah girl Lexi
And Bat Mitzvah girl Sami
Pre-Party Room Shots
The ballroom at Carlyle at the Palace in Plainview, New York before the celebration started
The sisters are picture perfect and ready for the fun to begin!
Photos from the pre-shoot were turned into posters and were placed around the room
The girls posing on the stage before the party gets started
A Few Important Party Shots
They didn't miss this shot of Dad Michael in the air during the horah!
Capturing the young guests having a great time on the dance floor
The motzi with Grandpa
Celebration Video Shot By White Light
Photo Booths: Introducing the Boomerang Booth
White Light can provide the latest photo booth too! With the Boomerang Booth, an attendant walks around the party and shoots GIFs (mini videos) of your guests that can be shown on large screens
Learn more about White Light Photography & Video by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 12th, 2016
The Cohn family from Warren, New Jersey, celebrated daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah with a morning service at Temple Har Shalom in Warren, New Jersey, followed by a luncheon for family and friends at Basking Ridge Country Club in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
Later that evening it was all about Sydney. The room that held the luncheon was flipped and turned it into a kids party with a contemporary and fun high heel theme carried out throughout the night.
Pictured L-R: Sister Darien, Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Mom Lori and Dad Michael.
The photographer was Angelito Jusay of Angelito Jusay Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Debra Wolk of The Write Stuff on the modern & elegant invitation which set the tone for the party. This invite was hot pink color that really popped with a black border and white writing
Sydney looked great in her jewel sweetheart neck dress and layered tulle skirt
Looking pretty relaxed before her guests arrive
Danielle Puorro, Catering Manager at Basking Ridge Country Club was on hand to coordinate all the party details and instrumental in flipping the room from the beautiful luncheon in the afternoon to great party later that evening. Lisa Gaglione of Amore Weddings created the table decor using the hot pink, black and white party palette. The logo, created by a friend of Mom Lori’s, perfectly captured Sydney’s love of shoes along with her initials and was used throughout the party.
Decals were placed on the entrance doors of the Basking Ridge Country Club
The place cards were presented on a table that featured a beautiful picture of Sydney
The adult tables had low vases with a bit of bling holding pink roses
Each table featured crystal bling napkin rings, custom menus and scattered rose petals
Black and white chevron runners looked great on each table with fun pink feather ball centerpieces
The logo on the dance floor looked great
Great party elements including posters of Sydney taken in New York City were placed around the venue along with very humorous shoe quotes.
A great picture of Sydney in front of the Plaza Hotel
Shoe Love Is True Love placed on the fire place mantle
Life is short, heels shouldn't be! – Brian Atwood
Keep your heels, heads and standards high – Coco Chanel
ET Events with MC Showtyme had each and every guest on their feet until the night’s end!
Sydney with a big smile “makes her entrance” into her party
Singing along with MC Showtyme
The Main Event provided interactive games and a photo booth that guests of all ages enjoyed.
Guests enjoying some Pop-A-Shot
Everyone had fun at the Foosball tables as well
Sydney had a traditional candle lighting ceremony, where she honored many special people in her life.
The Cohn family
Basking Ridge Country Club created the candy bar, candy sushi and a hot coco bar for guests to enjoy.
The candy buffet had something for everyone
The candy sushi was a fun addition to the dessert options
Show Me The Favors And More created the sweatshirt favors.
A black sneaker illustration for the boys was under the shoe logo
These designer-inspired chocolate high heel treats were lovingly hand-crafted by family friend Stacey Colman as a gift to Sydney.
A handmade dessert, beautifully wrapped and a conversation piece all in one
Sydney chose a charity called Blessings in a Backpack for her Mitzvah Project. This organization provides backpacks of food for children to take home over the weekends because they are often hungry and often do not get enough food to eat over the weekends. The school they “adopted” to receive the backpacks was The Greater Brunswick Charter School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Sydney packed backpacks and raised money and was able to feed over 170 kids per week throughout the school year.
Sydney (in blue jacket) ran the Spring Lake 5 Mile Race with her friend Ilana Druskin (in green jacket) raising money for Blessings in a Backpack which both girls chose for their Mitzvah Projects
Some advice from Mom Lori:
“Enjoy every minute of the planning with your daughter or son, since it’s all about their big day/night and it goes by in a flash.”
The following vendors helped make Sydney’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products/services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Temple Har Shalom, 732-356-8777
Venue: Danielle Puorro, Basking Ridge Country Club, 908-766-8200
Music Entertainment: MC Showtyme, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Photo booth/Pop-a-shot tables, Foosball table/air hockey, The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Decor/Centerpieces: Lisa Gaglione, Amore Weddings, 973-922-0902
Photography: Angelito Jusay, Angelito Jusay Photography, 917-747-2098
Videography: Harlan Kramer Videography, 973-219-0316
Invitation: The Write Stuff, 973-865-0195
Favors: Show Me The Favors And More, Jodi, 856-912-4006
Sydney and Sister Darien’s Party Dresses: Rachel, It’s Simply For You, 516-921-2863
March 9th, 2016
Tie A Bow, an event planning firm in Dallas, Texas, recently planned a Bar Mitzvah with a golf theme worthy of a Masters Green Jacket.
Owner Jennifer Barry Watkins worked with the family on all the details, so it was “par for the course” that the party had great hip details and decor.
The venue was the W Hotel in Dallas, Texas, and photography was by Sharon Ellman.
A beautiful family picture was taken just before the party began
A photo gallery of the Bar Mitzvah boy on the golf course
The plaid logo was worked into the floor tiles
As guests arrived, they enjoyed the photo fairway
A branded table
An argyle patterned coffee table and white couches looked great on the turf
Balls, tees and clubs added to the decor
Chalkboard signage with a golf motif
The branded watermelon was a hole in one!
Custom napkins featured the logo in party colors
Argyle socks for dancing
Golf themed glasses were the perfect giveaway
Interactive fun for anyone who wanted to swing a few
Diner signage which included all the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite things to eat
A great golf pro-shop area for guests to pick up their favors
Argyle PJ's for the young guests
The Mitzvah Exit treat was wrapped with a custom label to be enjoyed on the ride home
We thank Jennifer Barry Watkins for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Jennifer Barry Watkins, Tie A Bow; Photographer: Ellman Photography; Venue: Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences
March 6th, 2016
Reality Bites Cupcakes is a custom cupcake business that creates confections to look like other types of food.
These small works of edible art come from the creative mind of Ashley Foxen who started out of a small apartment in Manhattan.
We think they are perfect for your Bar Bat Mitzvah dessert tables or Mitzvah Exit treats and a great way to incorporate a theme.
Reality Bites Cupcakes is happy to work with you to create a special cupcake for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
Here are just a few of her amazing treats and remember, they are cupcakes!!
Burgers and fries to go
Pizza anyone?
Assorted bagels with a schmear
A cappuccino for the ride home
Reality Bites Cupcakes delivers to New York City and Long Island.
March 6th, 2016
The Goldman family from East Setauket, New York, celebrated son Nathaniel’s (Nate) Bar Mitzvah on September 19. 2015, with the service at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, New York, and a party at Nissequogue Golf Club in St. James, New York.
This family pulled out all the stops giving Nate an unforgettable celebration. Nate loves playing the guitar. Not only did he made a rock star entrance at his party, but he also performed!
Pictured L-R: Dad Todd, Bar Mitzvah boy Nate, Mom Arlyn and Brother Noah.
The photographer was Colleen of Stephen Andrews Studios and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the Spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitations
The family worked with Jill Price of Jilly P Invitations and Gifts on two invitations.
The invitation for the service was a classic card, and for the party, the information was printed on a guitar
The RSVP had fun wording
Bar Mitzvah Service & Mitzvah Style
The service was held at Temple Isaiah where Nate performed his prayers beautifully
The Goldman family has lots of style. Mom Arlyn wore a custom lace gown made by Runway Couture and Dad Todd, Nate and Brother Noah wore suits, ties and shirts from Brooks Brothers
Décor & Special Touches
Balloon Artistry created the amazing centerpiece decor showcasing guitars and rock bands. Mom Arlyn designed the room working with cool lounge furniture, hi-top tables, a dance floor, and red carpet from Tower Productions.
Barattini Productions created the lighting which added to the concert feel
Black lounge furniture decorated with custom pillows and a vintage "N"
Great concert posters lined the walls, thanks to Stephen Andrews Studio
Balloon Artistry created the giant electric guitar sign-in that was placed near the entrance for guests to sign as they walked into the venue
The 3D centerpieces by Balloon Artistry were on the kids’ tables featuring Nate playing the guitar with his favorite bands! (https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/a-rock-n-roll-themed-bar-mitzvah-celebration/)
The 3D centerpieces on the kids’ tables were Nate’s favorite bands featuring Nate playing the guitar!
The adult centerpieces were designs inspired by Nate’s favorite guitars
The place cards and display were also designed by Guitars for Parties and resembled concert tickets. Check out the "amplifier" gift box on the place card table!
A great candle lighting display by Balloon Artistry
The cake, from Alpine Bakery, perfectly reflected the rock n’ roll theme and was delicious too!
Mitzvah Details
There were many creative details adding to the branding of Nate’s theme.
Mom Arlyn is an interior designer and very creative. She and Nate worked closely with the graphic artist at Gotham T-Shirts to get the logo just right
A logo inlay on the dance floor
Mom Arlyn found block letters for Nate’s name in lights
Mom ordered custom pillows from Zazzle.com
She also found these custom guitar picks which were scattered on the tables
Custom hand towels and…
…custom lip balm
Clever drink names included “Nate-tini” and “Rock-tail”
Mitzvah Entrance
Nate Goldman made his grand entrance via helicopter! He was taking flying lessons, so this was a great way to make his entrance
Nate and Dad make their entrance. Dad Todd flies planes and Nate is starting his flying lessons soon!
Nate was greeted by his friends and family after making a safe landing
Music & Entertainment
The team from Barattini Productions played Nate’s favorites to keep the dance floor packed all night long, and Magician Eric Wilzig performed an amazing act with the star of the night.
Nate is a big rock music fan and guitar player, so it was perfect that he got to jam onstage for his guests. Some of the songs he played included, “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “Smoke on the Water”
Nate was surrounded by his friends on the dance floor
Magician Eric displayed an empty cage
Covered it with a red cloth
How did Nate get inside?
Ta Da!
Mitzvah Fun
Simon Elliot Events provided many interactive activities including a touchscreen arcade for the cocktail hour, a pop star recording booth and custom speaker station — a huge hit!
Nate wearing a t-shirt giveaway, looked like a pro in the recording booth! Guests who performed got to take home their recordings on custom printed CDs
Nate’s guests customized headphones and speakers made on the spot at this booth!
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
Gotham T-Shirts designed the black hooded-zipped sweatshirts. There were also Nate’s World Tour concert t-shirts in the logo’d backpacks. Guests exited this celebration with breakfast for the next morning thanks to the Goldman family who provided bagels as an Exit Treat.
The party date and logo was printed down the arm and Nate's initials were on the back
Kona Ice, always a nice treat
Mom Arlyn purchased everything for the candy bar…
…including the custom bags
Mom Arlyn created the Exit treats and labeled the water bottles
Custom labels on the water bottles for the ride home
The logo’d cookies from Alpine Bakery looked awesome
The next Goldman Bar Mitzvah coming soon!
Mitzvah Project
As part of his Mitzvah Project for Temple Isaiah, Nate took part in 13 Mitzvahs. Some of those included: playing the guitar at a nursing home, donating toys and food for different drives, donated his own money to help build a school in Cambodia; sent care packages to send to soldiers overseas and since he is a black belt in karate, he helped out in classes with kids who were lower belt ranks at his karate school.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Nate’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Catering: Nissequogue Golf Club, 631-584-7733
Photographer/Videopgrapher/Concert Posters: Stephen Andrews Studios, 516-780-9100
Logo Design Creation: Mom Arlyn along with Gotham T-Shirts, 516-676-0900
Logo Favors/Step-N Repeat: Howard, Gotham T-Shirts, 516-676-0900
Party Centerpieces/Candle Lighting Display/Concession Stand Signage: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Music Entertainment/Lighting: Barattini Productions, 631-979-2662
Place Cards/Guitar Amplifier Gift Box: Guitars for Parties, 248-669-3622
Invitation: Jill Price, Jilly P Invitations & Gifts, 631-365-6001
Lounge furniture/Hi-Top tables/Dance Floor, Light Up Stage/Red Carpet: Tower Productions, Cindy, 631-501-2960
Custom boxes for bagels/water/Cookies/lip balm/Custom Napkins/Letters: Mom Arlyn Goldman
Helicopter Entrance: Flying Helicopters Made Easy, 855-359-6969
Magician: The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig, 516-374-6186
Touchscreen arcade/pop star recording booth/custom speaker station: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Speed of Light: Great Neck Games, 516-747-9191
Custom cake and cookies: Alpine Bakery, 631-265-5610
Mom Arlyn’s gown: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Dad Todd/Bar Mitzvah boy Nate and Brother Noah’s suits/ties/shits: Brooks Brothers
Photo Booth: Ovation Photo Booth, 516-334-9090
Custom pillows and candy bags: Mom Arlyn Goldman on Zazzle.com
February 28th, 2016
A family from Cobleskill, New York, celebrated daughter Madelyn’s Bat Mitzvah on August 15, 2015, with a service at Temple Israel in Albany, New York, and a reception immediately following at Franklin Terrace Ballroom in Troy, New York.
Madelyn wanted a colorful Bat Mitzvah theme filled with never-ending sweets so the family came up with “Madelicious.” Her cheerful and happy theme included lots of candy decor, signage and special DIY touches all made by an incredibly creative Mom and inspiration from Mitzvah Market.
We featured brother Harrison’s Bar Mitzvah a few years back, click here to read about his luncheon with a chess theme, followed by fun at the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in Lake George, New York
Pictured L-R: Brother Harrison, Mom Elise, Bat Mitzvah girl Madelyn and Dad Marc.
Collen Piccolino from More than Memories Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation & Service
The family worked with Caryn Poskanzer of Caryn’s Occasions on the white and pink invitation and kippot.
The RSVP card read, "Madelicious Teen Buffet" giving a hint to the theme. There was a laser-cut rosy design that was carried onto the information card as well
The traditional Saturday morning service was held at Temple Israel
All smiles from Dad and Madelyn on her special day
Madelyn held the Torah next to the very proud Cantor
Candy themed kippot
Mitzvah munchies were set up for something sweet during services
Mitzvah Seating
Mom Elise created the place cards and signage with Madelyn's name wrapped in dots for a playful twist
Each place card was personally cut out by Mom Elise using a die-cut machine. There were place cards for some special guests including: President and Mrs. Obama and Cinderella and Prince Charming to name a few!
Mitzvah Details
Mitzvah Market made a match! After Madelyn’s older brother’s spotlight was featured on MitzvahMarket.com, Mom Elise connected with Karen, one of our readers. Elise helped Karen with her daughter’s theme using some of Elise’s ideas from her son’s celebration. Karen walked Elise through every detail of making the giant lollipop centerpieces. They never met or spoke on the phone, they just emailed for well over a year and offered advice to one another.
The centerpieces were displayed in colorful rice filled vases. The multi-colored napkins looked great on the black linens and the napkin rings were SLAP bracelets with gummy bears, dots and licorice on them
A mix of the colorful centerpieces added punch to the room. Many of the children took home the lollipop centerpieces and are using them creatively for other parties and even as jewelry holders!
During Madelyn's candle lighting ceremony, her grandmother came up to the James Taylor song "How Sweet It Is," (To be loved by you) incorporating a touch of the candy theme
A great picture of Madelyn with Mom and Dad
The cheerful bathroom basket filled with all the necessities and a cute note that read:
Fix your hem or tie up your hair, freshen your breath or mend a tear.
This basket holds the kitchen sink
and much more…
Feel free to use what you need & head back to the dance floor! From a
Candy Themed Celebration
Dance floor socks placed on each table
Mitzvah Oy Vey
The family helped assemble, move and store the centerpieces.
Lollipops set up in the house were a little overwhelming, but fun to look at!
There were many trips back and forth from their house to the venue with lollipops stacked in the truck!
Mitzvah Sign-in
Donuts and candy pillows were used for the sign-in. Mom Elise created the “Madelicious” sign using real candy dots and letters from a craft store.
Madelyn's Barbie car was used for holding lollipops at the sign-in table
Even the wheels of the Barbie car had the logo!
Guests signed sweet messages to Madelyn
Mitzvah Video
The family had Stan Stokas from Rappit.com create a custom “rap song” video about Madelyn. During the cocktail hour, the video and song played continuously at the entrance to the Franklin Terrace Ballroom.
Watch here
Mitzvah Music & Fun
Conway Entertainment with DJ Kyle and a great party motivator immediately entertained the kids with games galore. They had awesome prizes and give-aways including: blow up shoes, hats and gift cards. Foto Magic supplied the amazing photo booth that all the guests loved.
A comfy chair for the Horah
Madelyn and friends had a blast on the dance floor
Competition was heated for the kids to win Dunkin' Donuts gift cards and other favors during the DJ game time
Madelyn's Aunt Amy, Uncle Joe and Cousins Hunter and Emma
Photo props were a big hit including the masks
Cake & Exit Treats
Aimee Yorke, an amazing baker and local mom, created her first Bat Mitzvah cake for Madelyn! Mom Elise created the candy bar and decorations using supplies from Oriental Trading, Shindigz and Rhode Island Novelty.
It was delicious and carried out the candy themed beautifully
This sign says it all!
The biggest hit was the giant jaw breakers, and Madelyn's friends are still enjoying them!
Here's to making this a
"Madelicious" good-bye
Baked by Melissa is something you just have to try!
Enjoy the cupcakes as you go on your way...
Thank you for coming and sharing this "Madelicious" Day
Mitzvah Wow!
The family sent President and Mrs. Obama an invitation and got a very nice response.
A great keepsake!
Mitzvah Project
Madelyn is a softball player. She truly loves playing the sport. However, there was always something bothering her about it. It was the lack of a true softball field in our town. As it turns out, her small town only has a little league baseball field which the softball players do not get much playing time on. The softball teams often are scheduled for a grassy field without a dugout, stands or even a bathroom. Madelyn decided that the girls needed a field of their own to host tournaments and feel good about. Therefore, she approached the mayor about the issue. Land was secured for the future home of “Fast Pitch Fields: It’s a Girl Thing” and the fundraising began to prepare the fields. Madelyn secured a grant, held a dance and a Zumba-thon raising over $2,500 towards Fast Pitch Fields. The real magic happened when one event led to another and subsequent fundraisers were planned throughout the summer to continue to contribute to this effort. Madelyn has now teamed up with her Girl Scout troop members and will continue the movement as her silver award project planning a softball clinic this spring. What started out as a Mitzvah Project keeps growing and will continue to inspire young girls to play softball in our town.
Madelyn was featured twice in the local newspaper for her Mitzvah Project
Mom to Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Elise:
“It is never too early to start planning and thinking of ideas. Do not be afraid to do-it-yourself so that whatever you are doing turns out exactly as you pictured it. Be sure to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Much of the planning must be ‘talked through’ for it to come alive as pictured. Having a site like Mitzvah Market to turn to for a never-ending flood of ideas was very important. In addition, in our case, most of the guests had never been to a Bat Mitzvah before so it was equally important to help our guests understand the special meaning of the celebration. Everyone was thrilled to be a part of such a milestone and the genuine feedback was heartwarming.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Madelyn’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 Israel, 518-438-7858
Venue: Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 518-274-3421
Photographer Colleen Piccolino, More Than Memories, 518-514-8632
Logo Design: Adam, Gotham T-shirt
Invitations/Kippot: Caryn Poskanzer, Caryn’s Occasions, 518-438-1803
Label Printing/Programs/Hospitality notes: Race Printing, 518-234-4442
Centerpiece and Room Decor/Stickers/Table numbers/Place cards: Mom Elise
Centerpiece Decor Idea: Mitzvah Mom Karen
Music Entertainment: Conway Entertainment, 518-882-7216
Photo booth/magnets: FotoMagic, 518-877-3046
Entrance video: Dan Stokas, Rappitt.com
Exit Treat cupcakes: Baked By Melissa
CAKE: Aimee Yorke, aimyorke@yahoo.com
Dance socks: Cool Party Favors, 877-328-6778
Bat Mitzvah girl Madelyn’s Dress: Terani, Ferri’s Formals, 518-374-3464
Mom Elise’s dress: Ursula of Switzerland, Fancy Schmancy Couture, 518-452-1269
Men’s Suit’s Macy’s
February 21st, 2016
The Shapiro family of Plainview, New York, celebrated son Maxwell’s (Max) Bar Mitzvah during the week of Chanukah on December 20, 2014. They hired New Star Caterers at Temple B’nai Shalom in Rockville Center, New York.
A sports fan, Max’s theme was “The Max Event,” a clever take on The Main Event, a popular sports pub restaurant on Long Island.
Mom Beth, a well known custom invitation designer, created a funky, modern industrial look for Max’s invitation and room decor for family and friends to enjoy.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Max, Mom Beth, Dad Craig and Sister Jenna.
The photographer was Hi-Tech Photography Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
Mom Beth has a stationary company, Invitations with Love.
There were two invitations sent; one for the kids and one for the adults. For the kids' there was a two layer, Lucite invitation with metal bolts which was shipped in a mailer. The inside box featured a belly band to neatly hold information card and RSVP cards. The invite took stage at the National Stationery Show 2015 as a top design for the year!
Max’s custom oversized adult invite was foil embossed with tone-on-tone shades of warm grey and a leather texture with a belly band for info and accessories
Bar Mitzvah Service & Style
Max did a great job reading from the Torah and Haftorah in front of family and friends during his service at Temple B'nai Shalom
The family wore shades of black and grey for the temple service
Mom Beth and Sister Jenna continued to shine in their beaded gowns. Max and Dad Craig went for a more casual look in Robert Graham
Décor & Details
Mom Beth created the logo which was used on everything from room décor and place cards to catering favors, napkins, and guest towels. Hi-Tech Photography Events and Party Harty Entertainment collaborated on the contemporary room décor and lounge area with Beth adding creative touches throughout.
The sign-in locker is now in Max's bedroom
The Max Event was fully branded!
Hi-Tech Photography Events created an amazing display for the place cards, including a spinning basketball
The place cards were black photo books and they were used in place of the typical frames for the photo booth. The logo colors were carried throughout the party
Some coordinated accessories with Max's logo, created by Mom Beth
A lighted decor element with the initial "M" on the bar
For a fun twist, all the basketball pictures had Shapiro on them instead of Spalding
There were both round and long tables, with piano sequin cloths from The Finishing Touch. Flameless candles in various heights were placed on mirrored table runners for a modern look
Pictures of Max from his pre-party photo shoot were hung to highlight the kids' lounge area and catwalk
Max on the awesome illuminated catwalk with seating pits created by Party Harty Entertainment
The dance floor changed colors throughout the night
Music & Candle Lighting
MC Howie and the Party Harty Entertainment team had the party in full dance mode all night long.
Max celebrated with his friends on the dance floor
One member of the Party Harty Entertainment team jumped over the family!
The Party Harty Entertainment team with Max
Since Max's Bar Mitzvah fell during the week of Chanukkah, they bought a beautiful menorah from Pottery Barn to use for his candle lighting service
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
The family worked with Lisa Willet of Print Me a Tee on the Spalding/Shapiro’s throw-aways and black hooded sweatshirts.
Max posed in front of his favors
The family modeled the cool sweatshirts
Custom branding continued with Bagels to Go
On the way out of the celebration, guests were treated to bagels-to-go and an additional gift for the ladies, slippers
Mitzvah Project
For his Mitzvah Project, Max collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes for Shoes For All ,which is a non-profit organization that provides shoes for people living on Long Island that are unable to afford them.
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“The most important part to ensure the success of a Mizvah celebration is to fill the room with the people that matter the most to your family. Everything else is secondary. Trust your gut instincts when hiring vendors. As with anything in life they are typically correct. Understand that collaboration in event planning is a group effort. Hire vendors that have earned their reputation and that you value their opinion so you can trust their capabilities. Don’t be afraid to give your vendors a budget. As someone with an invitation business, I am always working within a client’s budgets offering many different price points. Once vendors know the budget they can focus in on what might be an option for you and not over extend your budget or set you up with unrealistic and unreachable outcomes. Bring your ideas with you on your meetings. Search sites like Pinterest and Mitzvah Market. Let your vendors expand on your vision and create an event that is uniquely your design. Day of…Take a moment to truly be present and enjoy how others are celebrating your family. Remember to relax and enjoy.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Max’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Custom designed invitation/Logo/Stamps/Napkins/Kippot/Centerpieces/Branded Bags/Place Cards:
Mom Beth Shapiro, Invitations With Love, 516-314-7298
Venue/Caterer: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Photography/Spinning basketball place card stand/Decor: Hi-Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Caterer/Bagels to Go: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Piano Sequins Table Linens: MaryAnne, The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Music Entertainment/Lounge decor: MC, Howie, Party Harty Entertainment: 516-845-8585
Fun tower decor: Oriental Trading Company
Giveaways and favors: Lisa Willet, Print Me A Tee, 516-965-3084
Mom’s Gown: Eva’s of Sayville, 631-567-6650
Sister Jenna’s gown: Lord & Taylor
Makeup: Erika Jansen 917-579-3964
February 21st, 2016
Jars by Dani started when founder Dani Beckerman wanted to share her love for baking. She came across a mason jar in a craft store and was driven to develop the next new dessert obsession!
She has a loyal following among Fashion Week party planners and New Yorkers and has started shipping nationally.
Jars by Dani caters many events including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. There are a variety of jars in many sizes. You can choose custom, layers, colors and toppings. Additionally, your custom logo can be placed on jar.
Jars are shipped overnight on ice, need to be refrigerated upon arrival and last a week.
You can make a colorful dessert “Jar Bar” or give your guests a great Mitzvah Exit treat! Either way we think these desserts in a jar take the cake!
Layers of decadents dessert comes in two sizes. Above is the 8 oz version
The 4 oz sizing is just as delicious
You might also like the Party bowl version shown above in the White Chocolate flavor
Jars by Dani can add a logo and or message
There are many options to choose from or create your own!
You can order them online or get more information on catering by visiting their Website at Jars By Dani.
