August 16th, 2015
The Kaufman family of Marlboro, New Jersey, celebrated son Brett’s Bar Mitzvah with the service and reception at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune City, New Jersey.
Brett’s celebration brought the sights, food and fun of the New Jersey boardwalk to his family and friends.
There were so many interactive entertainment choices, that guests really felt like they were on the boardwalk.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah Boy Brett, Mom Valerie, Dad EJ and Brother Ross.
The photography was Visual Image Video and Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The family worked with Chocolate Dreams & Wishes on the Boardwalk-themed edible chocolate invitation. There was a website included just in case of invitation disappearance!
Cookie place cards were made by The Fancy Lady Gourmet on Etsy.com. Guests got to eat their place cards after they found their table!
Parties with Pizazz created the great decor.
The adult centerpieces had a Star of David theme and were filled with candy kisses
The festive kids’ centerpieces were candy towers with balloons
Celebrity Entertainment provided great music and dancers. MC TJ was on the dance floor all night. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-lindsey-goldstein-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.zXL1yebe.dpuf
The sign-in was a bean bag chair that Mom Valerie ordered from Zazzle.com with custom logo.
Brett up on the chair for the Horah
The dance floor was packed featuring Xplosive Entertainment’s MC Jordan, dancers and DJ Valentine who all did an amazing job.
Dad EJ having fun on the dance floor
Xplosive Entertainment and Total Entertainment provided many interactive activities and fun food that you would find on the boardwalk.
A virtual roller coaster experience
NASCAR competition
Some hoop action
Pac Man Royale
Got to “Be in It to Win it! where guests had 1 minute to complete a task to win a $10 gift card
Photo candy boxes filled with candy
Custom picture flip-flops were a big hit
Brett lighting a candle with his parents
The candle lighting display with Brett’s name was created by Parties With Pizazz.
Candy sushi bar
The desserts were plentiful and included candy sushi, ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings, fried Oreos, Twinkies and a popcorn cart.
An ice cream bar with all the toppings
The favors, from Randi Goldberg of Clearly Branded, were duffel bags with pro kadima sets. The duffel bag customized with Brett’s Bar Mitzvah date on it
This replica of a 7-11 came stocked full of goodies for a great send-off.
Brett went to a 6-week training class at the Chabad Lubavich of West Monmouth County in Manalapan, New Jersey as a part of their MVP Program. He learned about children with disabilities and how he could volunteer to help them. He also had been involved with their annual fundraising “Walk with Friends” in Holmdel, New Jersey in May. His next volunteer assignment will be at a carnival for children with disabilities. These different activities really increased Brett’s awareness of different types of disabilities and children who need extra help to enjoy life.
Some advice from Mom Valerie:
“It’s a lot of planning for 5 hours. No matter how hard you work on every details, there will also be some things that do not happen as you planned. Try to focus on the positive and enjoy every minute of the party.”
Here is the list of vendors who made Brett’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jumping Brook Club, 732-922-8200
Party Planner: Mom Valerie
Music Entertainment: Owner/MC Jordan, Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Photographer/Videographer: Visual Image Video and Photography, 732-679-9900
Videography: Jeff Tureaud Videography, 732-598-7907
Invitation: Chocolate Dreams and Wishes, 724-209-1159
Cookie Place Cards: The Fancy Lady Gourmet
Kadima set and Duffle favors: Randi Goldberg, 973-328-0160
Party entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Cake: Carousel Bakery, 732-888-9112
Décor/florist: Parties with Pizzaz, 917-903-0968
Sign-In bean bag: Zazzle.com
Mom Valerie’s gown: Jovani brand, Estelle’s Dressy Dresses, 631-420-0890
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
August 16th, 2015
When Mitzvah Market discovered Goodie Pails, we thought there were many Bar/Bat Mitzvah uses for these custom handmade gift pails which are personalized with photos of your choice.
It would be a great gift for a Bar Bat Mitzvah child, an adorable decor item for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration and can even be used to hold gifts!
Goodie Pails, conceived by best friends Robin Mallor and Heather Apfel, began by making “birthday projects” for each others daughters. Each Goodie Pail would capture the year of their daughters’ friendship with pictures of the two of them during special times together.
No two pails are the same, each pail is unique and made especially for the recipient.
Each picture is hand cut and decoupaged with CARE and LOVE
This pail was used as a toiletry pail in the venue bathroom
Perfect to hold kippot
Also good to hold socks!
The Goodie Pails come in a variety of sizes and are sold empty. After you purchase the size pail you want, you will be prompted to upload pictures to the secure DropBox site.
For more information, visit GoodiePails.com or contact Heather at heather@goodiepails.com or Robin at Robin@goodiepails.com. Let them know you saw their Goodie Pails on MitzvahMarket.com!
August 12th, 2015
Special Events Magazine recently featured a “Mission Impossible” themed Bar Mitzvah.
This mission was possible with a team of talented designers and input from the Bar Mitzvah family. The result was a sophisticated “Mission Impossible” Bar Mitzvah theme complete with a dramatic entrance. The colors of black, white, and red were carried throughout the event.
The photographer was John and Joseph.
The Mission Impossible theme was first introduced through the invitations created by Copper Willow
The place cards were displayed in briefcases
The white dance floor of the Beverly Hills Hotel featured a dangerous bullseye decal
Sebastian was suspended from the ceiling for a grande entrance landing right on the target in the middle of the dance floor ready to party
This cityscape backdrop set the mood with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name in red acrylic letters
There were both round and long tables featuring an arch of red flowers which evoked the image of Mission Impossible hero Ethan Hunt’s incredible stunts
A view of the long tables displayed a palette of red and white predominates
Glowing tables lit up the lounge area
Venue: Beverly Hills Hotel; Photography: Photos by John and Joseph; Invitation: Cooper Willow; Event Planner: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design; and Details, Details; Rentals: Revelry Event Design; Lighting: Amber Event Production;
August 9th, 2015
The Notrica family from Cortlandt Manor, New York, celebrated their daughter Nyssa’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
The celebration with close family and friends had an “Around the World” theme at Elevate Event Lounge in Yorktown Heights, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Lucy, Mom Stacey, Bat Mitzvah girl Nyssa, Dad Cory and Sister Hannah.
The photographer was H&H Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Invitations4less.com on the classic layered invitation. A chocolate brown and sky-blue ribbon completed the invitation.
Nyssa during her formal temple portraits
The family outside their synagogue
Elevate Event Lounge gave the family the atmosphere they wanted — a warm intimate feel with a “night club” vibe!
Nyssa has her sights set to travel to foreign countries and thought an “Around the World” theme would be fun. Nyssa’s dad Cory designed the logo.
Guests enjoyed an amazing array of food choices from “Around the World” such as sushi, Italian and Mexican buffets.
Pizza was a big hit!
Mexican tacos and chips with all the fixings
H&H Photography created the poster board of Nyssa.
Guests wrote notes to Nyssa
Suzie of Olden Designs on Etsy.com created world atlas bags to be used as table centerpieces.
The bags were beautiful luminaries
Nyssa made her entrance with one of the dancers
MC Dan and Double Image Event Production provided the music entertainment and did a great job. The dancers interacted with guests and kept the action going throughout the party.
Guests had fun on the dance floor
Nyssa front and center surrounded by her friends
Elevate Event Lounge also provided a photo booth and photo station.
The props were a big hit!
Nyssa and her friends were all smiles
There were many warm moments throughout the celebration.
Dad Cory spoke and toasted daughter Nyssa
They also shared a dance together
Homestyle Desserts Bakery created the delicious “Around the World” themed cake. The base was created to look like a suitcase with three tiers of delicious cake embellished with “Around the World” icons and landmarks
Nyssa posed in front of her cake
The family used MazelTovGear.com for the logo’d drawstring favor bags.
Elevate Lounge’s cubbies were a great spot for guests to store their favors and photos
Nyssa’s logo looked great
Flannel pajamas
Nyssa volunteered at an animal shelter called Pets Alive Westchester in Elmsford, New York. She played with the cats and walked the dogs.
Some advice from Mom Stacey:
“The first thing to book immediately is the venue, photographer and the DJ. Once that’s done, the rest falls into place. Use lots of checklists. The really do keep you organized and on top of things!”
The following vendors helped to make Nyssa’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Elevate Event Lounge, 914-352-6400
Music Entertainment/MC/Party Entertainment: Double Image Event Production, 914-773-1950
Invitation: Invitations4less.com
Photography/Sign-in board: Dan Fried, H&H Photographers, 914-591-4200
Favors: Eileen Bowden, MazelTovGear.com, 855-629-3543
Cake: Homestyle Desserts Bakery, 914-737-4659
Décor: Brian Williams Events, 845-628-0614
Florist: Cooke’s Little Shoppe of Flowers, 914-862-4558
Custom made Luminaries: Suzie, Olden Designs on etsy.com
Dresses for family members: Bloomingdales, Amazon.com, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Ruelala.com
Hair: Salon Alicia, 914-762-2007
August 5th, 2015
Are you looking for a Bat Mitzvah celebration filled with lots of color? The Celebration Society Website recently featured a Bat Mitzvah with a colorful theme that we wanted to share.
Tobi’s Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at Ivy Hall, an event venue in Roswell, Georgia. With lots of vibrant color, this fun event reflected the personality of the guest of honor herself. The theme was “Color the World Sweet with Tobi.”
The party was planned by Tammie Wilson of The Party Girl Events, the photographer was Jon Marks Photography.
As Tobi’s guests arrived they walked under an over-sized paint brush with the theme, “Color the World Sweet with Tobi” written on the brush
Pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl growing up were spread out with blank spaces for guests to sign
The Bat Mitzvah girl with her family
The linens were really bold and vibrant and captured the colors of the rainbow
Each table was a different color and included paint cans and paint palate centerpieces
The colorful cans and palettes were placed on Lucite stands
The kids lounge included a colorful sofa and accent pieces and a large custom palette for the Bat Mitzvah girl
The dessert bar was a bright spectrum of sweet treats toppling from clear paint cans and wrapped Rice Krispie paint brush treats from Crazy Brain Chocolates
We thank The Celebration Society and Tammie Wilson of The Party Girl Events for sharing this sweet Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: The Party Girl Events; Photography: Jon Marks Photography; Venue: Ivy Hall; Catering: Events Catering; Decor: Let’s Celebrate; Entertainment: DJTOD; Photobooth: SocialBox; Lounge Furniture: AFR Event Furnishings; Stationery: Invitations by Roberta; Rice Krispie paint brush treats: Crazy Brain Chocolates; Videography: Blue Orchid Productions.
August 2nd, 2015
The Siegel family from Richboro, Pennsylvania, celebrated son Jeremy’s Bar Mitzvah at Shir Ami in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, followed by an evening reception at Southampton Day Camp in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Jeremy loves hockey and the Southampton Day Camp was transformed into a hockey arena for the night. We featured sister Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah a few years back, see that celebration here.
Pictured L-R: Dad Craig, Sister Lauren, Mom Dana and Bar Mitzvah boy Jeremy.
The photographer was Impressions Photo and Video and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Jeremy did a wonderful job reading from the Torah and reciting his prayers during his service at Shir Ami
The Siegel family looked great! Mom Dana’s gown was from Zinnis of Philadelphia, Sister Lauren’s dress from Dare Boutique and Jeremy and Dad looked stylish in their suits from Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear
The creative seating chart was embellished with mementos from Jeremy’s former teams. The table featured trophies and patches Jeremy received over the years playing hockey
Jeremy has a true passion and talent for hockey. Let’s Party with Valerie did a fabulous job making guests feel like they were in a hockey arena. The dance floor was an exact
replica of a hockey rink
The centerpieces were jerseys from Jeremy’s former teams, including “Siegel #42”
Jeremy had two items guests could sign. One was an over-sized picture of him on the ice, the other, a replica of the Stanley Cup. Both were placed on a table surrounded by pictures of Jeremy playing hockey
Michael Adelson of Luria Visuals did a great job with the entrance video. Watch Jeremy’s entrance video here
MC Johnny of Unique Musique and his dancers did a great job – guests enjoyed dancing throughout the party. Friends and family cheered when Jeremy skated into the ballroom for his entrance
Dad Craig used hockey sticks to create the custom Horah chair
MC Johnny did a great job interacting with guests
Everyone was on the dance floor
Jeremy and guests enjoyed the montage made with love by Jeremy’s Aunt Wendy
RL Cake Designs incorporated lots of hockey elements into his Bar Mitzvah cake
Jeremy honored family and friends by calling them up to light candles during his candle lighting ceremony. Jeremy reading his candle lighting poems (which Party Poems helped him write)
Jeremy surrounded by his friends after the candle lighting
Show Me the Favors created two color versions of the hooded sweatshirt favors, one in grey and one in red. Both had Jeremy’s logo on the front and a hockey player on the back.
Each was wrapped with red and black ribbon
The back of the sweatshirt
Great night was had by all. At the end of the night, Jeremy wearing his sweatshirt favor, hoisted “The Cup”
Bar Mitzvah Project
Jeremy worked on a project for an organization called Face Off Against Cancer. It is a charity hockey tournament that takes the fight against cancer to the ice.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jeremy’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Southampton Day Camp, 215-355-4567
Photographer: Impressions Photo & Video, 215-354-4420
Catering: B & T Catering at Southampton, 267-304-1622
Music Entertainment: Larry, Unique Musique, 800-556-6535
Decor/Sign-in: Valerie Felgoise, Let’s Party With Valerie, 610-213-5675
Favors: Jodi or Shira, Show Me the Favors, 856-912-4006
Candle lighting Poems, Hope, Party Poems, hopeyp25@comcast.net
Entrance Video: Michael Adelson, Luria Visuals, 215-934-7247
Cake: RL Cake Designs, 215-519-8772
Dresses for family members: Zinnis of Philadelphia, 610-328-1900
Sister Lauren’s dress: Dare Boutique, 856-424-8300
Suits for family members: Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear, 215- 357-0600
July 29th, 2015
Michele Moss of Michele Moss Events sent us a very chic Bat Mitzvah she planned and coordinated at the beautiful Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California.
The Bat Mitzvah girl, Esme, wanted a Parisian pink poodle themed party to celebrate her special day. Elements such as a vintage mirror seating chart, an Eiffel Tower candle lighting display and a unique custom dance floor had guests saying “Ooh La La” all night long!
Photography by Brandon Colbert Photography.
As guests entered they had the feel of walking into a Paris marketplace adorned with vintage tea carts with awnings, floral arrangements, galvanized tins, French bread and magazines
A baroque framed mirror was personalized with handwritten calligraphy to show the guests to their tables
A custom guest book made for Esme
Guests were asked to pick out a vintage postcard from Paris and write a short note, then they were to place the cards in the envelopes attached to the pages
A pink birdcage with a shabby chic frame and sign in French “Cartes” (cards) was used to hold cards and gifts
A mime greeted guests as they entered the Parisian wonderland
The ballroom beautifully decorated with a over-sized Gobo with Esme’s name
There were alternating centerpieces, above is the black candelabra with dangling crystals
The other, an Eiffel Tower centerpiece, had gorgeous floral arrangements surrounded by crystal rhinestone
candles in a blush pink water
Each table setting was made up of a black Gothic charger plate with custom menu and favor. The Chiavari chairs were mixed with a beautiful black and white stripe bustled chair covers with a crystal brooch
Favors were a glass bell jar with two French macaroon cookies in a vanilla/chocolate and strawberry variety. The gift tags had a vintage inspired poodle, glitter flag, Eiffel tower charm and imported paper flower
Esme making her entrance escorted by the mime
The custom round dance floor was a showstopper by Platinum Pro. It had her beautiful logo, a gorgeous
silhouette of a girl in Paris walking her poodle
Esme’s young guests were entertained with many interactive stations including hair, makeup and tattoo stations
A perfume station
The creative candle lighting ceremony took place on a large Eiffel Tower display
These Chanel-inspired votive candles are so chic
The cake deliciously captured the theme
What a beautiful backdrop for this magnifique candy buffet
We would like to thank Michele Moss Events for sharing this very special Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner/Lounge Furniture/Custom sign-in book/Candle design: Michele Moss, Michele Moss Events; Venue: Estancia Lajolla Resort & Spa;Photographer: Brandon Colbert Photography; Hair & Makeup: Call Me Beautiful; Music/DJ: J Soul Productions; Dance Floor: Platinum Pro; Florist/Candle execution: Blue Petal Events; Perfume Station: Pastiche; Flipbooks: A Little Scene;Wax Hands: Wax Creations; Candy Buffet: San Diego Candy Buffets; Hair & Makeup Station: Kasey Johnson, Glogirl Makeup Artistry; Ice Cream Station: Ben & Jerry’s; Lounge Furniture: Michele Moss Events; Rental Company: Miranda Entertainment.
July 28th, 2015
Sophia Benson of Goldens Bridge, New York is planning to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah October 11 – 12, 2015.
Her “Help Me Send a Kid to Camp” Mitzvah Project is through SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education).
This non-profit organization provides children in need the edge to succeed in life through the summer camp experience. They provide camp scholarships for children in need to attend overnight summer camps.
They are also very involved in helping with Mitzvah Projects allowing Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to be directly responsible for giving to kids who otherwise couldn’t afford the chance to experience the magic of camp.
Pictured left: Sophia with her family at the bake sale.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
SB: For my Mitzvah Project, I decided to try and raise money to send a child in need to sleepaway camp. I decided to make s’mores on a stick and sell them with drinks at my softball games.
Sophia with her s’mores on a stick
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
SB: I started my Mitzvah Project in May and sold the s’mores at all the games over two days. The Website is still open for more donations. I have already reached my goal which was $1300 for two weeks of camp, but would like to get more!
Sophia surrounded by her teammates
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SB: I want to be able to give a child in need the opportunity to go to sleepaway camp and have the summer of their lives. It is important for kids to go to sleepaway camp so they can make everlasting friendships, and experience some fun, new activities. My camp, Camp Kinder Ring, means the world to me and I would love for someone else to have that experience as well. Camp is so special to me because every year I make so many new friends – it’s like magic. My hope is that other kids get to experience the greatness of camp through the help of my Mitzvah Project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
SB: To me it means to do something to help others. I feel so grateful I will be able to make someone else feel good and have fun because of my project.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word:
SB: I have been telling my friends and family about the SCOPE site which is where people can donate online.
Sophia and her friends made huge posters and posted information on Instagram to get people to come to her games to purchase the s’mores
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
SB: You can donate to SCOPE at any time!
For more information about SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) or call them at 646-278-4558.
We thank Sophia for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our Mitzvah Market readers.
July 25th, 2015
The Krauss family celebrated son Preston’s Bar Mitzvah at The Chabad of Oceanside in Oceanside, New York. Following the evening service, there was a celebration at Warehouse 5 in Island Park, New York.
Since Preston is on the Oceanside High School Varsity golf team and a fan of the sport, golf became the theme of his celebration!
Pictured Top L-R: Mom Alison, (dog Kingsly), Bar Mitzvah boy Preston and Dad Michael. Bottom L-R: Grandfather Ira, Grandmother Robin and Sister Madison.
Aron Michael was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
The family worked with Linda of Balloons Unlimited on the golf ball shaped invitation and kippot basket.
The invitation and kippot set the tone for a great golf par-tee!
Preston's service was held at the Chabad of Oceanside
Mitzvah Style & Venue
Warehouse 5 is an event space on the South Shore of Long Island offering great water views. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-selitto-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.c6OVX3Y2.dpuf
Preston and his sister looked great for his celebration
Preston's celebration took place at Warehouse 5 in Island Park
Mitzvah Details
Linda from Balloons Unlimited coordinated much of the party details including the décor.
The sign-in book was created by Balloons Unlimited
As guests entered the room, they were greeted by festive balloons and a blow-up of Preston in his golf gear
For the adults, place cards were chocolate golfers
Centerpieces represented many of the golf courses that Preston has played on Long Island
Custom Step- N-Repeat of Preston was a fun background for photos
Preston’s name projected onto the wall
Music & Entertainment
MC Brian Howard from Brian Howard Entertainment and Talent provided the great music and dancing.
Mom Alison told us, “Brian (featured center) was so great; I’ve already booked him for daughter Madison’s celebration!”
Preston makes his grand entrance along with two dancers
Guests having fun on the dance floor
There were many interactive games from Balloons Unlimited for Preston’s guests to enjoy including Foosball and Pop A Shot
Mitzvah Favor & Exit Treats
The favors were also created by Balloons Unlimited.
Blue drawstring bags with Preston's logo contained...
... a yellow towel with Preston’s initials!
Everyone enjoyed the delicious cake pops that were wrapped in the party's colors
On the "19th hole" was a candy cart filled with goodies
There was a "Coming Attraction" poster for sister Madison's upcoming Bat Mitzvah in 2017
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Alison: “Enjoy every moment- it goes too quick! Started planning 2 years in advance so I wouldn’t be stressed.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gary-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.Vudeb2yV.dpuf
The following vendors helped to make Preston’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
The following vendors helped to make Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gary-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.Vudeb2yV.dpuf
Venue: Warehouse 5, 516-432-2400
Photographer/Videographer: Aron Michael, 516-840-8620
Décor/Balloons/Invitation/Sign-in/Kippot basket: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited, 516-593-0077
Music Entertainment: Brian Howard Entertainment & Talent, 347-675-5397
Zap Photography: Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Extra Entertainment/Towel favors & bags: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited 516-593-0077
Chocolate golfer place cards/Cake pops: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited 516-593-0077
July 18th, 2015
Joie Elie Photography recently photographed a creative twist on a Harry Potter themed Bat Mitzvah. The Stephens’ family celebrated daughter Josie’s Bat Mitzvah at Har Sinai Temple in Pennington, New Jersey, and the reception at The Event Center by Cornerstone in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Josie is passionate about Harry Potter and her service and reception had many creative elements incorporating the theme.
The candle lighting ceremony was a science experiment and as Josie waved her wand fire came up and excited all the guests!
At the conclusion of the service, guests threw marshmallows wrapped in gold foil and feather wings at Josie. The Rabbi doesn’t usually let guests throw things, but agreed as long as it was something soft. This was a special memory from Mom Merri’s own Bat Mitzvah
Marshmallows wrapped in gold foil to be snitches, a Harry Potter reference!
The family made the wand place cards using plastic chop sticks, hot glue, paint pens, beads and glitter. Every month, friends and family came over to help and this became known as Josie’s Decorating Committee
The Stephens family looked very stylish for the celebration and we love Josie’s sunny yellow cocktail dress
A little photo magic or is Josie just casting a spell over big brother Isaac?
The Marauder’s Map sign-in board was Mom Merri’s idea. In the Harry Potter series, a secret map exists that has secret tunnels and passageways and shows moving footprints. The top of the map reads, “I solemnly swear I am up to no good”
Josie’s friends sat at the four long tables just like the ones that the Hogwarts students sit at in the Great Hall. Josie had a seat reserved for her at all four so she could spend some time with all of her friends
The adults all sat at round tables, each one named for a Hogwarts professor. The different decorations represented that particular professor and had lanterns and/or candelabras
Custom pencils with a quote from the movie, “I must not tell lies” with Josie’s Bat Mitzvah date
The men’s bathroom was set up with signs, “This Way to the Ministry of Magic.” Guests loved the signs inside on how to use the toilet to transport yourself to the Ministry
When the family was announced and walked in the DJ asked all of the guests to come to the dance floor with their magic wands and to make an arch for them to walk through. Mom and Dad dressed up as Professor Dumbledore and
Professor McGonagall
Josie didn’t know Mom had asked the DJ to do this so she was so surprised!
A birdcage served as the gift drop
For the candle lighting each family member that Josie called up added an ingredient to create a special potion. Josie added the last one and then asked everyone to help her say the magic word “Incendio” which is the fire-making spell from Harry Potter, to get the potion to work. This was led by family friend Matt Davis, who is a chemistry teacher who practiced with Josie a few times in advance
After Josie had her guests say the magic words, she lit a candle and held it up at the end of her “magic wand” and to her guests’ surprise, flames shot out of the container and a loud noise too!
Josie up for the Horah with a selfie stick
Beanie hats with Josie’s custom logo
Some more magic from Joie Elie Photography
We thank the Stephen’s family and Joie Elie Photography for sharing this magical Bat Mitzvah.
Photography: Joie Elie Photography; Venue: The Event Center by Cornerstone; Sign-In Map: Nancy Levitt, Sweet Pea Studios; Caterer: Jamie Hollander, J Hollander Gourmet; Decorator, Danielle Gleason; DJ Entertainment:
Ian, Pulse Entertainment; Custom Beanie Hats; JM3 Screenprinting; Custom sunglasses: TOC Promotions; Custom pencils: Oriental Trading; Photo Booth: Anne Bradley, Tapsnap.net; Talit: Sharon Gellerman, Color Vibe Designs
