June 21st, 2015
Occasions Online featured this chic beach event with tones of lime, turquoise, aqua and bright yellow which took place at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North.
Get ready for a “ball” of a good time with these amazing decor ideas from Isabel Bryant of Best Event Ever, who designed this Bat Mitzvah for a teenager who loves the beach.
Photographer was from Shawna Herring Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom.
The invitation set the tone with the blue, green and yellow color palette
Greeting friends and family as they arrived was this twelve-foot beach ball that doubled as a seating chart
Green roadway signs directed guests to different stations throughout the event
“Pull up a beach chair!”
Centerpieces consisted of floating candles, colored stones and a banana leaf
The ballroom, with its “beach” theme, looked elegant and laid back at the same time
This celebration included a simulated tidal wave robo-surfer
The lime green favors looked great in the white cubbies
Guests received two-toned beach bags with Aly’s Bat Mitzvah logo
Atlanta’s signature Sublime Doughnuts, complete with a special A-shaped doughnut designed just for Aly
We thank Occasions Online for sharing this celebration with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Event Planning & Design: BEE – best.event.ever; Photography: Shawna Herring Photography; Decor: Let’s Celebrate; Entertainment: Atlanta Fever Entertainment and Amusement Masters; Venue & Catering: The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North; Photobooth: Smilebooth; Mitzvah Exit Treats: Sublime Doughnuts
June 21st, 2015
The Glaser family celebrated daughter Leah’s Bat Mitzvah in Tokyo, Japan, where the family was living at the time as expatriates due to Dad Jonathan’s job. The family is now back in Connecticut.
More than 30 family members and friends made the trip from the United States to celebrate with them. The Havdalah service was at the Jewish Community of Japan followed by dinner and dancing at the Tokyo American Club. The family threw a beautiful religious celebration and integrated many touches from their newly adopted home.
Pictured L-R: Mom Alisha, Sister Sophie, Bat Mitzvah girl Leah and Dad Jonathan.
The photographer was Tracey Taylor and Dee Green of 37 Frames and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
The family worked with Just Invite Me on the elegant invitations. For their out-of-town guests, Mom Alisha created a website to help with things to do and see while in Tokyo. The Havdalah service was at the Jewish Community of Japan, a synagogue of approximately 100 families, where the Glaser girls attended religious school while in Tokyo.
The colors white, turquoise, and gold accents were used throughout the party
They planned excursions around town to nearby tourist sites and arranged guides for their guests. The website included: jet lag tips, things to do and see, cultural information and basic travel suggestions, as well as the schedule of events for the weekend
Leah's dress, a Stella M'Lia brand, was purchased at Ragamuffin & Radical Rags Shop in Mount Pleasant, SC. Since the family was only in the States a brief time, the boutique allowed Leah to choose several dresses in a few colors with no obligation
As a special gift Leah's parents gave her custom-made silver tallit clips with a sakura flower (cherry blossom) that was the symbol of the ward they lived in while in Japan. They were created by close friend, Lynn Cooper of the Etsy.com shop, KanoaPureSilver
For months before the big day, Mom Alisha carted a bag of needlepoint around to sew a tallit bag and was finished in time to ship back to America for finishing and then picked up and brought back for the big day!
Mitzvah Details
Each table setting was slightly different with a cohesive peacock-themed color scheme. One of the many challenges of an event in Tokyo is there are no linen or table number rentals, so they ordered linens back in the States over the summer and carried them in their suitcases! Mom Alisha made the table numbers, place cards and all signage.
The entrance to the Tokyo American Club
Several trays of place cards greeted guests at the Tokyo American Club -- gold dots indicated vegetarian meals
The area set aside for kids and their buffet had a separate patio that was turned into a kids' lounge serving kid-friendly appetizers as well as root beer floats and smoothies
The elegant adult tables
The color coordinated menu with a beautiful peacock accent
The extensive welcome bags, (because guests came so far), included American and Japanese snacks to help stave off munchies when up in the middle of the night from jet lag as well as "survival kits" to help with the side effects of both jet lag and touring
Mom Alisha made pillows with Leah's name on them to decorate the kids' lounge area
Colorful custom socks matched the decor perfectly
For some of more "noise sensitive" guests, they provided ear plugs, which were a big hit!
For the sign-in, Mom Alisha painted a chair with Leah's name in English and Hebrew and the date. It was also used as the Horah chair and she now uses it as her desk chair
Mitzvah Fun
There was a photo booth for extra fun.
Fun props made for great pictures
Mom and Dad in disguise
Mitzvah Moment
Leah is a stroke survivor and wears an assistive device on her right leg which was blinged out to match her dress for the weekend!
Mitzvah Cake & Favor
Leah’s Bat Mitzvah was on her actual 13th birthday!
There was a traditional birthday cake and everyone sang to her!
L.L. Bean tote bags were monogrammed for each guests and hung from bows on their chairs with custom labels
Mitzvah Project
Travel is a huge part of the family’s life living overseas, as it is for many expats and Leah decided to incorporate this into her Mitzvah Project. She volunteered with her school making onigiri (Japanese rice and seaweed sandwiches) for homeless men and noticed how much pride they took in their personal appearance. She wrote letters to all her friends and family asking them to collect travel-sized toiletries. She collected them while back in the United States the summer before her Bat Mitzvah and also rode her bicycle around Tokyo collecting items from her friends months before. She collected over 2000 individual items, and was able to make up personal hygiene kits that the family distributed to homeless men.
Leah with more than 100 necessities bags for homeless men in Tokyo. Each bag contained soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, warm socks, razors, shaving cream, combs, brushes, tissues, shampoo, lotion, lip balm, and mints
And here is the whole family out on the streets distributing them at 4:00 AM in a typhoon because they said they would be there!
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Alisha:
“The biggest challenge for me was planning an event in a country where no one knew what a Bat Mitzvah was! However, this was actually quite liberating on some level – Leah and I were free to plan exactly the event we wanted to without competing for vendors, worrying if anyone else would do the same things, or that it had all been “seen before.” As a Mom, I found the best mindset was to do the special touches we wanted, and anything that couldn’t be done, I’d remind myself that no one but our little family even knew they’d been a possibility and wouldn’t be missed. Leah and I are both crafty and love to plan, so we did a lot of extra touches ourselves, which was both fun and special. As a Mom, I loved having her involved in as much as possible.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Leah’s celebration extremely special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Jewish Community of Japan, 81-03-3400-2559
Venue: Tokyo American Club, 81-03-4588-0381
Party Planner: Mom Alisha Glaser
Music Entertainment: DJ: Duane Wachna/MC: Guy Totaro
Photographer/Videographer: Tracey Taylor and Dee Green 37 FRAMES, 81-80-3271-9071
Invitation: Just Invite Me, 847-285-3495
Décor/florist: Bloom and Stripe, 81-3-6421-1187
Place cards, signage, pillows: Mom Alisha
Favor bags: L.L. Bean
Cake: Cookie-Hound
Cloth napkins: efavormart.com
Personalized paper cocktail napkins: ForYourParty.com
Sign-In Chair: Mom Alisha
Talit clips: Lynn Cooper, Kanoa Pure Silver, Etsy.com
Custom labels for welcome bags Evermine, 1-855-383-7646
Dresses for Mom: Theia, Neiman Marcus
Bat Mitzvah girl Leah: Stella M’Lia dress from The Ragamuffin Shop & Radical Rags, 843-884-4814
Sister Sophie’s dress: Sweet Kids
Suits for Dad: Teijin Men’s Shop of Ginza
Hair/makeup: Roberto Perozzi
June 14th, 2015
The Gary family celebrated their son Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah with a Havdalah service followed by a party at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, New Jersey.
The evening was truly a celebration as guests saw the grace and poise of the Bar Mitzvah boy reflected in all of his wonderful characteristics in the theme, A Night of Champions.
Pictured L-R: Dad Aaron, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, Brother Alex and Mom Rachel.
Brad Photo and Video was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Merri Kurzner of Letter Perfect on the sophisticated invitation.
The black, red and pewter color palette was used throughout the party
Spencer had a beautiful Havdalah service.
Spencer with his family on the Bimah
Spencer drinking from the kiddush cup as his proud family and Rabbis look on
Flower Power Design owner Mindi Shaevitz created a room for a champion starting with a great idea for the place cards.
Customized Gatorade bottles served as place cards and thirst quenchers!
They had Spencer’s logo and the table assignment
The lounge furniture featured lots of customization with pillows and decals on the coffee table
Spencer’s logo front and center
There were alternating custom centerpieces, this one featured Spencer’s picture and logo
The centerpieces included silhouettes of basketball, lacrosse and soccer players
An over-sized Gobo was projected on the wall
Spencer’s logo was displayed on the screens around the room
The menu card at each place setting included the logo.
Mom Rachel created the sign-in book on Shutterfly.com.
A great picture of Spencer on the cover
The book included pictures of Spencer throughout the years
Robbie of Pure Energy and the dancers took care of all the fun on the dance floor.
Spencer made his entrance with two dancers
The DJ and dancers all wore black t-shirts with Spencer’s logo
There was lots of action on the dance floor
Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony, the family honored the people who helped make Spencer “a champion.” The final candle was given to the Sportsman of the Year, Spencer, while simultaneously a large canvas poster of the cover of the Spencer Illustrated magazine was unveiled. This custom and personalized keepsake was conceived by Dad Aaron, written by mom Rachel and designed by Spencer’s aunt Vanessa Gary, a graphic designer. Copies of the magazine were distributed to all the guests.
Spencer surrounded by his friends
Spencer with brother Alex
The family enjoyed a special moment
The canvas poster of the cover of Spencer Illustrated incorporated all of his favorite sports
Spencer posed with his magazine!
The grey hooded sweatshirt favors from Robin Edelman, Always Smile Designs Logo and Party Favors, included Spencer’s great logo.
Spencer modeled his sweatshirt
Another large canvas poster was created and placed near the exit reminding guests to save the date for brother Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on September 17, 2016.
Coming Attraction poster for younger Brother Alex
For his Bar Mitzvah project, Spencer volunteered for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and Special Olympics New Jersey. In addition to assisting in the 2014 USA Games offices completing administrative tasks, Spencer welcomed the 3,500 athletes competing as part of the New Jersey Welcome Day celebration. A highlight of his involvement with Special Olympics New Jersey was swimming the first leg of a triathlon as a Unified Partner to two Special Olympics athletes. After this experience, Spencer considers “Special Olympics athletes to be true champions because despite their differences, they continue to try their best.”
Spencer helping out folding t-shirts for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Welcoming the athletes as they arrived for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Spencer with one of his partners from Special Olympics New Jersey where he served as her Unified Partner in an area triathlon
Some advice from Mom Rachel:
“Event planning is something that comes naturally to me in my work in public relations; however, even I was amazed at all the little details that went into the planning of the celebration including coordinating with the temple, the room designer, the wardrobe fittings for all of us, the hotel and all the creative elements we were doing ourselves. I recommend creating a binder with sections for temple, venue, entertainment, decorations, favors, etc. and make lists so no detail is forgotten. Most of all, it is important to enjoy the process and work together with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah child so that it is your collective vision. One of the best moments of the night was my son’s reaction to the transformation of the temple ballroom as he did not truly envision how it could have a club atmosphere.”
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.
Venue: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, 973-376-0539
Photographer/Videographer: Brad Photo & Video, 973-696-8763
Party Planner: Mom Rachel
Décor/florist Centerpieces/Placecards: Mindi Shaevitz, Flower Power Design, 973-951-5676
Music Entertainment: MC Robbie, Pure Energy, 732-952-8772
Favors: Robin Edelman, Always Smile Designs Logo and Party Favor Design, 973-865-6863
Party entertainment: Tap Snap, 1-877-729-2715 ext. 1070
Invitation: Merri Kurzner, Letter Perfect 973-467-4541
Logo: Created by a personal friend
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Magazine Spread: Mom Rachel and Spencer’s Aunt Vanessa
Mom Rachel’s dress: Rhona’s Boutique
Suit, Dad Aaron: Hugo Boss
Suit, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer: Sam’s of Livingston
Suit, Alex: Men’s Warehouse
June 10th, 2015
Cupcake Cuties is a great find for those who like to bake and/or want to include cupcakes for their Kiddush reception, party or Mitzvah Project bake sale.
These fun designer cupcake kits can be customized for your special event or you can choose from a variety of fun themes.
You bake and they help you decorate! Some customers give cupcake kits to their local baker to finish off their cupcakes!
Each Cupcake Cutie Kit comes with 24 themed wraps, and all the necessary toppings to create the design that is pictured
Each kit comes complete with themed wrap sleeves and all the custom toppings needed
Summer Fun!
Cupcakes that look like hamburgers!
For every Cuties for the Cure sold, 5% of the sale will benefit Susan G. Komen LA.
You receive 3 designs and even the pink ribbon confetti to complete awesome cupcakes
For more information about Cupcake Cuties visit their Website.
Mitzvah Market readers, use promo code Mitzvah and receive 25% off your order.
June 3rd, 2015
It Events by Julie, an innovative special event planning company in South Florida, recently created a lacrosse themed Bar Mitzvah for the Dalley Family.
Event planner Julie Cohen incorporated Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan’s passion for lacrosse as inspiration for all of the decor and creative elements starting with the great logo, LAX is Life.
So many great elements including a stage that rotated 360 degrees when the Bar Mitzvah boy was revealed from behind after his entrance video. The venue was the beautiful Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
LAX check it out!
The programs, lacrosse-themed kippot and candy on display for guests
Lacrosse sticks hung from the ceiling above the place card table
The place cards included the logo and a lacrosse stick
The logo was used on the dance floor, pillows, centerpieces, bar, dance floor and favors
A view of the ballroom
The ballroom washed in blue up-lighting
Chocolate covered pretzels and lacrosse stick lollipops were at each place setting
Signage into the kids’ lounge area
The kids’ lounge area decorated with white draped couches, custom bolster pillows and coffee table
The stage rotated 360 degrees and Jordan was revealed from behind after his entrance video
The DJ was set up in the middle of the bar with a LED front
Hung above the kids’ buffet, a great shot of Jordan in his uniform taken at his Bar Mitzvah pre-shoot
An authentic lacrosse stadium candle lighting display complete with cheering fans!
At the end of the evening favors were displayed; hot pink for girls and blue for boys. The candy concession stand
was a big hit!
As the final treat of the evening, a BFF (Best French Fries) truck was waiting for guests as they left. Life-size cut-outs with Jordan thanking his guests celebrating his special day
We thank Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Julie Cohen, It Events by Julie, Photography: Munoz Photography; Decor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral and Events; Logo Design/Party Favors/Yarmulkes: A Special Favor, Venue: Woodfield Country Club; Music: Rock With U Entertainment; Montage: Timeline Video Productions;
Food Truck: Best French Fries
May 31st, 2015
The Silverstein family of Morganville, New Jersey, celebrated their daughter Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro, New Jersey. The reception followed at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The family re-created a summer day with a Boardwalk-inspired theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Fern, Brother Josh, Bat Mitzvah Girl Brooke, Sister Samantha and Dad Greg.
The photographer was David Todd Photographers & Video and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The boxed invitation which was presented beautifully with popcorn, confetti and shells
The RSVP card was a beach pass and resembled a boardwalk displaying the date 12.13.14
Bat Mitzvah girl Brooke and her parents were all smiles on the Bimah at Temple Rodeph Torah
Brooke with Cantor Alexander (L) and Rabbi Weber (R)
Keeping with the Boardwalk theme and party colors, the blue kippot were displayed in beach pails
The whole family looked great and couldn’t wait to celebrate
Brooke wore her cocktail dress for her service and during the cocktail hour. Then she changed into a beautiful floor length aqua gown embellished with crystals
Cut-out numbers with the special date
At the entrance to the ballroom, the over-sized flip-flop seating chart helped guests find their tables
Brooke posed on the dance floor with a customized logo behind her and pictures from her boardwalk photo shoot
The kids’ section looked great with centerpieces that included fun rides and games from the boardwalk
Flower centerpieces for the adult tables accented with Brooke’s favorite color purple
The menu was designed by Brooke’s Aunt Sona. On one side was the menu and the other was a picture of Brooke from her photo shoot.
Brooke posed with her sister Samantha and brother Josh and Doug the Stilt Walker
Doug kept an eye on all of Brooke’s friends from above
The sign-in was a surfboard, perfect for a boardwalk theme
Brooke made her entrance on a surfboard provided by Xplosive Entertainment
Brooke had a great time with her friends
Brooke shared a special dance with her Dad to the song, “My Girl”
In keeping with the boardwalk theme, guests received a caricature picture and glitter tattoos from The Main Event
The Silverstein family in caricature form
Time for some glitter tattoos, the perfect accessory!
The candle lighting display featured some of Brooke’s favorite hobbies
Brooke surrounded by her friends
Her sweatshirt favor featured Brooke’s initials, flip-flops and date
The back of the sweatshirt
Adults also left with a great treat these edible flip-flops by Chocolate By Design
The following vendors helped to make Brooke’s celebration extremely special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 732-938-9696
Photographer/Video: David Todd Photographers & Video, 732-792-6580
Music/Entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Invitation/Sweatshirt favors: Dana Kaufman, by dana, 732-625-1471
Decor/Candle lighting display/Sign-in: Marquis Florals and Event Design by Kim, 732-441-4800
Favors/Adults: Chocolate by Design, 800-536-3618
Caricature and Glitter Tattoos: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Stilt Walker: B. Happie Entertainment, 888-867-4282
Party Perfect Rentals: Food Carts, 732-303-8211
Brooke’s service dress/party dress: Lola’s Boutique, 732-972-5222
Mom’s dress: Lord and Taylor
Dad’s/Brother Josh’s suit: Men’s Warehouse
Dad’s/Brother Josh’s accessories: Lord and Taylor
May 27th, 2015
We recently read about a great Bat Mitzvah on the The Celebration Society’s Website featuring a modern take on a Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah.
Event planner Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous! in Maywood, New Jersey, created the decor for this party which took place in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The two themes, Broadway and New York City, were incorporated with Playbill accents, Broadway show centerpieces, acrylic signage and New York City-inspired foods.
Just in time for the Tony Awards, we present this show-stopping theme.
Photography by Mitzvahmanphoto.com and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah girl Carly in front of great signage to welcome guests
The family was ready for “Carly’s Premiere “
The place card table had a light-up marquee letter “C”
The place cards had the initial “C” as a dot and were in hot pink and black
An acrylic “C” for Carly held pink gumballs
Modern signage in the ballroom featuring the star of the evening, Carly!
Alternating centerpieces included Broadway shows with black and white lampshades
The tables featured black polka dot linens with black plate chargers and hot pink napkins
Oh So Fabulous used the door from Carly’s bedroom as a sign-in board and now she remembers her special day every time she walks in or out of her room!
The favors were pajama pants for girls and t-shirts for boys
Playbill cookies were part of the favors given in conjunction with a donation to the Colon Cancer Society
We thank Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous! for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Venue & Catering: Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta; Event Design & Decor: Oh So Fabulous!;
Photography: Mitzvahmanphoto.com; Entertainment: DJTOD; Photobooth: Button It Up; Videography: Duke Mania; Bar & Luge: K & Z Ice Carvings; Logo & Invitations: Bella Dia
May 25th, 2015
The Berman family of Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated their son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, New Jersey, and a reception later that evening at The Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey.
Ethan, who is an actor and enjoys making movies, editing films and playing the guitar, chose the “13th Annual Ethan Awards,” as his Bar Mitzvah theme.
There were many star-studded details including a very special candle lighting ceremony.
Pictured L-R: Dad Stuart, Sister Ava Rose, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan, Mom Shari, Brothers Gavin and Aidan.
The photographer was Sarah Merians Photography & Video and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Julie Maloof Designs on double-sided invitation with the service information on one side and the evening celebration on the other
Black and silver words, meaningful to Ethan, decorated the inside of the envelope liner
Ethan made his family and friends very proud on the Bimah. After the service, there was a beautiful Kiddush luncheon at The James Ward Mansion in Westfield, New Jersey
A gift from brother Gavin after the service
The kiddush luncheon at The James Ward Mansion
This family was dressed to walk the red carpet! Mom Shari looked elegant in her gown from Barney’s New York. Sister Ava’s royal blue cocktail dress was from Princess Charming. Dad Stuart’s outfit was from Nordstrom. Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan and brother Aidan’s outfits were from Sam’s Fine Mens Clothing and brother Gavin looked awesome in his outfit from Lester’s
Debbie and Iris of Debbie’s Designs, brought Hollywood-style to New Jersey with fun and festive decor. Plus the entrance of the Crystal Plaza had search lights like a movie premiere
Signage directed guests upstairs
The theme was evident as guests arrived. A large over-sized envelope included all of Ethan’s hobbies and activities
The place card table was star-studded
Ethan’s star on the dance floor shined bright throughout the night
The royal blue serpentine couch and director’s chairs offered guests great seating options
The adult tables were named after some of Ethan’s favorite movies such as “Grown Ups”
There were many award-winning details at the party including this mail box from Simon Elliot Events, where guests “mailed” their gifts for Ethan. Pictures taken from Ethan’s pre-shoot, with Sarah Merians Photography and Video, wrapped the mailbox
Themed drink names included “The Red Carpet” and “The Director”
A movie reel lamp shade added decor detail to the place card table
Cocktail napkins worthy of a star
The sign-in was a director’s chair of course, which now sits in Ethan’s bedroom
MC Bijan and the Unique Musique Entertainment dance team had everyone on their feet and dancing all night. Ethan made his entrance on a Vespa with a thumbs up!
Ethan up in the chair for the Horah
Never too young for the Horah, right Gavin?
Dad Stuart fell into the Mitzvah mosh pit
Mom Shari hired Simon Elliot Events who provided amazing entertainment including a customized paparazzi photo booth where guests could pose on the red carpet and print a “selfie.” There was also a customized “Superstar” Photo Booth
The Selfie Photo Booth was a huge hit
Mom Shari and brother Aidan had shirts printed from the Behind the Screens custom t-shirt printing booth
Ethan, the star of the night, called up family and friends to hand out custom “Ethan” statuettes, similar to the Oscars. Ethan wrote poems for each award recipient and ended each with “And the Ethan Award goes to….” When each recipient or recipients were announced the DJ played a song from a movie soundtrack. The “Ethan” statuette was created with the help of David Bruner, the owner of Size Stream, a 3d body measurement technology company who created 3D images of Ethan. Two additional companies participated in the final production, Shapeways and A Custom Apparel
How could Ethan host the “13th Annual Ethan Awards” without an Ethan award?
And the Ethan Award for “Best younger siblings” goes to… Aiden, Ava and Gavin!
In the best friends category, “the award goes to…” Ethan’s friends!
The Crystal Plaza made a 4-tiered red carpet cake
The Bermans worked with Julie Fermaglich of SWISH on the amazing SWAG! Ethan’s friends received hoodie buddie sweatshirts and film tins filled with movie theater candy!
The front
The back included Ethan’s logo and Bar Mitzvah date info
At the end of the night, the Bermans’ guests left with lots of sweet treats from a candy truck waiting for them!
The custom label for the candy bags read:
“Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah
It’s a Rap!!!!!”
A truck filled with candy as an exit treat
Personalized water bottles displayed on the candy truck
For Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah project he asked guests to help an organization called the Mandy Reichman Feeding Program. Included in his invitation was the information asking guests to bring items that are needed by the organization.
Ethan posing for a picture taking a break from packing sandwiches
Some advice from Mom Shari:
“The best advice I can give is to focus on making the day meaningful from the get-go. This includes helping your child choose a Mitzvah Project to your guest list, from the words you say about your child on the bimah to the special touches that you add for their celebration that is a reflection of them. Remember that this is your child’s special day, and make them a part of the process – to the extent they are interested, be a part of their learning, and make it a joyful celebration of them. Of course, it helps to be organized. Although I tend to use my iPhone all the time, I went old-school for this occasion, and early on purchased a binder where I kept all of the contracts organized in separate tabs by vendor. I was able to quickly review what I needed when the time came. Also, I found it was helpful to have a good friend or two, a few months ahead of me. As they did certain things, I did them. There are certain things that can’t be done ahead of time and unfortunately have to wait until the last two weeks, so focus on the things you can do (like ordering kippahs, picking out favors, beginning your program – if you are doing one, going through your hundreds/thousands of photos for your montage, figuring out centerpieces and décor, thinking about songs you want the DJ to play, etc.) The more you do in advance, the more relaxed you’ll feel in the hectic weeks leading up to the day. Finally, remember to enjoy the process. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime event for your child. During the service, step back and actually watch your child chant from Torah. It’s incredibly moving. At the celebration, when you are called into the room, take a moment to look around the room and see the smiling faces on the special people in your life who are there to celebrate your child becoming a Bar/Bat mitzvah. There are few opportunities in life to bring all of these people from all walks of your, your child and your family’s life into one room for such a happy occasion. Above all forget all of the planning you did, and just have fun with your child, immediate family, extended family and friends – all of whom are there to celebrate this Mitzvah with you.”
Vendor Directory
Here is the list of vendors who made Ethan’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Crystal Plaza, 973-992-8100
Photographer/Videographer: Sarah Merian’s Photography & Video Company, 212-633-0502
Party Planner: Mom Shari
Music Entertainment: Larry Gold, MC Bijan, Unique Musique, 800-556-6535
Décor/florist: Debbie’s-Designs, 973-696-7930
Favors/Logo Design/Dancer t-shirts: Julie Fermaglich, SWISH, 917-714-8357
Ethan Award Statuettes: David Bruner, Size Stream
Additional Ethan Award Production: Shapeways, A Custom Apparel
Candy/personalized waters/hotel bags: Andrea Festa, Sugar Rush, 973-632-8240
Photo Booth/Mailbox: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Julia Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Cake: Crystal Plaza, 973-992-8100
Sign-In director’s chair: Debbie’s-Designs, 973-696-7930
Montage: Jenny Herrero, Storyteller Productions, 914-923-3595
Entrance Video: Bob Anthony Productions, 732-914-1949
Dresses for Mom Shari: Barney’s New York
Dresses for sister Ava: Princess Charming, 973-325-1419
Dad’s suit: Nordstrom
Ethan and Aidan suits, Sam’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Little brother Gavin, Lester’s
Hair: Lisa Fedorochko Saturday am and Ava/Katelyn Padden/Saturday pm, Charles Salon, 908-889-5008
Transportation: Academy Buses
Kiddush luncheon venue: The James Ward Mansion, 908-389-0014
Kiddush Caterer: Alan Perl, Ultimate Caterer, 732-577-0490
Kippahs: Klipped Kippahs
May 20th, 2015
Is your child celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah with a theme that would require a ticket? We found a great Website that can help.
Fake Ticket Generator allows you to print custom tickets that can be used as a Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation or place card. All you need is a computer, internet connection and a printer!
Whether it’s a sports, movie or concert/music themed celebration, you can choose from two different ticket styles and enter information such as row and seat numbers, event title and place, and date of the event. After entering information, click “Make My Ticket!” to view and save your ticket in JPEG format.
To learn more visit their Website.
May 20th, 2015
New York based Sweet Dreams Studio provided the photography and photo booth entertainment for Arielle’s Bat Mitzvah party at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Working with the theme Arielle’s Aquarium, Innovative Party Planners transformed the National Aquarium, a very public space, into an intimate event. This involved the collaboration of many vendors working together to create a shared vision.
Arielle has a love for sea animals including dolphins and manatees. This set the stage for not only her theme and decor, but also incorporated her Mitzvah Project. Using this celebration, Arielle raised money and awareness for manatees.
Arielle looked beautiful in her aqua gown
The Bat Mitzvah service, set-up in the Underwater Viewing room of the National Aquarium, gave all guests and mammals the perfect view! It was challenging taking pictures in the dimly-lit aquarium room for the ceremony because flash wasn’t allowed, but Sweet Dreams Studio still took great shots!
Bat Mitzvah girl Arielle and her family, passed the Torah from generation to generation–starting with Arielle’s great grandmother and ending with her brother
Guests were welcomed into the party by a poster of Arielle on a dolphin
Photos of sea mammals were used for the place cards
The view from the mezzanine level, with the aquarium ceiling full of jellyfish, provided the perfect backdrop
and inspired the color scheme
Table names, created by Innovative Party Planners, were adorable and educational!
Arielle’s logo was featured on the centerpieces
Each centerpiece included a mammal and fun decor elements
Beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl posed in front of a beautiful photo booth backdrop from Sweet Dreams Studio
Everyone had fun dressing up in the photo booth from Sweet Dreams. Props added to the fun
Award winning magician, Steven Brundage, came in from Schenectady, NY, to entertain
The dolphin candle stick holders, intended to be Arielle’s Shabbat candlesticks, were a gift from her parents and beautifully fit with her theme
Arielle’s Mitzvah Project raised funds for Save the Manatees and was on display at her celebration
A beautiful way to end the party with a color-coordinated candy buffet styled by Innovative Party Planners
We thank Sweet Dreams Studio for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Photography: Sweet Dreams Studio; Event Planning and Decor: Innovative Party Planners; Venue: National Aquarium in Baltimore; Caterer: Classic Catering People; Entertainment: Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos, NYX Entertainment Nailed-It, Sweet Dreams Photo Booths, Steven Brundage Magic; Lighting: Maryland Productions; Linens: Gala Cloths, Chair Covers and Linens; Flowers: Flowers & Fancies; Transportation: Erye Bus, Tour & Travel; Video Montage: Event Video, Magician: Steven Brundage
