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Mitzvah Inspire: Garden of Eden
January 21st, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: Garden of Eden

Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company captures some of the most sophisticated and fun Bar and Bat Mitzvahs around and we couldn’t wait to share this enchanting Bat Mitzvah they had the pleasure to photograph.

The Bat Mitzvah girl’s name is Eden so “Garden of Eden” was chosen as the theme that came to life with elaborate flower arrangements, gorgeous table-scapes, amazing details and a few apples to tempt guests.

The venue was The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden
Eden read from the Torah at an evening Havdalah service at the venue

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

Red suede flower kippot

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

Dad Jeff surrounded by his beautiful daughters. Eden’s dress was from Gotham. Older sister Miranda’s dress was from Jacqueline and sister Riley and Daisy’s dresses (the little girls) were custom designed by Mom Lisa

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

Bat Mitzvah girl Eden and Mom Lisa sharing a nice moment

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

Eden looked like a princess in her gorgeous pink strapless ball gown with flower embellishments

 Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 The pink, green and yellow color palette started with this beautiful topiary which held the escort cards

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 As guests entered the room they were greeted by Eden flanked by colorful butterflies

 Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 Exotic flowers and hanging ivy were part of the decor

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

The rich floral arrangements in jewel tones really popped on the apple green embroidered linen with raffia place mats

 Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden
The scents of nature brought indoors with candlelight, moss and orchids that covered the base of the trees

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 Butterfly menus flew onto each place setting

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

A tempting apple mixed into the floral arrangements

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 Lovely linens in pastel colors 

 Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

The family posed on the dance floor

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

 Butterfly stickers on the dance floor added color and detail to the beautiful ballroom

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

One of the creative posters taken of Eden during her pre-shoot that hung on the ballroom walls

 Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden
E Three Productions provided the awesome entertainment for the evening

 

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

The sign-in poster

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

This 5-tiered cake, created by Peace of Cakes, really captured the theme with edible flowers and butterflies that looked real

Sarah Merians: Garden of Eden

Eden changed her dress during the party ending the night in a pink and white short dress and posing for pictures by the “Forbidden Fruit Cafe”

 

Garden of Eden Mitzvah Exit

 A charming send-off for Eden’s guests who picked up candy and snacks for the ride home

We thank Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company for sharing such an enchanting Bat Mitzvah with our readers. 

Photography: Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company; Event Planners/Decor: Pat Glenn Productions; Music/DJ: Evan Tyler, E Three Productions; Venue: The Grove. Bat Mitzvah girl Eden’s dresses: Gotham City Clothing. Older sister Miranda’s dress: Jacqueline, Sister Riley and Daisy’s dresses: Custom designed by Mom Lisa. Cake: Peace of Cakes

 

 

 

Two Mitzvah Projects For One Bat Mitzvah Girl
January 21st, 2015

Two Mitzvah Projects For One Bat Mitzvah Girl

 

Kyra Goldman of Short Hills, New Jersey, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on November 15, 2014. For her Mitzvah Project she chose two very worthwhile organizations.

Kyra has a passion for fitness, so she decided to raise money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation by holding Cycling for LRF. It was a fun-filled, non-competitive indoor cycling session at Flywheel Sports in Englewood, New Jersey. The Cycling for LRF classes are nationwide and offers survivors, family and friends an opportunity to cycle in honor and memory of those whose lives have been touched by Lymphoma.

For her second Mitzvah Project, Kyra honored a Holocaust survivor by becoming a witness through the Holocaust Council Of Metro West NJ, part of the Jewish Federation.

Pictured L-R: Mom Sherri, Bat Mitzvah girl Kyra , Sister Samantha and Dad Bill. Younger Brother Jake is not pictured as he is nine and was too young to ride but helped out with Kyra’s tunes for the ride!

 

 

MM: Can you give us the details of your Mitzvah Projects?
KG:
I love fitness so I initiated a spinning class at Flywheel Sports. I was able to make a playlist of the songs that we cycled to and our friends and family came to the class and donated to our cause raising $5,000. I also twinned with a Holocaust survivor named Gina Lanceter. I became a witness and will retell her story to my children and my children’s children. My survivor had the opportunity to celebrate with me on November 15, 2014, and shared my Bat Mitzvah as she never was able to experience this because of the Holocaust.

 

Kyra
Kyra during her Bat Mitzvah service

Kyra Goldman

Survivor Gina Lanceter (with the microphone) told her story of strength and courage during Kyra’s service and touched everyone there. In this picture, Gina was thanking the Goldman family for including her, but it was the Goldman family that was truly thankful to have Gina share in this special day

Kyra Goldman mitzvah project

Survivor Gina Lanceter is holding the model of the train window. Gina was in a boxcar on her way to a concentration camp (Majdanek) with her parents. They were able to push the bar on this tiny window and push Gina out while the train was moving!

MM: Why did you decide to take on these particular Mitzvah Projects?
KG:
Raising money for Lymphoma was close to my heart as my aunt had suffered with this terrible disease. She went through rigorous chemotherapy and is now thankfully cancer-free. For my second project I am going to Israel soon and I can now honor my survivor who taught me so much about the Holocaust. I was so happy to be able to share my Bat Mitzvah with someone as special as my survivor.

MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
KG
: It made me feel great because I was helping others like my Aunt who suffered through this terrible illness. I also loved knowing that I could share my special day with someone who wasn’t able to have a Bat Mitzvah.

MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
KG:
We sent out an email to my friends and family to help us with our cycling class.

To find out more about these wonderful organization please click on the links: Lymphoma Research Foundation
and the Holocaust Council Of Metro West NJ.

We thank Kyra, the entire Goldman family and Gina Lanceter for sharing these amazing Mitzvah Projects with our readers.

 

Mitzvah Find: Guest Book Signature Quilt
January 14th, 2015

Mitzvah Find: Guest Book Signature Quilt

Patten Creations individually hand crafts unique items for special occasions. We found a very creative way for your Bar Bat Mitzvah guests to sign-in!

The guestbook signature quilt is a wonderful way to collect the signatures and sentiments of your guests for your child’s special day.

The signature squares that make up this quilt are 100% white cotton. Prior to your event, 100-125 squares, (depending on the size of your quilt), will be sent to you with a set of fabric pens. After guests sign-in, mail the square back and your quilt will be constructed using all cotton materials, including a premium batting and a solid color backing to coordinate with the front.


You can also include a center image or invitation as shown above. It can be made with 120 squares by leaving out the center image and the overall size is 71″ x 85″ with 6″ x 6″ squares

As shown here, it can also be made with many images and less sign-in squares

They can create different sizes upon request. There is a minimum of two weeks from placement of order to shipment of prepared squares. Lead time on finished quilt is approximately four weeks from receipt of returned squares.

Learn more by visiting their Website.

 

 

Mitzvah Idea: Donating Food After Your Event
January 11th, 2015

Mitzvah Idea: Donating Food After Your Event

Special events Website, BizBash.com, published a great article by Alesandra Dubin regarding food donation after your event that we wanted to share.

Catering and food choices are usually one of the main considerations we make when planning a Bar Bat Mitzvah reception. All the leftover delicious food will usually get thrown out, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Your family and caterer can feel good by donating to an organization that could use it. An added benefit is that food donations are tax deductible for either you or the caterer. There are regulations that apply to the kinds of foods that can be donated and how they need to be packaged.

If you plan to donate your leftovers, it’s best to talk to your caterer about it or call your local food bank prior to your event to find out their requirements for preparation and drop-off.

Here are some suggestions per Biz Bash:

1. Plan ahead
Donating food following an event can’t be an afterthought. It needs to be part of the pre-planning process. Speak to your planner, your venue coordinator, or your caterer. Make sure everyone knows your donation plan.

2. Being Protected
Give your venue a copy of the Bill Emerson Act which protects the donor and the recipient agency against liability. In the article, Syd Mandlebaum CEO of Rock and Wrap It Up, an organization that works throughout North America to recover leftover food says, “Food donation starts with simple planning and strategies. Given the opportunity, before you sign a contract with a caterer, hotel, or resort, let them know that you are writing into the contract a sentence that states, ‘All leftover food, prepared but not served, cannot be thrown away, but must go to an anti-hunger agency,’”  It is important to note that the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Laws protect food donors as long as safe food handling is used.”

 

Rock and Wrap
3. Partner with a local organization
Locate the local organization to receive the donation and arrange the specifics—in particular, how the food will make its way to the group following the event. The Hungerpedia tool on the Rock and Wrap It Up Website lists vetted agencies that can be contacted for food recovery from events throughout the continent—groups that have their health certificates, transportation and refrigeration.

Here are a few national organizations that accept food donations.

Rock and Wrap It Up – This is a global, award-winning, anti-poverty think tank. The organization has fed more than 500 million people, supports over 43,000 agencies in North America, and is partnered not only with 150 rock bands, but with professional sports franchises, colleges, hotel chains, film and television producers.

City Harvest – Local food rescue programs will pick up leftovers from the wedding reception, and deliver them to a homeless shelter the same day. Most of the food banks only deal with non-perishable food items. For more information and to locate a local food rescue program, please visit America’s Second Harvest (www.secondharvest.org).

Feeding America – Find a food bank in your area using the locator at Feeding America. They have a nationwide network of food banks that distributes more than 3 billion meals each year to communities throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger.

We hope these great suggestions provide you with information on giving back to your community after your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Mitzvah Inspire: Project Runway
January 10th, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: Project Runway

Is your child a fan of the popular reality show, “Project Runway?” Or even just an aspiring fashion designer?

 

stamp inspire

 

Atlanta Occasions Magazine once again featured a great Bat Mitzvah on their website that we had to share with our Mitzvah Market readers. This young woman is a budding fashion designer, so she could think of no other theme suitable for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah than her very own spin on Lifetime’s hit TV show.

What makes it even more special is that all event planning and design was done by her Mom, Michelle Nathan! If you would like to use her fabulous services, just email her at MNathan101@aol.com.

All the vendors are based in Atlanta and include: Chuck Robertson Photography,  decor by Tulip and T-shirts from the Atlanta T Shirt Factory. Enjoy!

 

Project Runway

Colorful signage that hung from the draping

Project Runway

The place cards were fashion illustrations by the Bat Mitzvah girl

Project Runway

The table decor was colorful and creative – this centerpiece included a  lamp with scissors and a spool of thread – all the chairs had boas on them

Project Runway
The centerpieces are simple but colorful – wrapped boxes with votives and single carnations

Project Runway
The dessert bar all “dressed up”

Project Runway

The T-shirt giveaways had Project Runway host Tim Gunn’s favorite  catchphrase “Make it Work!”

To see another Mitzvah Inspire from Atlanta Occasions Magazine, click here.

 

Mitzvah Inspire: Abby in Wonderland
January 7th, 2015

Mitzvah Inspire: Abby in Wonderland

Janie Haas Events recently created a modern version of Alice in Wonderland with “Abby in Wonderland” themed Bat Mitzvah that was nothing short of amazing.

The venue was the versatile event space Theatre 1 & Space 57 at The Revere Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Bat Mitzvah girl loves the book and it was a great opportunity for the family and event planner to let their creative juices flow.

With a mix of vintage and modern decor, this popular theme had not been done like this before!

The photography was by Person + Killian.

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland entrance
At the entrance, a window cling with her logo

 

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland serivce program

 Custom service programs

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland place card table characters

Characters from the book came to life

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland place cards

 Vintage inspired skeleton key place cards

 Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland cocktail centerpieces
Tea cup centerpieces

 Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland sign in mirror

Take a look through this beautiful “Looking Glass” sign-in

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland bar

Chess pieces and the mushroom forest were a focus of the bar and lounge area

ALice In Wonderland bar signage
It was the Mitzvah Mom’s idea to use many of the novel’s quotes throughout the décor

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland lounge decor2
 Adventure and fun were around every corner

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland room shot
A full room photo from above

Alice in Wonderland table decor

 Beautiful vintage lace linens, flowered tea cups and dainty china were used for the adult table settings 

ALice in Wonderland menu
The adult menu featured a vintage font 

ALice in wonderland menu

The kids’ menu decorated in vibrant modern colors

 

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland table number

 The table numbers were illustrated characters from the book 

 

Janie Haas Alice in Wonderland napkins
“Which way you ought to go depends on where you want to go” was just one of the very cute and appropriate quotes for the kids’ napkins

 

10629390_10152407415066835_8315379114715554314_o

We love this seating banquette

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland lounge decor
Sophisticated and modern lounge area

Janice Haas Events Alice in Wonderland lounge and dancefloor2
Hanging chairs and over-sized tea cups on the kids’ side

 Alice in Wonderland kids custom table

 “Every adventure requires a first step” decorated this great serpentine table

 

Alice in Wonderland cake

The amazing cake with all the characters

We thank Janie Haas Events for sharing this wonderful and creative Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.

Event Planner: Janie Haas Events; Photographers: Person + Killian PhotographyVenue: Theatre 1 & Space 57 at The Revere Hotel; Decor: Art of the Event, Inc.; Furniture Rentals: Art of the Event, Inc., Peterson Party Center; Lighting: Suzanne B. Lowell Lighting Design; Entertainment: Klass Universal Entertainment

Mitzvah Inspire: Yankee Stadium
December 21st, 2014

Mitzvah Inspire: Yankee Stadium

The Event of A Lifetime, Inc.LLC, founder and event planner, Melisa Imberman recently coordinated a Bar Mitzvah celebration at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York.

Yankee Stadium has a diverse selection of unique event locations, including the Delta Sky 360 Suite.

The suite encompasses an indoor and outdoor space and is elevated directly behind home plate! The Bar Mitzvah boy got to do a photo shoot in the famed locker room and in the dugout.

It was a beautiful day and guests were able to enjoy the outdoor patio as well as sit on the stadium seats outside the suite. The kids took part in a Home Run Derby and had their photos taken and superimposed on a Sports Illustrated magazine cover.

 

Ray Karaman was the photographer.

 

 Imberman yankee stadium1

 The suite is elevated directly behind home plate; the wall facing the field is all windows that provide breathtaking views of the field

 

Melisa Imberman Yankee gobo

When guests entered, the scoreboard showed Paul’s logo. Later guests watched Paul’s montage on the giant screen and for the remainder of the party guests’ names scrolled on scoreboard

 

Yankee Bar Mitvah decor

 Guests ate, danced and enjoyed the photos and memorabilia in the lounge

  Imberman yankee stadium3
A great room to celebrate and watch baseball

 Imberman yankee theme bar

 What a great view from the bar!

Imberman yankee stadium4
The centerpieces

Imberman yankee stadium gobo

 The logo as a Gobo

Imberman yankee theme socks

 New York Yankee socks for dancing

Imberman yankee stadium candy
Popular stadium food was served including a hot dog cart, and there were vendors walking around with popcorn and soda 

We thank Melisa Imberman, of The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc., for sharing this New York Yankees themed Bar Mitzvah with our readers.

 

Mitzvah Project: Inspired By Music To Help Others In Need
December 17th, 2014

Mitzvah Project: Inspired By Music To Help Others In Need

By Geoffrey Alintoff, Marlboro, New Jersey

As my friends and family know, I play guitar and LOVE music! Music has inspired me in so many ways and in fact, helped me choose my mitzvah project.

On March 8, 2014, my mom and dad took me and my sister to see one of our favorite bands, Imagine Dragons, at the Izod Center in New Jersey. The concert was amazing and inspiring.

During the concert, the lead singer, Dan Reynolds gave a heartfelt speech about his friend, a teenager named Tyler Robinson,
who had recently passed away from cancer. Dan told the audience that he met Tyler in 2011 when Tyler and his brother, Jesse were at an Imagine Dragons concert. Jesse sent Dan an email that night asking him to give Tyler a shout out during Tyler’s favorite song, “It’s Time,” because one line in the song, “The path to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell,” helped Tyler get through some of his most difficult days. Dan dedicated “It’s Time” to Tyler that night, and so began their friendship.

During his speech at the Izod Center, Dan described Tyler as an incredible kid, who, despite the adversity he was facing, was
always positive. Unfortunately, on March 4, 2013, at the age of 17, Tyler lost his battle with cancer. To honor Tyler and continue his legacy, Imagine Dragons together with the Robinson Family started the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) to help families cover some of the costs of childhood cancer. After Dan finished his speech, I knew immediately that I had discovered the perfect mitzvah project for me that would combine my love of music and my desire to help children and families.

I reached out to TRF and told them my intentions and Tyler’s brother (and TRF president) Jesse wrote back excited about my project. I immediately got to work.

I set up a Website for friends and family to make donations. I also made TRF car magnets and began selling them outside local stores with the help of several friends who I call my team of “Cancer Slayers.”

Geoffrey Alintoff
In September, the preschool I attended, Congregation Sons of Israel Preschool and Kindergarten in Manalapan, NJ, had a dance party in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and all proceeds were donated to TRF to support my mitzvah project. On January 25, 2015 my music school, Music University in Freehold, NJ, will host “Music From the Heart,” a benefit concert/fun day, complete with a gift basket raffle with all proceeds going to TRF.

The mission of TRF is to help families with the “unseen costs” of childhood cancer. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, oftentimes a parent needs to quit their job to care for their child. Sometimes families have to travel far from their homes to access the best treatment and some medications are not covered by insurance. Plus there are many more unanticipated costs. An already stressful time becomes even more stressful when a family has to struggle to pay their bills and make ends meet. TRF’s goal is to help alleviate the financial strain of childhood cancer, so families can focus on what matters most: each other. The Tyler Robinson Foundation provides a TRF representative and a financial planner or their grantee families so they receive both emotional and financial support and education.

I was so passionate about raising a lot of money and awareness for TRF that my whole family got involved and wanted to help. At a hedge fund conference my Dad attended, he nominated TRF in a Twitter-based contest, to win a media grant of up
to a million dollars. TRF was one of three winners.

My Mom has promoted my fundraising efforts on social media and helped me plan my magnet sales and other events. My sister, Naomi is part of my team and has helped me at all the fundraising events.

As a result of our family’s efforts and dedication, the president of TRF invited our family to sit on their Board of Directors. It is a privilege to be a part of TRF and sit alongside the members of Imagine Dragons and some really amazing people who work incredibly hard so TRF can help families battling pediatric cancer. Most importantly, I am honored to be helping families who are in great need of our assistance.

I have already raised almost $8,000 and I hope to raise much more by my Bar Mitzvah in February 2015. Every penny I raise
will go directly to a TRF grantee family.

I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for families dealing with a child who has cancer. I hope that my efforts help them at their most difficult times. I also hope that other kids will be inspired to look at their mitzvah project as an opportunity to form a long-term relationship with a charity in which they truly believe. I am incredibly humbled by all the people who have donated and supported me and TRF and I look forward to being a part of the Tyler Robinson Foundation for a long time to come.

Geoffrey Alintoff, 12, is a 7th grader at Marlboro Middle School. You can learn more about The Tyler Robinson Foundation at www.trf.org.

 

 Mitzvah Market Magazine

 

This story is from new 2014 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

A Fantasy Sports Draft Celebration in Lake Mary, Florida
December 14th, 2014

A Fantasy Sports Draft Celebration in Lake Mary, Florida

The Brodsky family celebrated son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah with a service at Congregation of Reform Judaism, Orlando, Florida, and an evening party at the Lake Mary Events Center, Lake Mary, Florida.

The theme was “Jake’s JamFest,” a take on a fantasy sports draft party.

Great themes run in this family as we previously featured sister Sara’s Bat Mitzvah, Cirque de Sara.

Pictured L-R: Mom Lisa, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake, Dad Mike and Sister Sara.

David Basher of A Magic Moment was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight. 

Jake brodsky invite

Mom Lisa has a small stationery business, RSVP 2 Me, and she ordered these modern invitations from Checkerboard. The color palette of black and blue were used to incorporate the colors of Jake’s favorite basketball team, Orlando Magic  

Jake Brodsky  service
There was a morning service at the Congregation of Reform Judaism followed by a Kiddush luncheon. Surrounded by family and friends, Jake read from the Torah beautifully 

Jake Brodsky Bar Mitzvah service

 A true fan, Jake wore a basketball kippah and so did his male guests

Jake Brodsky Draft decor

Jake loves fantasy sports leagues so “Jake’s JamFest” was a natural theme. The tables were named after the teams in Jake’s basketball fantasy leagues

Brodsky style

The dress code was listed on the enclosure card as “Game Day Attire – Wear your favorite team jersey.” Jake and his dad wore their Orlando Magic jerseys. Dad wore his with jeans and Jake paired his with Orlando Magic team shorts. Mom and sister Sara still wanted to wear dresses so they bought new Orlando Magic jerseys and D Squared Productions made custom dresses for them! Mom wanted her dress to look like a team jersey, but Sara wanted a party dress – they came out perfect!

This great family shot was was taken at the green screen booth with over 300 backgrounds to choose from

Brodsky decor

Raining Roses Productions created the awesome decor and logo. The color palette, inspired by the Orlando Magic logo, was blue with white and silver accents. They also created an awesome draft board with magnetic place cards. Wind banners flanked the entrance to the reception

Brodsky place cards

The place cards were magnets on “Jake’s All-Star Draft” board 

Brodsky draft decor

  “Congratulations! You’ve been drafted by Team _____!” The team logo was on the magnet too

Brodsky decor

Sports lockers were available to hold goodies from the cocktail hour activities. The kids used their team magnet to identify their locker, very clever!

Jake Brodsky Draft bleachers
There was a section with bleachers off the basketball court dance floor called, “Orlando Platypi Zone” which is Jake’s fantasy league name

Brodsky sign in book

At the venue entrance there was a gift table with the sign-in book, which Mom Lisa created through MyPublisher.

Brodsky entrance
Jake made his entrance into the ballroom with dancers and stilt walkers dressed as referees.

brodsky entrance
 Jammin’ Express and MC Jason rocked the house.

Brodsky music

Jake with the Jammin’ Express team including MC Jason, in his Miami Marlins jersey

brodsky dancing
All the guests dressed in sports jerseys as requested on the invitation 

Brodsky mother son dance

Jake and Mom Lisa did a very special mother/son dance. They worked on it with a friend of theirs who is an   Orlando Magic dance team member. It was a blast for them to do it together and the guests loved it

Watch here

Brodsky Draft Root beer station
Fantastic food stations and themed cocktail hour stations were available. 

Brodsky root beer mugs

“Draft” root beer station, a play on the theme. Guests enjoyed their root beer floats in a custom “Jake’s JamFest” mug. The mugs were ordered from Promos Online. They ran a great Black Friday special last year, so Mom Lisa had them six months early!  

Brodsky magician
There were many fun activities for guests to enjoy including a magician, airbrush t-shirts and stilt walking basketball players. Magician Al Courey entertained guests of all ages

Brodsky fun

 Custom airbrushed t-shirts were great looking favors!

basketball-bar-mitzvah-cocktail-hour-entertainment
Jake’s guests tried to score on the stilt walkers!

Jake Brodsky

David, from A Magic Moment, worked with Jake to create a video to accompany the puzzle ceremony created by Claudia of It Could Be Verse. The video pre-recorded Jake announcing who would place each puzzle piece, and then showed a photo loop of those people with Jake and his family. Guests loved seeing the pictures, it was very special. Watch here

bar-mitzvah-favors-napsacks

Logo’d drawstring backpacks were used to hold the wax hands and airbrush t-shirts for the kids.  The backpacks were hung on a fence on top of the bleacher stands  Special Olympics Florida logo

Jake volunteered with the Seminole County Special Olympics Young Athletes Program for his Mitzvah Project.

Some advice from Mom Lisa:
“Enjoy the day and night. Don’t worry if things don’t go quite as planned. Chances are, no one will notice. Your child worked hard and as long as they have the time of their lives, the event is a success.”

The following vendors helped to make Jake’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Temple: Congregation of Reform Judaism, 407-645-0444
VenueLake Mary Events Center, 407-585-1497
Photographer: David Basher, A Magic Moment, 407-536-6636
Videographer: Patrick, A Magic Moment, 407-536-6636 
Party Planner: Faye Novick, Festive Occasions by Faye, 407-748-4717
Kiddush Luncheon catering: Stacey, Bagel King, 407-657-6266
Party Catering: Arthur’s Catering, Lori Player, 407-331-1993
Invitation: Mom Lisa’s stationery business, RSVP 2 Me, RSVP2Me@me.com
Décor/florist/logo: Jesus, Raining Roses Productions, 407-854-3500
Music Entertainment/MC: Jason Bank, Jammin Express 954-659-disc
Favor backpacks: Orit, Infinity Embroidery,  305-769-2202
Green screen booth: Bill, Elite Party Entertainment, 866-354-8341
Root Beer Mugs: Promos Online
Wax Hands
: Cindy Costa, Pretty Crafty, LLC, 812-637-5574
Airbrush t-shirts: Pete Marin, Sure Shot Airbrush, Inc, 727-808-3359
Stilt Walkers: Richard and Doug, D Squared Productions, 407-704-6937
Magician: Al Courey, Al Courey Magic, 407-296-4119
Sign-In book: My Publisher   
Banners and Flags: Audrey and Ben Sign-A-Rama, 407-960-4700
Candle lighting puzzle: Claudia, It Could Be Verse, 732-679-8093
Dad and Bar Mitzvah boy suits: Macy’s
Reception Dresses for Mom and sister: D Squared Productions, 407-704-6937 
Mom and Sister Sara service dresses: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Carrie Czunas, 407-654-6235
Party security: Lake Mary Police Department

A “Fall Ball” Inspired Bat Mitzvah
December 10th, 2014

A “Fall Ball” Inspired Bat Mitzvah

 

From Occasions Magazine, this “Fall Ball” themed Bat Mitzvah took place in beautiful Denver, Colorado.

 

The scene of Sydney’s celebration, the ballroom of the JW Marriott Cherry Creek, was filled with beautiful color.

It had a touch of Colorado elegance and sophistication and celebrated the season. It also had activities and entertainment perfect for the theme.

The photographer was Brinton Studios.

 

 

 

Color-Story4

A rich and earthy Autumn color palette was used

 Fall Ball Kippot
Colorful hand-knit kippot

 Fall Ball program

The service program with a Fall theme

Fall themed kiddush luncheon

Fall-themed Kiddush lunch following services set the tone for an elegant, fun and sophisticated celebration

 Fall Ball kiddush centerpieces
Tall centerpieces on the Kiddush tables
 Fall Ball Themed Bat Mitzvah place cards

For the evening celebration, scented candles in autumn colors were adorned with die-cut paper leaves serving as escort cards

 Fall Ball Themed_Bat_Mitzvah
Pumpkins and gourds were placed around tall centerpieces of bright autumn leaves

 Fall Ball Themed_Bat_Mitzvah decor

Smaller arrangements of candles, sunflowers, and orange roses brought an added touch of elegance to the decor

 

Fall_Ball_Themed_Bat_Mitzvah_BrintonStudios_OccasionsOnline_044

The Bat Mitzvah girl’s Mitzvah project involved EKAR which is an urban farm in Denver. Gourds and pumpkins and other vegetables were included in the tablescape

  Fall_Ball_Themed_Bat_Mitzvah decor 3
A street lamp added to the warm feel of the room

 Fall_Ball_Themed_Bat_Mitzvah guest book
Mom and the Bat Mitzvah girl hand selected river stone rocks used for sign-in messages

 Fall Ball themed Bat Mitzvah food

 Creative displays of appetizers kept with the Fall theme

 Fall_Ball_Themed_Bat_Mitzvah_soda cans

Even the soda cans fit into the color palette of the party

Fall_Ball_Themed_Bat_Mitzvah_Macaroons

A nine layer macaroon tower was a big hit for dessert

 

 We thank Occasions Online and all the vendors involved for sharing this beautiful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.

 

Photography: Brinton Studios; Event Coordination: JA Special Events; Venue & Catering: JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek; Invitations & Favors: Swoozie’s; Linens: Linen Hero; Florals: Newberry Brothers; Decor & Lighting: Pure Energy Events; Entertainment: Dance Trax Productions; Photobooth: A Custom Look Photography