February 23rd, 2014
The Rothenberg family celebrated son Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah on October 12, 2013, at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. The reception followed at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.
They had a four hour cocktail party with a hockey theme and a special Horah chair dad Steve made himself!
Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Bar Mitzvah boy Daniel, Mom Shelley and younger brother Jack.
The photographer was Images by Cathy and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Danny’s Bar Mitzvah was at B’nai Israel Congregation.
The family up on the Bimah
The beautiful invitation, created by Sincerely Yours, was blue and silver.
Designed by Lisa Schneider of Party Favorites, Danny’s Stanley Cup hockey logo was used throughout the party.
Danny’s Mom Shelley and Dad Steve own Talk of the Town, a special event company in Rockville, Maryland, that provides interactive entertainment, props and decorations. Since it was a 4-hour cocktail party there was no formal seating arrangements, but lots of great lounge furniture, ottomans and LED cocktail tables for guests to enjoy.
When guests walked into the lobby of Lakewood Country Club, they saw two hockey statues dressed with Danny’s hockey jerseys, ottomans decorated with custom logo throw pillows, and a step and repeat photo op background
Custom step & repeat with Danny’s logo
Guests could sit at LED lit tables or banquettes
Lots of great lounge seating was available
Cool ice sculpture centerpieces with Danny’s logo
“The Danny Cup” Gobo was projected on the main wall
For the sign-in, guests could sign-in on the replica Stanley Cup!
Dad Steve created a special “hockey stick” Horah chair for this special occasion!
Created from old hockey sticks
This chair was a true labor of love from Dad to son!
MC Spots and the entire Washington Talent team provided great music with guests dancing non-stop.
A Mitzvah mosh pit
MC Spots doing his thing with Danny on stage
The dance floor was packed
Talk of the Town provided amazing hockey entertainment including floor hockey, air hockey and dome stick hockey. There were also many interactive stations including green screen pictures that were instantly put on hockey pucks, tattoo artists and a photo and audio booth. The kids also loved the signature drinks including the “Blue Line” Slushie.
Over-sized floor hockey
Some stick hockey fun
The photo and video booth was a big hit…
…especially when they got to see their photos on hockey pucks!
“Blue Line” slushies kept with the hockey theme
Danny’s guests showing off their tattoos
Adults entered the ballroom to begin the cocktail party which featured delicious buffets, passed appetizers and a large sushi station.
Everyone raved about the food
The sushi station prepared for the crowds
Lisa Schneider of Party Favorites created the sweatshirts.
Danny’s Stanley Cup logo really popped on the black sweatshirts
Danny & his family made dinners at Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville, Maryland.
This organization provides support to homeless families with children in order to move them from crisis to a stable home environment by providing temporary shelter and services
Some advice from Mom Shelley:
“Go with your gut with planning every aspect of your event – don’t worry about what other people may say. It’s your family’s day – if you feel good, your event will be a blast!”
The following vendors helped to make Danny’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Lakewood Country Club, 301-762-5430
Party Planner/Decor/Lounge Furniture: Shelley Rothenberg, Talk of the Town, 301-738-9500
Extra Entertainment: Video/Photo Booth, large floor hockey, stick hockey, tattoos: Talk of the Town
Photographer: Cathy Gorey, Images By Cathy, 703-655-9613
Invitation: Sincerely Yours, 301-340-1989
Signage, Gobo, and Stickers: Talk of the Town
Music Entertainment: MC Spots, Washington Talent, 301-762-1800
Logo/cocktail napkins/favor: Lisa Schneider, Party Favorites
Sign-In NHL Stanley Cup: Amazon.com
Ice sculptures: Hot Ice, Inc., 301-464-4558
Linens: Choice Linens, 800-546-3678
Mom Shelly’s dress: Nordstrom
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Hair: Paula, Salon 4, 301-984-1177
Makeup: Stacy Ferguson, stacybrobbins@gmail.com
Party security: Diverse Services, 301-412-0376
February 11th, 2014
Does your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date fall out around Valentine’s Day? Do you just want to add some creative ways to incorporate hearts, love, or chocolates into your celebration?
We have gathered some great options to show your family and friends how much you love them.
Pictured Left: From Just A Bite Desserts
Fabu Designs created this invitation suite cleverly incorporating the last name of the Bat Mitzvah child into the logo
Kippahs Your Way has many different styles to choose from including hearts!
From an upcoming Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this Bat Mitzvah girl dazzled in her beautiful red gown from It’s Simply for You, Photo Credit: Art Photography
A classic tie in navy with white hearts tie from Vineyard Vines
This LOVE logo from a recent Bat Mitzvah is from Jordan Elyse Photography who also creates Bar Bat Mitzvah logos
Jersey Street Furniture created the logo “Liv.Love.Dance” for the dance floor at a recent Bat Mitzvah
Pink up lighting and a XOXO theme is the perfect combination from Dazzling Parties
Balloon Artistry celebrates “Live, Love, Leora” using a heart in her logo
A heart shaped piece of chocolate from Chocolate Promises, with any image encased in a gold or silver box and clear case would make a delicious favor
MazelTovGear.com created this artwork incorporating the name and date for a wearable Bat Mitzvah favor
“iheart” place cards from Andrea Polito Photography
A Promos USA/ImageMaker offers many heartfelt options
From our story Mitzvah Inspire: Circus of Love, there are many great decor elements to inspire
Petals Premier/Adam Leffel Productions created this beautiful Bat Mitzvah escort table using a rose wall centerpiece with escort cards on top of roses
Leopard animal print heart Bat Mitzvah logo from Cutie Patootie Creations
TheCoolestGiveaways.com can create a variety of “love” logos for blankets, shirts, sweatshirts and more
From Guitars for Parties, they use a red glitter heart and guitars for an awesome sign-in board
A pretty in pink candle lighting display with red roses from Linzi Events
Magnolia Bluebird Events created heart shaped labels for cubbies
Cards by Gaynor has handmade 3D Bat Mitzvah Cards that are truly hearfelt
Purple themed Bat Mitzvah cake with hearts to match the invitation design by Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes
From Paper Style, this chic cup is a great idea for your coffee and hot chocolate Mitzvah Exit treats
Did you incorporate any heartfelt ideas into your celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 5th, 2014
Mitzvah Inspire: Cakes was such a hit, we’ve decided to share cakes again!
A fun custom-themed cake can become part of the decor at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Guests might not remember what you served for lunch or dinner, but they might remember the special cake!
You can also use your Bar Bat Mitzvah cake to show off your child’s interests and personality.
Above is a cake created by Cake Fiction for a Bar Mitzvah boy. The design is based on his own surfboard logo.
Here are some great cakes that have the wow factor and are delicious too!
This Bar Mitzvah boy wanted his favorite TV show on his cake from Amelie’s House
Tory Burch themed cake from Truly Custom Cakery
This cake was created for a french fry fan from Pink House Events
LaBella Cakery created a Katebook cake for a Facebook fan
A candy cake from Basketworks
For a Phillies fan, this cake says it all from Bredenbeck’s Bakery
Sweets By Alissa is the creator of this unique Bat Mitzvah memory cake where you can list names and other special things important to the guest of honor!
Mario’s Bakery created this basketball jersey cake for a “Bar Knicksvah” theme
Cake Boss Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery designed this intricate cake for a Las Vegas Bar Mitzvah with a working slot machine!
There is more cake when you have triplets from Enchanted Icing Celebration cakes
For a fashionista from Truly Custom Cakery
For a B’not Mitzvah this cake from Gateaux incorporated each of their favorite colors, their love of music, their Russian heritage, and all things New York for a Minneapolis party!
For this preppy Bar Mitzvah boy, his cake showcased his love of lacrosse from Sweet Grace Cake Designs
For a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves makeup created by Caked by Goldie
Yes, this is a guitar cake! From cakeandconj.com
Did you have a unique Bar Bat Mitzvah cake? Send us a photo at info@MitzvahMarket.com so we can share it with our readers.
February 5th, 2014
Scrap Your Event makes custom scrapbooks by using your photos and memorabilia. What a great way to preserve your Bar Bat Mitzvah memories.
Creator Orit Lagnado has been scrap booking for over 13 years and decided to create a business around this hobby. She uses all the great details that are special to you but does not usually get into your photographer’s album like the speeches, candle lighting poems and accessories like place cards and napkins. This is a great opportunity to save all of the things that made your event unique, the choices you spent weeks and months making to make the event reflect your son or daughter.
This scrapbook will tell the story of the entire weekend including the invitations you sent out at the beginning to the thank you cards at the end.
The invitation
A place for the RSVP, directions and party info
Kippot and favor tag
Color coordinate page backgrounds according to the items given to her like these napkins and photographs
The details of the Mitzvah Project can be included as well
You can include the speech for your son/daughter as well
Scrap Your Event makes it easy and so special that years from now you and your child can open the album and reminiscence about this special time. You can email Orit at
Oritcm@Yahoo.com.
February 4th, 2014
The Talarico family from Merrick, New York, celebrated daughter Paige’s Bat Mitzvah on March 16, 2013.
Their Havdalah service took place at Temple Beth Am in Merrick, New York, with a reception at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park, New York.
We previously wrote about son Ross’s party theme, “Hats Off To Ross,” now it’s daughter Paige’s turn.
Her theme was inspired by one of Paige’s favorite colors and store, PINK.
Pictured L-R: Dad Ed, Brother Drew, Bat Mitzvah girl Paige, Mom Marci and Brother Ross.
The photographer was Classy Candids and the rest of the vendor directory is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Their Saturday night Havdalah service at Temple Beth Am was followed immediately by a black tie optional celebration.
Paige is beaming holding the torah and looks beautiful in her creme colored dress
Debbie Kahn of AGI Events created the pretty pink and gold invitation.
The invitation and yarmulke basket were presented beautifully at the service
Paige was elegant in her her floor-length gown embellished with hearts and roses on the tulle overlay from Eleanor Schain Boutique.
Paige’s gown went with her theme “Love Paige”
Using the popular teen store PINK as inspiration, Dazzling Parties created the decor using a pink and gold color palette in all the details around the room.
Great pictures of Paige were incorporated into the 3-D place card table
The credit card look-a-like place cards used a similar font and style of the PINK stores in keeping with the theme
Posters of Paige were hung around the ballroom
The ballroom was elegant with vibrant pink and alternating gold table linens
Four different centerpieces were used. Manzinita branches for height and a low centerpiece with different pink flowers used at the base
On the branches hung pink crystal votive candles
Dazzling Parties also created the sign in book
With great pictures of Paige
Evolution Productions provided the entertainment with MC Don who kept the dance floor packed all night long.
Paige entered the ballroom with the Evolution Production dancers holding a pink heart to go along with her theme!
Paige had a great time with her friends on the dance floor
So did Mom Marci!
Perfect photo op for Paige surrounded by her friends
Mom Marci made up the tag lines for the sock to give the feel of the PINK stores as they always have fun commands on their garments
There were many unique elements at this party. Interactive activities included a bike game set up by Creative Games, an interactive cocktail display from Screaming Queens and event artist Martin Hardy who captured all the fun on canvas.
Brother Ross and guests having a great time on the bike game where they had to chase Paige on a video screen.
Offering delicious hors d’oeuvres this strolling character from Screaming Queens added a bit more PINK
Artist Martin Hardy created a picture of the party which now serves as a great memory
When it came time for the candle lighting, Paige chose a beautiful cake from The Sweet Peace and cupcakes that held the candles.
A Promos USA/Imagemaker created the hooded sweatshirts and gold bags for Paige’s friends.
Paige surrounded by her gold favor bags
The girl’s hoodies were black with “PINK” personalization
The boy’s version in black and grey
Tobo Foods provided a truck filled with party treats for all guests.
Great custom signage announcing “Sweet Treats” from Paige
Love this door hanger that was hanging on each car’s rear view mirror at the end of the night
Paige did her Mitzvah Project thru the Remember Us Holocaust B’nai Mitzvah Project.
She did a twinning and conducted her service in honor of a girl named Roza Heier that died in the Holocaust and therefore did not have the opportunity to have her own Bat Mitzvah.
Some advice from Mom Marci:
“My advice would be to make a list of all the things that need to get done as well as a time frame in which to do them. Staying organized and planning ahead is extremely important. Also, make sure that you hire communicative, trust worthy people you can depend on.”
The following vendors made Paige’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Bridgeview Yacht Club, 516-432-2400
Music Entertainment: MC Don, Evolution Productions, 516-586-8600
Photographer: Classy Candids (no longer in business)
Post production party photography/entrance video/montage, White Light Photo and Video, 516-933-3399
Décor/Florist/Sign-in: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Favors/Favor Bags: Mindy Younger, A Promos USA/Imagemaker, 516-377-0186
Party Entertainment (Parfume/Cologne interactive station, bike game): Dominique, Creative Games, 516-626-1900
Invitation: Debbie Kahn at AGI Events, 516-374-6867
Cake: The Sweet Peace, 516-596-2253
Event Artist: Martin Hardy, 201-965-3441
Strolling Table: Screaming Queens, 212-714-8097
Treat Truck: Tobo Foods, 516-623-4624
Yarmulkes: www.skullcap.com
Doorhangers www.123print.com
Socks: Sockprints.com
Paige’s gown: Eleanor Schain, 718-444-4253
Dress for Mom Marci: Eleanor Schain, embellished by Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Esquire Tuxedo, 516-378-6060
Hair: Studio Envy, 516-442-2200
Make up: Elizabeth Drucker, 516-374-4224
Transportation: We Transport, 516-349-8200
Party security: Bridgeview Yacht Club
February 2nd, 2014
We had a chance to interview Lexi Zisselman, a seventh grader from New Hyde Park, NY.
She is dedicating her Mitzvah Project to her grandfather Isaac who died from multiple myeloma, a cancer in the body’s blood plasma cells.
So when Lexi, an accomplished soccer player who currently plays for the Albertson Fury soccer team of the Albertson Soccer Academy, was considering what to do for her Bat Mitzvah project decided to honor the memory of her late grandfather with a Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation fundraiser called Kick For-A-Cure.
Kick For-A-Cure will challenge both soccer players and non-players to take two penalty shots at goalkeepers in the Hofstra University Bubble on Saturday, Feb. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. in a fundraising event that offers a 32-inch flat screen TV, an iPad Mini and a pizza party for 20 people as possible prizes for those who take a shot for a great cause.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
LZ: I was taught from a young age that it is good to help others. Having a Bat Mitzvah is more than just a party so I wanted to do something special. My father runs a Charity Event in NYC every year so I decided to follow his lead.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
LZ:Kick For-A-Cure will challenge both soccer players and non-players to take two penalty shots at goalkeepers in the Hofstra University Bubble on Saturday, Feb. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each kid from ages 6-19 years old will take two (2) soccer penalty shots on a goalie–cost is $10.00. Depending on if they score 0, 1 or 2 goals they will receive a ticket and be entered into a drawing for a great prizes. We have some awesome sponsors who have donated a 32” flat screen TV, iPad Mini and pizza party for 20 kids. Plus, Puma has donated soccer balls to all of the kids who attend. My goal of the event is to raise $10,000.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
LZ: Donations will be thru February 22, 2014.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
LZ: I wanted to honor my grandfather, Isaac, who died of multiple myeloma at a young age. I play soccer for the Albertson Fury and thought it would be fun to have a soccer charity event in his honor.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
LZ: We had a few newspapers write articles about the Event and are having an e-mail campaign by the Long Island soccer clubs.
We thank Lexi and her family for sharing this great Mitzvah project with our readers and we wish her good luck on February 22nd. Please join them if you live on Long Island.
For more information about the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation go to their website at www.themmrf.org.
February 1st, 2014
Innovative Party Planners an event planning and design firm in Owings Mill, Maryland, recently created a Bat Mitzvah for a girl named Lilly Rose.
Owner Heidi Hiller worked with the family to make sure it was a sophisticated and youthful celebration with great decor elements.
Taking direction from magazine spreads that the Bat Mitzvah Mom had saved, Hiller worked with the family by selecting linens and accessories such as such as elegant chargers, colorful chairs, beaded napkin wraps, custom floral Gobos (light projections) and hand crafted centerpieces.
The service and reception took place at the beautiful Four Seasons Baltimore. The photographer was Silber Photography.
Custom Gobo flower lighting were projected on the walls during the service
The logo was a fun and sophisticated design with Lilly’s favorite colors and namesake in mind
The place card table was accented with pink roses in vases of varying heights and floating votive candles
Guests were greeted by a work of art sign-in board featuring Lilly Rose and her dogs images painted into Claude Monet’s 1899 work, “The Japanese Bridge”
When guests entered the ballroom, they were greeted with a “WOW” from floor to ceiling
Custom crafted tissue paper flowers hung from the ceiling adding color and amazing visual interest
A sophisticated look for the adult tables accented with pink Chivari chairs and beautiful table linens
A pink and orange color theme was also used for the kids tables with a parasol as part of the centerpiece
The kid’s tables were called “Lilly’s Pad”
The teens place setting included this playful polka dotted butterfly napkin wrap
On the adult tables, the custom menu incorporated the logo in a very artistic way. It was set carefully below the bengaline pink napkin with the beaded napkin ring.
Paper flowers added a pop of color and were displayed on the buffet
The dance floor plasma screens showed off the beautiful logo and the custom floral gobos danced along the walls
We thank Innovative Party Planners for sharing this beautiful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planners: Innovative Party Planners, Photographer: Silber Photography, Lighting: Excel Lighting, Caterer and Venue: Four Seasons Baltimore, Grand Ballroom, Flowers: Flowers & Fancies. Rentals: Select Events and Party Rental Ltd., Linen: Table Toppers, Entertainment: Glyde Productions, WTA, Videography: The Big Umbrella
January 29th, 2014
The Cooper family celebrated son Danny’s Bar Mitzvah in 2013, at Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. His reception was held at Green Valley Country Club also in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.
A huge football fan and player, Danny celebrated his Bar Mitzvah reception with the theme, Cooper Bowl XIII.
Pictured L-R: Sister Gabby, Dad Neil, Bar Mitzvah boy Danny, Mom Susan and Brother Matthew.
Ann Marie Casey Photography was the photographer. The entire vendor directory is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The service was held at Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
This family has lots of style. Mom Susan is the owner of the special occasion boutique Gabrielle and G-Lizzy by Gabrielle. This popular family-run business is located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Mom Susan is wearing a Fouy/Chov Couture gown and daughter Gabby is in CW Designs. Danny’s suit is from Boys Connection and Dad and brother Matthew’s suits are from Boyds Philadelphia
Real footballs were used to set the tone for the COOPER BOWL XIII theme. These centerpieces were used for the kids long tables
Long communal tables with silver linens and ghost stools
The place cards were named after Danny’s football team plays
Cool blue and green up lighting, as well as pin spotting, enhanced the tables and the overall feel of the room. A glow bar with a picture of Danny in action was the focal point in the room
Round tables had tall centerpieces, while square tables had a long table scape of floating candles, and calla lilies. Satin silver linens and ghost chairs completed the table design
Danny’s custom logo was seen throughout the room
A custom white dance floor was used to complement the cool DJ setup, with intelligent lighting enhancing the dance floor. Plasma screens were used to show both the montage and logo
All Around Entertainment and MC Leon doing his thing
The dancers were awesome
Ciao Bella Cakes created a delicious three tiered cake with Danny’s logo on it
Danny and his family with the candles all lit up
Sweatshirt favors wrapped up and ready
The following vendors helped to make Danny’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 Or Ami, 610-828-9066
Venue: Green Valley Country Club, 610-828-3000
Photographer: Ann Marie Casey Photography, 610-519-1980
Entertainment: MC Leon, All Around Entertainment, 215-354-0124
Decor/logo: Stacey Kesselman, Exceptional Events, 610-291-2475
Mom Susan’s gown: Gabrielle, 610-668-2801
Sister Gabby’s dress: G Lizzy, 610-668-2801
Bar Mitzvah boy Danny’s suit: Boys Connection, 610-660-9330
Dad Neil and brother Matthew’s suit: Boyds Philadelphia, 215-564-9000
Invitation: Rachel Leopold is Getting Personal
Favors: The Favor Closet, 215-300-7118
Cake: Stephanie, Ciao Bella Cakes, 267-229-0829
January 28th, 2014
Sweet Dreams Gourmet Mini Donuts is the brainchild of donutologist, Todd Jones. Yes you read right, donutologist. Jones is a donut expert having worked in the donut industry for the past 36 years.
His specialty is setting up and making delicious mini donuts right at your event, right in front of your guests.
These delicious Non Stop – No Limit donuts also come in a custom bag with your child’s name or logo on it!
Sweet Dreams Gourmet Mini Donuts recently won the The Sweet Escape: NJ Confection & Dessert Tasting Expo this year!
Who could resist these?
Set up and ready to go at a Mitzvah celebration
Todd Jones at a recent Bat Mitzvah with “Club Carly” custom bags of fresh donuts
Call Todd Jones at 347-724-6200 or email him at info@sweetdreamsminidonuts.com.
January 26th, 2014
Event designer Arlene Bluestein of Evantine Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wanted to create the feel of a sophisticated steakhouse at a reception hall of a temple for a recent Bar Mitzvah.
Working with a rich palette of reds, browns, taupe and metals, Arlene transformed the halls of Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, New Jersey, into Jared K’s Steakhouse, a steakhouse that would make Peter Luger proud!
Photographer was Philip Gabriel Photography.
Chalkboard seating boards for the adults
Mini blackboard place cards for the kids
Custom-made mahogany bars were placed in the main “dining room” complete with leather bar stools and the drink menus featured classic American cocktails
Community tables for the kids
Banquette seating for the adults
The red up lighting added to the upscale steakhouse decor
An awesome cake celebrating all the Philadelphia sports teams
One of the many favors included branded tins of mints
We thank Evantine Design for sharing this sophisticated steak house themed Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
