November 12th, 2013
Zak Levitt and Daniel Stein are best friends from the Orlando area who decided to celebrate their Bar Mitzvah together. They both love college sports and enjoy their friendly rivalry rooting for their favorite teams, The University of Michigan and The Ohio State University.
Coming up with a theme could be a problem for some, but not for these best friends.
The families decided on “A House Divided” as the theme, and with the help of Faye Novick of Just Celebrate! and Raining Roses Productions, they scored on every level.
David Basher of A Magic Moment photographed the event.
The Winter Park Florida Farmers’ Market served as the venue
Both teams were equally represented at the entrance
Team pennants and personalized jerseys added to the decor along with referee-striped tablecloths. Game time favorites included pizza, pretzels, popcorn and hot dogs
The tables looked great with pennants from both teams
Football lingo on the centerpieces
Guests had to make some tough choices
A stadium filled with cheering fans
The guests of honor making their entrance
Everyone was in on the action
Donut Limbo – the kids try to eat a donut off of the limbo stick
A tailgating party made it authentic
Desserts coordinated with team colors
The following vendors helped make this party:
Event Planner: Faye Novick, Just Events
Photography: David Basher, A Magic Moment
Decor and Signage: Raining Roses Productions
MC and Music: Niekko Chin, Cirque USA
Catering: Arthur’s Creative Events and Catering.
We thank all these vendors for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
November 12th, 2013
Gobo lighting is a unique way to highlight your child’s name, logo or theme. Check out our past gobo story here.
You can project names, initials, or a design on a dance floor or wall.
A Gobo name creates a focal point as room decor and/or provides wonderful photo opportunities.
Here are some of the creative ways families used Gobos at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations:
Casual Candids captured this Gobo that looked great against the pink uplighting of the room
Bart Gorin Photography projected this image on a curved wall
The Inn At New Hyde Park projected the name “Adrienne” onto the dance floor
November 10th, 2013
Chloe Dichter of Livingston, New Jersey, designed a unique pair of leggings for her Bat Mitzvah Project with New York City fashion designer Zara Terez.
The leggings were such a big hit they sold out in one day!
Sales from the leggings will go to Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
We couldn’t wait to hear how Chloe started this Project.
MM: Please tell us about your Mitzvah Project?
CD: For my Bat Mitzvah project, I designed a unique pair of leggings with fashion designer Zara Terez. The leggings were sold at Precious Cargo a store in Livingston, New Jersey. Ten percent of the sales will go to Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The pattern, which we created together, is filled with all of my favorite things like flip flops, palm trees, Converse high tops, yogurt, coffee, ear buds, bunk, a bicycle and s’mores. Many of my friends like these things too, so I thought they’d be a hit in the stores.
Chloe’s design
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
CD: My sleepaway camp, Camp Mataponi, works with Camp Sunshine every summer and I wanted to help out. It’s a great group that helps sick children and their families. I love summer camp and I wish all kids could have a similar experience like I do filled with friendship, bonding, spirit and camaraderie. So I worked with Zara Terez to create a one-of-a-kind legging and 10% of the proceeds of each sale was donated to Camp Sunshine. I teamed up with Terez’s printed leggings which are made in New York City. They are very popular among girls of all ages. The original patterned poly spandex leggings (think prints of unicorns, cheeseburgers, newspaper print or macaroni and cheese!), which have become a staple in many closets throughout the United States.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
CD: It means so much to me to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
MM: How did you spread the word?
CD: Precious Cargo, a kids store in my town, hosted a launch party for me and the launch of the leggings. They posted flyers around town, there was a feature in the West Essex Tribune and online at the Livingston Patch. It was also posted to Facebook and Instagram. Also, my camp featured the project in their newsletter.
MM: How long can someone donate?
CD: Anyone can donate to Camp Sunshine at any time.
MM: Anything else we need to know?
CD: We sold over 130 pairs of leggings in one day! We are so excited!
We thank Chloe and her family for sharing her great Bat Mitzvah project with Mitzvah Market.
November 9th, 2013
The Tucker family from Northbrook, Illinois, celebrated their daughter Melissa’s Bat Mitzvah on June 2, 2013.
Melissa is always on the go, so it was only natural that her theme was “Melissa On The Go.” Mom Debbie has been planning events for over 20 years and incorporated many great ideas into her daughter’s party.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Justin, Dad Scott, Bat Mitzvah girl Melissa, Mom Debbie and Brother Brandon
The photography was done by North Shore Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Melissa’s service was held at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois
Melissa’s beautiful purple chiffon tallit was a special gift given to her by her Nana
Melissa picked out the Carlson Craft invitation herself because she felt it reflected her outgoing personality. The front of the dual-sided invitation was colorful, fun, and meaningful
The service information was printed on the other side
The reception information was included as well
Melissa’s dress by Stella M’Lia was purchased at Frankie’s on the Park. The taffeta bubble skirt had beautiful ribbon detail
Comfortable silvery glitter sneakers finished the look
Pinstripes Northbrook was the venue. The Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Finals was playing on the outdoor bar TV, while chefs grilled salmon and steak to order. The outdoor fire pit helped make it the perfect setting for the evening
Melissa had some definite ideas that she wanted included in her party. Since she is a girl “on the go,” with sports, school and friends, “Melissa On the Go” seemed like the perfect theme. Working with Melissa’s favorite color purple, the logo coordinated perfectly
Mom Debbie is the owner of Eventure, LLC, a special events planning firm creating customized special events in Northbrook, Illinois. Table names were created based on Melissa’s on the go activities “On the Go with Nana,” “On the Go to Soccer,” and ”On the Go to Camp” to name a few
Adults were seated at long banquet tables adding to the casual, outdoor feeling
Long tables with bar stools provided convenient seating for the kids with custom water cups that turned purple when filled
The centerpieces featured beautiful floral pieces set on top of silver urns
Colorful guest towels in the restrooms stating, “Keep Calm and Celebrate,” “Keep Calm and Mazel Tov” and “Keep Calm and Party On,” added to the custom branding of the event
The energy and charisma from Flow Entertainment kept guests on the dance floor all evening. Perimeter lighting and draped fabric in the party colors served as a backdrop for the entertainment
Melissa enjoying herself on the dance floor
The kids and adults had a great time as seen above
Great LED give-aways
Custom apparel favors were provided by Shari Coleman of Corporate Presents. The girls received tanks and boys received basketball shorts, both with Melissa’s custom logo on each. Plus, purple socks for the girls kept their feet comfy all night
Shorts for the boys
An enormous interactive candy station provided by Wonka Dessert Stations, was unveiled for the first time that evening
As guests left the venue, there was a cupcake truck waiting to give them a treat “On the Go”
Guests were able to select from a few of the delicious offerings from Flirty Cupcakes Chicago, in customized boxes with Melissa’s logo
For her Mitzvah Project, Melissa wanted a project that involved her friends and made a difference. She created a team for the Autism Speaks Walk calling their team, “Maddie & Melissa’s Mitzvah Magic.” Together with her closest friends and family, they walked the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden and raised money for Autism
Team Mitzvah Magic
The following vendors helped to make Melissa’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Pinstripes, 847-480-2323
Party Planner: Mom, Debbie Tucker, Eventure, LLC, 847-877-7899
Décor: Epic Events, 847-272-3742
Invitations/Calligraphy: Ilene Diamond, 847-677-9607
Photographer: North Shore Photography, 847-849-5546
Videography: Video Experience, 847-843-3365
Custom Montage: Xpress Video, 224-723-5111
Entertainment: Flow Entertainment, 312-341-0800
Favors: Shari Coleman, Corporate Presents, 847-509-9988
Table candy: My M&M’s
Branded guest napkins/custom cupcake boxes: Eventure, LLC.
Dessert Candy Station: Wonka Desserts, 847-961-6444
Cupcake Truck: Flirty Cupcakes, 312-852-4441
Bat Mitzvah Dress: Frankie’s on the Park, 773-248-0400
Security: Elite Scheduling, 847-513-2075
November 5th, 2013
Oh So Fabulous! an event planning firm, and event planner Tina LaMorte from Maywood, New Jersey, planned a makeup and “bling” themed Bat Mitzvah at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey.
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s request was that everything shimmer and shine and incorporate her love of makeup. Using a pink and silver color palette, and lots of tasteful “bling,” this party was really glamorous.
The photographer at the reception was Caryn Leigh Photography.
Place cards in crystal holders gave a “kiss” to her guests
The Bat Mitzvah girl in her beautiful gown. The ballroom looked great and we love the black Chiavari stretched chair covers embellished with “bling”
Purple jeweled table number frames and candles wrapped in rhinestones
A lounge area with customized “lip” pillows
Custom pillows in black and silver sequins along with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initial shaped as a heart
A makeup bar, of course!
Lipstick at the makeup bar
The silver chevron cake with bling; beautiful and delicious
Favor bags
Invitations: Bella Dia Custom Invitations
Cake: Cakes by Stef
Venue: Brooklake Country Club
Lounge rentals: Something Different Party Rental, Luxe Event Rentals
Photographer: Caryn Leigh Photography
Logo: Triumph Display Graphics
Favors: MSI Promotions
Linens: The Cloth Connection
October 29th, 2013
Party Perfect Orlando planned a “spook-tacular” party for a Halloween-themed Bar Mitzvah last year.
The venue was The Groove Dance Club at Universal City Walk in Orlando, Florida.
When your last name is Horowitz and you have an October 28th Bar Mitzvah date, then “Horowitz Horror Night” is the only way to go!
Inspired by Universal’s popular attraction, “Halloween Horror Nights,” this party delivered thrills and chills!
Marc Harmon Photography was the photographer and the complete vendor listing is at the bottom of this page.
The Groove Dance Club at City Walk Orlando
Vintage horror movie posters lined the front of the venue with the Mitzvah family photoshopped into each terrifying image
The posters read: “Maxula, He’s a real pain in the neck”, “Franken-teen – Body of a boy, mind of a monster!”, and “Creature from Max Lagoon!”
The ghoulish decor was seen throughout the food displays. Coffins, headstones and planks were used to display the appetizer buffet
The Red Room: A fiery room at The Groove was embellished with bloody lanterns and custom “Max” pillows
A close up of the customized pillows
“Want a drink?”
All the guests were given special “VIP Passes” for the night with a photoshopped image of the Mitzvah Boy as Franken-Max!
Dancing in the dark included white gloves that were handed out to all the guests before Max’s grand entrance. Black lights came on, white gloves started clapping in the air and Max descended down the stairs to a crowd of family and friends
After the Horah, confetti bursts surprised guests
Guests created their own “zombie wax hands” that were placed in custom clear boxes to take home as souvenirs
Actors posing as zombies, walking dead, and Dracula, were hired to interact and scare the guests throughout the night
The adults were seated in a separate section on the top floor of the venue. The spooky atmosphere was enhanced by a long table decorated with candles, florals and plastic Dracula teeth as napkin holders
Adult table decor included cobwebs on candelabras and skeleton hands that popped up out of floral displays
Max’s gift box looked like a zombie pushing out from the grave to grab the guest’s hands as they put their cards in the box. Skull eyes on the tombstone flashed and made creepy noises
Old barrels and a wooden plank provided the space for the custom candy bar and a giant ghoulish figure reigned over the candy, daring guests to grab a bag and fill it up!
A custom logo for Max’s Zombie Candy was created for each item on the candy bar
Green chocolate-covered pretzel rods with almond “finger tips” were created to look like monster fingers. Other mini sweet treats included chocolate RIP headstones, ghosts, and eyeballs
Fresh cotton candy was spun on LED sticks and handed out to guests at the end of the evening
Every guest received a custom Horowitz Horror Night stadium cup for their drinks
October 28th, 2013
Emma Becker loves Halloween. Her Bat Mitzvah is taking place on Halloween, October 31, 2014! Her parents got married on Halloween!
When it came time to choose a Mitzvah Project, it was clear it had to be connected to Halloween!
The Becker Family, who live on the Main Line in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held a fundraiser they called, “Costumes for a Cause” benefitting Little Smiles.
Pictured L-R: Emma and her brother Dylan on top of all of their donated costumes.
We think this Mitzvah Project is pretty “Spook-tacular!”
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
EB: I was born eight weeks early, and spent my first five weeks of life hooked up to tubes and machines while living in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lankeneau Medical Center. When I heard about the Little Smiles annual costume drive for sick children, I knew it was exactly the type of charity work I wanted to be a part of for my Bat Mitzvah project. Little Smiles is a nonprofit charitable organization that supports children at many of the Philadelphia hospitals in my area as well as the Wesley House Shelter and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Houses.
Emma with her donated costumes
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
EB: For my Mitzvah Project, I held a fundraiser at my home.Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, I was able to collect close to 200 costumes for Little Smiles in just two weeks for this coming Halloween 2013. I want to keep it going and I want to collect more for 2014. Like WAY, WAY more. But I need your help. So please consider donating. Costumes can be any size, infant through teen, but they must be NEW (hospitals cannot accept used costumes due to germs).
Emma in the middle of her friends at her fundraiser
Emma’s parents Lance and Hollee and dog Mickey Jagger
MM: What are you doing to spread the word?
EB: I have a website that gives all the important information about this project. It is important to keep on buying those costumes after the holiday, (when stores mark them down big time!), because I will continue my collection over the next 10 months. Feel free to order your costumes online at Amazon.com and go to my page and have them shipped directly to me.
We thank Emma and her family for sharing her very “Boo-tiful” Mitzvah Project with our readers.
October 23rd, 2013
Paddle You is the world’s first web-based table tennis racket designer. It enables you to customize a regulation size ping pong paddle with pictures or designs from your Facebook, Instagram, computer, phone, or tablet.
If your child loves ping pong or tennis, or you decide to have ping pong tables during your cocktail hour, we think this is a great idea!
PaddleYou.com streamlines the process so anyone can simply upload a photo, adjust the image, and checkout. The customization process is extremely fast and does not affect the quality or play of the paddle. All customized paddles ship from the PaddleYou.com production facility in New York City, and domestic orders will arrive within a few days.
Custom paddles start at $29.00
Your child’s favorite sports team
Your favorite pet
A funny saying
Click on Paddle You for more information or email them at info@tabletennisnation.com.
October 22nd, 2013
The Silverman family from Old Westbury, New York, have four daughters. We previously wrote about daughter Jillian’s celebration at Camp Pontiac and now it’s time for daughter number three, Rebecca! She celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation followed by an evening party held at The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York. This party was filled with lots of surprises including a live performance by the band, Mean Machine, an entrance video spoof on the movie Bridesmaids, and much more! We thank the Silvermans for sharing all their ideas with our readers.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer. Additional vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Sisters Amanda and Tess, Mom Franceen, Dad Scott, Bat Mitzvah girl Rebecca, and sister Jillian
Rebecca’s pretty invitation in turquoise blue and purple, featured a purple metallic envelope with turquoise hand printed calligraphy, from Susan Lehrhoff at Ethan Niles.
A special insert card indicating, “Location To Be Determined” was put in every invitation right before they were mailed. You can read more about this “Mitzvah Mishap” below in the Mom To Mom advice section!
The Silverman family all looked amazing. Rebecca’s long gown was from Runway Couture.
Rebecca’s off the rack dress was short, so Kimberly of Runway Couture created a removable skirt in organza so it appeared as if Rebecca wore two dresses
L-R Amanda found her dress at Shag, the long blue gown Tess is wearing was from Outrageous Boutique, Mom Fran’s dress was made by Kimberly at Runway Couture and Jillian’s was also from Runway Couture, off the rack
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York, came to the rescue and was the perfect location for this “Rock n Roll” celebration. Pat Glenn Productions created a beautiful setting using lots of white, silver and vivid pops of blue, in varying shades. The high ceilings helped create dramatic views from almost every angle.
The ceiling treatment included disco balls and long silver tubes
The tables were a variety of shapes and sizes and featured beautiful stemware, flowers and table runners
Abundant arrangements of orchids were on the tables in royal blue, silver and white
Pat Glenn Productions provided the music entertainment.
A packed dance floor
Young guests sit on the dance floor to watch Rebecca’s montage produced by her sister Jillian!
The band, Mean Machine, got this Rock ‘N’ Roll party rockin’
Simon Elliot Events shot and produced this entrance video spoof. Bat Mitzvah girl Rebecca gets zapped into TV land and makes cameos in her favorite movies and TV shows including Bridesmaids, now called, Mitzvah Maids.
Watch here
Rebecca has been taking Zawacki dance for 10 years. She loves the hip-hop style. After her entrance video played, she entered the room on stage and performed a dance for her guests
Simon Elliot Events provided some of the unique fun during this celebration.
Instead of a sign-in board, the Silverman’s used MitzvahTV, a custom video studio built just for their party. Guests were able to record broadcast-quality video messages for Rebecca. After the party, all of the video messages were edited and uploaded to a custom website where guests can watch, download, and share all of their videos to social media
Friends enjoyed the custom photo booth
Magician/Mentalist John Born was on hand for the celebration to amaze Rebecca’s friends and family.
Rebecca with her cake that rocked!
Guests had the choice of many delicious desserts including Dad Scott’s 16 Handles yogurt bar to go!
A variety of desserts were set-up inside
There was a 16 Handles station for guests to pick their flavor and toppings and take their delicious yogurt to go!
And That designed a variety of favors for this celebration including the sweatshirts, dance floor shirts, backpacks and glasses. They also created custom shirts for the band and the staff.
The front and back of Rebecca’s sweatshirt favor for her friends featured a cool logo
Young guests also received backpacks
Rebecca decided to donate a portion of her Bat Mitzvah gifts to a place this family holds dear to their hearts, The Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York. Rebecca’s sister Tess was saved by the nurses and doctors at this hospital and the Silverman family are forever grateful to them.
Some advice from Mom Franceen:
“Rebecca’s party was supposed to be at a different venue. The place cancelled on us after the invitations were already printed. So to say we had to scramble, is an understatement. There is usually something that will go wrong but you never think the venue will be canceling. If you keep calm and put everything in perspective, things always have a way of working themselves out. We quickly found The Cradle of Aviation, (but not before the invitations had to go out, and put “To be determined” on the invitation. People were actually intrigued and thought we were doing something funny. In the end, it was something to laugh about and the Cradle of Aviation was PERFECT!!!”
The following vendors helped to make Rebecca’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products and services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Cradle of Aviation Museum, 516-572-4111
Catering: Tom Cataldo, Philip Stone, 516-326-2156
Party Planner/Decor/Music Entertainment: Pat and Glenn, Pat Glenn Productions, 212-337-1911
Screens/Lighting/Staging: Marcus, More Than Music, 516-626-9400
Photography/Videography: Michelle, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Video Sign-in/Photo Booth: Simon Elliot Events
Favors: Jen and Amy, And That, 516-364-9222
Invitation: Susan Lehrhoff, Ethan Niles, 516-626-3666
Magician/Mentalist: John Born, 646-508-1170
Montage: Sister Jillian
Dresses for Rebecca, Jillian and Mom Fran: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Dress for Tess: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Dress for Amanda: SHAG, 516-484-3133
Suit for Dad Scott: Mark Russell Clothing, 646-430-5658
Hair/makeup: Valerie from Anne DeMarco, 516-367-2077
Yogurt Bar: 16 Handles, 516-318-4978
October 18th, 2013
Evoke Event DC, is a Washington D.C. based event planning firm who planned the Bar Mitzvah of a Baltimore Ravens fan who wanted to create a football themed celebration with his favorite team as the inspiration. The Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, Virginia, was transformed into Jonah’s very own sophisticated stadium party.
Are You Ready For Some Football? Enjoy reading the details of Jonah’s Baltimore Ravens-themed celebration.
Photography by Steve Canning Photography.
Place cards with mini helmets attached
A personalized Sign-In Shirt sat in the middle of the place cards for all to sign, using pens in Raven colors
All signed in
Kids picked out tickets…
…then found their coordinating ticket number which was tied to a chair
Custom cocktail napkins with football terms
A sophisticated room with purple up-lighting
The centerpieces on the adult tables were clip boards with football team names. This table was the Jacksonville Jaguars
Custom pillows added to the masculine lounge decor
Even the soda pop got in the game with their own helmets
