October 16th, 2013
Jared Steinhart celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on his birthday, March 24, 2012. The service was at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas, and his reception was held at the Hotel Palomar also in Dallas, Texas.
Mom Randi is a marketing and event planning professional and put all of that experience to good use when it was time to work on her son’s Bar Mitzvah.
She created a modern and sophisticated party design using Jared’s logo as the theme throughout.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Jared, Mom Randi, younger brothers Will and Matthew.
Photography was by Jim Woods Photography.
The modern pocket-fold invitation was from The Write Invite. On the front, Jared’s name was laser cut to show the green accent color through the black.
Jared’s name in various contemporary type styles was featured on the outside
A great use of color highlights the service, party and RSVP card
Mom Randi, owner of RS Event Productions in Dallas, worked with graphic artist Molly Freze at Skratch Creative on Jared’s logo. The Bar Mitzvah fell on Jared’s 13th birthday which lent to the theme and was used for branding throughout the party.
The party was held at the modern boutique Hotel Palomar in Dallas, Texas. The room was masculine, warm and sophisticated in a color palette of black with green accents and up-lighting.
Floating Kermit balls in the tall cylinder vases looked great on the entry table
A great use of odd space is using the black banquettes between the columns for seating and pairing it with a banquet table and chairs
Black shag linens gave texture to each table and green was used throughout. Three different centerpieces were used: a mixture of wheat grass, Kermit balls and floating twisted green orchids
Simple and sophisticated
This party really shows how to incorporate your logo into all the decor elements.
Custom cocktail napkins
Great cylinder containers with Jared’s logo perfect for French Fries
Food stations were placed around the room, guests were served Chinese food out of authentic containers with Jared’s logo
Signage on the DJ Booth was branded as well
DJ Roger Haze played great music and kept this party rocking all night.
All the kids having a great time on the illuminated dance floor
Lighted acrylic highboys and tall stools from Shag Carpet Events and Decor surrounded the dance floor used for kids seating
Jared made his own sign-in board using his logo in the center and pictures he chose of himself.
Signed by all of Jared’s friends
Jared’s cake by Delicious Cakes, followed the same color palette and design and was delicious!
RS Event Productions created the reusable favor bags and blankets with Jared’s logo.
All of the favors lined up ready for guests
Grey blankets with green and white stitching
For his Mitzvah project Jared, along with some friends, volunteered for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ centennial celebration. They helped the North Texas Food Bank put together backpacks of non-perishable foods. The backpacks were given to low-income children so they have food over the weekends. He also volunteered at the Aspen Animal Shelter in Aspen, Colorado, where he took care of all types of dogs during his summer vacation.
Advice from Mom Randi:
“Organization is key, and if it isn’t your strong point, hire a planner. You will still be involved in every aspect of the planning process but it allows you to expand on your own ideas and actually be able to enjoy your event. I am a strong believer in involving the guest of honor in the planning process; it’s what will set your event apart from all the rest. Finally, branding is one of the most important elements; use the logo throughout the event.”
The following vendors helped to make Jared’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Hotel Palomar, 214-520-7969
Party Planner/Favors: Mom Randi Steinhart, RS Event Productions, randisteinhart@yahoo.com, 214-924-5458
Music Entertainment/MC: DJ Roger Hayes, 214-893-0611
Photographer: Jim Woods Photography, 214-395-5036
Décor/florist: Shag Carpet Events & Decor, 214-742-5252
Logo Design: Molly Freze, Skratch Creative, 509-795-1835
Lighting and lighted dance floor: Absolute Entertainment, 214-871-9900
Music Videos: Wow VIP Events, 972-300-4100
Invitation: The Write Invite, thewriteinvite@sbcglobal.net
Cake: Delicious Cakes, 972-233-2433
Sign-In board: Bar Mitzvah boy Jared
Transportation: Executive Coach
Party security: RS Event Productions staff
October 14th, 2013
Lindsey Sklar from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, might look familiar because she’s one of our teen bloggers! When it came time for her to select a Mitzvah Project, it was easy….all she had to do was look at her own sister, Eva.
Eva was diagnosed at 6 weeks old with Ocular Albanism, a genetic birth defect that impairs her vision.
We thank her for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our readers.
Pictured L-R: Eva and Lindsey Sklar
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
LS: I chose this for my Mitzvah Project to raise money for The Noah Organization in honor of my sister Eva. The NOAH Organization stands for The National Organization for Albinism and Hypo-pigmentation. This organization supports research and development for children and families with Albanism and Ocular Albanism. This disease affects Eva’s eyesight and is a condition in which the eyes lack melanin pigment. Eva is highly functional in a regular classroom setting with special accommodations made for her including larger text textbooks and magnifying tools.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
LS: My family and I sold homemade chocolate chip cookies and lemonade on Saturday, September 21st in my hometown in Holland, Pennsylvania. With the help of generous family, friends and others who donated, I raised almost $900 towards a cause that is important to me! I was shocked at the amount of friends and family that came to support my family. I am so lucky to have so many caring people that took the time to stop by and donate. I also had many close friends stop by for cookies and lemonade including, Haley Schwartz, Amanda Hyman, Allison Reinhardt and Elizabeth Wolf. I am so happy I could do something to help others and it makes me feel so proud!
Eva’s best friend Abigail Levine brought her soccer team to the cookie sale. Eva was so excited!
We would like to thank Lindsey for sharing her inspiring Mitzvah Project with our readers. We hope it inspires you to start something similar in your hometown. To learn more about The Noah Organization, visit their
Website.
Read Lindsey’s blog post about her experience being “on the circuit” here.
October 13th, 2013
Fringe & Company is a full-service event design and decor company in South Florida. They recently planned a Bar Mitzvah for a comedy-loving boy and created a “Comedy Improv Night” theme.
Get ready to enjoy one of the funniest Bar Mitzvah themes we’ve seen!
John Canning Photography photographed the event. The venue was Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Place card table was a riot!
Each guest got a different funny prop as a place card
Wind-up chatter teeth place cards
A very funny centerpiece on the cocktail tables included, among other things, a rubber chicken!
The ballroom was decorated with posters and balloons in a black, red and silver color palette
“Did you hear the one about…”
Poster centerpieces featured the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite comedian…himself
Family members holding up funny signs
All-in-good-fun signage in the photo booth
The candle lighting ceremony had all the right elements for a big laugh
We thank Fringe & Company for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
October 8th, 2013
The Laff family celebrated daughter Haylie’s Bat Mitzvah on June 15, 2013, at Ohev Shalom of Bucks County in Richboro, Pennsylvania. There was an evening reception at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, Pennsylvania.
Haylie has been playing tennis at the Doylestown Tennis Club outside of Philadelphia, since she was five years old and there was no question that the theme of her celebration would be tennis.
Pictured L-R: Dad Josh, younger Brother Jared, Mom Amy and Bat Mitzvah girl Haylie.
HyPaul Studio Photography was the photographer. All the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Haylie’s service took place at Ohev Shalom of Bucks County in Richboro, Pennsylvania.
Haylie on the Bimah for her formal portraits
A pocket-fold invitation, created by Paper Rock Scissors, set the theme of the celebration.
Paper Rock Scissors also designed the custom monogram logo
Clever wording for the RSVP included tennis phrases
Haylie and her family looked great. Haylie’s dress for her service was purchased from Party Girls. For the reception, her one shoulder platinum dress with crystal embellishments was from Rena Elle Couture.
(L-R) Ready for her service and ready for her party
Mom Amy’s black gown was from Berta Sawyer. Dad Josh and Brother Jared purchased suits from Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear for Boys & Men
Since the reception attire was black tie, Schweon’s suggested they replace the buttons on Jared’s suit with satin buttons, after the morning services. They rented a tuxedo shirt, vest and bow tie to complete the tuxedo look rather than renting or purchasing a tuxedo for the evening.
Party Planner Valerie Felgoise of Let’s Party with Valerie, aced the decor. Working with lime green and black as the color palette, Valerie welcomed Mom Amy’s participation in the decor. Amy made a lampshade which was covered with pictures of Haylie.
Guests enjoyed pictures of Haylie on the place card table
Tall cylinder vases with large tennis balls look modern and sophisticated
Silhouettes of Haylie playing tennis adorned some of the tables
Paper Rock Scissors created a custom “thank you” from the family to their guests that sat at each place setting instead of a menu
Floral arrangement in the shape of a tennis ball
A beautiful ice sculpture with Haylie’s name engraved
An “H” for Haylie dotted with mini tennis balls added to the bar decor
A wonderful way to honor family, these pictures included four sets of great grandparents and Haylie’s brother Matthew.
Pictures surrounding a framed poem were displayed on a piano as guests entered the cocktail hour
Haylie’s mom created the sign-in board as well as the gift box with Haylie’s custom logo.
Haylie is all smiles as she makes her way into her reception.
Entering the ballroom
Smiles and high fives for everyone
No foot fault here, a great idea to put the socks in a tennis hopper.
A Sharp Production with MC Jay Berkovitz was the amazing MC for the night!
Dancers dressed in their best tennis attire including Haylie!
Haylie had a great time with her friends
Haylie enjoying a dance with her dad.
Lochel’s Bakery aced the cake and cupcakes used for the candle lighting.
We love these cupcakes and cake
Haylie and Jared lighting the candles together
A family friend helped to coordinate the sweatshirt favors.
Each sweatshirt came in a duffle bag with Haylie’s logo
Awesome logo using their last name, “Laff”
To help celebrate Father’s Day the following day, the Laffs had the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer and coffee for their guests to take as they left. In addition, there was a surprise dessert waiting for them outside. Jimmies Cupcake Truck was parked ready to handout cupcakes named after famous tennis players (including Haylie!). Guests were welcome to grab a cupcake (or two) to enjoy on their way home.
Haylie and Jared helping to hand out cupcakes
Custom labels by Paper Rock Scissors were used on water bottles for guests to grab on their way home
Spring Mill Manor set up a “to go” coffee station at the end of the evening with Styrofoam cups with Haylie’s name, tennis racquets and tennis ball in lime green
After watching a movie entitled “Praying With Lior,” Haylie realized that not everyone is capable of going to religious school, participating in services, and ultimately becoming a B’nai Mitzvah. She wanted to help bring Jewish experiences into the lives of children with intellectual and physical disabilities. After doing some research, she found a group called The Friendship Circle in Newtown, Pennsylvania. This program aims to provide Jewish children and teenagers with special needs and their families with many of the social and recreational opportunities that are currently available to the general community. Haylie also volunteers in a program at Ohev Shalom called Celebrations! a program for individuals with varied intellectual disabilities. She just experienced the first year of the program!
Some advice from Mom Amy:
“I am a person who likes to plan ahead. It was helpful to me to keep a running list of ‘big things’ and ‘little things’ to do. I kept a binder with all my communication, estimates and receipts for each vendor. I found it helpful to cross off as many things off of my list ahead of time that I was capable of. For example, I ordered my Kippot and bought the socks for the girls ahead of time. The biggest piece of advice is to accept the fact that things will go wrong. During the process I thought that I may lose my mind….at the end of the day it all works out.”
The following vendors helped to make Haylie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Temple: Ohev Shalom of Bucks County, 215-322-9595
Venue: Spring Mill Manor, 215-675-6000
Party Planner: Valerie Felgoise, Let’s Party with Valerie, 610-213-5675
Photographer/Videography: HyPaul Studio, 215-364-4144
Music Entertainment:A Sharp Production/MC Jay Berkovitz, 215-938-7738
Invitation/Place cards: Paper, Rock, Scissors, 610-825-2130
Custom logo/labels for water bottle: Paper, Rock, Scissors
Candle lighting cake/cupcakes: Lochel’s Bakery, 215-773-9779
Logo’d Styrofoam Cups: Yours Truly By Kate, 215-340-1148
Haylie’s service dress: Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Haylie’s party dress: Rena Elle Couture, 856-482-5551
Mom’s service dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Mom’s gown: Berta Sawyer, 215-572-8826
Dad Josh and brother Jared tuxedo’s: Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear for Boys & Men, 215-357-0600
Cupcake Truck: Jimmie’s Cupcake Truck, 215-699-9090
Hair/make-up: Elite Concepts Salon, 215-364-7112
Transportation: All Threes Luxury Sedan & Taxicab Service, 215-333-3333
October 8th, 2013
The R.S.V.P. card of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation gives you an opportunity to infuse a little fun….and that’s just what some Bar Bat Mitzvah families have done!
We have found many cool R.S.V.P. cards with fun wording. Here are some of our recent favorites to share with you.
To read our past R.S.V.P. card story, click here.
Zach Lipson’s Bar Mitzvah R.S.V.P. card cleverly incorporated his love of wrestling
Invitations by Lisa came up with this clever R.S.V.P. card for a “road trip” Bar Mitzvah theme
From Digby Rose, this R.S.V.P. card is fun and vibrant and the basketball theme represents the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite sport
The Gendler Spotlight featured a travel themed Bat Mitzvah which took place at an airport, thus their R.S.V.P. card looked like a plane boarding pass from Talento Designs
For this Bar Knicksvah, the Lapidus family (who can also be seen at the bottom of the card) used clever wording from FabuDesigns.com
As this R.S.V.P. card states, “Be There” or “Be Square” from Invitinglee
Dear Friends created this adorable R.S.V.P. that reads, “Welcome to Mc Andies, Can I take your order?
“Celebrating with friends and family is the perfect match” for a tennis themed Bar Mitzvah from Pioneer Announcements
The R.S.V.P. card from FabuDesigns.com for Emily’s Eatery Bat Mitzvah was fashioned after a traditional guest check from a restaurant
Great R.S.V.P. card and envelope for a ski themed Bar Mitzvah from La Petite Fleur
From Luscious Verde an R.S.V.P. card, simple and hip
Your guests will feel like they are the star of the show with this R.S.V.P. from BarMitzvahCards.net
For a soccer themed Bar Mitzvah invitation, Invitations4less.com created this fun R.S.V.P.
Did you have a cool way for your guests to R.S.V.P? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
October 2nd, 2013
New York City event designer Jes Gordon, whose company properFUN plans some of the finest events in New York City, recently planned this chic Bat Mitzvah.
The Bohemian National Hall was transformed into a sophisticated and fun celebration for a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves pink.
Brett Matthews Photography was on hand to photograph the party and Marcia Selden was the caterer.
Shades of pink up-lighting set the tone against the white furniture
Crisp white banquette in the adult lounge
Pintuck leather ottomans with acrylic trays created a hip lounge vignette near the dance floor
White leather lounge vignettes flanked the dance floor while the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo, “XOX,” decorated the walls
Rows of purple orchids and candlelight lined the lounge tables
Upon entering, guests saw the Bat Mitzvah girl’s custom logo and her photo slide show displayed on plasmas
Custom cocktail napkins
The view from above
Custom mini margarita pizza boxes
Sleek pink gift bags jazzed up the white cubbies
We thank Jes Gordon of properFUN for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
September 29th, 2013
Save the Day Events, a boutique event planning firm in Englewood, New Jersey, specializes in Mitzvahs in the U.S. and in Israel.
Owner Penny Rabinowitz recently planned a B’nai Mitzvah for three American boys whose names all begin with the letter “J.”
The boys, great friends but not related, call themselves The “J” Crew, so Save the Day Events took off with this theme idea.
Known for her amazing details, Penny created a sophisticated and preppy celebration for these three families.
The sign-in was made to look like pin-striped oxford shirts and each boy had their own section
A beautiful scenic location
Navy and white check table runners
The logo stitched into the linen just like real shirts
Preppy ties, belts and braided bracelets were used as napkins holders
Great color combinations and patterns added to the “preppy” look
Plaids and solids made fun decor
Baskets used for the candy buffet
The “J” Crew candy buffet
We thank Penny Rabinowitz and Save the Date Events for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
September 21st, 2013
Linzi Events in South Florida sent us info about a great party she planned. The theme, Carnival NYC, was under the big top of the
Polo Club of Boca Raton, in Boca Raton, Florida.
Vibrant colors, carnival games and amazing decor, this party had it all. Here’s your ticket so “Step right up!”
The custom invitation had an “old time" carnival feel using reds and golds as the color palette
Guests received their place cards at the ticket booth and entered the "Fun House"
Red and white stripes hung from the ceiling added to the carnival atmosphere
The tables were covered with red pin tuck linens and red and white stripe napkins added to the carnival theme -- black Chivari chairs with red chair pads completed the look
The adult bar with draping and clever signage
Bright red and yellow spandex covered stools and barrels were used as cocktail tables in the kids loungee" carnival feel using reds and golds as the color palette
Guests took a chance on the "Wheel of Fortune"
And many other carnival style games to enjoy
A Carnival-themed candy bar to end the evening
We thank
Linzi Events for sharing this unique party idea with Mitzvah Market.
September 21st, 2013
First impressions are important!
Making an impact with your Bar Bat Mitzvah entrance gives your guests a hint of what’s waiting for them inside. The challenge is to be unique. We’ve gathered some terrific examples, from grand signage and subway doors to snowy walkways and magnificent balloon archways. Remember, the trick is to have fun with it!
Enjoy the creative examples below:
Ann Marie Casey photographed this clever Dr. Seuss theme. See the rest of this celebration here
For a circus theme celebration, Jersey Street Furniture created an entrance for guests to “Step right up!”
This entrance was a combined effort between two vendors: Party Harty supplied the stacked glow boxes and Simon Elliot Events provided the blow-up prints after a photo shoot with Ally
5th Avenue Digital was the photographer and Hal Prince Music and Entertainment designed this entrance for a NYC themed Bat Mitzvah soon to be featured on Mitzvah Market
Dazzling Parties wrapped the entryway for this XOXO themed Bat Mitzvah
Exceptional-Events displayed window clings at the entrance for “A Night with Natalie”
Balloon Artistry created a “wow” with this entry archway of balloons, photographed by Sarah Merians Photography & Videography
United Floral set up a beautiful table with votive candles and pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl. See the rest of this Bat Mitzvah celebration here
Casual Candids Photography took this great shot of the entrance to the ballroom which included a Gobo and fringe draping for a dramatic look designed by Evantine Design
PBG Events constructed this “snowy” entryway with lights and glow globes for a winter wonderland themed Bat Mitzvah
Ira Casel Photography photographed this great NYC themed Bat Mitzvah with a subway feel entrance
Ruth Ridgeway Designs created this unique entryway modeled after a University of Michigan fraternity house
Da Vinci Florist set the tone for this Bat Mitzvah celebration by lighting the entrance to the country club
A long pink carpet welcomed guests to a Bat Mitzvah reception by Party Perfect
A March Madness themed entrance from Partie Girl
Bold American Events designed an arched banner for a Bat Mitzvah
Did your party have creative entrance decor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
September 18th, 2013
Wicked Good Cupcakes is a mother-daughter business based out of Cohasset and Boston, Massachusetts.
You might recognize this duo from ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, where they now have backing from Kevin O’Leary. They are also a 2013 American Made Audience Choice Award Food nominee, have unique packaging in mason jars and of course…delicious wicked good cupcakes!
Everything is made from scratch right in their two locations and they use only the finest ingredients. No mixes, no pre-made frosting.
If it can be baked and decorated, it can be wickedly done.
Let’s talk flavors: “Sea-Salted Caramel” includes layers of chocolate that are sandwiched between butter cream, caramel and the delicious fondant seashell. “Marble Mutt” is a blend of chocolate and and vanilla cake with butter cream frosting. Other flavors in the “Wicked to Go” line include Reverse Birthday Cake, Cookies n Cream, Whole Lotta Lemon, Cuckoo for Coconut, Peanut Butter Surprise and Chocolate Lab.
Bodacious Blondie Golden brownies are baked with chocolate chips layered between yummy home made caramel with salted caramel cream cheese butter cream frosting
“The Wicked Good,” their signature flavor, a peanut butter cupcake, loaded with chocolate chips and layered with chocolate ganache and peanut butter frosting
You can customize, flavors, toppers and labels
Perfect for a Mitzvah Exit treat!
It can all be shipped and they are available in 16oz. and 8oz. jars. They last for about 7 days without refrigeration and includes about 2 3/4 cupcakes for the 16oz. size and 1 3/4 cupcakes in the 8oz. jars.
For orders of 10 or more jars, please contact Wicked Good Cupcakes at 781-923-1369 or email them at customerservice@wickedgoodcupcakes.com.
