September 11th, 2013
Tracie Simkin is a party planner from Deerfield, Illinois and the President of Partie Girl Events. She recently put together a Bat Mitzvah celebration for a girl named Lily and incorporated her name in very creative ways.
Welcome to Lily’s Pad…
Lily’s colorful logo
The place card table featured lava lamps
Each place card was embellished with a sparkle peace sign
Kids lounge area with colorful bean bags chairs and pillows
We just “LOVE” this coffee table in the lounge area
The adults sat in the ballroom
These centerpieces had built-in table numbers
The kids area was tented
The tables were decorated with runners that featured Lily’s logo
The hanging decor consisted of flowers and beads adding a great element of surprise when guests walked in
A bean bag chair with Lily’s name served as the sign-in board
We thank Partie Girl Events for sharing this celebration with our readers.
September 11th, 2013
Karen Ard Photography recently featured the B’nai Mitzvah of two first cousins.
Emma and Griffin had a fun luncheon with music going all day while the kids ran around doing various activities and eating great food from Rita’s Gourmet Catering and bread from Homeboy Industries bakery.
Their service and luncheon can only be called, “California cool.”
Check it out below:
The cousins’ Moms, Cathy and Stacey, did an amazing job planning their event. Cathy was also the officiant at their service!
Lots of family arrived from across the country to be at this B’nai Mitzvah
We love their sign!
A funny picture of the cousins was tied to the traditional candy thrown at the end of the service. It says, “Throwing candy at us is supposed to be sweet?”
Here’s where guests signed-in for Emma
And one for Griffin too!
Delicious food was from Rita’s Gourmet Catering including sliders and mac n cheese
Guests received bread from Homeboy Industries bakery
The candy bar with lunch bags saying “Griffin & Emma’s B’nai Mitzvah”
Near the candy bar guests could grab toothbrushes with the cousins names off a table of photofetti
Thanks to Karen Ard Photography for sharing this B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
September 8th, 2013
Kona Ice is a one-of-a kind experience that delivers premium tropical shaved ice and would be a great addition to your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Their colorful truck, decorated with tropical animals and playing Calypso music is a great way to have interactive entertainment and dessert.
Kona Ice has over 40 flavor options that include include: Mango, Wedding Cake, Strawberry Daiquiri, Fuzzy Navel and Root Beer Float. Guests can then select from the “flavor wave,” a do-it-yourself flavor bar on the side of the truck with toppings like Pina Colada, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, LemonLime and Tigers Blood.
The company takes pride in fundraising, and has given back more than $4 million to communities all over the country.
Over 40 flavors to choose from
A do-it-yourself toppings bar
You can just hear that steel drum music playing!
There are over 140 Kona Ice trucks around the country.
For Kona Long Island, click here.
For Kona Ice NJ, click here
To find one near you click here.
September 2nd, 2013
That’s right, it’s tennis season!
With the U.S. Open underway in Flushing Meadows, New York, we decided to take some inspiration from this great sport.
Here’s our best shot at ways you can incorporate some smashing ideas and decor elements into your child’s celebration.
Paper Rock Scissors created this chic tennis themed invitation
We love the clever wording on the R.S.V.P. as well
Custom invitation designer Ana Dolan created these tennis themed place cards
From Sarah Merians Photography, a tennis themed Bar Mitzvah lounge area
Jersey Street Furniture created a sophisticated players lounge for guests at Tribeca Rooftop in NYC
The theme of “Ace it with Adam” started out with chocolate tennis racquet place cards and a collage centerpiece of his best tennis moments by Custom Parties by Bobbie
The Portrait Shoppe was the photographer for this tennis themed Bar Mitzvah at the Dix Hills Jewish Center
Bart Gorin Photography took this shot of a tennis themed centerpiece
The Glitter Connection created this fun centerpiece with lots of dimension. There is no “backside” to the piece, so there is something to see from every angle and they even used images of real tennis pros
From Covered in Candy, this will make quite a “racquet” at any Bar Bat Mitzvah reception, and can be used as table decor or on a dessert table
The Event Of A Lifetime created mini tennis courts that were used on the cocktail tables in the kid’s lounge
This Bat Mitzvah girl loves tennis! Simon Elliot Events did a photo session with her and created blow-ups which were placed around the party room as part of the decor
Dazzling Parties created this entrance, including the sign-in “tennis shirt” at the Seawane country club
This illuminated tennis bar for Spencer’s celebration is by PBG Events
Balloon Artistry created this U.S. Open inspired entrance for Maxwell’s Bar Mitzvah celebration
A custom votive centerpiece from Perfectly Planned Events
Chris Jorda Photography brought us this sophisticated shot of a subtle tennis themed Bar Mitzvah
MazelTovGear.com coached this family and created a tennis logo using neon colors
A Promos USA aced it when they created these logos
No foot fault here with these great grippy socks from Cool Party Favors
A cool players lounge from It Events by Julie
A tennis themed entrance from Linzi Events
Julie Sadowsky Graphics designed this U.S. Open logo which really played on the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name
This stunning tennis themed cake was photographed by Hy Paul Studio
Serve up a cake like this from The Art of the Cake
Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes faced off on a green tennis-court cake from Le Basque
Did you have a great tennis themed Bar Bat Mitzvah? Send it to us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
September 2nd, 2013
The Museum of the Moving Image in New York City was the spectacular venue for the B’nai Mitzvah of twins Rachel and Avery Friedman on April 13, 2013.
The family wanted a service and celebration that was all-in-one and this special venue, a unique and modern museum in New York City, fit the bill perfectly.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Avery, Mom Nancy, Dad Alan and Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel.
Josh Strauss Studios was the photographer. Additional vendor information is listed below.
The service started within the Museum of the Moving Image’s theater with a personalized service including homemade siddurs. The twins’ paternal grandfather was too ill to attend but he appeared, larger than life, to give his blessing on the movie screen in a pre-taped blessing. Immediately following the service, guests moved into the museum’s café and galleries for their celebration.
An amazing stage and built-in backdrop for their service
The family chose the readings for their prayer book which was designed and put together by Ana Dolan Couture Invitations
These totally original, customized view-master invitations were created by Image 3D. Mom Nancy got the idea from her party planner, Amy Jacobs of Chandelier Events, and found the DIY view-master company online.
The disk came packaged in a view-master, so guests could click through the images. The text, with all important details about the B’nai Mitzvah, “floated” on top of each picture. Driving instructions and R.S.V.P. cards were slipped into each box.
Rachel and Avery looked great. Rachel’s cocktail dress was from All Dressed Up and Avery’s suit was from Lubins.
Posing together in the museum’s sleek lobby before their guests arrive
The Museum of the Moving Image is located in Astoria, Queens, a borough of NYC. One of the reasons the family selected this venue is that part of the party fee goes to helping the museum maintain its collections and community programs.
One of New York City’s cool and hip cultural venues
The venue dictated the theme of television and movies and that was subtly conveyed in the dinner menus and other party elements.
The printed menus were designed to look like TV dinners
Event Planner Amy Jacobs of Chandelier Events NY helped the Friedmans bring color into the sleek white interior of the museum by using décor and flowers in the colors of a TV test pattern.
Eclectic flower arrangements in white modern vases added pops of color
The table numbers were television screens with color bars on the bottom
Simple signage stood out on the white walls
When you have an event at the Museum of the Moving Image, you get the entire venue which includes all of the exhibits. Guests were able to experience all of the cool interactive exhibits the museum has to offer.
Learning the art of animation
Dubbing your own voice into a famous movie
Making a flip book…starring you!
EJ The DJ and MC James C provided non-stop music and entertainment for Rachel and Avery’s celebration.
Avery and Rachel make their way into the reception as friends and family cheered them on
Rachel and Avery up in the chair together
Avery and Rachel’s friends gathering around the dance floor
The Friedmans gave their guests favors of modern popcorn poppers filled with gourmet popping corn with Avery and Rachel’s logo on them.
The favors looked great all lined up
Microwave popcorn poppers double as a serving dish
Mitzvah Mom Nancy wrote a beautiful and funny speech for her children. She is a popular blogger who pens From Hip to Housewife. Here is a link to the speech: Rhumba Through Life: To My Kids on Their B’nai
Rachel worked with the local JCC in their Gift of Literacy Program; she tutored a second grader in reading once a week throughout the school year. Avery made numerous visits – both through Dorot and on his own – to elderly people looking for company. Additionally, the building where they live has an aging population and both kids have regularly visited their most elderly residents, most of whom are now gone.
Some advice from Mom Nancy:
“We were very nervous about our party being “over the top.” I didn’t want to send the message that the party was more important than the process, or the ceremony. But in the end, our venue, The Museum of the Moving Image was all the “over the top” we needed. Don’t plan too far ahead – it just means more time to worry. And don’t lose sight of the fact that the party is about your child (or in my case children) and not about you.”
The following vendors helped to make Rachel and Avery’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Museum of the Moving Image, 718-784 0077
Party Planner: Amy Jacbos, Chandelier Events, 646-415-8675
Music Entertainment: MC James C, EJ the DJ, 800-358-4335
Photographer/Videographer: Josh Strauss, Josh Strauss Studios, 347-228-1064
Caterer: Thomas Preti Caterers, 212-764-3188
Invitation: Image 3D, 503-632-2470
Siddur Cover Design: Ana Dolan Couture Invitations, 203-722-5231
Florist: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design, reb.shepherd@gmail.com
Favors: Kathy Ellman, Bayard Designs, 212-228-9400
Party entertainment: Balloon Artist, Party Magic Entertainment, 800-539-8743
Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel’s Dress: All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Bar Mitzvah boy Avery’s suit: Lubins, 914-713-0300
Mom Nancy’s dress: Bergdorf Goodman
Dad Alan’s suit: Martin Greenfield Clothier, 718-497-5480
Makeup: Lisa Rinaldi, lisamarierinaldi@gmail.com
August 28th, 2013
84West Studios, a floral design, entertainment, and photography studio located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida just completed a great “Around the World” themed Bar Mitzvah.
Held at the famous and beautiful Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, the company provided the decor, DJ entertainment, lighting, video, and photography for this Bar Mitzvah boy.
They even created his own personal airline to “transport” his guests.
Check out this great adventure.
The outside of the Eden Roc Hotel
There was a jet way entrance leading the guests into the reception area
There was a flight attendant to stamp “passports” and give guests their boarding passes (place cards)
“Daniel Airlines” was ready for take off
When guests entered the spacious ballroom, they felt they were about to embark on a great adventure
Blue and green floral arrangements designed to look like globes were placed on sleek pedestal vases that were filled with blue LED crystals
The food stations were the focal point of the room, and each station represented a different country
Each station, such as this Asian station, had a giant lit photo backdrop with native flowers and decorative items on each table
A close up of the special decor elements on the table
Welcome to Italy
Dancing and music were enjoyed by all
We thank 84 Studio West Studio for sharing this great “Around the World” theme with Mitzvah Market.
August 18th, 2013
The Bar Bat Mitzvah candle lighting ceremony is a great opportunity for the guest of honor to show their appreciation to friends and family. Everyone loved our past story, so we found more ways that families are bringing out the personality of their child and highlighting their party’s theme.
We have gathered some great candle lighting displays that enhance the theme and will dazzle your guests.
Lighter Than Air Events created this colorful candy candy lighting display for this B’nai Mitzvah
From Balloon Artistry, this lucite heart was filled with chocolate kisses as each guest was called up for this candle lighting
The Park Avenue Club was the venue for a ski lodge themed Bar Mitzvah with a unique candle lighting display
Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography
A great sports candle lighting display from The Event Of A Lifetime
We love this football themed candle lighting display from Rosie Mendoza Photography
Stephanie Feldman from CutiePatootieCreations.com used an Ice Sculpture Candle Lighting Display for Jack’s Lacrosse themed Bat Mitzvah party
For a beach themed Bat Mitzvah, this display incorporated sea shells and crystals, and took place at the The Sands at Atlantic Beach
Balloon Artistry created this WWE themed display using cut outs of famous wrestlers and making the base look like a wrestling ring
Verbena Designs filled Gatorade bottles with crystals and topped it off with votive candles to make this fun candle lighting for a sports themed celebration
Sarah Merians Photography captured this great shot of a candy themed party planned by Pat Glenn Productions
The entertainment venue Space created a candle lighting display using custom made cupcakes
For this iPhone candle lighting display from Balloon Artistry, everyone comes up and takes an app and puts it on the velcro iPhone until its complete
Photographer Bart Gorin Photography captured a shabby chic inspired cupcake display
Casual Candids photographed this Bar Mitzvah boy performing a wine ceremony instead of a traditional candle lighting
Ann Marie Casey Photography photographed a Bar Mitzvah, where in lieu of a traditional cake with candles, family and friends were invited to the center of the dance floor to watch as a piece of the puzzle photograph was pieced together on TV monitors revealing the Bar Mitzvah boy
Ira Casel Photography captured this special sandcastle candle lighting ceremony
This Bar Mitzvah boy had one big LED light floating in colored gel
This two-tiered hockey themed ice sculpture was created by Okamoto Studios and designed by Lisa Rice from Successful Affairs
Saba Photography captured this candle lighting ceremony where top hats were used as candle holders
Creative Party Concepts added some bling and high heel style to this candle lighting display
Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations captured this sports themed display
Hi Tech Photography Events showcases a candle lighting display using the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name and embellished with feathers
MK Photography captured this great candle lighting display where black, white and silver colored candles were placed in between cupcakes
The lights of Broadway lit up for each guest receiving a candle for Jamie’s Bat Mitzvah and snapped by Linda Morrow Photography
Room Temp by Moshe created a vibrant candle lighting display using sand art candles and beautiful flowers
Setting the Mood created a Ferris wheel candle lighting display for a carnival theme
Party Perfect created the perfect candle lighting display for a sports fan
Did you have a creative candle lighting display? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
August 14th, 2013
Designer Lollipop puts edible images on clear lollipops! This is a great way to add to your theme, decor or just for fun! The company can transfer anything from beautiful photos to sketches.
All items are made to order, with a turnaround time of three days for small orders and two weeks for large orders (150 pieces or more).
Some of the most popular collections include Sports Balls, Creature Eyes, and Glitter lollipops.
They will also replicate your own design! Rush service is available.
They are a nominee for the Martha Stewart “American Made Award Contest” going on now!
Check out some of their designs below:
The Turquoise Kaleidoscope collection has a cotton candy flavor
The Hippie Boho lollipops
The Creature Eyes lollipops have colors that are outrageously vibrant and fun
The Glitter lollipops are beautiful, sparkly and fun
The Sports Balls lollipops
Your own initials too
For more information about Designer Lollipop, you can check them out their Website, or email designerlollipop@gmail.com with any questions.
August 11th, 2013
The Kortick family celebrated their daughter Olivia’s Bat Mitzvah on November 17, 2012 at Congregation Kol Emet in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Their evening reception was held at Green Acres Country Club in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Their theme was based on Olivia’s name, “Liv It Up.”
All photography was done by Joyce of Casual Candids and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Steven, Bat Mitzvah girl Olivia, Mom Audrey and Brother Evan.
The Kortick’s service was held at Congregation Kol Emit.
Olivia’s chose her beautiful tallit from Audrey’s Museum Store, which is part of the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA.
3D Printing and Digital Imaging put together a custom service program using a photo of Olivia on the front
The Korticks used the talents of event planner Marlene Ganz for many aspects of the party including their unique invitation.
Olivia’s mirrored invitation arrived in a gift box
Olivia and her brother Evan looked great. Olivia’s service dress was from Party Girls. Her brother’s suit was from Nordstrom.
During the temple shoot
Olivia’s cocktail dress, also from Party Girls, was a custom dress by Boston-based designer Sondra Celli who comes to Party Girls a couple of times a year to meet with clients
Party planner Marlene Ganz, owner of Confetti Event Decorating, not only took care of the invitations but also handled the decor, entertainment and favors!
The entrance to the club was ready for guests to “Liv it Up!”
The place card table had an ice sculpture featuring Olivia’s name
The kids area had drawstring bags on the back of the chairs
The ballroom looks pretty with pink up lighting
The centerpieces featured lamp shades and a beautiful flower arrangement at the base
Olivia had her “Liv it Up” theme on ice
Olivia’s friends arrived to the party on The Party Ride.
Traveling in style
All Around Entertainment provided the music for the Korticks’ son Evan’s Bar Mitzvah and they were glad to have them back again. There were 8 dancers and they did a great job getting everyone involved in the party. They also arranged for a special “break through” screen for Olivia’s grand entrance.
Olivia’s silhouette appears on the screen just before she “breaks through” and makes her entrance
Olivia having a great time with her friends
Through Confetti Events, there were lots of extra entertainment to keep guests busy including a pucker sugar booth, a candy table, flip books, a booth where you can record a song, and photo favors.
Pucker Sugar Booth for those with a sweet tooth!
Olivia’s sign-in board was shaped like a mega-phone.
Guests could leave a special message for Olivia
Olivia had a special moment with her dad before the guests arrived.
Cramer’s Bakery created this beautiful cake.
Olivia was involved in the design process
Marlene created the sweatshirts, rubber bracelets, and drawstring bags which featured Olivia’s “Liv It Up” logo.
Sweatshirts for the boys and girls
Drawstring bags
Candy bars
There was a sweet ending for Olivia’s guests.
There was lots of great candy to choose from
Liv it Up lollipops
Olivia volunteered for the Special Olympics of PA and the Special Olympics of NJ. At the SOPA, she was paired with athletes to help when needed and to cheer them on. At the SONJ she led athletes to their designated activities, helped when needed, and cheered them on.
The following vendors helped to make Olivia’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Greenacres Country Club, 609-896-0259
Party Planner: Marlene Ganz, Confetti Event Decorating, 215-499-9080
Décor/Favors/Invitation/Extra Entertainment/Sign-In Board: Confetti Event Decorating
Music Entertainment: MC Leon, All Around Entertainment, 215-354-0124
Photographer/Videographer: Joyce, Casual Candids, 215-493-6792
Service Booklet: 3D Printing and Digital Imaging, 215-968-7900
Cake: Cramer’s Bakery, 215-493-2760
Dress for Bat Mitzvah girl Olivia: Sondra Celli Design at Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Dress for Mom Audrey: Sterlings of New Hope, 215-862-3444
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Hair: Joseph Jeffries Salon, 215-321-0270
Makeup: Carriage House Spa & Salon, Yardley, PA
Tallit: Audrey’s Museum Shop, 310-440-4505
Transportation for kids: The Party Ride, 631-434-8300
Transportation for family: Limo Today, 215-352-1500
August 7th, 2013
Need some cooling off from the heat? Check out the great pictures of a winter wonderland party we received from 5th Avenue Digital, a company that specializes in event photography.
Bat Mitzvah girl Emma had her Bat Mitzvah service at Temple Israel in Westport, Connecticut and then it was onto a wonderful reception at The Inn at Longshore also in Westport, Connecticut.
The theme was a winter wonderland and the decor was created by Arlene Rosenthal.
The Bat Mitzvah girl Emma wore a dress that sparkled like the snow for her winter wonderland themed Bat Mitzvah
A snow-covered welcome board greeted guests
Seating cards were placed inside of snow globes
The venue was white from top to bottom and had a wintery glow
Got Snow? signage was placed on cocktail tables adorned with crystal snowflakes
Each place setting had glowing ice cubes in each glass
All the lights in the venue were covered with snowflake shades
Ice blue cotton candy was a delicious treat
Young guests enjoying yummy waffles from Waffles and Dinges
Guests could customize their waffles with tons of toppings!
We thank 5th Avenue Digital for sending us these great pictures to share with our readers.
