August 10th, 2010
Milestone Images owner and photographer Angela Gaul recently photographed a very unique Bohemian-inspired Bat Mitzvah that we couldn’t wait to share.
The beautiful venue was the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in the foothills of the southern Berkshires in Falls Village, Connecticut. During the fun-filled weekend of June 18-June 19, 2016 guests of the Wallace family were invited to share in the Bat Mitzvah service of daughter Georgia and enjoy many amazing activities. By incorporating vintage touches and nature-inspired accents, the atmosphere was gorgeous, warm and inviting with a relaxed vibe.
Take a look below at this fun and festive celebration.
Bat Mitzvah Style
The Wallace family ready for Georgia's Bat Mitzvah service
Everyone wore white for Friday night services
The all-white attire looked beautiful for Friday Night services
Bat Mitzvah girl Georgia's bike had it's own style
What great jackets!
Bat Mitzvah Service
Chairs were set up on the dock surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake and Berkshire Mountains.
The beautiful service was held lakefront
The Bimah draped in a colorful embroidered tapestry from India which Mom Hillary picked out on her last trip to India specifically to use for Georgia's Bat Mitzvah
Georgia reciting her prayers
Custom service programs beautifully displayed
Circles of Life Seed Paper Kippot. When exposed to soil and water, it becomes a beautiful flower
Weekend Fun
The fun-filled weekend started as soon as guests arrived by bus to the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center with so much to offer.
Welcome signage
Guests getting of the bus to start their weekend
Each guests received a welcome bag filled with goodies and a schedule of events
Guests could participate in a yoga clss
Enjoy a canoe on the lake
Read a book on a comfy hammock
Learn how to feed farm animals
...And make challah
Decor/Music/Candle Lighting/More Fun
Zak Events worked closely with Mom (and Interior Designer) Hillary Simon Wallace on the bohemian-chic style decor.
This spectacular decor combined boho chic and sophistication with the use of unique patterns and textures in a rainbow of hues
Eclectic furniture set-up created a chic and comfy ambiance
Fabrics used for ceiling treatments and colorful lanterns added a touch of whimsy for a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere
Tree branches held the place cards
The music from Dark Side of the Hudson was great and played a lot of Pink Floyd Beatles music during the cocktail hour
The Bat Mitzvah girl making her entrance
Fun photo booth prop reminiscence of Woodstock
Eclectic colored candle stick holders and flowers were used for the candle lighting
Flower candle votives were also used
Georgia with her parents during the special candle lighting moment
Late Night Fun
The camp fire after the party also had an outdoor movie screen as well as a s’mores/candy bar available for both areas.
Of course there had to be s'mores at the end of the evening
Guests enjoying a campfire, outdoor movie screen and candy bar
We want to thank Angela Gaul and the Wallace Family for sharing this wonderful Bat MItzvah with our readers.
Photographer: Angela Gaul, Milestone Images; Venue: Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center; Decor/Party Planners: Zak Events; Kippot: Circles of Life; Cocktail Hour Band: Dark Side of the Hudson
August 6th, 2010
Have you seen all the fun blinky accessories that DJ’s and dancers handout at Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties? Now you can get these yourself online.
Flashing Blinky Lights has a great selection of over 600 ready-to-ship light-up merchandise and promotional products online.
Dazzle your guests with light up party centerpieces or give-aways.This company prides itself in great customer service and are constantly adding new, high-quality light-up items. Some custom light up products can be made to order in just 3-4 weeks.
Flashing Blinky Rings!
Necklaces…
and bracelets!
Check out more on their Website!
August 6th, 2010
Levine Fox Events, located in Southern California, coordinate and design some of the most talked about weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. They strive to create an ambiance for each event that solely reflects the tastes, priorities and special desires of each of their clients.
When we came across this inspiring Bat Mitzvah they put together we couldn’t wait to share it with our Mitzvah Market readers!
Guests who were fortunate enough to attend this Bat Mitzvah were treated to a most “Inspiring” event filled with fun festivities and a meaningful thematic presentation, created especially with this Bat Mitzvah girl’s special view of the world in mind! Through the use of creative lighting techniques, natural, earthy floral designs, tasteful linens and symbolic words displayed visually, Arielle’s “inspirations” came alive.
A custom Gobo was focused on the dance floor area featuring Arielle’s inspirational words
At the entrance to the club was a freestanding floral composed of driftwood branches, stone accents and cascading red flowers with signage that reads, “Arielle’s Inspirations.”
The entire ballroom was lit in red with white projections of inspirational words which were the focal point along the walls of the ballroom. White suede sofas and daybeds along with red ottomans provided a lounge environment for the kids
The color palette included deep earthy red, aquatic turquoise and touches of silver
Positioned atop each adult table was a contemporary floral centerpiece
For more great parties, check out Levine Fox Events.
July 20th, 2010
Is your child a fashionista?
Does she want to incorporate some fashion or dance into her Bat Mitzvah theme? We found some “Mitzvah Inspiration” on the internet using mannequins, clothing and flowers for table décor. This is a great way of using props (specifically mannequins) to set the tone for a fashion themed party.
We saw some of these ideas from the Mannequin Maddness blog. See below:
These were created by Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs of Rockville, Md. The theme of the Bat Mitzvah was “Couture Yourself,” and featured wrought iron mannequins dressed in floral costumes.
This mannequin centerpiece was created by Spitz & Peck
Isha Foss Events located in Chesapeake, Virginia used a mannequin as a place card holder for her client’s fashion themed Bat Mitzvah
Beautiful tutu on a wire mannequin from the Wedding Store LA
The Prop Factory in Peabody, MA. made these mannequins with matching colored fabrics, hand bags, Vogue magazine custom graphics, jewelry and mannequin heads with Kentucky Derby style hats
July 13th, 2010
The Shanker family from Long Island celebrated their daughter Marti Rose’s Bat Mitzvah on April 10, 2010 at the event space Carnival Presented by Bowlmor in New York City. This was a perfect venue for their Big Top Circus theme. With carnival games everywhere, it was lots of FUN from the moment you walked in!
We thank the Shanker family for sharing their special day with us. All vendor information is listed at the bottom of this feature.
Party photography was done by Anthony Vasquez Photography. Pictured left to right: Younger sister Ruby, Dad Michael, Mom Nancy, Bat Mitzvah girl Marti Rose and older brother Miles.
The entire family looked great. Marti Rose had her dress custom-made at Petit Chic in Cedarhurst, NY. Sister Ruby wore an old dress of Marti Rose’s that Petit Chic “re-invented” for her.
Marti Rose has some serious style – check out her funky Adidas sneakers as she is ready for her party to begin!
Ruby is wearing her big sisters dress that was re-invented for her. Petit Chic made it shorter and changed the sash from red to hot pink to match her sister!
Mom and Dad designed the logo which was also placed on the invitation done by Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice.
“Marti” was incorporated into the design of the rose – how clever!
Coordinated ensemble from Proper Notice
This 16,000-square-foot space was just recently revamped to have the look and feel of a circus and carnival environment. Carnival offers live entertainment such as circus performers and many other types of built-in entertainment. Carnival games, plush toys hanging from the walls, stilt walkers, jugglers and balloon artists were all waiting for guests to enjoy.
Marti Rose’s friends posing under the big top
One guest testing his strength
Someone is clowning around
A stilt walker
Marti Rose entered her party surrounded by the Geo Events dancers and some of the entertainers from Carnival.
For her entrance, Marti Rose changed from her high heeled shoes into funky Adidas sneakers. There was also a 6 foot custom wall graphic of Marti Rose (created by www.Fathead.com) in a carnival outfit from a previous photo shoot with Howard Rosenthal Photography
The musical entertainment was provided by Geo Events with MC Geo who really got the crowd rockin all night long.
For part of the entertainment, the Shankers brought in StudioBooth, a mobile photo booth that uses beautiful fashion lighting to capture everyone at their best. What is also unique about Studio Booth was that the guests were able to jump on a trampoline and their high speed cameras were able to catch guests mid- flight.
Marin Rose clowning around
Marti Rose’s Mom and Dad posing with their big win!
Marti Rose’s friends having fun!
Marti Rose’s favor was a T-shirt with a carnival theme created by Fishead.net. The young guests received this favor in a popcorn box with a bag of popcorn inside. As adults were leaving the party, each guest received a mylar bag of popcorn with a note thanking them for coming.
The T-shirt favor for the young adults
Prior to her Bat Mitzvah party, Marti Rose did a photo session with Howard Rosenthal Photography. Her Mom took video of the photo shoot and then her Dad made a very creative video using the footage and still pictures which played on plasmas while the guests were waiting for the elevator. Additionally, blow-up’s of some of those photos were placed around the venue.
One of many photos from Howard Rosenthal Photography
Mitzvah Mom Nancy has now planned 2 of her 3 children’s Mitzvahs. This one was all done pretty quickly and she has some advice about planning ahead.
She says, “It is never too late to start planning. In November, when we decided the weather in April was too uncertain to have an outdoor affair at our home, we then booked the entire party and planned it all in just 5 months.”
For us Moms that are stressed about the planning process, this is good to know!
Marti Rose’s Kippots for her service were handmade and embroidered by Ethiopian Jews who live in Israel. The program is run through Esra and dubbed “The Embroidery Project.” Each one is special and like a work of art. Marti Rose donated a portion of her Bat Mitzvah gifts to help pay for these Kippots. All donations to this organization help women who come to Israel with nothing other than their ability to sew.
The beautiful Kippots
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Marti Rose’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Carnival/Presented by Bowlmor 212-255-8188
Party Planner: Nikki Lazar from Carnival Presented by Bowlmor
Music DJ/MC/Videographer: Geo Events 212-572-8323
Photographer: Anthony Vasquez Photography 718-614-6804
Favors: Fishead.net 1-877-659-2780
Photo booth: thestudiobooth.com 212-518-3643
Invitations: Ellen Futterman Proper Notice 516-621-9523
Photography Session: Howard Rosenthal Photography 800-631-7870
Sign-In board: I Photo Book
Dress for Mom: Oscar del La Renta
Dress for Marti Rose: Petit Chic 516-374-1301
Dress for sister Ruby: Re-invented by Petit Chic
Men: Hugo Boss
Hair/makeup: Gemini 14 Color Bar
Transportation: U.S Coachways 1-877-873-1838
Mitzvah Project Kippots: Esra
July 12th, 2010
Our Mitzvah Inspire stories are intended to bring inspiration for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We noticed there were quite a few “Juicy Couture” party elements being used by event planners. We wanted to share all of them with our readers. See below:
If your daughter would like to have a Juicy themed Bat Mitzvah here are some inspiration ideas to get you started.
Pink and Grey invitation from Luscious Verde
Here is a great seating chart in the Juicy font and colors from Party 411.com
Table linens with the Juicy motif in black and white with pink accents from Global Cuisine LA
Global Cuisine LA used this place card table incorporating the juicy logo on each person’s card
Global Cuisine LA adds white, pink and black in the lounge area with custom Juicy pillows
Jose Designs in Miami put together this great table incorporating many different Juicy items such as candles and charms
Uniquely Yours Party Design hand paints any theme for your centerpieces
And the perfect “juicy couture” cake from www.pinkcakebox.com!
If you child’s party had any special touches, let us know by writing to us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 7th, 2010
When you are in Mitzvah planning mode, decor is one of the many things on your mind!
Balloons can be a wonderfully fun and whimsical way to create an inviting atmosphere for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. They can assist in transforming your venue space and theme into a “wow” full of color.
Here is a sampling of some great balloon inspiration we found on the Web.
Balloon Artistry created a sports theme with balloons
NYC Balloons brought lots of color to a large reception room
An Ice Cream Soda balloon from Party Excellence
These balloons look great as the entrance into a reception by BallonsByDesignCBA.com
Balloons add a great pop of color which adds to the decor from Creative Florist Event Planners
Add some flower power from Awesome Occasion
This is quite the balloon centerpiece from Balloons by Robbie
A piano wall of balloons by www.balloon-celebrations.com
For balloon vendors in your area, visit our Vendor Directory and click on the balloon category.
June 27th, 2010
This Mitzvah Inspire Bat Mitzvah was held at the Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, New York. After seeing some of the pictures, we know you will agree that this rock n roll party rocked!
They used vibrant colors of orange and teal and they really popped!
This inspire is courtesy of New York City based photographer Michael Jurick. Enjoy all the photos and ideas below:
A great logo set the tone
We love the RTV place cards!
Every rock star needs a lounge…awesome!
Lucite decor ….very hip…very South Beach
Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel has her own billboard
The cake incorporates all the things this Bat Mitzvah girl enjoys…it’s a big cake!
Can’t leave out personalized M & M’s…it’s in every rock star’s contract!
We want to thank Michael Jurick for sharing these photos with Mitzvah Market. To learn more about his photography services, visit his Website.
June 27th, 2010
The Gumdrop Cookie Shop creates beautiful decorated cookies with edible printed graphic designs.
A favorite of Martha Stewart and The Today Show, Gumdrop Cookie Shop offers delicious home-made sugar cookies combined with eye-catching and unique designs.
They also offer brownies, blondies, raspberry bars, apricot bars, chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal and can pair any of their bake shop goodies with an edible cookie message or add any photo, logo or design to create your own custom cookie.
We loved these Mitzvah designs on their Website:
With over 100+ couture images to chose from, you’re sure to find an image that’s perfectly fitting for your upcoming Mitzvah that even your child will approve of!
Email them at info@gumdropcookieshop.com or call them at 646-415-8173.
June 16th, 2010
We recently heard from a proud Mitzvah Mom in Parkland, Florida about her son’s Mitzvah Project. Gavin Krooks will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah this August, but his Military Mitzvah Project and Website are well underway! We asked Gavin to share some information about what he is doing:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
GK: For my Mitzvah project, I “adopted” the United States 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (82 EASOS).
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
GK: It is hard for us to understand exactly what it is that they do over in Iraq. What we can understand is that they are fighting for our freedom, they are very far away from home and in their down time, they like to sit back and relax like the rest of us! I am in contact with Lt. Col. Mark Jablow, currently stationed in Iraq. He has 35 men and women directly under his command and they work in a headquarters manned by approximately 1,000 personnel. My project was to send his squadron and the soldiers they work with some personal items that are hard to get over in Iraq.
Gavin at the US Post Office ready to mail his packages to the troops
The boxes are filled with items requested by the men and women
LT. Col Mark Jablow receiving some of Gavin’s supplies!
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
GK: To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah is not only about the Jewish ritual. As Jews, we are also supposed to fulfill the Mitzvah of tzedukah (charity) and tikkun olam, (fixing the world).
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
GK: My Website A Little Goes A Long Way has all the information.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
GK: We collected almost $1,000 and were able to send over 14 boxes filled to the brim with lots of great stuff! Some of the packages have already been received in Iraq and as luck would have it, they handed out the goodies at a Memorial Day Celebration for the troops. I am also buying phone cards in bulk and sending them over. Some of the items that the soldiers are requesting are frisbees, novels, magazines and chocolates and the female personnel are asking for scented lotions, shampoos, conditioners and soaps.
If you have any of these items to donate or would like to make a cash donation please send an email to alittlethanks@bellsouth.net or go to the Website at alittlethanksgoesalongway.com for more information.
We would like to thank Gavin’s Mom Robin for sharing her son’s amazing project with our Mitzvah Market readers.
