February 2nd, 2020
MetLife Stadium is home to two of the most storied football franchises in NFL history, but for Jackson Weinstein, who has attended NY Jets games for as long as he can remember, it’s also a special place to spend family time. Mom Dani tells Mitzvah Market that the stadium is Jax’s “happy place, where we love spending time together.” When it came time to plan Jax’s Bar Mitzvah, everyone agreed that MetLife was also the perfect place to share their joy with friends and family.
After a service at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Weinsteins gathered Jax’s friends for a pre-game tailgate, complete with a slider truck, before boarding buses to the stadium in New Jersey. Upon arrival at MetLife, the kids and adults played activities on the field, while there was also an abundant cocktail hour in the Met 50 Lounge. From the astro turf and leather invitations and tailgate party, to the reception in the EY Coaches Club and Bar Mitzvah montage on the jumbotron, this celebration was all about family… and football!
(Above L-R: dad Dan, sister Reese, Bar Mitzvah boy Jackson and mom Dani)
The photographer for this event was Tripp Street Studios. A complete vendor list follows at the end of this story.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Jackson's service at Temple Sholom
The Bar Mitzvah boy was all smiles
Jackson's friends enjoyed a pregame tailgate before being bused to the stadium
Kids filled up on sliders at the tailgate; when they arrived at the stadium they were ready to hit the field
The Seaside Sliders truck was a huge hit and kicked off the party on the right note
All Access Pass to MetLife
Jackson's big entrance onto the field, accompanied by close family friends
Mom and dad make a joyous entrance
The kids (and adults!) had a blast playing on the turf
Jackson made a nice play...
... with his friends, who were divided into teams wearing different color pinnies
Jackson's logo was featured prominently on the jumbotron behind his family
Jackson posed in front of a piece of Jets history
The Bar Mitzvah logo was projected onto screens and NFL team logos were printed on vinyl to cover the floor
Another shot of the custom vinyl floors at the reception
The reception was held in the EY Coaches Club which is set directly in between the two team locker rooms and in view of the 50 yard line
Lounge seating, with custom logo pillows by Pretty in Paper, LLC
A striking shot of the cocktail hour from the place card table
Non-Stop Fun
Jackson enjoyed the hora at his reception
Special guest DJ Kool kept the dance floor rockin'
The family posed with DJ Kool
Sister Reese having fun!
Jackson body surfed over his friends
Jackson in the Coaches Club...
... before the lights were shut off and it was transformed into a "Glow" room filled with candy
This space is normally used to hold player interviews with the media
The jumbotron played the montage video and captured special moments on the field
Special Touches
The custom invitation, made of football textured paper, wrapped around a board with silk screen acrylic and faux astro turf under the acrylic, was made by Pretty in Paper, LLC. The outer envelopes featured a famous football play, Monday Night Miracle, printed on the liner, and two inserts for tailgate and celebration were made of metal. The invitation was mailed in a plastic sleeve to out of town guests and hand delivered to locals
The Bar Mitzvah boy in front of his photo on the giant LED screen outside MetLife Stadium
Jackson and Reese met quarterback Drew Breese of the New Orleans Saints
Inside the locker room, guests were delighted to find...
... custom jerseys and rally towels
Each jersey featured the guest's name and the number "13" making for an amazing keepsake of Jax's big birthday
Referee jerseys were made for close friends who led Jackson through the players tunnel and onto the field for his big entrance
Pretty in Paper, LLC created tons of football swag including rally towels, coolers, pillows, glow in the dark socks, t-shirts and trucker hats wtih logo patches
The Weinstein family, surrounded by family and friends
Mitzvah Project
Jackson is very passionate about dogs. His Mitzvah Project was donating his time to various rescue shelters. He will be donating more time and funds to Big Dog Rescue Project – where the Weinstein family adopted their dog Otis.
Mitzvah Advice
“Try and be as organized as possible going into the last few weeks before the event,” says mom Dani. “It helps to have a party planner that gives you a timeline down to the minute! And start organizing those baby photos NOW – the montage is overwhelming – you want so many pictures but also don’t want a 20 minute video!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah a night to remember. If you contact any of them about their services, please let them know you read about their company on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: MetLife Stadium, 201-559-1710
Pre-Game Tailgate: Seaside Sliders, 203-857-9918
Event Planner: Jackie Bressler Events, 561-922-5776
Music & Entertainment: ESP Productions, David Milowitz, 631-777-4377
Special Performance: DJ Kool, Walt Reeder Jr, 215-517-7881
Photographer: Tripp Street Studio, Steve Krongard, 914-242-9801
Videographer: Prime Focus Media, Ben Schwartz, 973-452-5647
Favors/Invitations/Logos/Giveaways: Pretty in Paper, LLC, Stephanie Engler, 561-998-3777
Event Decor/Flowers: Dalsimer Spitz and Peck, 516-569-2100
Dresses: Monique Lhuillier (mom), Jovani (sister), purchased at All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Suits: Rothman’s in Scarsdale (dad) and Lubin’s (Jackson), 914-713-0300
Hair & Makeup: Laura Melissa Makeup/Hair By Val
February 2nd, 2020
A Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah invitation that is sophisticated, elegant… sleek, modern… hip, cool… sporty, playful…? What feeling are you hoping to convey for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration?
“The invitation can set the tone for your event,” says Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box NY. With more than 17 years of experience in the stationery and gift business, Goldberg prides herself on working with her Bar and Bat Mitzvah families to select an invitation that will clearly set the mood for their celebration. “We aren’t your typical invitation company. When you meet with Out of the Box NY, we see what you are looking for and then we choose the company that can create your invite with the papers that you love at the best price.” After all, says Goldberg, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Read on to see some of Goldberg’s favorite invitations:
This is our best invitation of the year! You think it is going to be a conservative invitation starting with the suede outside and then when you open it you are blown away. It is completely personalized in every way for a family that skis at Vail Mountain!
"The 'snow globe' invitation is still one of our favorites. It sets the tone for an outrageous party!"
Neon colors are definitely in this year and perfect for boy and girl twins
This oversized invitation sets the tone for an over the top party. Says Goldberg: "We love how the R.S.V.P. card can tear off without having a separate card"
This so simple but so cool invitation allows for the personality of each twin to come through
Ombre and hologram are very in and together creates such a fun and colorful look
A two-sided invitation is perfect for twins. Each child can pick their own color or style
Who doesn’t love an all metallic invitation? The glitter and flowers set the tone for an elegant soiree
"Suede is so masculine and classy," says Goldberg. "We love the shape and layout of this bold invitation"
In addition to invitations, Out of the Box NY also works with clients to find or create the perfect kippot, programs, menus, place cards, party favor bags, napkins, cups and more.
To learn more about Out of the Box NY visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
January 26th, 2020
Siblings Nathanial and Samantha Glucksman were born 16 months apart, so sharing their B’nai Mitzvah was an easy choice. “They are so close, so it was very special for them to do this together,” says mom, Danielle. The family, from Ontario, Canada, chose The Avenue Banquet Hall for their “dress to impress” simcha, following a weekday service at their synagogue.
The next challenge? How to combine the siblings’ two very different themes. Nathanial loves European soccer, while Samantha is a big musical theatre fan. Through the use of creative graphics and a simple, unified color scheme, each child was represented.
Among the special moments, the siblings entered the reception on adjacent red and green carpets (red for Broadway and green astro turf for soccer); guests found their place cards disguised as theatre or soccer tickets and a cotton candy table ended the night on a sweet note.
The big surprise of the celebration was a performance by the original Toronto cast of The Lion King! “Nathanial was in on the surprise but Samantha was not as we wanted it to be a magical moment for her,” explains Danielle, who worked with the venue to coordinate this special act.
The photographer for this event was Joel Nadel of Event Imaging. A complete list of Vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Sibling Service
Invitation to the weekday service at Beth Emeth Bais Yeshuda Synagogue
The family before the ceremony- Samantha, dad Jeffrey, mom Danielle and Nathanial
The siblings on the bima
A special moment for their family
For their Mitzvah Project, Nathanial and Samantha created their own gift baskets for a local animal shelter. The baskets were displayed as centerpieces at the brunch following thier service
Double the Fun Reception
The invitation to the weekend party revealed the two themes of the night
Ready to party!
As guests entered the reception, they saw oversized posters of European soccer teams and Broadway shows
Place cards were designed as tickets
Close up of tickets, with the siblings' logo
Sign in boards: Manchester United for him and Hamilton for her
Signs, featuring a bold graphic logo, cleverly merged the two themes
Inside the reception, silver and black linens, accented by red napkins kept the color scheme bold and bright
Red lights added additional drama
Centerpieces were crafted out of lucite stands and boxes with soccer team logos...
and Broadway musical images and quotes
Nathanial made his big entrance down a green astro turf carpet (behind to his left)
Samantha skipped down her very own red carpet
The horah
Everyone had a blast on the dance floor!
The DJ kept the dance floor packed
Dance floor giveaways included sports jerseys, stuffies, plush pillows and more
Custom high tops were designed with Samanthas favorite musicals
Special Moments
The original Toronto cast of The Lion King made a special performance
Samantha joimed the cast on stage
Samantha and Nathanial with their dancers - who kept the energy up all night!
Photo booth backdrops featured Times Square...
...and the Manchester United locker room
The night ended on a sweet note thanks to the cotton candy table
Mitzvah Advice
“Take time to plan, research and enjoy the event!” says mom Danielle. “Also, collect giveaways ahead of time. I started buying stuffies and other goodies from sales after Christmas, Valentine’s Day, store closing events etc…”
Mitzvah Project
Nathanial and Samantha love animals so they picked the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as their Mitzvah Project. At the brunch following their service, each table featured a box, made by Nathanial and Samantha, filled with items needed by the shelter. In addition, through the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, Nathanial and Samantha participated in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Twinning Program, to commemorate the lives of two children who died in the Holocaust.
Vendor Directory
The following Vendors helped to make this celebration a success. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Event Planner/Security: The Avenue, Marla Kay, 905-669-0777
Music/DJ: Bounce Entertainment, 416-647-2677
Photographer/Photo Booth: Event Imaging, Joel Nadel, 416-613-8368
Videographer: Ori Watkin Video Productions, 905-660-3125
Entertainment/Lion King Performance: St Kitts Music Inc, George St Kitts, 905-841-6489
Invitations/Logos/Place Cards/Sign-In Board/Decor: Rock Paper Events, Heather Glowinsky, 647-497-5320
Cotton Candy Table: Farco Entertainment, 905-761-9948
Dresses: Honey, 905-836-0040 (Samantha); Laura, 877-937-8630 (mom)
Custom High Top Sneakers: Etsy.com
Suits: North Boys, 905-771-0987 (Nathanial); Harry Rosen, 1-800-917-6736 (dad)
Hair/Makeup: Daiana Stetter, 647-308-0702 (hair); Dana, Sephora Hillcrest, 905-780-9433 (makeup)
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
January 11th, 2020
If there’s one thing Bo knows, it’s basketball. As a basketball player and fan, he knows players and stats from before he was born! When it came time to plan his Bar Mitzvah celebration, his family knew that basketball would play a major role, and they brought in Melisa Imberman from The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. to help bring his vision to life.
Imberman turned a sports facility, Fenom Fitness in Harrison, NY, into a vintage basketball lounge. In collaboration with Hi Tech Events, the space was completely transformed into a sports enthusiasts dream. The tagline “Bo Knows” was repeated throughout many elements at the event – including decor, food presentations, favors and more. Custom graphics and logos played a major role in the decor and branding for this event. All wall hangings at the venue were replaced with custom graphics and photos from the pre Mitzvah shoot and were turned into vintage magazine covers and ads. Signage pointed the kids to the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms where they found their names on the lockers with logo rally towels.
The biggest moment of the night was definitely Bo’s (surprise!) grand entrance… on the shoulders of the world famous Harlem Wizards, who also performed a brief show, took selfies and more!
Above photo: Bo is joined by his mom, dad and little sister on the court. The photographer for this event was Hi Tech Events.
Read on to see more photos from this Bat Mitzvah Baller:
Custom Graphics
Basketball Bonanza
The main court at Fenom Fitness was totally transformed with custom LED screens, graphics, decor and games
A custom Jumbotron created a major WOW moment when guests entered the court
Bo's logo was printed across the entire dance floor
A photo of Bo playing basketball was superimposed on a custom graffiti mural which was designed to mimic the existing graffiti on one of the gym's walls
Vintage pennants were hung from the ceiling, and a variety of games, including customized cornhole, were available to play on the court
A VIP lounge for the kids featured benches with logo stadium seat cushions and a Players Club for the adults was set up with distressed leather couches and logo pillows
Custom throw pillows for the kids lounge...
... featured various Bo Knows logos
The sign in board was made from a basketball hoop/backboard of course!
The gift box was cleverly disguised as a customize mail box
Imberman covered up the venue's vending machines with branded graphics
Bo's image and party swag greeted guests as they entered the venue
Bo's entrance was pretty grand… his parents and younger sister were introduced, guests were given giant foam fingers to greet the Bar Mitzvah boy: Bo surprised everyone by coming out on the shoulders of the World Famous Harlem Wizards!
A Horah to remember!
After the Horah, the entire team came out to celebrate with Bo and his guests
After the Wizards short show, dancers kept the action on the dance floor
Dancers wore Bo Knows jerseys; guests put on their giveaway t-shirts, custom hats, socks and more
Imberman brought in a brand new interactive game, Boomerang Array, for Bo and his guests. This was the game's Bar Mitzvah debut!
Adults and kids all had a blast taking photos in the Boomerang Array which creates GIfs for guests to share on social media
The Nike Fit Plus challenge was a big hit with guests
Here Bo gets in on the fun!
Everyone wanted to be on the leader board for the BBX pop-a-shot
Cornhole and The Elite Feet Sock Shop kept everyone busy
The Selfie Photo Booth had, of course, a basketball court backdrop!
Food & Favors
During the cocktail hour, waitstaff dressed in basketball jerseys walked around serving food -- think mini pizzas in a logo pizza box!
Dinner was served from concession stands representing some of Bo's favorite foods including...
Food was served in custom logo concession stand containers and trays
Branded napkin dispensers and cocktail napkins with basketball stats
Bo's Burgers & Beyond...
Mexican...
... and Asian
For dessert there was a yummy chipwich bar
Waiters also walked around with bite sized desserts
Bo Knows... that his guests looked great! These cute decals decorated restroom mirrors
Bo's friends picked up their classic basketball swag from this Souvenir Shop; each child took home a vintage sweatshirt, backpack, and other branded items (tshirts, seat cushions, autographed photo of the Harlem Wizards etc...)
Kids took home these cozy, vintage hoodies
Dance floor giveaways included basketball jerseys, t-shirts, hats and customized message fans
Another view of Bo's souvenier (aka party favor!) stand
At the end of the night, guests visited one last concession stand where they were given a to-go tray to load up with drinks and treats
Logo water bottles for everyone to take home
Total Transformation
Watch how The Event of a Lifetime transformed this space in a time-lapse video
here
We thank Melisa Imberman and The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. for sharing this totally unique and creative Bar Mitzvah with us. For more information about The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. check out their extended profile page.
January 5th, 2020
Vicki Ross, of Plan-it Vicki, is a seasoned event planner working throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. She recently planned an over the top gymnastics themed Bat Mitzvah in Hartford, CT. While the theme celebrated Bat Mitzvah girl Camryn’s love of gymnastics, the overall aesthetic was decidedly sophisticated and elegant.
“From the beginning of the planning process I knew this was going to be a special party,” says Ross. “The mitzvah girl and her family made it clear they wanted it all, and in the end, I think they got that, and more!” Ross transformed the G. Fox Building in downtown Hartford into a Roaring Twenties club, making the most of the art deco space. Silver linens, crystals, white orchids and dramatic purple lighting created a magical feeling. Two variations of Camryn’s logo (both featuring gymnast profiles) on lounge pillows, napkins and more, kept the mood fun and youthful.
Read on to see more from this unique celebration:
Camryn's invitation featured her color palette and an art deco vibe; hints of what was to come at her celebration!
Guests knew they were in store for a special night as soon as they saw the walking, talking place card table!
The sign-in board featured a design that echoed Camryn's invitation
A simple, elegant card box
Photos of the Bat Mitzvah competing were used as art throughout the venue
The Bat Mitzvah girl surrounded by her beautifully branded decor
Inside the two story atrium, a lounge space utilized furniture of various shapes and sizes
Another view of the lounge
Aerialists entertained guests during the cocktail hour
The entrance to the reception featured a giant arch and bejeweled pipe-and-drape uplit in shades of purple
Inside the art deco ballroom, purple lighting was used for dramatic effect
Silver and white table linens sparkled
Votives cast a beautiful glow
Feathers and crystals added to the theme
Gymnastics profiles with LED lighting added to the thematic decor
Gymnastics elements were featured at the bar
Clever branding throughout the event...
... even on cocktail napkins
Plan-it Vicki created a candle lighting centerpiece by using a painted balance beam and marquee letters
The step and repeat featured both of Camryn's logos
Friends of the Bat Mitzvah girl took home a metallic drawstring bag with their party SWAG inside
Custom phone charger favors were a big hit
We thank Vicki Ross of Plan-it Vicki for sharing this beautiful Bat Mitzvah with our readers. To learn more about Plan-it Vicki, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Additional vendors who helped to make this night unforgettable: Venue: G Fox Ballroom/Marquee Events, 860-278-4466; Photographer: Kate Lauren Studios, 860-508-2159; Invitations/Sign-In Board: Etched in Sloane, 201-848-6006; Centerpieces: Pentimento Flowers, 860-836-9503; Lounge Furniture/Entertainment: Boppers Events, 866-865-3535; Table Linens: Peak Event Services, 781-341-1600; Favors: Halo2cloud, 888-907-6274; Aerialists: Cirque to Go, 203-232-5208; Human Place Card Table: Screaming Queens Entertainment, 212-714-8097; Cocktail Napkins/Drawstring Party Favor Bags, Blue Light Promotions, 914-205-3328
For more Bar and Bat Mitzvah inspiration and ideas, join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 Regional Planning Groups on Facebook here.
December 15th, 2019
Dylan Bornstein has been going to Long Beach Island (aka LBI), New Jersey for as long as she can remember. Her grandparents’ beach house is filled with special memories, and is a cherished destination for her family. When it came time to choose a theme for her Bat Mitzvah, Dylan knew she wanted to celebrate her favorite things about LBI… especially the beach. With that, the idea for “Dylan’s Beach Club” was born.
Mom Lauren Kohlberg and grandmother Helaine (a retired party planner and graphic designer) designed and executed the entire event – from the custom Tiki bar (made by stepdad Jeff from reclaimed wood) to the cabana stripe table linens and boogie board place cards. Much of the decor, including buoys, pales, shells and starfish were purchased locally in LBI. The finished product was a bright, whimsical take on Dylan’s life at the beach.
Photo above (L-R): stepdad Jeff, brother Brett, Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan, mom Lauren. The photographer for this celebration was VeroLuce Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Read on to learn more about Dylan’s creative DIY decor and more:
Maariv & Havdallah Services
Dylan's butterfly invitation was designed by her grandmother and assembled by the Bat Mitzvah girl and her mom
Dylan looked beautiful at her Maariv and Havdallah services
(L-R) Grandma Helaine, brother Brett, stepdad Jeff, Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan, mom Lauren, grandfather Richard.
Seasonal flowers added a pop of color to Congregation Agudath Israel
Close-up of flowers for the service
Beach Party
The beach ball logo (created by her grandmother!) set the tone for FUN
Three boogie boards were transformed into this clever place card table
Individual place cards were attached to multicolored carabiners
A bright beach umbrella adorned the sign-in table
This incredible gift box was made from a toy Woody (classic surfer car!) on top of a surfboard and topped with a box for envelopes
DIY centerpieces for the kids were made from colorful beach balls, flip flops and Dylan's logo
Close up of kids' centerpieces
Adult tables featured seasonal flowers in message-in-a-bottle style vases
Cabana stripe squares were placed over solid black table cloths; straw placemats in bright colors kept the vibe fun and beachy
A lounge area was set up in the ballroom with Adirondack chairs and towels
Decorative beach pillows added to the theme
Dylan's stepdad built this tiki bar (back right) out of reclaimed wood!
Additional beach decor included a fishing net, life preservers and other whimsical touches
The DIY candle lighting display was made from small beach buckets, wave plaques and pink letters! Thick white pillar candles were placed into polka dot pails
Dylan enjoyed a special dance with her dad
Fun in the photobooth; the step-and-repeat backdrop featured Dylan's beach ball logo
Surrounded by her friends for the last candle, Dylan is all smiles!
Black drawstring bags were filled with t-shirt favors
The Lifeguard t's were printed by a local promotion company
Logo stickers completed the look
Mitzvah Advice
Mom Lauren shares her 10 biggest pieces of advice when planning a child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah:
1. Try your best to start planning early, 1.5 to 1 year in advance.
2. Stay organized, make lists.
3. Think of your theme as early as possible.
4. Go with your gut.
5. Try to enjoy yourself.
6. Stay calm! This will help your mitzvah child tremendously as well as your marriage/relationship.
7. Allow people to help you.
8. Wear comfortable shoes!
9. Encourage your Mitzvah child to practice at least 4-5 times a week.
Mitzvah Project
Dylan collected nonperishable items for Oasis House, a shelter for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. She also volunteers at her religious school where she works with K-2 students.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Dylan’s celebration memorable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Congregation Agudath Israel, 973-226-3600
Party Planner/Invitations/Decor/Sign-In Board: Mom, Lauren and Grandmother Helaine
Music/MC/DJ/Photobooth: Xtreme Entertainment Group, 732-536-8155
Photographer: VeroLuce Photography, 973-449-6167
Favors: designed by mom, printed by MJG Promotions, 973-575-8877
Food/Cake: Kosher Nosh, 201-445-1186
Florist: Caldwell Flowerland, 973-226-1309
Dresses: Lola’s, 732-972-5222
Suits: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair/Makeup: Kathleen Vybihal, 201-787-9169
December 15th, 2019
The search for a dress or gown to wear to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah typically involves some online searching and trips to local boutiques and department stores. Lucy Segal, of New Jersey, found just what she was looking for in… the basement of her aunt’s home in Atlanta! Segal decided to re-style the 100 year old creme color satin wedding gown of her beloved grandmother, Oma. “For my son Jaden’s Bar Mitzvah, we only needed a few tweaks to literally create new memories in a dress that already held so many of its own,” she shares.
With the help of a local seamstress (also named Lucy, of Lucy Cleaners), Segal shortened the bell sleeves of Oma’s gown and removed much of the 6-foot train, which was repurposed into a wrap skirt at the waist. The finishing touch? “A special crystal pin from the other side of the family, a gift that my mom’s dad gave to her as a teen,” she says. “I felt like a princess-with-a-purpose, carrying mementos with meaning, from our own family monarchy! This vintage dress filled my heart and soul with such joy on a day that was already over-flowing with love. It personally fulfilling in terms of religion and spirituality.”
Never one to shy away from a major fashion moment, Segal enjoyed not one but two more wardrobe changes on that special day. “I wore a purple gown for portraits and then a black one for dancing and candle lighting — all of which make our fabulous day look like a three day event!” she laughs. Son Jaden’s service was at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ and the reception was held at Glen Ridge Country Club in Glen Ridge, NJ.
Photo above (L-R): husband Andrew, Bar Mitzvah boy Jaden, Lucy, son Asher, daughter Skyler. The photographer for this event was Giulianna Maria Studios in New Jersey.
Style & Substance
One of a kind: the re-styled 100 year old dress Lucy Segal wore to her son Jaden's Bar Mitzvah service
The original gown, worn by Lucy's grandmother Oma
Before... and after!
The dress, as found in Segal's aunt's home in Atlanta; Segal hopes the next generation will wear the dress or have it made into handkerchiefs, baby blankets or other keepsakes
The Segal family before Jaden's service
Lucy and her husband Andrew strike a pose before the kiddush
Dress #2- Lucy changed into a sophisticated purple gown for family portraits
Dress #3- a black cocktail gown for the party
Jaden during the horah at Glen Ridge Country Club
We thank Lucy Segal for sharing this touching story with our readers. Lucy is a Communications expert who upon utilizing her own services for Jaden’s big day, expanded her business to include Creative Media for Party Planning. She now also works with other families on momentous events like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. She can be reached at The Media Cure at 917-273-2437.
Looking for your own fashion inspiration? Check out what people are saying on Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here!
December 9th, 2019
If you’re planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah for 2020, you might want to add “Classic Blue” to your decor and color palette. Pantone, the company that nearly everyone turns to when it comes to color trends, has selected PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue as the color of the year for 2020. The company’s annual “color of the year” influences everything from interior design and fashion to event planning. According to Pantone, Classic Blue instills calm and confidence, is a timeless and enduring blue hue and is elegant in its simplicity.
With that in mind, let’s get some Classic Blue color inspiration from Mitzvah Market’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah experts in logos, invitations, decor, fashion, favors and more!
Invitations & Logos
Decor & Lighting
Fashion & Favors
For more Bar and Bat Mitzvah color inspiration, check out how Pantone’s previous colors of the year have been utilized in Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations: 2018 Color of the Year Ultra Violet, 2017 Color of the Year Greenery, 2016 Colors of the Year Serenity & Rose Quartz.
For Bar and Bat Mitzvah advice and planning ideas in your area, join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
December 2nd, 2019
Incredible views, award-winning cuisine and VIP service are just a few of the amenities that make Terrace On The Park an amazing NYC venue to celebrate your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. This iconic site, located in Flushing Meadows Park, features a variety of spaces to meet your needs: the exclusive Penthouse with VIP services, the Grand Ballroom, several Garden Suites and a Rooftop perfect for cocktails (and mocktails).
Terrace On The Park’s ballrooms have an elegant, contemporary style. There are two additional event spaces on the Promenade level and three private gardens perfect for on-site ceremonies or outdoor receptions. Advanced LED lighting systems are already in place – allowing you to transform the spaces into the theme/decor of your dreams.
Contact Terrace On The Park’s Banquet Staff at 718-592-5000, to create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah tailored to your needs and budget.
See below for photos of Terrace On The Park’s unique event spaces.
Set in an iconic location, adjacent to the 1969 World's Fair grounds, Terrace On The Park is a unique venue
Breathaking views are just the beginning
The Penthouse offers exclusive VIP services to your family and guests
The Grand Ballroom
Traditional decor works beautifully in the space...
Or you can create a contemporary look for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah
The space can easily be transformed for any theme
Music and cocktails on the Rooftop are a crowd pleaser
Looking for a more casual vibe? Terrace On The Park has several outdoor spaces suited for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah service...
... or cocktail hour
Amazing sunsets will add to the beauty of your simcha!
For more information about Terrace On The Park, visit their extended profile page on MitzvahMarket.com.
Check out Mitzvah Market’s regional Facebook Groups for more Bar & Bat Mitzvah planning ideas. Join here.
December 2nd, 2019
Twelve-year old Tamar Fogelman loves makeup. “Tamar comes home and plays with makeup. She keeps forgetting she’s 12 and she’s not going out of the house with a full face of makeup on,” laughs mom, Amy, who embraced her daughter’s love of all things beauty when planning her Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Mom was inspired by the Beautycon festivals that are held each year in NYC, LA and Tokyo. Tamar’s logo incorporated her first and middle initials (Tamar Bracha) and was a near-perfect match for the official Beautycon logo. This branding was featured on everything from cookies to party favors.
Place cards were designed as VIP badges and lanyards (worn at the festivals) and unique centerpieces were built around Tamar’s favorite beauty brands and spa products. The color palette for the event – rose gold and blush – created a Beauty-full glow over the room at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, NJ.
Read on to see more from this creative Bat Mitzvah filled with many DIY ideas.
Photo above (L-R): sister Ariella, sister Naomi, dad Joshua, Tamar, mom Amy, sister Shoshana. The photographer for this event was Shmuel Heinemann Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service
Blush tone invitations (ordered through a family friend's business) established the color palette for the entire celebration
Tamar was poised and confident during her service and speech
The (color coordinated!) Fogelman family
Beauty-Filled Celebration
Tamar strikes a pose before the fun begins
Place cards were inspired by the VIP badges and lanyards worn at Beautycon
Mom Amy made the framed, mirror sign-in board herself!
The Bat Mitzvah girl entered the room under a canopy of friends and family
Each table was named after a beauty brand. Adult tables linens included a beaded, sheer topper over a pink cloth. The kids' dais repeated the same pink cloth
Unique centerpieces, also created by mom Amy, were made with beauty and spa products. Custom benchers (prayer books for after meal prayers) featured Tamar's logo
The step and repeat, with Tamar's logo, also served as a photo op moment
Beauty inspired photo props were set up for guests to have some fun
The DJ kept Tamar and her friends on the dance floor
Guests wearing their VIP lanyards
Food stations included a pizza bar...
... and multiple pasta options
Who doesn't love a chocolate fountain dessert bar?
Logo cookies and makeup cookies were displayed on a pretty in pink candy table
Special Moments
The Bat Mitzvah girl was all smiles for her reception
Tamar's friends presented her with sentimental gifts celebrating her friendship
These gifts will be cherished for years to come!
Waiting for each child when they entered the reception was a logo backpack favor
Inside each backpack was a branded cosmetic case, lip gloss and sticker
The DJ gave out beauty-inspired prizes including makeup brushes, cosmetic bags and these blush pink cosmetic boxes
Tamar couldn't wait to fill it up with... more makeup!
To create these custom makeup cookies, mom Amy went back to a local baker she had worked with on one of her other daughter's Bat Mitzvahs: "I easily found makeup-themed cookies in the shape of palettes and lipsticks on her website, and we also made logo cookies."
Friends show off their favors and giveaways
Surrounded by friends blowing kisses, Tamar could feel the love in the room
Mitzvah Advice
“I enjoy creative projects and I have worked on special events so this was a labor of love,” says mom Amy, who also planned three other Bat Mitzvahs for her daughters! “I looked at tons of Beautycon photos and videos and tried to emulate the look and feel of the convention on a small scale.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Tamar’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you contact them, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Congregation Shomrei Torah, 201-791-7910
Event Planner/Decor: Mom, Amy Fogelman
Music/DJ/MC: Malka Entertainment, 718-946-4441
Photographer: Shmuel Heinemann Photography, 845-354-4347
Photo Booth: Snap and Smile Photo Booth, 856-512-0933
Invitations: Janis Hiller, All Occasion Creations, 201-796-6255
Logo Design: Under the Plum Tree, 99designs.com/profiles/lookwhatsundertheplumtree
Benchers: CustomBenchers.com
Favors/Giveaways: Deluxe.com
Linens: Simcha Depot, 845-425-7226
Makeup Cookies, Mini-Bites, 845-445-9088
Sign-In Board: made by mom with plastic from Acme Plastics, 973-256-6666 and Logo Sticker from StickerYou.com
Dresses: (Tamar) All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593, (mom) Nordstrom, (sister Shoshana) Lord and Taylor, (sister Naomi) Neiman Marcus Last Call, (sister Ariella) Dillards.com and modified by Susan Perrione Couture, 201-483-7395
Hair/Makeup: (Tamar and mom) Moxie Salon, 201-796-6943
