December 1st, 2019
There are countless options for Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah invitations – various shapes, sizes, materials and colors can all set the tone for your special day. If you need help narrowing down your choices, take a cue from the season in which you’re celebrating your Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box NY, has been working with Bar and Bat Mitzvah families for more than a decade. She says that in addition to your event decor, your invitations can draw inspiration from the season. For winter-themed or timed events, think about deep blues (like the winter sky) and shimmering white and silver (like the snow). Spring brings to mind bright, bold pops of color like purple and pink. Summer parties pair well with pastels and soft colors, while a fall celebration calls for deeper tones like orange and burgundy.
Most important? “Keep an open mind” says Goldberg. “The invitation process should be fun! Don’t be afraid to take a chance or try something unexpected.”
If you’re looking for some seasonal inspiration, check out the color palettes below:
Winter Nights
A Pop of Spring
Summer Fun
Fall Foliage
We thank Out of the Box NY for sharing these seasonal Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation ideas with us. For more information about Out of the Box NY check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 3rd, 2019
This Bat Mitzvah girl really knows how to make an entrance!
Samantha Goldberg’s family entered her Bat Mitzvah celebration at Washington Hebrew Congregation, in Washington D.C., in traditional style- the MC announced their names to a song and they came out dancing. When it came time for Samantha’s big entrance, there was nothing traditional about it. The lights dimmed, her camp Olympic break out song played overhead, and a huge teal and magenta gift box (complete with oversized sparkly bow on top!), was wheeled out on to the dance floor. When the dancers opened the box, out came… Samantha! This surprise entrance was actually conceived by dad, Marc, who worked with the event designer to make the magic moment happen.
For the party theme and decor, the Goldbergs worked with Corey Paige Designs to come up with a pop art style collage that represented Samantha. Her favorite sports, college, camp, TV show, colors and even her dog Lily were incorporated in the collage. The collage was the centerpiece of the reception, covering the entire dance floor and setting the color scheme.
Photo above (L-R): sister Jenna, Bat Mitzvah girl Samantha, mom Nicole, dad Marc. The photographer for this event was Bradley Images. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service
The Bat Mitzvah girl shows off the invitation that led to her one of a kind theme
Favorite sport, drink, college, TV show... this invitation was All About Samantha
Samantha's service took place at Washington Hebrew Congregation in the heart of Washington D.C.
The family before Samantha's service
Teal kippot matched the accent color in the Bat Mitzvah girl's dress - and her custom collage
Bat Mitzvah Celebration
A present for the Bat Mitzvah girl? A special guest?...
Everyone was totally surprsied by Samantha's big entrance
The Bat Mitzvah collage was repeated throughout the event, including this massive dance floor wrap
Silver couches and glass tables created a glamorous yet relaxed lounge vibe for guests
Custom pillows featured images from Samantha's Mitzvah collage
Cocktail time! A geometric bar added interest
Teal and magenta lighting created a dramatic backdrop for the stage
MC Ice & DJ Ralph kept the crowd on their feet
Guests signed in on a pink mirrored board
Family dog Lily was a crowd favorite - she made an appearance on custom pillows and dance floor giveaways
Favors included logo sweatshirts inside matching drawstring bags
These cute custom tees, modeled by Samantha and her friends, were giveaways along with cosmetic bags, hats and pj pants
Color coordinated mini Rice Krispies treats sent guests home on a sweet note
Mitzvah Advice
“Just have fun!” says mom Nicole. “Listen to your child and try to involve them as much as possible.”
Mitzvah Project
Samantha raised money for the organization SCOPE to help send kids to camp. “She has been going to Camp Towanda since she was eight years old and she loves it. She wanted others to have the same opportunity,” says mom.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Samantha’s Mitzvah celebration unforgettable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Washington Hebrew Congregation, 202-362-7100
Music/MC/DJ: Glyde Productions, MC Ice and DJ Ralph, 301-762-1800
Photographer/Videographer: Bradley Images, 410-902-6664
Logos, Graphics & Branding: Corey Paige Designs, 516-376-6843
Décor/Florist/Sign-In Board/Dance Floor Wrap: Christopher Vasquez, Amaryllis Floral and Event Design, 240-770-8600
Favors: VRB Party Consulting, 954-494-1579
Dance Floor Giveaways: Spreadshirt.com, 800-381-0815
Invitations: Sarah Schwartz, 844-44-MAZEL
Dresses: Lola’s, 732 972 5222
Suits: Heather Webb, J. Hilburn, 917-921-0991
Hair: Zohra Salon, Nicole, 301-299-3100
Make Up: Lauren Miller, 917-273-0622
For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the Washington DC area, check out Mitzvah Market’s DC/Maryland/Virginia planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions and get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
November 3rd, 2019
Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers is one of NYC’s best kept secrets for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Located on the Hudson River at the tip of Pier 61, Sunset Terrace offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey, luxury yachts, and of course, breathtaking sunsets.
Sunset Terrace can accommodate up to 300 guests for cocktail receptions or 150 guests for seated dinner receptions. Best of all, the talented special events team from Chelsea Piers works with Bar and Bat Mitzvah families to create a customized catering package (including Kosher-friendly options) to suit any budget.
See below for photos from recent Bar and Bat Mitzvah services and parties at Sunset Terrace:
Bat Mitzvah girl Lily led a beautiful service at Sunset Terrace
Surrounded by family and friends...
... the space is intimate and personal
For Lily's reception, Sunset Terrace was transformed with lighting and decor
Plenty of room for dancing and celebrating
Bold colors and dramatic lighting create a whole new feeling in the space
Sunset Terrace easily accommodates lounge furniture as well
For this hockey themed Bar Mitzvah, decor and linens create a more masculine vibe. (Attention hockey and figure skating fans: the Ice Rink at Chelsea Piers can also be used during your Mitzvah celebration!)
This celebration took place as the sun was setting over the Hudson
Whether your Mitzvah is during the day...
... or at night, the views will be spectacular!
For more information about Sunset Terrace, and other private event spaces at Chelsea Piers, visit their extended profile page.
October 27th, 2019
If your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah child is a major soccer fan – or if you’re looking for an exciting, unexpected Bar Bat Mitzvah venue – check out Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Located just 14 miles from Manhattan, Red Bull Arena is home to the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, and is a perfect venue for a unique, customized Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration up to 350 guests.
Bar Bat Mitzvah families and their guests receive unparalleled access to the stadium — from walking through the famed Players Tunnel for the cocktail reception, to running on the field for activities and games, and ultimately heading up to the Audi Club for the reception. With a flexible room design and full catering service, the special events team at Red Bull Arena is dedicated to delivering the highest service and a lifetime of memories to your family. In addition, player appearances and performances by the Red Bull Street team are available to Mitzvah families.
See below for images from Red Bull Arena’s private event spaces:
Driving up to the Arena makes an impressive first impression for Mitzvah guests
Once inside the stadium, guests enter the cocktail reception through the Players Tunnel
During cocktails, games and activities can be set up on the field; the Bar Bat Mitzvah child's name will also appear on the digital screens throughout the stadium
Mitzvah guests have a once in a lifetime experience on the Red Bull field
The Audi Club space is transformed for receptions; LED screens can feature your Mitzvah logos and branding
Sleek white furniture and high tops create a lounge vibe
A kids' lounge was created for this Mitzvah party
DJ set up and dance floor
Another view of the reception space
The two-story Provident Bank Suite Lounge, can also be used for Mitzvahs, offering views of the stadium, and an opportunity for dramatic lighting and decor
In addition to traditional music and dancing...
...the Red Bull Street Team is also available to entertain guests
Red Bull Arena's full service catering operation features everything from extensive sushi presentations...
... to delicious desserts
For more information on Red Bull Arena, check out their extended profile in the Vendor Directory.
October 20th, 2019
Extraordinary Productions Event Design, Inc., a full service event design company servicing the Tri-State area, recently produced a stunning Las Vegas themed Bat Mitzvah that captured the history and glitz of the famous city.
After visiting Las Vegas, Bat Mitzvah girl Aviva knew she wanted to bring the same vibrant energy of the city to her celebration. Her family worked with Extraordinary Productions to bring her vision to life.
“We took a gamble on this one,” jokes Extraordinary Productions’ owner Phyllis Skolnick, who has been in the event design business for more than a decade. “Aviva’s Las Vegas Bat Mitzvah was tremendously fun to work on. Her name, Aviva, was a perfect jumping off point – a nod to the classic Elvis Presley song and movie, Viva Las Vegas. We took our inspiration from the glamour of Vegas in the 1960s, but gave it a modern twist. Think bright lights, big feathers, mirrors and a lot of sparkle. Magical and elegant at the same time.”
The result was a beautiful, and age appropriate, interpretation of the legendary city. Read on to see photos from this glamorous reception. The photographer for this event was Andy Foster Photo. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.
Aviva Las Vegas
The Bat Mitzvah girl in front of her custom logo
Dramatic centerpieces were constructed with plumes of Ostrich feathers - recalling the costumes of quintessential Vegas stage shows
White orchids and silver painted leaves created a dramatic but airy aesthetic
Clear glass vases elevated the centerpieces and were draped with crystal beads
High votive candle sticks completed the elegant decor; in the distance white lounge furniture with magenta pillows
Pops of magenta flowers contrasted against the sky blue lighting
Clear dining chairs and metallic linens completed the look
The glamorous bar was trimmed in mirror, reflecting light throughout the space
We thank Extraordinary Productions Event Design for sharing this beautiful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Additional vendors who made this event special include:
Event Planning: Events Custom Taylored, 201-505-4983, Photographer: Andy Foster Photography, 973-744-4484, Invitations: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615,6952, Venue: The Hilton Short Hills, 973-379-0100, Music/DJ: Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055, Favors & Branding: SWISH, 917-714-8357
For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the New Jersey area, check out Mitzvah Market’s New Jersey Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning Group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
October 20th, 2019
Long Island and neighboring Brooklyn and Queens are filled with incredible backdrops for photography. From miles of pristine beaches and beautiful parks to historic Gold Coast mansions and world famous sports arenas, you can easily find a creative location for your Bar and Bat Mitzvah pre-shoot. If your child wants their prince or princess moment, check out Oheka Castle in Huntington. Looking for a funky, urban vibe? Head to the Bushwick Collective street art murals in Brooklyn.
*Be sure to contact the venue in advance, or check with your photographer about possible photo permits and fees.
Read on for Mitzvah Market’s top picks for Bar and Bat Mitzvah pre-shoot locations:
Long Island
The Montauk Point Lighthouse is an iconic Long Island destination. In addition to the lighthouse, you'll enjoy beautiful ocean views (photo credit: Kat Dinsmore)
Long Island has miles of beachside boardwalks perfect for photo ops. Pictured here, the Long Beach boardwalk at sunset (photo credit: Adam Mordetsky)
Looking for a nautical vibe? Port Jefferson offers a New England style fishing village backdrop, complete with local shops and a busy harbor (photo credit: Gayle Zucker)
Feeling royal? Look no further than Long Island's own Oheka Castle in Huntington. Set atop Long Island's highest point, the historic estate and hotel is a major WOW moment for photos (photo credit: OhekaCastle.com)
Modeled after an Irish castle, Castle Gould at the Sands Point Preserve offers a majestic backdrop (photo credit: SandsPointConservancy.org)
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens features some of the most beautiful landscape design and architecture in NY (photo credit: OldWestburyGardens.org)
Historic architecture and sweeping views of Long Island Sound are the attraction at The Vanderbilt Mansion & Planetarium in Centerport (photo credit: Renjith Thomas)
A local artist created this massive Pokemon mural in the village of Huntington; making a bold, colorful backdrop for photos (photo credit: Efren Andaluz)
The Bunger Surf Shop Mural in Sayville, by artist Michael Amorillo, is another street art destination (photo credit: MichaelAmorillo.com)
The abandoned grounds and greenhouses of the Welwyn Preserve in Glen Clove, juxtapose nature with graffiti art (photo credit: atlasobscura.com/users/th4698)
The town of Roslyn has several Instagram-worthy spots for photos. The historic clock tower and duck pond are favorites. For a more industrial vibe, check out the Roslyn Viaduct Overpass and neighboring Lumber Street (photo credit: w:User:Antony-22/Gallery)
Brooklyn & Queens
The remnants of the 1969 World's Fair in Corona Park, offer dramatic, one of a kind backdrops (photo credit: Bruce G, Google Maps)
Nothing says "fun" like the world famous Coney Island Amusement park. Grab some popcorn and cotton candy and make the most of this unexpected location for a Bar Bat Mitzvah pre shoot (photo credit: LonelyPlanet.com)
If your child is a sports fan, take advantage of the incredible stadiums in the Long Island area. Pictured here, Citi Field in Queens (photo credit: Baseballparks.com)
For an only in NY urban vibe, head to Bushwick for photos at the Bushwick Collective (photo credit: GoogleMaps)
Astoria's Welling Court Mural Project offers a whimsical backdrop for photos (photo credit: WellingCourtMuralProject.com)
The DUMBO Walls under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway feature colorful wall art by many famous artists (photo credit: dumbonyc.com)
Looking for other areas with creative backdrops for pre-shoots?
Westchester
DC Metro Area/Maryland/Virginia
Philadelphia
Would you like to share your favorite pre-shoot locations? Send suggestions to info@mitzvahmarket.com or post in your regional Mitzvah Market Facebook group.
You can also ask questions and get advice in our Long Island Bar Bat Mitzvah planning group on Facebook. Join here.
October 13th, 2019
Bar and Bat Mitzvah inspiration can come from anywhere. For twins Cole and Chase Turnof of New Jersey, a family visit to the rain forest in Panama and a love for animals led to an “Amazon Adventure” theme for their B’nai Mitzvah. (A love of the beach led to sister Kayla’s ocean themed Bat Mitzvah.) For Cole & Chase’s celebration, The Channel Club in Monmouth Beach was transformed into a lush, tropical jungle through the use of vibrant colors, foliage, natural materials and a ton of creativity. From rustic jungle cabanas for the kids to the twins’ entrance through a wall of vines, the event had a fun, cohesive vibe that was totally “wild.”
The photographer for this event was Matt Kirchhof of Kirchhof Photograhy. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.
Service & Luncheon
Rustic wood grain invitations were custom made in Poland! Mom Stacy found a photo on Pinterest which she used for design ideas. It took her a few weeks to track down the vendor. "If working with a vendor from overseas, she says, "Order two months ahead to be on the safe side"
The twins' B'nai Mitzvah service was held at Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, NJ. Here they are joined by (L-R) mom Stacy, sister Kayla, and dad Aaron
Custom kippot, from DavidKippot, and head coverings, made by mom Stacy's family, featured delicate shades of jungle green
Amazing Amazon
The Channel Club is located on the water in Monmouth Beach, NJ. Here the Turnof family posed in front of the beautiful marina before heading inside to celebrate
Cole and Chase were definitely ready to party
Guests were greeted by a custom green jungle step and repeat with a green carpet before entering the cocktail hour
Place cards were displayed in wooden boxes with green moss and yellow orchids; the gift box was made to look like a wooden animal crate
The unique sign in board allowed guests to write their message on a leaf and drop it into the wooden frame
Inside the ballroom, tropical decor, including trees and burlap ottomans, created a sophisticated jungle vibe
Potted plants in basket weave planters were placed throughout the room and also hung from the ceiling
Cole and Chase each had their own lounge to hang with friends
The cabanas were decorated with bird nests, string lighting, bamboo canes, jungle leaves and more. Custom ottomans were covered in burlap
Logo pillows mixed with large tropical pillows were placed throughout the space
A variety of centerpieces utilized lush palm leaves, birds of paradise, orchids and vines
Green uplighting added to the tropical vibe
Glass vases filled with tropical leaves and orchids created a lush set up for the candle lighting
The bamboo bar featured bright green signature drinks and bamboo straws
Cole and Chase, in jungle/safari hats, made their big entrance through an archway of jungle vines custom made by their family
Mom Stacy enjoyed a special dance with her boys
JK Productions kept the dance floor packed
Special Touches
Jungle vines and animals also adorned the Mitzvah cake
Gourmet donuts were displayed on custom stands made from elm trees
Logo t-shirts, water bottles and draw string bags were created for the twins' friends
Cole and Chase's friends each received these green inflatable air sofas (for use at the beach, camping or in the jungle!) which were packaged in a logo bag
Baseball hats were custom airbrushed for guests
Mitzvah Advice
“It is very important to being organized and prepare well in advance,” mom Stacy says. “For our family, it was not a frenzy last minute. Set your budget appropriately as it is easy to digress from it. It’s easy to do research and find alternative options. Pinterest and Etsy are a great resource for ideas.”
Mitzvah Project
Cole & Chase were involved in a number of community services projects over the course of their Mitzvah year– they worked at the Westfield Senior Citizens Housing Center, helped with environmental cleanup at Watchung Reservation, gardened at the Jewish Family Service’s Urban Community Vegetable Garden in Elizabeth, made hamantaschen for TSTI/Interfaith Food Pantry of Orange and Jewish Family Services of Metrowest, and assisted in planting at the Adath Shalom Mitzvah Garden in Morris Plains. Lastly, the boys raised over $300 for the World Wildlife Fund through their lemonade stand in Belmar, New Jersey.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Cole and Chase’s Amazon Adventure a success. If you contact any of them about their services, please let them know you read about their company on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Channel Club, 732-229-3131
Event Planner/Decor/Logos & Graphics: Magnolia West Events, Danielle Zaleski, 732-236-4167
Music/Photobooth: JK Productions, DJ Jason Barbanel, 732-616-2015
Photographer: Kirchhof Photography, Matt Kirchhof, 732-616-2015
Videographer: Gerry Condez Studio, Gerry Condez, 908-578-3685
Kippot: DavidKippot USA, 917-683-5879
T-Shirt/Bag Favors: ProImprint, 844-PRO-IMPRINT
Inflatable Sofa/Drawstring Bag Favors: Alibaba.com
Air Brushing: Top Gun Airbrush, 718-819-1094
Gourmet Donut Stand: Deez Donutz, The Shindiggity Shoppe/Etsy (custom stands)
Invitations: Margo & Bees, +44 191 432 4911
Cake: Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe, 908-228-2937
Sign-In Board: Miraculous Gifts/Etsy
Dresses: For service, Bloomingdales (mom and sister); For party, Dream Dresses (mom) and Macys (sister)
Suits: For service, Lord & Taylor (Chase), Boytique (Cole), Jos A. Bank (dad); For party, SAMS – store closed (Chase), 580 South, 973-758-0580 (Cole), Jos A. Bank (dad)
Custom Shirts: Mtailor.com
Custom Bowties: The Bowtie Collective, 862-217-4001
Hair/Makeup: Elegant Image Salon, 908-232-4900
Transportation: Trans-Ed, Inc., 973-881-8004
October 13th, 2019
If you’re looking for an unexpected Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah venue that will give your guests an adrenaline rush, check out the latest additions to Grand Prix New York Racing & Entertainment in Mt. Kisco, New York. Their VIP room has been redesigned into a sleek, modern space. Featuring a built-in bar, lounge, projection screens and a glass wall overlooking their incredible indoor racetrack. This private room will wow your guests!
Grand Prix New York has also unveiled a new GPX annex for guests who want to get closer to the racing action. (Don’t worry, curtains can be drawn if you want more privacy!) Private event planners and hosts will make sure you can enjoy the fun with your guests. The space can accommodate up to 240 people.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah guests at Grand Prix NY have the opportunity to race on the new $3 million state-of-the-art multi-level track with cosmic lighting. Or they can challenge themselves on the new Extreme Play ninja course, with almost 20,000 square feet of attractions for all ages.
Check out fun in these behind-the-scenes photos from a recent Bat Mitzvah at Grand Prix New York.
For more information about Grand Prix New York Racing & Entertainment, check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Looking for more information on Westchester area Mitzvah vendors? Check out Mitzvah Market’s Westchester/Rockland/Fairfield planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
September 30th, 2019
There are many things to consider when choosing a vendor for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah swag. With so many big (and small) companies creating favors, it’s important to do your homework before making your selection. To help guide you through this process, Mitzvah Market asked Howie Zwang, owner of Gotham T-Shirts, a leading Mitzvah favor/apparel vendor, to share the key questions he believes all Mitzvah parents should ask:
Vendor Research
“The first thing you should do is speak with friends, use online resources, like Mitzvah Market, and check social media sites to educate yourself about the business,” says Zwang. “There are many ways to do this, but these are my personal recommendations.”
Look at each vendor’s website: Is the site up-to-date? Are pictures and reviews recent or from three years ago? You’ll also see if the company creates items/logos with a vibe that you like.
With an open mind read the Yelp, Google & Facebook reviews for each business: Read the good ones and the bad ones — and don’t be afraid of a few bad ones. Question the vendor on these reviews. Can you tell which the owner and his friends wrote which are authentic? In today’s world you can purchase reviews, so thousands of great reviews and zero bad ones would be a red flag for me, says Zwang.
Ask your friends for referrals: Utilize social media groups and ask members publicly or privately who they used for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, why they chose them and whether or not they were happy with the vendor and the final products.
Vendor Interviews
After your initial research, Zwang advises calling two or three reputable companies to ask the following:
Do you have an in-house artist to create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo or re-create an existing one? What is the cost for logo creation or reproduction? Do you use clip art or create all original? How many hours or revisions is the client entitled to with the quoted price? If a logo is created but needs to be altered for apparel, do you charge twice?
Do you print the favors in house? “Quality control is KEY,” explains Zwang. “If your ‘favor people’ aren’t creating and producing items in-house, the reality is they have zero control on the production of your items. While many of these (outsourced) vendors and businesses are great and successful you might want to work with a vendor that has a factory and has the ability to tweak a job during production.
How many Bar and Bat Mitzvah favors do you print each year? How long have you been in the Bar Bat Mitzvah favor business? “You want to know if this is a ‘part-time printer’ or someone who specializes in Mitzvah favor apparel,” explains Zwang. “Think about it, do you want to work with a company that prints for Little Leagues all year? Or one who deals with the fashion forward party favors that your child wants?”
You’ve Made A Decision… Now What?
Call the vendor you liked the best and find out the following:
*How long until we get the art?
*Can we use the logo for the party?
*When do you need final count and sizes?
*Will you help me with sizing and quantity?
*Will you send samples if the business isn’t local?
*When do we receive our favors?
Photo Gallery
See below for some of Gotham T-Shirts’ hottest Bar and Bat Mitzvah swag… and take a sneak peek inside their factory.
Gotham T-Shirts has an in-house factory for printing
For more information about Gotham T-Shirts visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
You can also ask questions and get advice on favors and swag in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.
September 30th, 2019
Sometimes an amazing and creative Bat Mitzvah logo can be the jumping off point for an entire Bat Mitzvah theme.
Marley Reiner of New York City knew that she wanted her Bat Mitzvah celebration to represent her personality and interests, but how do you turn hanging out with your BFFs and drinking Frappuccinos into a cohesive theme? Marley’s family brought in Corey Bloomberg of Corey Paige Designs to help bring their daughter’s vision to life. Bloomberg began with the block letter M to represent Marley’s love of the University of Michigan, and made the logo more current and on-trend with the addition of a camo pattern.
Next she added all of the elements about Marley inside the M with one of her signature collages. From NYC, Frappuccinos and cupcakes to peace signs and her dog, Mookie, the finished logo was definitely all about Marley. “Corey really captured the spirit and spunk of Marley perfectly,” says mom, Beth Michelson. The color palette – shades of blue, silver and grey – created a sophisticated backdrop for the event that tied many elements together.
The ceremony took place at Ansche Chesed, with a party to follow at The Edison Ballroom in NYC. Before the celebration, Marley, who loves musical theater, took some time for a once-in-a-lifetime family photo shoot in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District at the Times Square steps. The resulting photos (above and in photo gallery below) are sheer fun!
As for the party itself, mom Beth says, “It was a big dance party on a Saturday night. Everyone was on the dance floor – kids and adults alike – until the party ended. Many of our friends described it as their ‘best date night!'”
The photographer for this event was Otero & Seclen. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service
Marley's service at Ansche Chesed on Manhattan's Upper West Side
(L-R): mom Beth Michelson, Marley, sister Hayden, dad Marc and beloved family pet, Mookie
Logo yarmulkes introduced the M logo at Marley's service
Blue Camo Chic
The logo that started it all... in the Bat Mitzvah girl's favorite color
The bold writing and camo liner on the invitation were repeated throughout various decor elements
The camo design created a funky background for the escort table signage
The two story ballroom was transformed with blue lighting, metallic table linens and tons of candles
Lucite centerpieces, some topped with images of Marley, added drama and height to the tables
Modern white sofas, LED cocktail tables and plenty of plush pillows filled the kids' lounge
Blue crystal glasses and shimmery silver chargers combined for a beautiful place setting
Marley's logo was front and center on the menus
LED cubes with Marley's image and logo created a unique DJ booth
The Bat Mitzvah girl made a magical entrance
Marley and her dad shared a special moment - and suprised mom Beth - with a three-part choreographed dance! Here they recreated Monica and Ross's "The Routine" from iconic TV show Friends
DJ Ice kept Marley and her friends on their feet all night
Special Touches
When your Bat Mitzvah is in the heart of NYC, how can you resist a Times Square photo op?
Marley enjoys an "only in NY" moment on the famous Times Square steps
Everyone got in on the photo booth swing fun! Here mom Beth is surrounded by friends
Kids took home custom fuzzy pajama shorts, sweatshirts with a Commes de Garcons inspired logo and dance floor giveaways in a custom bag
The reusable canvas bag was totally on-trend
Mitzvah Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff! A friend gave me that good advice with my first daughter’s Bat Mitzvah,” says mom Beth. “If you want a memorable party, make sure you have an amazing MC, great friends, and spend the night on the dance floor. If you do, everyone who you need or want to talk to and spend time with will find you there.” She adds: “Use a party planner, especially if you work full time. There is too much to coordinate and you won’t be able to enjoy the celebration as much if it’s all on you.” Lastly, Beth suggests, “Use vendors you love and trust. We LOVED ours. It makes it so much more enjoyable.”
Vendor Directory
The following Vendors helped to make Marley’s night unforgettable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Edison Ballroom, 212-201-7650
Event Planner: Amy Katz Events, 212-535-8859
Music/MC/DJ: Glyde Productions, MC Ice, 240-631-0598
Photographer: Otero & Seclen, 212-865-2520
Videographer: Artisan NY, Jasyon Jimenez, 212-242-2843
Sweatshirts, Bags, T-Shirts, Pinnies: Merch Direct, 631-891-0134
Fuzzy Pajama Shorts: Made with Love & Kisses, 516-694-3321
Logo Design & Branding: Corey Paige Designs, 516-376-6843
Invitations: EAF Fine Papers, 212-874-2649
Entertainment: Creative Games, 516-626-1900
Flowers/Decor: Adam Leffel Productions, 201-487-1300
Dresses: Campanella Couture, Grimaneza Flores, 347-593-2423 (mom and Bat Mitzvah girl), All About the Dress, 914-219-5300 (sister)
Suits: Studiosuits.com
Hair: Drybar, 646-802-9987
Makeup: Makeup by Cendy, 646-944-3996
Transportation: Academy Bus Company, 800-442-7272
For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the New York City area, check out Mitzvah Market’s NYC planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
