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Get to Know Elana Goodridge: Award Winning Bar Bat Mitzvah Photographer
July 14th, 2019

Get to Know Elana Goodridge: Award Winning Bar Bat Mitzvah Photographer

Elana Goodridge is an award winning Bar and Bat Mitzvah Photographer in the New York Metropolitan area. A “fascination with faces and the way people express themselves,” led this NJ mom to develop an interest in photography as a child and ultimately to create a business out of her passion. With more than 15 years’ experience photographing Bar Bat Mitzvahs, Elana Goodridge Photography takes a unique approach to capturing family milestones.

“Events like Mitzvahs and Weddings both include certain ceremonies like candle lighting, cake cutting and speeches. While those moments provide a context and a structure to the event, it’s the emotions that are being experienced that I am drawn to,” explains Goodridge. “One of the unique things about my work is that in those particular moments, I work to capture what the Mitzvah boy or girl and their family are experiencing but then I work to include the reactions from families and friends. By doing that, it creates a greater narrative and allows for reliving that day when looking at the pictures.”

Having worked with hundreds of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families, Goodridge offers sage advice about the big day: “There are so many moving parts to planning an event and it seems that not everything goes according to plan or schedule. That’s when you need to let go and trust that all the work you’ve done leading up to this moment will ensure that those hiccups won’t interfere with the love, joy and happiness of the celebration. Enjoy the day. Celebrate your family because that is by far the most important thing.”

See below for examples of Elana Goodridge Photography’s unique Bar and Bat Mitzvah snapshots.

To learn more about Elana Goodridge Photography visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Long Island Bar Mitzvah Mom Shares Her Tips
July 9th, 2019

Long Island Bar Mitzvah Mom Shares Her Tips

When the Feirman family of Long Island began planning their son Jared’s Bar Mitzvah, they knew mom Michele’s 20+ years of experience as a corporate and non-profit event planner would come in handy. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that vendors can make (or break!) the event,” says Michele. “For Jared’s Bar Mitzvah I interviewed vendors, spoke with friends who had already planned their Mitzvahs and did a ton of online research utilizing Mitzvah planning websites and social media groups. I chose vendors who were creative, responsive and most of all, understood our vision.” 

Feirman’s team of vendors helped to transform the ballroom at North Shore Synagogue into a sleek club-like atmosphere with dramatic lighting and plenty of space for multiple entertainment options for guests. The theme played off of Jared’s initials (JFF), last name, and love of sports. Several taglines, designed by The Coolest Giveaways, really defined the event: “Just Frickin Fun,” “Totally FEIRless” and “No FEIR” were used throughout the reception. Combined with a distinct orange/grey/black color scheme, the result was totally modern and fresh with a just a bit of an urban edge.  The best part of the night? “Being surrounded by friends and family,” says Michele.

A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this spotlight.

Service

FEIRless Decor

Non Stop Action

Memorable Moments

Mitzvah Advice

“Don’t wait until the last minute. Plan ahead, work with well known amazing vendors and everything will run smoothly,” says mom, Michele.

Mitzvah Project

Jared raised more than $4,500 and collected swim goggles for Sunrise Day Camp, a Long Island based day camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Jared visited the camp and raised money via social media. During Jared’s Bar Mitzvah service he discussed how cancer had touched his family and why he in turn wanted to help those affected by the disease.

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped the Feirman family to create the the Bar Mitzvah celebration of their dreams. If you contact any of them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: North Shore Synagogue, 516-226-1460
Caterer: The Standard, 516-226-1460
Event Planner: mom Michele
Music/MC/DJ: ET Events, DJ Showtime, 516-826-6900
Photographer/Videographer: Hi Tech Events, David (photo), Mark (video), 631-923-2260
Montage: Elissa Owen Montages, 617-480-4935
Selfie Booth: Le Selfie Booth, Shobie, 917-856-8912
Favors & Logo Design: The Coolest Giveaways, Sue and TCG Team, 516-439-4303
Blackjack Table and Wheel: Send in the Clowns, Lindsey, 516-962-3691
Invitations/Place Cards/Yarmulkes/Napkins: Designs by Donna, Donna Wexler, 516-379-0655
Cake: Cakes with Character, Jean, 516-935-6924
Decor/Sign-In Board: Dazzling Parties, Barbara, 516-766-1471
Dresses: Eleanor Schain, 718-444-4253 (mom) and Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988 (sister)
Suits: Mur-Lee’s Men & Boys Shop, 516-599-7777
Custom Shirts (boys) & Custom Sports Jacket (dad): Stacy Solow, 516-375-4876
Hair/Makeup: Entourage Salon, Megan (hair), Brittany (makeup), 516-496-1700
Food Truck: Mobile Delights, Steven, 631-786-2657
Transportation: Late Night Chauffeurs, 631-601-7503

A New Bar Bat Mitzvah Sign-In Option
July 7th, 2019

A New Bar Bat Mitzvah Sign-In Option

If you’re looking for an unexpected sign-in moment at your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception, check out The Pieced Palette’s sign-in backrest pillow. Commonly referred to as the “husband,” this lounge pillow is a backrest for reading, playing on your device or listening to music. A staple at camp and on college campuses for years, The Pieced Palette is introducing these cozy bed toppers as a complimentary product to their square pillow and beanbag sign-ins. Made from sturdy cotton twill fabric, fabric pens of all colors can be used to match your theme/color palette. The covers zip on/off, but spot cleaning is recommended to keep this special Mitzvah keepsake for years to come.

For more information on The Pieced Palette visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Bat Mitzvah Date Inspires Magical, Make A Wish Theme
June 30th, 2019

Bat Mitzvah Date Inspires Magical, Make A Wish Theme

Theme inspiration can come from anywhere – including your Bar or Bat Mitzvah date. Abby Kaplan of Maryland knew she wanted her Bat Mitzvah, on November 11th, to have a magical, ethereal vibe, but she didn’t know how that “feeling” could translate into an actual party theme. Abby and her family sat down with Heidi Hiller of Innovative Party Planners and together they created a “Make A Wish” theme, playing off of the date 11-11 and the popular belief that 11:11 is a lucky time to… make a wish!

Hiller and her team focused on creating multiple event experiences to reinforce the theme for the Kaplans’ guests. Thousands of stars were projected over the reception space, an entrance tunnel was draped with fairy lights, smoke machines were used to create the illusion of clouds and the photo booth was wrapped in a scene of clouds and stars. Says mom, Melissa, of working with Hiller’s team: “They took an obscure idea in our daughter’s head and somehow managed to bring it to life, transforming a string of random thoughts into a magical, incredible evening!”

Read on to see photos from this Make A Wish inspired Bat Mitzvah. The photographer for this event was Richard and Tara Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.

Starry Skies

Magical Moments

 
Venue: Temple Oheb Shalom; Event Planning/Logos: Innovative Party Planners; Caterer: Linwood’s Catering; Music Entertainment: Limelight Entertainment; Photography: Richard and Tara Photography; Photo Booth: Booth-O-Rama Photobooths; Lighting: Maryland Productions; Linens: Select Event Group; Flowers: Flowers and Fancies
Neon Vibes at This Bar Mitzvah in the Vail Valley
June 23rd, 2019

Neon Vibes at This Bar Mitzvah in the Vail Valley

Jack Schwartz’s Bar Mitzvah was held on a picture perfect snowy day in Vail, Colorado. To contrast the winter backdrop, Party Girl Events planned a bold, neon colored reception. From neon lighting, centerpieces and giveaways, to LED furniture, the result was a bright, high energy celebration that was all about having a good time! After Jack’s service at Congregation B’nai Vail at , a mix and mingle/soiree style reception was held at The Sebastian – Vail. Rather than a formal sit-down, various food stations kept the guests mingling while the DJ Amuse – who is also a Hebrew tutor! – kept the dance floor packed.

Photo above (L-R): dad Doug, Bar Mitzvah boy Jack, brother Luke, mom Gayle. The photographer for this event was Vail Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Service

Neon Everywhere

Special Touches

 Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Jack’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: The Sebastian – Vail, Hollie Hawkins, 970-477-8067
Ceremony Venue: The Vail Interfaith Chapel, B’nai Vail Congregation, 970-477-2992 
Rabbi: Rabbi Joel Newman
Cantor: Michelle Cohn Levy
Event Planner: Party Girl Events, 970-306-3381
Photographer: Vail Photography, Michael Rawlings, 970-328-2020
Videographer: Jeff The Video Guy, Jeff Tage, 720-394-2719
Music/DJ/Stage/Lighting: DJ Amuse, Aaron Mendelsberg, 303-521-1793
Decor/Glow Furniture: Elite DJ, Josi Coleman, 303-422-3218
Sign-In Board/Centerpieces/Balloons: Party Central Balloon Bar, LeeAnna Salizar, 970-331-2384
Flowers for Service: A Secret Garden, 970-476-2241
Donut Wall: Northside Kitchen, 970-688-5676

 

An Equestrian Bat Mitzvah: Just Get “Over” It!
June 9th, 2019

An Equestrian Bat Mitzvah: Just Get “Over” It!

As an accomplished equestrian, Alyssa has jumped over many hurdles and her passion for riding was a clear choice for her Bat Mitzvah theme. With the help of Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., who collaborated with X-Quisite Flowers and Events, Alyssa’s love of the sport was brought to life. A crisp sky blue and white color palette, custom logos featuring Alyssa’s silhouette and clever equestrian taglines including “Just Get Over It” and “Been There, Jumped That,” resulted  in a unique, elegant celebration. During the afternoon party, guests enjoyed dancing, a “magic mirror” selfie booth and custom air brush t-shirts.

The venue for this Bat Mitzvah was Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York and the photographer was Tripp Street Studio.

Equestrian Elegance

Logos, SWAG & More

We thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this unique Bat Mitzvah celebration with us. For more information about The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

When to Send Out Your Fall Bar/Bat Mitzvah Invitations
May 27th, 2019

When to Send Out Your Fall Bar/Bat Mitzvah Invitations

If you celebrate your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah in September or early October you may want to consider mailing your invitations before the typical eight week mark. With many people away during the summer months, a 10-12 week lead time will help you to rest easy when it comes to RSVPs.

Out of the Box NY, an invitation, gift and stationery company specializing in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, shares their guidelines for early fall Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations:

1. If a lot of your guests will be away for the summer, you should plan to mail your invitations by the second or third week in June — with a response date in July.

2. If your date isn’t until mid/late October, with an RSVP date in September, you can either mail in mid June, or wait until mid August when friends come home just in time to receive their invitation.

Alternately, if you’re worried about sending invites out too early, you can always do two rounds of mailings — the first, in mid June to those children who will be away for the summer, and the second, approximately eight weeks before your affair, to your family and adult friends.

When it comes to responses, the summer months require some additional RSVP time. If you are sending invitations out early, Out of the Box NY suggests an RSVP date more than a month before the event so you have more time to follow up.

See below for examples of custom early fall Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations from Out of the Box NY:

We thank Out of the Box NY for sharing this helpful information with our readers. For more information about Out of the Box NY, visit their extended profile page.

 

Starring Ellie: A Broadway Theme Bat Mitzvah for a Boston Girl
May 27th, 2019

Starring Ellie: A Broadway Theme Bat Mitzvah for a Boston Girl

Ellie Blumberg loves musicals, both performing in and watching them. For her Bat Mitzvah at The International in Bolton, Massachusetts, “Starring Ellie” was the theme — from a red carpet entry to TKTS seating cards, each of Ellie’s favorite Broadway shows was represented.

The photographer for this event was Dave Lang at Documenting Life’s Moments. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Service

 Broadway Baby

 Thoughtful Details

Mitzvah Advice

“Don’t reinvent the wheel,” says mom Emily. “Ask friends who have done this before for advice. When the Bar/Bat Mitzvah day arrives, make sure to take a deep breath, look around the room and enjoy every minute of it!”

Mitzvah Project

Ellie baked and sold heart shaped cookies and raised more than $4,600 for the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. The money she donated sponsored several themed parties (Macaroni & Cheese, Chinese food, ice cream) on the cardiac floor of the Boston Children’s Hospital.

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Ellie’s celebration a success. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: The International, Bolton, MA, 978-779-6911
Event Planning/Decor/Seating Cards: Keep Calm and Throw a Party, Dafna Erickson & Monica Zimmerman, 508-259-5015
Music/MC: Siagel Productions, Inc., MC Nate, 617-614-5422
Photographer: Documenting Life’s Moments, Dave Lang, 508-740-2992
Favors: Party Favors by Eagle Eye, 203-817-0300
Green Screen Photo Booth: Seacoast Events, 978-462-6877
Invitations: Zazzle.com
Logos: mom and dad with help from friend/designer Emily Krause
Flowers for Service: Copper Penny Florist, 978-369-4500
Sign-In Director’s Chair: Etsy, Comfy Bumz Shop
Candle Lighting Display & Bling Sneakers: mom Emily
Dresses: Pink Domino, 617-964-7465 (Ellie), Macy’s (Isabella), Lord & Taylor (Emily)
Suits: Gould’s, 978-263-0374
Guest Socks: Eros Wholesale, 267-778-1103
Hair/Makeup: family friend Jen Houle (Ellie and Isabella)
Transportation: NRT Bus, Inc., 978-562-5186

 

Candy Theme Bat Mitzvah Is Pretty In Pink
May 19th, 2019

Candy Theme Bat Mitzvah Is Pretty In Pink

Guests were tickled pink at this candy theme Bat Mitzvah. “The entire venue was flooded with shades of pink: pink lighting, pink draping, pink candy and of course, a pink carpet,” says Melisa Imberman of The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc., who collaborated with X-Quisite Flowers & Events on the décor for this celebration at Pier 60 in New York City. After walking through a pink candy forest, guests took photos in front of the step and repeat featuring the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name surrounded by images of pink candies. An old fashioned candy cart with pink and white stripes displayed the escort cards which were placed on top of a bed of pink jelly beans.

Once inside the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the food while also taking in the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Kids had a blast in the selfie booth, lip balm station and 16-person LED foosball table. For the reception, live musicians accompanied the DJ. A violinist, keyboard player and vocalist really brought the Jewish music to life and kept the dance floor packed.

The photographer for this event was Abbie Sophia.

We thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers. To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

SPACE Events Will Open A NYC Location Summer 2019
May 12th, 2019

SPACE Events Will Open A NYC Location Summer 2019

SPACE Events, the all inclusive, over-the-top party/event space in Englewood, NJ is coming to NYC with the launch of SPACE 54. Located at 226 East 54th Street, SPACE 54 brings everything Bar and Bat Mitzvah families have come to love about SPACE Events right into the heart of Manhattan with 4,500 square feet and a 265 person capacity.

Full service event planning, design, production and entertainment will all be available at SPACE 54. Founder and Creative Director Elvira Grau tells Mitzvah Market “Our incredibly talented team will plan, design, and execute a flawless event for you in New York City. We will take care of it all- design a custom theme, create a logo and carry it throughout. Our in-house creative team is the best and we will bring your vision to life!”

SPACE 54 will offer catering and entertainment for private and corporate events beginning in the of Summer 2019. To learn more about this new venue follow them on Instagram @Space54NYC. Contact elvira@spacenj.com for date availability.

For more information about SPACE Events, visit their extended profile page.