November 9th, 2016
Interactive Entertainment Group is a nationwide direct source and full service event production company for Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties.
They produce unforgettable events for their clients including the following elements: DJs/MCs, photo favors, lighting, cocktail hour entertainment, light-up lounges, specialty acts, interactive games, montages, entrance videos, fun food carts, a variety of craft and party favors, and party endings. What makes them different? They customize all the above elements to meet their clients style, vision, and budget.
MOST POPULAR GAMES – AVAILABLE NOW!
Bar Bat Mitzvah parties should be all fun and games! Interactive Entertainment Group knows a thing or two about fun AND games. They shared with us the most popular/most requested entertainment kids all want.
Turn your photos into moving images with their NEW Interactive Live Pictures. Love the technology of Pokemon Go….bring that excitement to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
Their Infinite Booth is 5 booths in one. Featuring green screen photo and videos, slow motion videos, animated gif photos, photo morphing and light painting.
With their Batak Pro Challenge, twelve visually bright LED cluster targets are numbered and arranged in a ‘maximum stretch’ type configuration and put under the control of a dedicated microcomputer. The targets may be lit up in either random or repetitive ways.
Their Interactive Virtual Wall is motion-sensing, interactive fun that easily transforms existing environments into really dynamic experiences, providing the wow-factor for you and your guests.
To learn more about Interactive Entertainment Group, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 6th, 2016
By Bari Cener
A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage celebrated by the entire family, and that means attire for the day extends past the guest of honor. Each and every family has its own style, and the clothing should reflect it. While the Bat Mitzvah dress or Bar Mitzvah button-down is the star of the fashion show, parents and siblings deserve to shine in their own special clothes.
This year, we highlight the dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories worn by our Bar or Bat Mitzvah families. Some toasted the occasion in gowns and glitz, while others chose to stay casual with denim and football jerseys. Whatever the dress code, these families looked stunning while celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
THE NEEDLEMAN FAMILY
Julia’s Favorite Fashion Moment: “Finally seeing everything all put together—the dress, the makeup, the shoes, and the hair.”
The Parentals: Mom Ann wore a black and silver cocktail dress by Betsy & Adam, and accessorized with silver sandals while Dad David wore a Brooks Brothers suit
Fashion Statement: Bat Mitzvah girl Julia wore an aqua Terani
Couture party dress with a sweetheart neckline, a crystal-
embellished bodice, and a tulle bottom
DATE OF SIMCHA: March 19, 2016, PARTY VENUE: Crystal Plaza, Livingston, NJ, DRESS CODE: Party Attire, SPECIAL ACCESSORY: A diamond necklace given to Julia by her aunt and uncle marked the occasion.
Check out the rest of the details from this Mitzvah Family Spotlight story here.
Photo credit: At Home Studios
AMANDA & RYAN CARESS
Twinning: Amanda sparkled in a long beaded
and sequin Tiffany blue Jovani dress from Party
Girl in Tenafly, New Jersey, while Ryan wore a
crisp, black DKNY silk suit from Lubin’s, which
was accented with a silver pocket square and
worn over a white shirt and silver tie
The Parentals: Mom Tammy rocked a black
organza dress with a rhinestone beaded neckline
from Marina Rinaldi, paired with black, raw
silk stilettos embellished with crystals and a
Swarovski crystal clutch. Dad Jeffery wore a
Hickey Freeman suit and a purple seven fold tie
Costume Change: After the candle lighting,
Amanda changed to a silver-beaded cocktail
dress by LEXIE from Party Girl and Sarah Jessica
Parker rhinestone stilettos for the father-daughter
dance. After the dance, she changed into high heel Nike sneakers that were blinged-out with rhinestones
DATE OF SIMCHA: December 5, 2015; PARTY VENUE: Edison Ballroom, NYC; DRESS CODE: Party Chic; MATCHY MATCHY: Tammy and Amanda had matching diamond necklaces, but Mom got to wear hers with diamond dropped earrings!; HAIR & MAKEUP: The NYC-based, on-demand Glam Squad coiffed and painted Amanda and Tammy at the Edison Ballroom.
To read more and see more photos from this celebration, click here.
Photo credit: H&H Photographers
MAX FREIFELD
Fashion Statement: Max wore a white dinner jacket from Esquire in Merrick, New York, and
patent leather converse high tops that kept him
comfortably stylish for the party. Dad Steven wore his own white jacket to complement his son’s
Hot Mama!: Max’s mom Beth wore a mermaidcut,
steel-gray gown with a platinum-lace overlay,
custom-made for her by
Runway Couture,
Bellmore, New York.
Sibling Love: Eight-year-old Sadie looked
stunning in a custom pink princess dress from
Designing Dreams and custom-blinged Converse
from One Small Step in Woodbury, New
York. Her favorite accessory? A rhinestone tiara to dress up her tresses
DATE OF SIMCHA: December 5, 2015; PARTY VENUE: Temple Avodah, Oceanside, NY; DRESS CODE: Saturday Night Formal; COSTUME CHANGE: Max and Steven switched things up by wearing black tuxedo jackets at the cocktail hour and white dinner jackets for the party.
Photo credit: White Light Photography & Video
STEFEN SHAPIRO
Favorite Accessories: Stefen added LED Laces to his Lebrons…he loved the glow. Nothing is better than wearing accessories that you love!”
Dress Code: Jerseys, Jeans and Jewels
The attire for this celebration was
Jerseys, Jeans and Jewels.” Incorporating their love of the Dallas Cowboys, Bar Mitzvah boy Stefen wore a Dallas “13” Jersey.
Football Fashion: Stefen sported a custom name and number “Throwback” Jersey Dallas Cowboy Jersey for the cocktail hour, and then changed into a current Dallas Cowboy jersey with the number 13. Both jerseys were worn with Lucky Brand Jeans, and Nike Lebron “What if” Dallas Cowboy sneakers
DATE OF SIMCHA: SuperBowl Sunday, Feb 7, 2016, PARTY VENUE: The Carlyle at The Omni, Uniondale, NY
To see more from this celebration, click here
Photo credit: Simon Elliot Events
CHARLOTTE FORMAN
Triple the Fun: When your mom owns a dress rental company, Charlotte’s Closet, an outfit change is easy!
Favorite Moment Getting Dressed: “My mom helping me into my ball gown, which meant the cocktail hour was over and it was time to party!”
Charlotte started in two different dresses by Blush: for the service, she
looked elegant in a white embroidered dress
She changed into an embellished strapless
dress for the cocktail hour
She danced the night away in a blue ball gown designed by
Tiffany.
Mommy Couture: Mom Jen wore a fitted Stella
McCartney from Bergdorf Goodman.
For the Boys: Dad Eric and brother Dylan wore
Michael Kors suits purchased at Nordstrom
DATE OF SIMCHA: September 26, 2015; PARTY VENUE: Haute Durvo, Roslyn, NY; DRESS CODE: Party Chic; FAVORITE ACCESSORY Studded Converse sneakers that allowed Charlotte to dance all night!; CELEBRITY FASHION INSPIRATION: Selena Gomez
To see more from this celebration, click here
This story is from our 2016-2017 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 2nd, 2016
By Brynne Magaziner
How To Put Your Teen’s Personal Stamp On His Or Her Celebration
Matt loves football, but his family felt like they couldn’t go to yet another football-themed Bar Mitzvah party. So they dug deeper. Working with their planner, Melisa Imberman, President and Owner of The Event of A Lifetime, they thought through how to show Matt’s love of football in a personal, unique way. Since Matt’s family members are huge New York Giants fans and have been season-ticket holders for years they decided to create the ultimate New York Giants tailgating party complete with custom jerseys with logos merging Matt’s name and initials with the Giants’ logo and Metlife Stadium logo. The celebration featured concession stand-type food and tailgating games like cornhole. From start to finish Matt’s guests truly felt like they were attending a tailgating party and Giants game. Guests left saying “What a great party! That was so Matt!” What was it that made this event feel so much like this Bar Mitzvah boy? Branding.
Photo courtesy of The Event of a Lifetime
WHAT IS BRANDING?
Branding is creating a completely immersive event experience for your guests. It sets the tone for the type of celebration your guests should expect and starts the moment your guests receive a save the date or invitation until they step into their car once the event ends. Good branding for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah happens when everything looks and feels like it fits together and it represents both the guest of honor and his or her family.
Branding is important. According to Melisa Imberman, “When kids and families are going to Bar or Bat Mitzvahs every weekend, they all start to blend together. An event that is branded well reflects the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child and is so much more memorable. I like to have different elements that reflect the brand happening throughout the night, so it keeps guests on their toes. The element of surprise is just so fun.”
HOW DO I GET STARTED CREATING A BRAND FOR MY CHILD’S BAR OR BAT MITZVAH?
Branding is something that should be done relatively early, so it can touch on all of the visual aspects of your event. Amy Rubel, owner and president of Rubel Event Management, LLC, advises to start working on a theme about 9 to 12 months before your celebration, “Kids change so much at this age, so what they say at 11 may not be the same as 13.”
This is a great place to involve your child, as he or she is sure to have opinions!
First, with your child, brainstorm words that reflect both him or her and the type of event you want to have. When thinking through the type of event, you’re looking for descriptive words like: modern, colorful, sporty, fun, traditional, elegant, sophisticated, casual, or bold. Think about the things your child is known for, his or her personality and style. Once you have a list, narrow it down to the top three words. From there, think through if there are themes, motifs or colors you’d like to focus on.
This celebration with a large “B” was designed by Let’s Go Invite at an event by Rubel Event Management and Extraordinary Productions
Or consider using your Mitzvah Project as a theme, advises Amy Rubel. “I have a client now whose son does not have a real theme, but he has a huge passion for books so we are literally incorporating books into the decor starting at the Shabbat dinner and working our way through the Saturday night party. The table names are his favorite book titles.”
It’s important to note that you can even brand your event without a theme; you’ll simply need to have more emphasis on color and style. Remember, the goal is for people to walk away saying that really represented what that child is all about.
HOW TO CREATE A LOGO FOR YOUR CHILD’S BAR OR BAT MITZVAH
Your next step is to create a logo or tagline. This is a design that ties together the event theme (if there is one), colors and the child’s name and/or the celebration date. “A logo must be simple, memorable, versatile, and appropriate,” advises Stephanie Steinberg of Party Logo Design. She adds, “a logo must be memorable and eye catching so that it generates that ‘wow factor’ that guests love. It makes for an event that everyone will be talking about long after the party is over.”
Logo by Party Logo Design
Lauren Hoffman, owner and designer at Lauren’s Logos, says designing a logo, “is really a collaborative effort between the parent and child. We brainstorm about what rhymes with the child’s name, what his or her hobbies are, and his or her favorite colors.” It’s important to discuss any party components that you’ve done up to that point such as invitations, then let your designer use their creativity to come up with something incredible for you. You may even want to use your child’s initials as a guide for the word. For example, Ben Nelson Eber could have a tagline Best, Night, Ever. Once you have your vision for the party’s brand and logo in hand, you can get started using them in all aspects of your event.
Stephanie Steinberg shares some practical advice too: “A logo must be versatile so that it can be used in a variety of ways. It should look great if you blow it up for a wall or floor decal or if it is tiny for a personalized stamp or return address label. It should also show up well on t-shirts and other giveaways.” You will want it to be in a high resolution format, so that it will show well when it’s blown up to a large size. Ask your designer to give you multiple formats (e.g. jpeg, png, tif, gif, pdf etc). You will need many formats depending on how you will use it. Different venues will ask for various formats, for the video montage, cake, t-shirts etc.
THE INVITATION
Some families choose to incorporate the logo in the invitation, but others choose to make the big reveal at the party itself. Since your invitation is setting the tone for the celebration (and will be on fridges or bulletin boards for months!), you’ll want it to reflect your Bar or Bat Mitzvah’s brand in some way. You could go subtle–just using the colors and fonts that you’ll display at your event, or bold–including the event’s logo, theme or tagline. You could choose to include the logo or something that represents the logo on a custom stamp or sticker sealing the envelope. This is your family’s choice depending on how formal you’d like your invitations to be. Keep in mind that your child can have a change of heart about their logo, so be careful how early you make the reveal.
THE DECOR
Now that you’ve hinted at your event’s brand in your invitation, the decor is your opportunity to create the branded event experience for your guests. How will your brand be reflected in the larger, high impact areas–bars and cocktail space, dance floor and DJ booth, lounge area and guest tables? Decide which items will give you the most bang for your buck–this can include decals for bars or the dance floor, lighting like gobos (logos or designs projected on walls or the dance floor), the style of furniture and linens, the floor plan of the space, centerpieces, and games or novelties offered. For instance, in Matt’s Giants tailgating party, the kids’ lounge area had couches and tailgating chairs in the event’s colors, custom pillows with the event’s logos, area rugs that looked like grass and logo’d pop-up tents. All of those components created the feel of tailgating for Matt’s friends.
EAT IT UP!
Think about how you can incorporate your brand into your food and beverages. Add signage for the food stations to reinforce the theme or serve food that makes sense for the theme. For example, at Matt’s tailgating Bar Mitzvah all guests were treated to cocktail-hour concession stations with hot dogs, soft pretzels and popcorn. You can also use color to continue the branding by serving signature drinks in the event’s color scheme or having a color coordinated candy buffet. Consider using the logo or tagline on your cake—either with icing or a custom chocolate disc. Put a toothpick with logo’d flag in cupcakes or passed hors d’oeuvres.
DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS
Once those larger areas are taken care of, think through ways to include your logo in smaller details like cocktail napkins, menu cards, escort cards, stickers, sign-in boards or books. Are there screens where you can project the logo? Can it be included in a montage or candle lighting ceremony? Consider everything that your guests will see or touch during the event and if there is an opportunity for it to reflect your brand or include your logo.
Custom logo’d pillow. Photo by Salzman & Ashley Studios
FAVORS & GIVEAWAYS
Favors and giveaways are an easy way to tie in a logo or theme. Some brands easily lend themselves to items like towels, water bottles or certain types of clothing. A logo or tagline can be printed on almost anything you can image from socks to stadium chairs. Branded dance floor giveaways like sunglasses or t-shirts keep all of your guests on brand while they’re on the dance floor. They look great in photos too! Finally exit snacks can be a nice surprise—think about putting your logo on water bottles or printing logo’d stickers for snack bags or boxes to give out at the end of the night.
Favors by A Promos USA/The ImageMaker
Throughout your planning, remember this is your opportunity to put your child’s personal stamp on the party to make it their own. Your branded Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration will be memorable and stand out from the crowd!
Brynne Magaziner is the owner and Chief Magic Maker of Pop Color Events, a boutique event planning firm specializing in Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah event planning in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Visit www.popcolorevents.com for more information.
This story is from our 2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 2nd, 2016
A Promos USA dba The ImageMaker & Aarrow Promotions is a fashion-forward screen printing, embroidery and promotional products company. They specialize in creating custom party favors for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
With over 20 years in the industry, they distinguish themselves from their competitors by creating custom designs that set the trends for the Bar & Bat Mitzvah world.
Their talented team of artists, digitizers, support staff and production staff work hand-in-hand to make sure that your custom party favors exceed your expectations in both quality and creativity.
New! Glow-In-The-Dark Hoodies
Looking for something different for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah wearable favors? Order customized ‘Glow’ hoodies that glow 3 different ways! Full zip, they come in a variety of colors and sizes and the team at A Promos USA can design a custom graphic to match your child’s theme.
Full zip glow-in-the-dark hoodie
They utilize the newest techniques in screen printing and embroidery, offering metallic inks, glitter inks, foils, rhinestones, heat transfers, appliqués, and 3-D Puff embroidery. A Promos prides themselves on their attention to their products and client service.
See this sweatshirt and many other samples at their booth at the Celebrate! Party Showcase on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at the Melville Marriott. Register and get your free ticket.
To learn more about A Promos USA, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 30th, 2016
Dance Time Entertainment is a professional Disc Jockey and Full Service Entertainment Company for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Along with providing the area’s most sought after talent, they also offer a complete décor solution that includes everything from lounge furniture to specialty event lighting. They can also provide photo novelties, games, and a vast supply of unique experiences that will be sure to make your party the one that everyone is talking about!
The Many Services of Dance Time Entertainment
Jamie Villarie, owner of Dance Time Entertainment, has always had a finger on the pulse of current trends, and a knack for producing events that are as unique as the people he plans them for. Recently he announced a partnership with Big Apple Entertainment that promises to make his events even bigger and better than they’ve ever been before.
MC esXence getting the party started
Stilt and Aerial Performers
MC Kayo bringing all the kids together
Hanging with the Dance Time Dancers
With a reputation for professionalism and over 5,000 events in the tri-state area under its belt since the company was established, Dance Time Entertainment was already a successful business in its own right. As its Website explains, the company is about so much “more than just the music.” Villarie explained what makes Dance Time Entertainment such a success, and why he chose to join forces with another prominent company. “When our clients are planning an event, it’s so much easier for them to come to one place – one company – to plan that event,” he said. “With this in mind, Dance Time became more than a DJ service over the years; we really have become a full-service event production company. We plan every detail, from lighting and gaming stations to room décor.”
Paul DeLuca, owner of Big Apple Entertainment also has great expectations for the partnership.
“Dance Time Entertainment has a strong reputation in the industry for its expertise,” said DeLuca. “Best of all, Jamie Villarie and his staff share our philosophy on teamwork and our passion for excellence. By partnering with them, we’ll be able to offer our clients everything they’ll need for a perfect event, while maintaining the professionalism and friendly attention we’re known for. We’re really excited to be a part of this venture.”
To learn more about Dance Time Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 23rd, 2016
The Custom Cuff is something new in Bar Bat Mitzvah favors and/or giveaways.
They use the latest 3D printing technology to create unique cuffs and other bracelets made of richly colored, durable, flexible, nylon plastic and are even water-safe!
If you are looking for something custom for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they will work with you to design the perfect cuff bracelet for your event and have special pricing for bulk orders.
Visitors to their Website can “Create-A-Cuff” to make their own, or select their camp, zip code, college, or monogram. Since each piece is made to order and fully customizable, you can use your Bar Bat Mitzvah hashtag, date, or logo. Plus, there is no minimum on orders!
Check out some of their designs:
Bat Mitzvah slogan used as dance floor giveaways
Show your town spirit with your zip code!
Get your monogram
Colleges: Show your school spirit! All colleges available in bright cuffs
Get your camp name
Campers go crazy for these!
Going on a vacation with a group or having a 40th, 50th birthday celebration? Friends will love these with your group name
Get creative. The possibilities are endless!
For more information, visit their Website. Also, contact orders@thecustomcuff.com for special event pricing.
October 23rd, 2016
By Carrie Berk, MitzvahMarket.com Teen Blogger
After writing so many articles for MitzvahMarket.com about attending my friends’ Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, it was finally my turn to have one. We selected the date, 1-16-16, not just because it had a nice ring to it, but because it’s the actual time they read about Miriam, Moses’ sister, in synagogues. “Miriam” is my Hebrew name, and I’m named for my great grandma Miriam Horwitz, who was very special to my mom.
Pictured (L): Bat Mitzvah girl Carrie. All photos by Heidi Green Photography.
I knew I wanted the evening to feel like a red carpet movie premiere, and I came up with “Lights, Camera…Carriewood!” for my theme. The first step was creating a logo and a save-the-date card that had “star quality.” We mailed guests a movie ticket printed with all the info on it, and tucked it into a gold padded envelope with microwave popcorn and movie theater candy.
Bat Mitzvah Invitation and Save-The-Date
For the logo, we created several options: my fave was a Carriewood logo with an Oscar in the center of the A with film reels for the Os. But I also loved a black movie camera with my Bat Mitzvah date as well as my name surrounded by gold, sparkly stars. We decided to use them all, varying them between the hoodies, tees, sweatpants, hats, bags, socks, and sunglasses that we were creating as favors.
The logos were created by Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com
Hollywood Star version of Carrie's logo
Black movie camera with her date
A variety of favors featuring her logo
Her logo was even used on a custom clutch for the celebration
Additional favors for guests
My dream was to have photos on display at my Bat Mitzvah celebration that looked authentically Hollywood. So for my 12th birthday gift, my parents arranged for a trip to California so I could shoot with renowned dance photographer, David “Sharkcookie” Hoffman. He snapped pics of me on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater, even with the real Hollywood sign in the hills behind me.
Place cards with one of the LA photos
Close-up of the clever "movie" place cards in a tray of popcorn kernels
Photo from her LA shoot
Carrie in front of the iconic Hollywood sign
Photos from her LA photo shoot were also used for this film strip display
My theme was carried through in every detail, from the giant Oscar statuettes that flanked the dancefloor to the movie posters atop lucite film reels that served as centerpieces at each table. The montage video was “The E True Hollywood Story of Carrie Berk,” and I gathered videos of celebrities saying “Mazel Tov, Carrie” everywhere I went. I went to book signings, meet and greets, stagedoors…I even chased Jimmy Fallon into a store when I saw him in the Hamptons!
Giant Oscars flanked the room
One of the large Oscar statue
Movie posters were part of the centerpieces
Kids' lounge area
Carrie collected pics and videos with celebs for her montage: here, with Jimmy Fallon
Kendall and Kylie Jenner with Carrie
Shay Mitchell from Pretty Little Liars with Carrie
The ceremony was a tribute to all the people I love, including my grandpa “Gee,” Great-Grandma Miriam, Great-Grandma Chickie Binder, and my ballet teacher Elizabeth Maria Walsh who passed away only a year earlier. Their photos were copied onto fabric and sewn into my tallit, and my Mitzvah Project for Dancers with Cancer was in Elizabeth’s honor. The highlight for me was singing “Aitz Hayim,” with my mom (she had sung it at her Bat Mitzvah as well) and my dad blowing the shofar to signal me becoming a woman in the eyes of the congregation.
Family photos lined the inside of Carrie's tallit created by Tallit by Ina Bearak Helfand
For Carrie's Mitzvah Project, she raised money for Dancers With Cancer in memory of her teacher
Carrie's Dad Peter blows the Shofar
When it was over, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and headed for the party upstairs. We entered on a red carpet with velvet ropes and paparazzi snapping pics into the huge room lit entirely in gold and red. The napkins at each place setting were folded to look like Oscar envelopes with gold seals, and there were oversized filmstrips with my photos scattered throughout the space. Over the arch that marked the kids’ lounge, was a giant Carriewood sign in lights, and my sign-in board was a mirrored movie poster that read: “The Bat Mitzvah.”
The Bat Mitzvah service and celebration took place Guastavino's in New York City
Friends left special messages
Guests also signed a director chair with Carrie's name
Carrie with her friends
My parents wanted everything guests saw and tasted to reflect my favorite things, so we created a “restaurant row” that included Burger-Fi, Gina La Fornarina, even a “Starberks” bar that served frappuccinos. I had a Dubsmash booth (since I love to sing) and Chic Sketch artists drawing fashion sketches of everyone in their red carpet attire. I also insisted on a virtual “Carrie Coaster” so everyone could go on a wild ride (rollercoasters are kind of my thing!).
Carrie's friends could get a sketch of what they were wearing
"Starberks" - how clever!
Popcorn bar
Carrie and her friend's in the lounge area
Virtual roller coaster
The foosball table had a built-in screen showing movie clips
Since I’m the author of a cupcake book series, there had to be amazing sweets throughout the evening. We started by passing out 700 bite-sized Baked by Melissa cupcakes on silver platters before the ceremony. There were old-time Hollywood “cigarette girls” handing out boxes of movie candy during the cocktail hour, and for take home treats, guests got Schmackery cookies (my fave in all of NYC) and a custom Georgetown Cupcake with the Carriewood logo on top. The dessert bar spotlighted Marilyn Monroe cupcakes with fluffy white frosting forming her skirt, and my cake was a showstopper, too: giant film reels stacked nearly three feet tall with my star on top and a giant box of popcorn spilling out at the base—all 100 percent edible.
Old-time Hollywood “cigarette girls” handing out boxes of movie candy
The Marilyn Monroe cupcakes with fluffy white frosting forming her skirt were on the dessert bar
The showstopper cake was 100% edible
My Bat Mitzvah party flew by and before I knew it, the evening was drawing to a close. I lay down on the dancefloor, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I was heartbroken that it would never happen again. But the best part now is looking at all of the photos and watching the video. I saved every single card my friends and family gave me, and even kept some of the lounge pillows from the party for my bed.
Custom pillows
More custom pillows on the white couches
My advice to teens on their Bar or Bat Mitzvah day—now having experienced it firsthand—is to enjoy every second. Don’t let anything stress you out. Remember that everyone there loves you and supports you, and this is truly your moment to shine!
VENDOR DIRECTORY
The following vendors helped to make Carrie’s celebration special. If you get in touch with anyone below, please let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com:
Custom Tallit: Tallit By Ina Bearak Helfand, 914-656-2816
Decor/Florist: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions, 973-467-1637
Montage: Shari Sollender, Images4ever, 973-945-0573
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, 973-758-9800
Venue: Guastavino’s, 212-980-2711
Event Producer: Patrick Menton, Plan P Productions
Music/Entertainment: Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Photographer/Videographer: Heidi Green Photography, 212-545-5304
Invitations: Venture, 212-288-7235
Logos: Amy Wohl, Fabudesigns,com, 312-513-1698
Carrie’s Dresses: Sherri Hill
Clutch: Custom crystal bag, ourwickedaddiction.com/products
Mom’s Dress: Custom beaded suit from Vivaldi, 212-734-2805
Hair/Makeup: Glamsquad
Officiant: Joel Cohen/Becky Keren, Door to Door Tutoring, 888-224-DOOR
Oscar statuettes: www.trophypartner.com
Cupcakes: Baked By Melissa, 212-842-0220; Georgetown Cupcakes, Soho (cupcake favors): 212-431-4504; Marilyn Monroe and tuxedo cupcakes for reception: Cakes Jagla, 718-425-0974
Cookies: Schmackary’s, www.schmackarys.com
Cake: Vinny Buzzetta-Staten Island Cakes, 347-751-3648
This story is from our 2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
October 23rd, 2016
At some point during your Bar Bat Mitzvah planning, you will start to think about hiring an event video production company to capture your child’s special day, produce a fun entrance video and/or a montage of their first 13 years.
For nearly fifteen years, Professional Video, LLC. has been creating beautiful Bar Bat Mitzvah videos, capturing the most memorable moments in their clients’ lives. They use the latest HD technology and implement the highest level of creativity in every video they produce. They focus on developing a productive working relationship with their clients so each video they produce is personalized to suit their individual visions and exceed their expectations.
Some Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations begin with a creative entrance video and sometimes it’s the opener to a montage or speech. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, the experts at Professional Video can work with your family to create something memorable.
Check out some of their samples for yourself.
BAT-ZILLA – DORY’S BAT MITZVAH MOVIE
Dory’s Bat-Zilla video is a spoof on elaborate Bat Mitzvah planning! Watch it here
BAR BAT MITZVAH HIGHLIGHTS
You might not know they're twins, but
Toby & Gabe partied together like only brothers and best friends do, along with all their extended family and friends at The Stonehouse
Fiona's amazing Bat Mitzvah day at Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills
BAR BAT MITZVAH ENTRANCE VIDEOS
Kyle's basketball entrance video
BAR BAT MITZVAH MONTAGES
To learn more about Professional Video, LLC., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 22nd, 2016
You have just received your child’s Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah date. It’s time to start thinking about a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah venue.
There is a wide range of options to choose from. Everything from traditional Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah venues such as hotels and country clubs to alternative Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah venues such as raceways, bowling alleys, clubs and more!
Here are some options when looking for a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah venue:
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October 19th, 2016
Gabbie and Charlie Goldberg’s uncle Eric Turk is developmentally disabled. He lives in a group home in Brooklyn, New York. For the twins’ B’nai Mitzvah Project, they decided that a hands-on activity which involved their whole family would be one they’d always remember. The siblings raised funds that went towards building and upkeep of an amazing and spectacular fish tank for the group-home residents to enjoy in addition to a variety of other improvements.
Here is their story:
“Our grandfather was very active in advocating for those who cannot, and we wanted to do something to make him proud and do something that would last a lifetime,” Gabbie and Charlie tell Mitzvah Market. To that end, the twins each took different responsibilities to give back to the resident home where their uncle lives. The twins interviewed the residents, talked to the administrators, and decided on two main projects.
CHARLIE GOLDBERG
“I wanted to make the residents in the home feel joy and happiness and brighten their mood. Since I have three fish tanks that I enjoy, I thought it would be nice to give the same relaxing experience that I get when I look at my tank to the residents,” Charlie says.
Charlie and his sister Gabbie
He is the one who got to decide the location of the fish tank, the type of tank, the type of fish, and was responsible for setting it up.
GABBIE GOLDBERG
His sister Gabbie was responsible for deciding what improvements to make to the school. “My uncle Eric spends a lot of time in the main living area, and I personally think that the creation of our mural will bring interest and lend to their imagination,“ says Gabbie.
Gabbie and Charlie in front of the mural
New York artist Bonnie Siracusa
She worked with acclaimed New York artist Bonnie Siracusa, who is known for her uplifting mural designs. “Painting a mural is a big project. I learned how to work with an accomplished artist and together we came up with the idea of a Coney Island Aquarium with the rides in a silhouette reflecting through the tank. Gabbie worked closely with the artist. She says, “Getting on the ladder and mapping out the mural with Bonnie and brushing the first strokes was amazing.” Together, they made something unique for all the residents to enjoy along with the fish tank. In order to fund the fish tank and mural, their family started working on the project a year before their B’nai Mitzvah. They began getting funds when the family celebrated their grandmother’s 80th birthday by putting a note in the invitations that read:
“In lieu of a gift, in honor of our grandmother’s 80th birthday, please consider donating to our Mitzvah Project involving improvements for our Uncle Eric’s group home. As we approach our B’nai Mitzvah, which is next October, we reflected on many ideas for a hands-on project that would be extra meaningful for our family. Thanks for your help in accomplishing this goal. These additions will bring joy and happiness for years to come.” —From Charlie and Gabbie Goldberg
Gabbie and Charlie with their Uncle Eric
The mural for all the residents to enjoy
In addition to the funds they received instead of gifts, the family set up a GoFundMe page as well. The twins did the projects in two phases. The fish tank, phase one, was completed in April. Phase two, the mural, was completed this past summer. They were also able to purchase a Roku, a streaming media player device for the home’s television. The projects proved to be very gratifying for the twins. Gabbie tells us, “Choosing a project that involved my family and grandparents was truly rewarding.” Charlie adds, “Sharing your special interests can lead to great accomplishments. I love taking care of my tanks and now I have an excuse to visit more often and be more active in the home. My sister and I both learned how an idea can become a reality.”
From this experience, Gabbie and Charlie have become friendly with the director, administration, and residents of the group home. In fact, they recently purchased a Karaoke machine, so maybe they can all have a party by the mural! No more funds for these projects are needed for residence at this time. Muralist Bonnie Siracusa can be reached through her Website.
This story is from our 2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
