May 21st, 2014
Twins Hallie and Jared celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah at the Marlboro Jewish Center in Marlboro, New Jersey, with a Havdallah service followed by a black tie celebration.
Mom Randee hand-made many of the party elements and says her family’s celebration was truly the, “Best Day Ever.”
Pictured L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Hallie, Dad Joel, Mom Randee and Bar Mitzvah boy Jared
DonaLisa Photography took all of the pictures and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
A coordinating stamp was used on all invitations
First the ladies: Mom Randee’s long gown was from Castle Couture and Hallie’s hi-low dress was from Rue Royale Couture. Both Dad Joel and Jared wore tuxedos from Russell’s Tuxedo Court
Later in the evening, Hallie slipped into her blinged out sneakers that her mom bedazzled!
The Havdallah service was held at the Marlboro Jewish Center
Randee created the blinged holders for the yarmulkes, ladies head coverings and service programs
Mom Randee created Hallie and Jared’s logo with Inkwell. It was used on various elements throughout their celebration. Their initials and date of their B’nai Mitzvah were included in their custom logo
It was the BEST.DAY.EVER!
Guests took photos in front of their step n repeat banner produced at stickersbanners.com
The family worked with Dave Esquenazi on the food and Cindi Kaplin from Simply Invitations on the decor
Randee created this sign for the kids lounge area
White feather centerpieces were on each table
Randee created many special touches herself! Including the place cards, head coverings and basket, bathroom basket frame and sign, yarmulke baskets, service programs, table numbers, napkin rings, menu cards, cake topper, centerpiece for place card table, photo books and signage for sign-in, signage for kids lounge, step and repeat banner, goody bags and she still found time to bling up Hallie’s sneakers for the party!
Bathroom basket
Place card table and centerpiece
Place cards
Menu card
Music entertainment was provided by Noble Entertainment with twin MCs Phil and Andrew!
The dance floor was packed all night!
Jared up in the chair for the Horah!
Hallie’s turn
Randee danced with her guests
Dad Joel works for MSG as a video producer. He enjoyed creating their montage so much that he would like to start creating these special Bar Bat Mitzvah montages for other families too. The creative montage featured Joel’s “sports” friends from MSG and other video clips. It was a big hit with the crowd!
Like many of the other elements, Randee designed Hallie and Jared’s sign-in books and the sign! Each book had a picture of each guest!
Guests found their picture in each book and could sign their name and/or leave a special message
There was lots of extra entertainment for guests at this celebration. Hair bling was provided by Donna Belle Hair Jewels
Photo fun by The Main Event
Tattoos by Any Time Any Face
Mom Randee made the large initial cake topper and blinged the candles!
The entire family
Hallie and Jared’s friends posed for a photo
Inkwell Global Marketing created the sweatshirts, t-shirts and drawstring bags for guests
Guests also received water bottles with custom labels, a bag of chips, cookies, danish and comfy slippers for the ride home!
Favor bags for guests lined up and ready to go!
Check out the many treats for these guests….Snow cones
Chocolate fountains
Pucker Powder
The Best Day Ever left Jared, and especially Hallie, exhausted!
The family walked in the March Of Dimes, “March For Babies Walk” on April 27, 2014, in New York City to raise money to fund research that helps prevent premature births and promote healthy pregnancies. Hallie and Jared chose this Mitzvah Project in memory of their sister, Marni Joy, who was born premature at 26 weeks and only lived in the NICU for 11 days
Some Mom to Mom advice from Randee:
“1. Be organized and start early! Get creative, get involved, I was sketching logos, designing color combinations, attending Bar Mitzvah showcases and researching ideas at least a year before our B’nai Mitzvah.
2. Before affair: Get kids involved, let them have a say, give them choices and let them help out.
3. Day of affair: Take a moment or two and soak it all in, realize it was all worth it. Soak up all of the love and smiles, I did!!
4. Write thank you notes to Rabbi, Cantor and all vendors/people who helped make your affair the best one ever!”
The following vendors helped to make Hallie and Jared’s celebration special. If you call any of these vendors, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Marlboro Jewish Center, 732-536-2300
Caterer/Cake: Dave Esquenazi, Exquisite Caterers, 732-294-0032
Centerpieces and Invitations: Simply Invitations, Cindi Kaplin 732-617-7211
Stamps: Zazzle.com
Music Entertainment: Twin MC’s Phil/Andrew, Noble Productions 732-972-6944
Party Entertainment (Photo table, photo booth and cubbies): The Main Event, 1-800-839-0918
Photographer: DonaLisa Photography, 732-792-6801
Videographer: Kevin Hodapp Video Productions, 732-254-8352
Montage: Made with love by Dad Joel, 908-433-2246, greatmontage@gmail.com
Tattoos: Any Time Any Face, 732-619-6775
Hair Bling: Donna Bella Hair Jewels, 1-888-424-7548
Sign-in books: Made by Mom, www.mixbook.com
Party Favors (Drawstring bag, sweatshirt/t-shirts): Inkwell Global Marketing, 1-800-437-8518
Mom’s Dress: Castle Couture, 732-617-1414
Hallie’s Dress: Rue Royale Couture, 732-758-0224
Dad and Jared’s Tux: Russell’s Tuxedo Court, 732-972-3988
Make-Up: Brittney, 732-688-7396
Yarmulkes: www.kippah.com, 1-888-kippahs
Personalized Napkins: The Knot, 1-800-390-9784
Personalized Items: Vistaprint, 1-866-614-8002
Step N Repeat banner: Stickersbanners.com
May 18th, 2014
Since 1997, Eleni’s Cookies has been a must-see in Manhattan and since then has grown into a national business with their Website and shipping options.
In addition to her stores, Eleni’s signature cookies can be found in Whole Foods, Fairway, Zabars, and Dean & Deluca to name a few.
Her bakery is nut-free and kosher.
Eleni’s can customize the treats with Bar Bat Mitzvah logos and/or pictures and messages.
Check out some of their designs below:
Whether you are happy, sad, love struck or mad, you can have a sweet iCookie Conversation with these adorable smiley faces
OMG! Send a sweet text message to your BFF!
Lots of options for a fashion theme
There are more designs in their Bar Bat Mitzvah section
For more information on these cookies call Eleni’s cookies at 888-4-ELENIS or visit their Website.
May 14th, 2014
The Rosenzweig family of Closter, New Jersey, celebrated son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah service and reception on January 25, 2014, at Powerhouse Studios and Entertainment in Paramus, New Jersey.
Jake, a Brooklyn Nets fan, decided on a “Jammin’ with Jake” theme and his celebration included a surprise guest who came to party with Jake and his friends.
Pictured L-R: Dad Todd, Mom Ilene, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and Sister Camryn.
Photography was by Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Jake’s invitation was black card stock with white text in a modern font from Lori of All About Invitations
Powerhouse Studios is a unique 17,000 square foot event venue making it a perfect choice for the family who wants their service and party in one location. According to Mom Ilene, “Powerhouse Studios makes hosting a party fun and non-stressful!”
Jake’s logo was inspired by his favorite basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets, and was created by Lori of All About Invitations
Powerhouse Studios has built-in decor. Jake’s guests enjoyed looking at famous scenes from some of Hollywood’s most popular movies. Powerhouse Studios is a Hollywood themed venue that also boasts a night club environment with illuminated tables and lounge furniture
Jake posed with Marilyn Monroe before the party
The logo was on the lampshade centerpieces and the table linens were black with white napkins
Their huge 1,500 square foot dance floor, high-tech lighting effects and video walls, created the perfect atmosphere for a rockin’ party
Since the theme was “Jammin’ with Jake,” all of Jake’s friends, family and close family friends rocked the night away. MC Darrell and the dancers were amazing and interacted all night with guests. Jake up in the chair for the Horah
MC Darrell, the dancers and the Rosenzweig family with Jake
A perfect photo op for Jake’s friends with Godfrey, one of the dancers
And for Mom Ilene and her friends too!
The sign-in board was a huge poster of Jake featuring his logo
Powerhouse Studios has built-in interactive fun including great arcade games
And arm wrestling with Godfrey
On the Move Events and Entertainment provided a special surprise guest. Verbal Ace, a beat box sensation and contestant from “America’s Got Talent,” was a big hit among the kids
The family decided on a traditional candle lighting ceremony
The family made a wish together
Mitzvah Project:
Jake chose to do a food drive for the Closter Food Pantry in Closter, New Jersey. He collected 45 overflowing bags and delivered them to the pantry where he dated, sorted and stocked all the non-perishable food items he collected.
Jake felt a great sense of accomplishment and will be holding another food drive in the future
Some advice from Mom Ilene:
“I cannot believe I actually survived all the Bar Mitzvah planning. I would love to be able to give some Mom-to-Mom advice that I wish I had. I would have to say to relax and enjoy all of the planning. Make it a fun time. The celebration goes so fast that you might as well enjoy every moment planning and celebrating your child along the way. I would also say not to sweat the small stuff. All the little extras really don’t matter in the whole picture. It’s the special people and the love you feel in the room that makes the celebration a true success.”
The following vendors helped to make Jake’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Photography: Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment, Paramus, New Jersey location, 201-265-9060
Party Planner: Nicole Estrada, Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment
Music Entertainment: Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment, MC Darrell
Invitations/Logo/Favors: Lori, All About Invitations, 845-357-8070
Sign-in-board: Robert, Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment
Verbal Ace/Speciality Act: On The Move Events and Entertainment, 212-229-1009
Cake: Gourmet Desserts, 973-815-1111
Dress for Sister Camryn: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Dress for Mom Ilene: Saks Fifth Avenue
Bar Mitzvah boy Jake’s suit: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Dad Todd suit: Tom James, 212-599-1650
Hair/makeup: Studio Nina, 201-767-0008
May 12th, 2014
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company has grown into so much more than simply snapping a photo. The “&” in their name represents the company they are today.
They want to be in their clients’ lives for a lifetime, as opposed to just one event. This special relationship they foster with all of their clients, in addition to the wide range of products they create and services they offer, is what sets them apart. They are photographers, videographers “&” so much more.
Over the past 28 years, they have grown into a full-service studio for all stages of their client’s lives. Mitzvah children become brides and grooms, and those brides and grooms have continued to return with their new and growing families. What their clients value most is that they understand how important a once-in-a-lifetime day is!
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company has launched a new Website filled with inspirational images, trends and services from photo booths to video!
Their newly-designed Website has a “Mitzvah” tab filled with samples of their beautiful work. There are several categories to choose from including Pre-Party Shoots, Photo Booth and Trends.
Pre-Party Shoots: Their Mitzvah photography package includes an in studio pre-party shoot with the Bar Bat Mitzvah child and their photographer. This allows for your child to get comfortable working with their photographer before the party and also allows them to feel special in their very own photo shoot. The shoot can also be geared towards their party’s theme.
Visit the Pre-Party Shoots section of their Website to view their gallery for great ideas!
Pre-Bar Mitzvah Party Family Shoot
Pre-B’nai Mitzvah Party Shoot
Pre-Party Bat Mitzvah Shoot
Photo Booth: Sophisticated, clean and modern, their new Photo Booth set up features a sleek white backdrop. Your event guests can pose for the cameras, or they can snap away on their own with the self-release cable. The end result? Fun and clean images captured documentary-style. The Photo Booth includes cool props, a Flip Book and a video of the Photo Booth pictures. Visit the Photo Booth section of their Website to view their gallery of Photo Booth videos.
Photo Booth Set-Up
Photo Booth Props and Flip Book
View Bat Mitzvah Party Photo Booth Video Here
Trends: Another important feature to their Website is their “Trends” section. They’ve taken the liberty of creating their own “Pinterest” gallery of Mitzvah trends from parties they’ve covered over the last few years. Featured is everything from centerpieces to cakes, specialty entertainment, Mitzvah dresses and suits, photo sign-in boards, photo sign-in books and more, to help their clients or prospective clients plan their own events. Check out the Trends section of their Website to view the latest ideas in Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Make sure to click on page 2 to see more.
Custom Pillows
Photo Sign-In Boards
Photo Sign-In Books
Bar Bat Mitzvah Logos
To learn more about Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 11th, 2014
On November 9, 2013, the Green family celebrated Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah at East Meadow Jewish Center, East Meadow, New York. To celebrate her love of all-things-shoes, Jessica’s Shoe Gallery was the theme. She couldn’t wait to kick up her high heels and party!
Pictured L-R: Sister Alana, Mom Francine, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessica and Dad Brian.
The photographer was Jack Katz and the rest of the vendor information is at the bottom of this spotlight.
The Havdalah ceremony took place at East Meadow Jewish Center with their own Rabbi Ira Ebbin from Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, New York
Rochelle Peretz created the hot pink and black invitation. We love how the letter “J” is emphasized on the front and back
The Green sisters looked great. Jessica’s ballgown was from Magic Moments Prom and sister Alana’s gown was from Ask Alice
Jessica has always loved shoes and as a child any time she and her mom went into a shoe store she would have to try on 50 pairs of shoes so it was not a surprise when Jessie picked “Jessica’s Shoe Gallery” as her theme.The sign-in book cover, from Hi-Tech Photography Events
Hi-Tech Photography Events created the fashionable shoe decor using Jessica’s color scheme of hot pink and black. The fold-over place cards with logo
Posters of some of Jessica’s favorite shoe designers were used as centerpieces
The adult side of the ballroom was very dramatic with black linens and pink chair ties
The kids area featured an interesting mix of long and round tables
Jessie made her grand entrance up on a balcony overlooking the ballroom. She came out to the theme song, “Jessie” by Debbie Ryan from the Disney Show, “Jessie”
Body Rock Entertainment with MC Spyder provided the music entertainment and had all the guests dancing the entire night. Jessie had a lot of fun with MC Spyder
Jessica had a great time with her friends
Jessica with her dancers provided by Body Rock Entertainment
Jessica’s beautiful family captured in black and white
Jessica and her family posed next to her animal print pink and black cake
Jessica and her dad had a special dance together
The girls were given a dark heather off-the-shoulder sweatshirt with a high heel design and the boys version was a black T-shirt with a sneaker in blue 
The drawstring favor bags were done in black with a white sneaker logo
It was very easy to tie Jessica’s Mitzvah project in with her theme. She organized a shoe drive and collected shoes for Soles4Souls. Jessica collected 400 pairs of shoes and there was barely room for Jessica in the back of their van!
Jessica collected 400 pairs of shoes that were delivered to a warehouse in New Jersey and distributed to people in need
Advice from Mom Fran:
“Enjoy every moment of everything! We spend months planning these parties and they go by in the blink of an eye! I can’t wait to get my video so I can relive the party and even watch with pride (again) as my daughter performs her Havdalah ceremony.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: East Meadow Jewish Center, 516-483-4991
Caterer/Cake: Hasson and President Caterers, 516-483-4991
Party Planner: Mom, Fran Green
Decor: Hi Tech Events, 631-923-2256
Music Entertainment: MC Spyder, Body Rock Entertainment, 516- 876-0300
Photographer: Jack Katz, 718-948-3965
Favors: Sue Smith, thecoolestgiveaways.com, 516-466-5728
Invitation: Rochelle Peretz, 516-378-6983
Photo favor magnets: Todd Yahney Events, 800-729-8633
Montage/Videographer: Take-One Video Productions, 201-837-1147
Mom’s dress: Nouveau Bride, 516-868-1500
Jessica’s dress: Magic Moments Prom, 631-474-2647
Alana’s dress: Ask Alice, 516-921-2464
Dad Brian’s tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse, 516-877-2794
Hair/Makeup: The Hair Bar & Make-up Lounge, 516-308-3153
Mom’s Makeup: Maddie, 631-560-6243
May 4th, 2014
When it came time to decide a Bar Mitzvah party theme for the Greenberg family from Cold Spring Harbor, New York, it was very easy. They spend their summers on Fire Island located on the south shore of Long Island and decided this would be a perfect theme! Their service was held at Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, New York, followed by an evening celebration at Carlyle at the Palace in Plainview, New York.
Pictured Left: Bar Mitzvah boy Brent, Dad Gregg, Mom Tracy, his brothers Ross, Casey and the family dog.
Sherwood Triart was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Earl from Sherwood Triart Photography spent an afternoon with the Greenberg family capturing them at all the places they love on Fire Island. These images were later incorporated into various elements of their celebration and will be in their album as well
Team Greenberg on the beach
Dara Grunberg from Dear Friends created their handsome invitation in deep brown
This celebration was held at Carlyle at the Palace in Plainview, New York
The theme was Ocean Beach, Fire Island. PBG Miller Immersive Environments served as the party planner and transformed the room into a beach paradise. For the adults, one side of room was designed to look like the town and for the kids, the other side of the room was designed to look like the beach
A custom bar featured the famous saying, “Don’t Swing The Lights” to resemble the Albatross Bar in Ocean Beach. Mom Tracy worked there in college
Special touches could be seen everywhere including this nautical centerpiece display. The entire room’s perimeter was wrapped in beach fencing while ocean projections could be seen on the walls
Fisherman netting appropriately served as table cloths
Tables were cleverly created from bikes & wagons (Fire Island has no cars)
Brent hung out in the beach lounge featuring a faux bonfire and concave ocean projection wall. Check out the umbrella cloud ceiling treatment!
The kids lounge area
Those familiar with Ocean Beach know there are a lot of rules. A humorous custom Ocean Beach sign greeted guests
In keeping with their authentic Fire Island theme, this family entered Brent’s celebration the same way they get around all summer! Mom Tracy and Dad Gregg entered on bicycles
Brent entered the room on a long board skateboard pulled by a bike and water ski tow rope!
ET Events provided the music for this celebration with Matt as the MC
For his sign-in board, Brent wanted to re-create the dart board at the Albatross in Ocean Beach. Brent in front of the real thing in Fire Island
PBG Miller Immersive Environments re-created the dart board which served as Brent’s sign-in board for his celebration
Kids goofed around with all the props
Donut wall with Life Ring Donuts and custom sign, “Before you jump ship make sure to grab a life ring”
Brent’s “beachy,” but delicious cake was provided by Carlyle Catering and “dressed up” to match his theme perfectly
Brent with all his friends
Favor bags ready for pick-up!
Red lifeguard Pennies the perfect favor for this Fire Island theme
Some Mom to Mom advice from Tracy:
“Hire an event planner. Let the experts worry about the details so you don’t have to! PBG Miller Immersive Environments was amazing to work with.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendor’s helped to make Brent’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Cake: Carlyle at The Palace, Mindy Savvides, 516-756-1600
Party Planner: David Miller, PBG Miller Immersive Environments, 516-358-0800
Extra Entertainment (Photo Booth, Pop-o-shot, LED Ping Pong Tables, Corn Hole Bean Bag Toss): PBG Miller Immersive Environments
Decor/Cake/Sign-In: PBG Miller Immersive Environments
Music Entertainment: MC Matt, ET Events, 516-826-6900
Invitation: Dara Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-456-2514
Photographer/Videographer: Earl, Sherwood Triart Photography, 516-921-2700
Favors: Ali Mitchel, 404-455-9808
Boys clothing: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Mom Tracy party dress: TSE boutique
Hair: Ben, Salon Mayan, 631-683-5757
Make-up: RJ West, 631-271-2108
May 4th, 2014
Here’s a simple and unique way to Go Green with your Bar Bat Mitzvah invitations:
Mitzvites.com is a new company offering paperless Bar Bat Mitzvah invitations with the added bonus of video.
After you select a design, (elegant, classy, traditional or fun), from their Website, it’s easy to enter your information, upload videos and photos, click and send!
You can incorporate all types of video right from your smart phone.
Watch this sample Bat Mitzvah video invitation here
Mitzvites easily tracks and manages your guest list and RSVPs too!
Watch this Bar Mitzvah invitation sample here
Interested? They have a great tutorial explaining how it all works on their Website.
With Mitzvites.com you can save money, time, trees and your sanity!
April 27th, 2014
FINDING YOUR OWN BMBFF: BAR MITZVAH BEST FRIEND FOREVER
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman “Favor It Things“)
This B’mitzvah story starts out like most everyone’s story… couple has a son, boy needs a B’mitzvah, couple panics for 3 years trying to figure out how to make the event and pay for it!
Our story takes a turn though, and this clinical psychologist and social worker found ways to cope and “de-stress” using our B’mitzvah planning as “therapy.”
It all started over a year ago. We turned to Mitzvah Market to get ideas and found a plethora of information and were put on the right track. We started a Facebook page for just some of our friends. They joined and we shared B’mitzvah questions, thoughts and stress. Friends of friends started to join and then vendors “jumped on the bandwagon.” Having Mitzvah Market and then our local Facebook page lead to a sense of support and camaraderie that was unexpected, became invaluable to our planning and has boosted our knowledge about all aspects of B’mitzvah. Rabbis and Cantors are there to answer religious questions, vendors of every type help with the B’mitzvah party questions and the B’mitzvah parents are partners in support (and readily give their opinions).
For 20 years we have been encouraging patients, clients and students to partake in social support to cope with fear, anxiety and isolation. Now here we are, “practicing what we preached.” We were no longer alone—hundreds of people wanting to make the best spiritual experience and celebration for their beloved children were with us. Some had “a lot more” and some had “a lot less,” but there we are all together. We had an unplanned social support network, this is where our story took a different turn and lead us to the most “stress free” B’mitzvah planning EVER.
We guess that no solution is ever 100% fool proof. There was one strange “con” to this super support group.
Many who joined the group thought that we were B’mitzvah experts or planners, which we are NOT!
We have ended up fielding questions that were technical and some vendors thought we were their competition, which we are also not!
Once some of their misconceptions were clarified, we really found a way to be one big happy family.
The Ockmans with their daughter Skylar and son Blake
Photo Credit: Debby Gans Photography
Our group became our “hobby on steroids” and has been a major stress reliever, LIVE B’mitzvah chat 24-7!
We have made friends that we will have for a lifetime through our B’mitzah journey and we will mention them in future entries as they have taught us so much.
We won’t lie, some unofficial therapy sessions are needed on occasion for our B’mitzvah parent friends. As they say—“helping others is the best way to help yourself!”
We have earned the new titles of “Dr. Mitzvah” and “BMBFF” lol —Ricia Lesk coined this term, Bar Mitzvah Best Friend Forever. A BMBFF is a new friendship you have made to “get through the B’mitzvah planning” because no one in your every day life could take listening or talking about it anymore!
We are 168 days away from Blake’s B’mitzvah according to the “D Day” iphone application we have on our iPhones (highly recommend using this application).
So what did we do first? We searched for our venue.
We love Hotel venues and searched all hotels in our vicinity and found the grand foyer and ballroom we wanted.
Hotels make us feel like we are on vacation and most of them offer a “suite for the family” on the night of the affair. Our “out of town” and local guests have the option to stay over and join in the “after party.”
And more time can be spent with people who made the trip from far away. Our local DoubleTree by Hilton Deerfield Beach in Boca Raton was chosen and Michelle Brooks has taken care of us ever since.
She was the beginning of what we believe will be a B’mitzvah dream team. Blake started his lessons this month at Temple Beth Am of Margate and everything is on track.
By the way, what is our group motto? “Good Luck is the result of good planning” and those are words we will live and report by. We love that our support has just gone national, thanks to our blog series on Mitzvah Market!
Next time we hope to share more about the ways that we are keeping our stress low and making the most of our new B’mitzvah friends, and hope that you reach out to those planning around you and get your own “BMBFFs!”
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
April 27th, 2014
The Blumberg family celebrated daughter Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah with a morning service at South Huntington Jewish Center in Melville, New York, and an evening reception at Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich, New York.
Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Bat Mitzvah girl Brooke, Mom Stacey and Sister Emma.
Hi Tech Photography Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The sophisticated purple and white invitation was from Sealed With A Kiss (SWAK)
Brooke’s beautiful ball gown was from Peaches Boutique. It had a sparkling sweetheart neckline, beaded corset top and tulle skirt
Brooke’s name in Gobo lights dazzled the front entrance
Using purple and white for the color scheme, Hi Tech Photography Events completed the look of the ballroom with purple up-lighting and over-sized photos of Brooke in purple frames.
Lamp shades, matching Brooke’s invitation, were featured on tables
The kids lounge area was decorated with white leather couches and rectangle silhouette boxes with pictures of Brooke on all four sides
Photo cylinders and mints decorated the tables
Brooke made a grand entrance as the ET Events dancers carried her into the ballroom for her entrance
Brooke had a great time with her friends
A jazz routine performed by Brooke and her sister Emma was a big surprise for everyone!
Brooke and Emma posed together after their performance
Brooke’s cake was created by Baked to Perfection. The cake matched the decor perfectly
Brooke and her parents
Brooke surrounded by friends during the candle lighting ceremony
It was a great moment when Brooke’s friends presented her with a handmade beautiful memory
The Coolest Giveaways designed the long sleeve sweatshirt favors which included a silhouette of Brooke dancing. Here is Brooke posing in the sweatshirt over her gown
For an extra special treat, New York City’s popular crew from Wafles & Dinges were there to serve their famous waffles. It was a big hit with the kids and the adults!
Custom labeled water bottles for the ride home
Sister Emma can’t wait for her Bat Mitzvah “Coming Soon!”
Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah Project
Instead of one Mitzvah Project during the Bar Bat Mitzvah year, the Blumberg’s temple has the 6th grade children participate in three “chesed” or kindness projects. Brooke’s projects included weekly visits to play with a 6-year-old boy with autism at his home through a program called Ariella’s Friendship Circle. She also participated in the synagogue’s “Souperbowl Sunday” during which they prepared and delivered sandwiches to local shelters, and participation in UJA-Staples “Supplies for Success,” purchasing items to fill backpacks for students in need.
Some Mom Advice from Stacey:
“As for “Mom to Mom” advice, I started my planning well in advance in order to make the few months before the Bat Mitzvah less stressful. This allowed us to truly enjoy the excitement of the time leading up to our celebration.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Brooke’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Pine Hollow Country Club, 516-922-0300
Décor/Photography/Videography/Sign-In Book/Photo Booth: Laura, Hi Tech Events, 631-923-2260
Music Entertainment/Games: MC Carl, ET Tonite Events, 516-826-6900
Favors: Sue Smith, The Coolest Giveaways, 516-466-5728
Invitation: Sealed With A Kiss, 516-860-5495
Cake: Baked to Perfection, 516-944-5642
Brooke’s service dress: 2B Seen, 516-921-5777
Brooke’s party dress: Peaches Boutique, 773-582-0102
Mom Stacey’s service: Nordstrom
Mom Stacey’s party gown: Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Emma service: Denny’s Childrenswear, 516-681-4490
Emma Party: Nikki’s Dresses, 631-385-6093
Steve suit: Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair: NV Hair Company, 631-271-2111
Makeup: Natural Style Cosmetics, 631-944-6184
April 26th, 2014
Floral Sentiments has been exchanging innovative and creative ideas with their clients for the past thirty years.
A popular trend right now is to incorporate beautiful, lush arrangements on top of a glass vessel with up lighting for that WOW effect.
The adult guests will love the elegance of the décor created.
Keeping in mind that it’s a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, themed arrangements can be incorporated for the younger guests that reflect their personalities.
Below is a theme integrated with an elegant floral centerpiece.
The table is dressed traditionally, with a tall floral centerpiece with baseballs and wheat grass immersed inside of the vase along with cellophane to catch the light. This proves that any theme can be combined with sophistication
An artistic theme can be stimulating for your guests.
In this example, Floral Sentiments brought in large artist palates, oversized paintbrushes, and flowers to coordinate with table colors
Floral Sentiments can also create a unique musical theme that gives a similar WOW effect.
Decorative iPods are part of these centerpieces and include playlists of favorite musicians. Music notes, balloons, and lush, colorful flowers were also included
To learn more about Floral Sentiments, visit their extended profile page in the Vendor Directory.
