December 1st, 2013
Simon Elliot Events is a New York based event production company that specializes in state of the art digital media. The Simon Elliot creative team is dedicated to providing innovative services and productions that inspire.
Learn about their newest attraction: The Selfie Booth
The selfie craze is in full force, amplified by the popularity of Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more. If you’re wondering, a selfie is a self portrait taken on a smart phone or digital camera. Friends love to send photo updates throughout the day that show where they’ve been, what they’ve eaten, and who they’re with.
The Selfie Booth™ by Simon Elliot Events enables guests to snap pictures at their own pace with a wireless remote. From there, guests view, select, and add cool filters on an ultra-smooth touch screen.
The booth features unlimited prints, text messaging photos, emailing photos, sharing online to sites like Facebook and Twitter, and optional editing capabilities via our ultra popular Strolling Photos™ iPad editing suite. The touch screen software and prints are customized to match the theme and branding of the affair.
Additionally, the Selfie kiosk is LED lit and can be customized to match the theme and branding of your affair. Optionally each guest can take home a customized personal photo album filled with all of their Selfie Prints!
Recent Client Testimonials:
“The Selfie Booth was a huge hit for not only the kids but the adults as well. The images truly capture the energy at your party and everyone loved being able to take home an album of their selfies. The funniest part is that so many of the selfies are now profile pictures all over Instagram and Facebook.”
The Krell Family
“The Selfie Booth was amazing!!! The kids and adults couldn’t get enough of the great snap shots of themselves. They loved posting pictures right on Facebook and having it texted to their phones as well. Booking it for our next Mitzvah!!”
Jill and Kenny Rosenberg
Want to learn even more!….
Watch this short video where Eric explains what the Selfie Booth can do and why his sister loves it here
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 1st, 2013
The Hard Rock Cafe Times Square is a full service restaurant and bar, complete with a retail Rock Shop located on street level. Consider this venue for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Here is more information about this unique NYC venue:
Events That Rock!
Sophistication infused with funk, the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square offers stellar service and modern elegance. Come experience the cuisine, music and distinctive design. Day or night there is something to fit every mood and satisfy every impulse. Whether it is an intimate gathering of 20 or a full venue buyout of 1,200 guests…no need to wait in line, you’re on the list.
Events, like great music, are borne of inspiration.
Our banquet chef has over 20 years’ experience, has catered backstage affairs for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson and Justin Bieber and has delighted the guests of some of the biggest Fortune 500 companies with his imaginative event menus. We serve it up with the dramatic flair, only reserved for rock royalty.
Love All. Serve All.
That’s the mantra of Hard Rock and its team. Consumed with treating guests like rock stars, the ultimate VIPs, Hard Rock has an entourage of staff determined to spoil them rotten. From the moment guests arrive to the second the last limousine leaves, our staff will be on hand to anticipate and fill every need.
Current Special We are Running For Mitzvah Market Readers
Please mention you saw us on Mitzvah Market and receive our red carpet package. You will have a Red Carpet Entrance into your event space, as well as your child’s name will be put up in lights on our famous Marquee overlooking Times Square.
We are unique!
We have one of the largest music memorabilia collections in the world, for your guests to enjoy.
To learn more about Hard Rock Cafe New York, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 23rd, 2013
MWD Lifestyles is recognized nationally and abroad as an experienced event planning, floral and event design studio. From A to Z, they create classically elegant, stylish and uniquely memorable environments. Their seasoned team of professionals will provide you with exceptional guidance for your Bar, Bat or B’nai Mitzvah celebration.
Recently, they produced a fun event in honor of twins, Daniel and Sarah, who love music, iPods and candy!
MWD Lifestyles took a unique approach to the theme creating a fun and festive reception at the W Hotel in Manhattan.
The place card table consisted of giant iPods that were custom designed and made of Starburst, Bubblegum Roll and Mentos. Each one featured an image of Daniel or Sarah. Blue rock candy mixed with Ring Pops, gumballs and Skittles served as the delicious-looking base!
MWD created custom designed iPod place cards to match the theme
The sign-in board was an adorable baby picture on an iPod surrounded by candy
The ballroom was lit up with special Gobos of stars on the floor, ceiling and walls
Posters of the guests of honor lined the ballroom walls
Centerpieces included musical notes covered in gumballs on a crystal and candy base. Candy consisted of Skittles, Rock Candy, M&M’s, jelly beans, Tootsie Rolls, lollipops and more…yum
For added interest, there were alternating beautiful crushed shimmer tablecloths in shades of lime green, ocean blue and purple
Each table also featured printed album covers in frames with the B’nai Mitzvah boy and girl’s faces superimposed
Of course, custom iTwins napkins tied into the theme!
The creative and delicious cake included favorite music CDs enjoyed by both teens
We thank MWD Lifestyles for sharing this creative candy celebration with Mitzvah Market!
November 19th, 2013
Who would have thought when you were choosing names for your tiny infant way back when, oh about 12 to 13 years ago, that you should have considered how the moniker would influence his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme? Sure would have made life easier.
Say, you would have considered just how cute “Lily’s Pad” would sound or if you loved Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign, it would have been oh-so-easy to name your son, Drew with the idea of using “Just Drew It” for his future party logo! Or maybe the initials you would have chosen for your offspring would have conveniently been, OMG! How perfect would that be?!
But alas, such thoughts never entered your mind. Never fear; there are ways to turn almost any name into a cute theme or logo design.
Here are some families that either through the luck of the baby name book, family tradition or just plain creativity, cleverly came up with a theme that fit their child’s moniker that worked out great. After seeing these, you may consider re-naming your child, even at this late date!
Photo courtesy of North Shore Photography
Photo credit: Jersey Street Furniture
Photo credit: Sayings For You
Photo credit: Gotham T-shirt
Photo credit: Whimzey Events
Photo credit: Chris Jorda Photography
Photo credit: North Shore Photography
Did you use your child’s name cleverly in a Bar Bat Mitzvah logo? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 16th, 2013
The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company. They have extensive resources and years of experience. Not only can they save you time and money, but more importantly, you will be able to relax and enjoy this very special time in your life.
We love creative ideas and we thought this candle lighting video presentation was very unique!
The Bat Mitzvah girl is a big fan of Wii Just Dance; the inspiration for this alternative candle lighting idea.
A must watch! See it here
This candle lighting video was produced by VSofNY.
To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 16th, 2013
The Steinberg family celebrated their daughter Andie’s Bat Mitzvah on December 15, 2012, at Life…the place to be, in Ardsley, New York.
This was a modern celebration with many fun elements.
Pictured L-R: Dad Michael, Bat Mitzvah girl Andie, Sister Molly, Brother Cooper and Mom Lainee
Max Aureli Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah Service & Style
Andie’s Bat Mitzvah service was performed within the event space, Life…the place to be.
The modern invitation, which was a mirror with fuchsia and white lettering, was created by Jessica Riesel with supplies from Jam Paper NYC
Bat Mitzvah girl Andie looked beautiful in her crystal fuchsia gown from All Dressed Up
Bat Mitzvah girl, Andie, holding the Torah
Extended family surround Andie by holding the Chuppah
The whole family was involved, even Andie's little brother Cooper!
Sister, Molly, holding little brother Cooper during the service. When Andie’s dress was being altered, there were swatches of beaded fabric left over for a pocket square for Cooper's suit jacket
The Havdallah candle lighting included 13 candles and 13 kids. Above Andie is pictured with her cousins and siblings
These colorful kippot were from Mayaworks.org, a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic development of Mayan women in Guatemala
Mitzvah Details
Abigail Kirsch Catering provided the food and Angela Giannopoulos of Studio3, an event design firm, created a contemporary lounge setting that both adults and kids enjoyed. “Dream Big with Andie” was the theme. Once the logo was designed by Samantha Karofsky the collaboration between décor, entertainment, catering and venue began! All the moving parts contributed to “an uncommon and rare experience of the senses,” according to Mom Lainee.
Taking advantage of the big screens they created moving gobos, to create a dreamy effect. Clouds were projected on the walls with Andie's logo
Bat Mitzvah girl, Andie, wearing her shirt favor
Dream Big with Andie was the logo for this celebration
There were silver and purple pens for guests to leave their special messages for Andie
Music & Entertainment
Max Event Design worked it all night! The family decided on a non-traditional candle lighting ceremony.
Bat Mitzvah girl Andie made a spectacular entrance with the help of the Max Event Design dancers!
Confetti fell from the ceiling to mark her arrival
The Steinberg's having a great time!
Lots of dancing!
Talented performance artists wowed the crowd
There was live music as well
A picture perfect night!
Bubbles came down from the ceiling
Dad, Michael, making a toast
The family decided on a non-traditional candle lighting ceremony. They chose to have large glow sticks distributed to each guest. Crystal vases were set center stage and immediate family came to drop their glow sticks in the vases
Then the entire guest list was invited to drop their glow sticks into the vases. "Ultimately, everyone surrounding our family lit up our world in some aspect throughout our lives," said Mom Lainee
Mitzvah Video
For Andie’s montage, the Steinbergs found photos of just about every single person on the guest list! Additionally, there was footage of Andie growing up, a quick interview with her siblings, her school principal, and pop culture infusion of video clips of her favorite movies, TV and shows! They also found old home videos from 1999, and with the help of Jodie Cohen, (they found her on Mitzvah Market), at Movie & Montage Magic, they transferred old school tapes into readable CDs.
Watch the montage, created by Tanta Marla’s Studio here
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
The favors and giveaways were designed by Samantha Karofsky.
There were yoga pants for the girls and Dri-Fit t-shirts for the boys, plus water bottles, zip sweatshirts and tube socks
Custom tube socks
They were a big hit!
Cubbies held the favors that featured the logo, "Dream Big with Andie"
Waffle Cabin from Stratton Mountain in Vermont, was on hand along with a roaming ice cream cart and a candy table for guests to enjoy at the end of the night
After Andie's celebration, she and her camp friends went back to her house in style!
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Andie was drawn to the concept of conducting and presenting an oral history film. She chose a 99-year-old woman to interview, set-up her DVD laptop and video camera, and asked her questions. The interviewee was a remarkable orator, very funny and had incredible recollection of her past. Andie then edited the footage to the woman’s favorite music, images, and presented it to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Now this woman, who recently passed away, has a story that will live forever.
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Lainee:
“Create a list or format on the computer that works for you, try and keep all your information on a spreadsheet. Include your contacts, pricing, deposits paid out, invitations and thank you cards sent and gifts received. Items to bring on the day of include a timeline and envelopes labeled with tips for vendors. Some vendors we actually tipped just as the party “began”… so they’d hopefully feel motivated & appreciated early on to put their best foot forward. At some point during the process, stop second guessing yourself and trust your instincts, your convictions and enjoy the ride. The celebration is a 3-5 hour event give or take, but the time you begin planning up until the time you send out thank you notes, is a long journey, one that should be enjoyed and appreciated from start to finish. Try and have one wingman/point person that spends 5 minutes helping you and your kids enjoy everything at the event. Look at the sign-in board, photo booth, that little detail you put in the far right corner, anything creative, because time goes by so quickly and although you get a great overview of the entire feeling of love and family and friends, the true priority of this occasion, some of the details you pained over initially, you might not get to appreciate on the actual day of your event.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Andie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steven and Sharon Zukerman, Life…the place to be, 914-591-4400
Décor: Angela Giannopoulous, Studio 3, 212-367-7950
Photographer: Max Aureli Photography, 203 517 4252
Videographer: Eric Model, Reel Moments, 845-623-1000
DJ and Lounge Decor: Max Event Design, 914-533-7245
Extra Entertainment: Electric violinist, percussionist, aerialists, Max Entertainment
Catering: Ed Steinberg, Abigail Kirsch Catering, 914-631-3030
Logo Design/Favors: Samantha Karofsky, 914-419-9166
Invitation Design/Cocktail napkins: Jessica Riesel, jessriesel@gmail.com
Invitation Mirror and Specialty Envelopes: Jam Paper & Envelope, 212-473-6666
Sign-In Board: Stephanie Geezees, Geezees.com, 610-438-0162
Desserts: Peter, Waffle Cabin, 802-775-0058
Montage Creator: Marla Schneider, Tantamarlastudio, 914-215-2102
Video Transfer: Jodie Cohen, Movie & Montage Magic, 516-383-0634
Friday night catering: Silvia Toth Fincsi Catering, 203-569-5859
Sunday Brunch catering: Christa Tomasulo, En Vious Events, 914-804-4785
Hotel for Out of Town Guests: Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 914-694-5400
Stamps: Zazzle.com
Yarmulkes: Mayaworks, 312-243-8050
Dresses for Bat Mitzvah girl Andie and sister Molly: All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Mom Lainee: Neiman Marcus
Suits for family members: Brother Cooper, Lester’s; Dad Michael, Bloomingdales
Hair: Denise Goldstein, 914-584-0622
Makeup: Kim Root, 914-588-7854
Transportation: Hummer Limo, M. Gucci Limos, 914-948-9099
November 16th, 2013
By Bari Cener
Ask a girl what her favorite part of planning her Bat Mitzvah celebration is and you’ll likely get a resounding vote for THE DRESS! For many girls, in fact, it’s several dresses; one for synagogue, one for the party, and perhaps one to change into later in the evening or for a second-day affair.
Remember that this is a religious rite of passage and the service dress should reflect that. A classic A-line or form fitting dress in a subdued tone can be paired with a ballet flat or even a nice wedge to add a little personality. Even if your synagogue doesn’t have a specific skirt length that is deemed appropriate, “the family’s values should be kept in mind,” says Rachel Pouyafar, owner of It’s Simple For You in Syosset. “If Grandma is Orthodox, there’s no way the skirt should be above the knee.”
But we know the dress your daughter is really dreaming about is the one for her party. Finding a dress that both mom and daughter love doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you both adhere to certain guidelines.
“The dress must be age appropriate,” says Cortney Cohen, co-founder of Best Dressed NY. “A lot of these dresses are made for older girls, but can be altered for a 13-year-old’s body. Not all girls should wear a deep sweetheart neckline; fit is so important.”
This season delivered some of the hottest styles we’ve seen in awhile. This year it’s about achieving a look — edgy, sweet or somewhere in between. We’ve talked to the experts, we’ve checked out the runways and we’re telling you what it’s all about.
It’s All About The Texture
Custom Blue dress for Best Dressed NY, Photo credit: Sarah Merian Photography & Videography
The edginess of leather with the femininity of lace, or the richness of velvet paired with the wispiness of chiffon adds instant drama to a dress. “The mixing of materials, particularly the heavier fabrics that are associated with a more mature look, is an easy way to accommodate a younger woman,” says Erica Serotta, also co-founder of Best Dressed NY. Lace dresses in every possible color walked the runway this season. “A dress done completely in lace can be overwhelming,” says Cohen. “But paired with an airier fabric like tulle, it looks youthful and elegant.”
It’s All About The Hardware
Photo credit: Sherri Hill, Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
Drawing inspiration from Valentino’s Rockstud collection, nail heads and studs are edgy little details that add dimension. Graduated beading has been a long-lasting trend, and it’s a good way to incorporate a lot of bling. “The look you want is one of elegance and fun. Heavy beading on the neckline that sprinkles down onto the skirt won’t overwhelm the girl,” say Serotta. For those who want something a little different, consider a dress with a high, embellished neckline or one with a necklace already built in.
It’s All About The Investment Piece
Custom dress for Best Dressed NY, Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
No matter which denomination of Judaism, it is in good taste and proper form to keep your shoulders covered in the sanctuary. Many girls find a suit “stuffy,” and prefer to wear a dress. If so, consider a feather shrug or a fur wrap over your arms. “It’s an investment piece that you can wear with anything from jeans to a party dress for years to come,” says Serotta.
It’s All About The Heavy Metal
Sherri Hill Dress, photo credit: Rebecca Weiss Photography
Forget black, white or tan…the new neutrals for the season are metallics like nickel, gold, silver and copper. “The metal colors photograph really well and you don’t have to worry about it clashing with your party’s color scheme,” says Serotta. On ombre dresses (where the color goes from light to dark lengthwise) jewel-toned sparkle pairs nicely with dark grays and other deep colors.
Mitzvah tips for getting the right look:
• There’s nothing like the classics: Pastels like baby pink and light blue will always be popular- and why shouldn’t they be? These are 13 year old girls after all! If you’re looking for something a little less cutting edge, there’s nothing like a beautiful ball gown in a soft color. Something in between? Try a jewel-tone cocktail dress in emerald green. “It’s universally flattering on all different skin tones and hair colors,” says Cohen.
Custom Dress It’s Simply For You, photo credit: Ira Rosen Studio
• If the shoe fits: The biggest fashion faux pas is wearing shoes that you can’t walk in, “says Cohen. Do a walk test, she suggests. “If you can walk comfortably, then the height of the heel is fine.”
• Shine on: “A bracelet and earrings is all the jewelry that a girl needs,” says Pouyafar. “It’s the old saying of ‘less is more’– you don’t want your jewelry to compete with your dress.” That said, a stunning clutch dripping with beading is nothing to shy away from to complete the total look.
Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
• Synagogue cover up: In most synagogues, it’s appropriate to cover your arms and shoulders for the service. “A girl can wear a sheath with a bolero, or we have a wrap that attaches to the dress and isn’t annoying,” says Rachel Pouveyer of It’s Simply For You in Syosset. Or why not try a dress with a classic cap sleeve; a look, Sherri Hill debuted in their Fall 2013 look book.
• Think custom: When you’re truly looking for something one-of-a-kind, a custom dress is the best way to get everything you want. It also might be the best choice when mom and daughter don’t see eye to eye. “Sometimes a custom dress is a good compromise that will satisfy both of them,” says Pouyafar.
Custom Dress It’s Simply For You, photo credit: Art Photographers
Boy’s fashion
While the girls have all but abandoned wearing a suit for their service, it’s still a must for a boy. “Everything is a little trimmer and slimmer,”says Steve Worby, owner of The Clothing Center in East Brunswick, N.J. “The trend is slim fit, two button side vented jacket with a flat front trouser in navy, gray or black.” Dress shirts have also been given a revamp, and colors like aqua, lavender, and raspberry are replacing a classic white shirt.
And-deep breath, parents: the biggest change has been the attire worn to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration (if it’s not directly after synagogue). “It’s really changed from sports jackets to a pair of nice dress pants and a non-tucked-in shirt,” says Worby. “Most boys change into the favor t-shirt or simply take the jackets off.”
Having a more traditional celebration? The classic approach, a pleated pant and jacket in a conservative, pinstripe gray or navy never goes out of style.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 12th, 2013
Candle Lighting Alternatives, By Bari Cener
To do a candle lighting or not to do a candle lighting…that is the question that faces many families when planning their Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties. It can be one of the most interactive parts of a celebration and a great way for the host family and guest of honor to show love and appreciation to family and friends. “In a practical sense, it’s a photo opportunity for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child to get a picture with the people closest to them,” says event planner Melisa Imberman, owner of The Event Of A Lifetime in Millwood, NY.
But for some, a traditional candle lighting ceremony doesn’t fit into their vision of the perfect event. Many families have a less informal celebration at an event space or sports facility, while others feel that they don’t want to interrupt the party or have something that runs so long that people start getting bored. And yet others run into a situation where there are too many people they’d like to include and they worry about leaving somebody out and causing hurt feelings.
Instead of letting these issues cause you to forgo the entire thing, why not get inventive and think outside the box by finding alternatives to the traditional 13 candles on a cake. One way to capture the essence of the ceremony, but still keep it short and sweet, is to light three candles representing the child’s past, present, and future.
With so much food at most parties, no one will mind if you can forgo the cake completely. Instead, you can use anything from cupcakes to candy, flowerpots to toys to hold the candles. It’s the perfect way to incorporate your theme, using miniature team shirts for a sports-themed party, for example, or bulbs that get lit up on a sign with the child’s name for a Broadway-themed event.
Photo credit: Linda Morrow
The Levitan Family decided on a creative candle lighting ceremony with neither cake nor candles since their synagogue didn’t permit them to be lit on the Sabbath. Instead, each person honored was asked to pour a glass of wine into an oversized goblet for a “Cup of Life” ceremony. Each glass of wine had a theme, such as Cup of Good Health, Cup of Love and Cup of Happiness.
Photo credit: Casual Candids
Another non-traditional idea is to use sand. As each person or group is called up to be honored, they fill a Lucite container with cups of different colored sand, creating a sand sculpture that can be kept as a treasured keepsake, explains Hillary Meisner of Meisner Art. Or how about filling a container with Hershey’s kisses wrapped in colorful foil, marbles, shells, pretty stones or even colored water. After all, it’s the thought that counts.
At another Bat Mitzvah, Sarah Merians Photography and Videography captured family and friends as they added dirt, seeds, water and plant food into planting pots. Later, as the plants grew, it was a regular reminder of the special occasion.
One of the most modern candle lighting ceremonies we’ve seen is a video that played off of the Wii game “Just Dance.” “This game was something the whole family enjoyed together, as there was a big age difference between the siblings,” says Imberman, so they decided to include it in their celebration. On the video monitors around the room, guests watched as the family of “Mii” characters danced on screen with a piece of cake and a flame for each person honored.
For more information on this type of candle lighting game, contact The Event Of A Lifetime
This family’s candle lighting ceremony was a big hit at their party! Just as it started, the Party Harty Entertainment dancers handed all the guests a Safe Flame candle. As guests were called up, they first lit their candle (battery operated) and then came up to the cake for a picture. Everyone in the room was asked to come up at some point so the whole room was lit up by the end of the candle lighting.
The bottom line is that however you choose to perform your candle lighting ceremony, be assured that there is no right or wrong way. Have fun with it and so will everyone else.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 5th, 2013
SPACE, located inside Space Odyssey USA, is used exclusively for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. This unique party space is filled with all high tech games, extravagant entertainment, unique decor and customized menus.
They are celebrating their 8th Anniversary. We asked Elvira Grau, the Creator of SPACE, some questions to learn more:
MM: Please share with us what inspired you to create SPACE?
EG: As a mother first and foremost, it was initially for my own personal need and my desire to create a safe, clean and climate controlled environment for my own children. Having four kids who ranged, at the time, from 4-12 years old, I wanted to design an entertainment space filled with a diverse array of games and attractions that appeal to all age groups. SPACE combines the best aspects of a catering hall, a nightclub, and a gaming arcade: it’s conducive for both kids and adults. We’ve created endless fun for kids and an elegant venue for adults.
MM: What is your proudest achievement as an accomplished entrepreneur?
EG: Repeat business! I’m now hosting parties for the siblings, friends, and other family members of my current clients. I love when families come back to me for parties for their second and third child after a birthday, Bar Bat Mitzvah or Sweet 16. It’s the biggest form of a compliment to me. They trust me, and that’s priceless!
MM: What is your advice for someone interested in entrepreneurship?
EG: Never give up! If you have tenacity, perseverance, a true desire to succeed, and passion for what you do, you will go far. I was told many times to give up when I first started. People said my idea wouldn’t work. I didn’t listen and I didn’t give up, it works.
MM: Given the current economic climate, what has been your strategy for building awareness of SPACE for short-term & long-term growth?
EG: Reputation is everything! You’re only as good as your last party. I tell all my staff, there are no second chances, and we only have one time to get it right. It’s like a Broadway play – the curtain opens and we’re live. As long as we continue to give our clients everything they want and more, we will do well. Happy clients refer business, and whether the economy is up or down, people still need to celebrate milestones in life. I also work with clients on their own budgets.
About Elvira Grau, Creator and Founder of SPACE
Elvira Grau is a Russian immigrant who built her business from scratch in Englewood, New Jersey. A happily married wife and a mom proves that women really can have it all and is a firm believer that hard work can lead to the “American Dream.”
She founded SPACE in 2005 when she discovered an empty, 26,000 sq. ft. warehouse and envisioned a one-of-a-kind, entertainment event SPACE!
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 3rd, 2013
By Marisa Thalberg
While it was not practical to do too many venue visits, based on a combination of 1) budget, and 2) time, in conversations with our planners (and a lot of research on my part, as well as theirs), we booked a late afternoon to see what seemed like two very strong contenders: a very chic, trendy, English club-like hotel downtown frequented by fashionistas… and a lovely, waterfront venue at the lower tip of Manhattan much more accustomed to brides than Bat Mitzvah girls.
We first went to the waterfront venue. Entered through Battery Park, adjacent to the terminal for the Staten Island Ferry. Giant windows overlook New York Harbor, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance. I immediately began to conjure a narrative that connected the idea that once Hannah’s great great grandparents passed through those gateways dreaming of a better life… and here she could be a few generations later facing them as a Bat Mitzvah. THAT could be something to be thankful for… on Thanksgiving. Hannah and I both sparked to the decor, the silver Chiavari chairs, the simple but dramatic chandeliers and white linens.
We were all enthusiastic; however, we had the Hotel to see next, and I had a feeling the whole downtown super-chic mystique would be very enticing to Hannah, especially through the eyes of her friends. We explored the space and I could imagine how the clubby interior could work with our late November date.
After both, we all caucused, and Hannah’s summary words were these: “I just feel like the Hotel is more of a ‘dark’ place, and the waterfront venue is more of a ‘light’ place – and that’s just more me. I’m a ‘light’ person.” What I love is that I know she didn’t mean how well lit either was. It was such a moment of self-awareness, and a willingness to make the right decision, for her, and frankly for all of us.
Battery Gardens
We had a winner. And in the weeks since, Hannah has said, “when I walked into Battery Gardens I felt the same way I did when we toured Delta (her honors middle school). I just knew it was my place.”
Read Part 2 here
ABOUT MARISA THALBERG
Marisa Thalberg is the founder of Executive Moms which for 11 years has provided content and community for fabulous women who are both professionals and mothers. An executive herself, she is also the head of corporate digital marketing worldwide for The Estée Lauder Companies. She has been widely acknowledged for her work on both fronts, including being named a Working Mother of the Year, an Advertising Age Woman to Watch, and a featured mother in UNICEF’s State of World’s Children report. She lives in Manhattan with her husband David and their two daughters Hannah, age 12 and Avery, age 7. She will be celebrating Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah in November 2013 and is blogging about her planning experience for both MitzvahMarket.com and on her blog.
Read about Hannah’s celebration here.
