June 15th, 2013
Rachel Greenblatt celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012 at The Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay after a havdalah service at the Jewish Congregation of Brookville at Jericho Jewish Center.
The theme for this celebration was “Rachel’s Runway,” and it was an event packed with great ideas.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Andrew, Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel, Mom Karyn and Dad Sheldon

Mom Karyn created all of Rachel’s purple acrylic invitations herself!

Gold lettering was used on the purple square acrylic invitations on display with purple yarmulkes at their service

Rachel and her Mom Karyn looked great. Rachel wore a short dress from Bloomingdale’s for her service and later switched into a long gown for her celebration. Karyn’s long gold layered gown was from Nordstrom.

Rachel and Mom Karyn at her havdalah service

For her celebration, Rachel wore a purple gown from Outrageous Boutique

When guests arrived at The Hamlet for Rachel’s celebration, they were greeted by a large “Rachel” gobo on the outside of the venue.


Simon Elliot Events created the seating card board. It featured a picture of Rachel cut into different squares with the guest’s name and table number on each square.
When each piece was taken by the guest, the same picture of Rachel was revealed underneath

Mom Karyn saw a posting on MitzvahMarket.com about “dress” centerpieces for sale from Melisa Imberman of The Event Of A Lifetime. She bought 11 beautiful dress forms for the lobby and table centerpieces. Verbena Floral Designs enhanced the centerpieces with flowers for a stunning look!

This purple dress was on a table in the lobby as guests walked in

More of the “dress” centerpieces on each of the tables in the ballroom

Rachel did a photo session with Simon Elliot Events who then created various magazine covers with Rachel as the cover girl!

Each table was named after a different fashion magazine and as an added surprise, each guest received a current copy of the magazine

Party Harty Entertainment provided the music with Willie as the MC. Guests were on the dance floor the whole night!

Rachel makes her entrance down a “runway” created by Party Harty

Rachel poses with the Party Harty crew

The packed dance floor!

In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for Rachel’s sign-in board.

Guests used purple Sharpies to leave a special message for Rachel

Rachel’s guests all took photos in front of her custom step and repeat created by Simon Elliot Events.



Jennifer of Just Sweets Candy created Rachel’s candy cake!

Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah cake was created from various packaged candy

Just Sweets Candy also created a candy table for guests to enjoy as they were leaving the celebration.


Best Express created Rachel’s sweatshirt favor for her friends.

The purple zip-up sweatshirt featured Rachel’s name written like the “Chaser” logo

Advice from Mom Karyn:
“Make lists and cross something off each day. Things go wrong, don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure to share that advice with your “Bat Mitzvah princess!” I told Rachel if she has fun, everyone else will follow and it worked!”

The following vendors helped to make Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jordana, Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Favors/Montage/Entrance Video: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Music Entertainment/”Runway” Lounge: MC, Willie, Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Invitations: Mom Karyn
Favors: Bestexpress@aol.com
Cake/Candy Buffet: Jennifer, Just Sweets Candy, 631-327-8886
Florist: Jennifer, Verbena Floral Designs, 516-935-3757
Sign-In Dress Form: Pier One Imports
Dress for Mom: Nordstrom
Dress for Rachel’s celebraton: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Dress for Rachel’s service: Bloomingdale’s
Hair/makeup: Yvonne and Jennifer Ann, Entourage Salon, 516-496-1700
June 15th, 2013
By Lindsey Sklar
This year I will begin attending Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for my friends and family. I’m so excited to write about each unique celebration. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are so much fun and I love looking at all of the different trendy dresses, themes, party favors, and more! I’m very excited to share with everyone all of the unique ideas I see at each and every party!
A few weekends ago I attended my friend Jarrett’s Bar Mitzvah. I really enjoyed myself and I’m hoping I can give you some good ideas when planning your own Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
When I first walked into Jarrett’s party, his signing item was out on display. I was one of the first people there, so nobody had signed it yet. It was a locker with his logo, an Under Armor symbol with his initials on the front. Around the locker was different sports equipment representing the sports he plays, such as a baseball glove and a tennis racket. I thought it was very creative that they were able to create something that represents him.

Jarrett’s sign-in locker
Jarrett’s centerpieces were also very nice. The adults had a vase with flowers and then a flag coming out of the top, while the kids had something more fun. The kid’s centerpieces featured a stand that had different sports on them. I took a picture of a baseball one – see below. It had a cartoon baseball on top and a bat going across it. That table was named the ‘World Series’ table. Each table had a sports related name instead of a regular number. I sat at the ‘Stanley Cup’ table.

One of Jarrett’s centerpieces
The DJ was Pulse Entertainment, which I am also using for my Bat Mitzvah. They put on a great show and the MC always knows how to get the crowd dancing. I was a little shy at first, along with my friend, but he got us both dancing on the floor. The MC was named Ian and he’s very funny. He jokes around with the kids and has a lot of fun. I really enjoyed dancing with him.
In addition to dancing, there was one other entertainment option. Out by his signing locker, a green screen was hung up and there was a trifold board with background options. I took three pictures with my friend, but my favorite one was the one with the Elmo background. It was really funny and cute. People were taking pictures all night, but they were also dancing too.

My friend and I with the Elmo background
Dinner was at a set time and it was a buffet style. The food was excellent. When dinner was over, people danced more, and then they announced an ice cream bar. All of the kids rushed to the cocktail room to be first in line. It took forever to get my toppings, and my ice cream started to melt. It still tasted great. I was disappointed when I heard there was no candy bar, but I was glad that the ice cream bar replaced it.
The party was excellent and my family and I had so much fun. Mazel Tov to Jarrett and his family.
Read Lindsey’s last blog post here.
ABOUT LINDSEY
I’m 12 years old, from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and more than halfway through 6th grade. Dancing is my favorite after school activity, whether it’s tap, jazz, ballet, or hip hop. Somehow I’m able to fit in my other hobby, softball, during my busy week. On top of all of that, I do whatever it takes to have time for my friends. My own Bat Mitzvah is coming up soon. It will be taking place in November, 2013. I can’t wait!
June 9th, 2013
Anyone with a 13-year-old knows how advanced they are using their cellphones and navigating apps!
Now tech-savvy Mitzvah Moms can join in on the fun and plan their child’s special day.
We have come across a variety of apps, many that are free, and relevant in the Bar Bat Mitzvah world.
Take a look below:
Groovebook.com

With all the picture taking that goes on at Bar Bat Mitzvahs, we loved this FREE app that prints your monthly camera roll into a 4.5” x 6.5” photo book for FREE and mails it to you monthly. Your photos are printed on glossy photo paper and are perforated for easy removal so you can share, frame, or put into albums. They also include the location and date outside of perforation for reference.

We love how easy it is for your iPhone photos to get from your phone to a photobook to your mailbox!

MyMitzvahApp.com

This is the newest tech-savvy product for the Bar Bat Mitzvah world. For a one time design set-up fee, you will get up to five personalized pages for your app and can share information about your service, party, directions, Mitzvah project and collect RSVPs.

This app will work on virtually every phone and tablet on the market today. You can also match your new app with a custom invitation suite from invitationsbyAna.com

The Seating Planner +

This app, which can be found on iTunes will help with your Bar Bat Mitzvah seating once your RSVPs are all returned.

It is easy to move around your guests until your tables are perfect!

Photo Mosaic
This can be downloaded for free from the App Store. It’s then easy to create a mosaic of you and your friend. The image can be downloaded and printed for a small fee.

A great gift for the Bar Bat Mitzvah child from their friend!
Have you found any apps related to the Bar Bat Mitzvah world? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
June 4th, 2013
It is hard to select 13 years worth of photos for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah montage.
Images4Ever will help you select photos and then have these memories of family and friends unfold in front of your guests using your dazzling pictures, creative backgrounds, video footage, music of your choice and personalized messages. They create a high quality DVD keepsake for any event.
The montage below was created by Images4ever, in a very short time period. The client was not sure whether or not they wanted a montage and thought about putting all the pictures together at the very last minute. They were extremely happy with the end product and word has it the guests enjoyed it as well! Images4ever prefers to get all the pictures about 6-8 weeks before the event.

Watch Max’s story here
To learn more about Images4Ever, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 3rd, 2013
Somehow we always have room for the delicious dessert, candy and cake at a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Whether you’re thinking about a single plated dessert for your party or an elaborate sweet table, there are so many choices for you to consider. You can even bring in outside companies who specialize in one or more delectable delights.
We’ve gathered some great choices for you to sample. Dig in below!
Enjoy…

Gina Marie Cake & Co.
Contact: Gina Marie, 718-724-3236, info@ginamariecake.com

From birthdays to weddings and all that’s in between let Gina Marie Cake & Co. create a one of a kind masterpiece to wow your guests and leave a lasting impression! Specializing in designs that are traditional yet innovative, with a goal to challenge the ordinary and create a masterpiece that is extraordinary. Each design is customized to reflect your very own personality and style. We take pride in every cake being the most memorable finale to any event!

Top left photo: Basketball cake: Barkley & O’neal Basketball cake. Basketball net, basketball and two jerseys draped along the sides of a custom two tier cake
Top right photo: Blue Cake. Royal & Pearl Cake designed with Quilted textured Fondant, curtains of sugar pearls with cascading Gumpaste peony and roses
Bottom left photo: Dress cake: Haute Couture Gown Cake designed with a double tiered bottom covered in a curtain ruffling of sugar, accented with luster dust and crystal jewel bands
Bottom right photo: Chocolate, Vanilla & Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

A Sprinkle and a Dash
Contact: Sharon Tracy, 516-526-7475, sales@asprinkleandadash.com

My Cup of Cake™, a warm, all natural Belgian chocolate soufflé cake that is made in less than 3 minutes is the ultimate event gift.
Customize the package and imprint the cup with your logo and place your personal note inside. We’ll even help you create the perfect logo at no additional charge!
You don’t have to be a chef or visit a high class restaurant to provide your guests with a light and airy soufflé cake combined with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth decadence of molten lava cakes.
Includes a 16-ounce ceramic mug and chocolate soufflé cake mix and generously serves 2 or more or choose our “mini” just for one!
Let us host your next event. We can provide staffing and serve up warm, chocolate soufflé cakes instantly to your guests. It only takes seconds to provide everyone with the ultimate dessert.

Top left and bottom right photos: Imprinted logo for both cups
Bottom left photo: Soufflé Cake Refill for the canister photo
Top right photo: “Mini” My Cup of Cake customizable chocolate souffle cakes you make in minutes

Just A Bite Desserts
Contact: Paula Rosenthal, paula@justabitedesserts.com
Combining her strict standards for delicious desserts and experience planning events, Paula Rosenthal founded Just a Bite Desserts, a dessert styling and sourcing firm in 2011. Paula works with clients to create beautiful, custom dessert tables that guests will remember for years. Paula sources specialty desserts both locally and nationwide, choosing only the best quality sweets to meet her clients’ discriminating tastes. “Let Just a Bite Desserts finish your affair in sweet style!”™ Contact Paula at paula@justabitedesserts.com to get started today!

Just a Bite Desserts can provide sweet endings for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, weddings or any occasion!

CandyCentral.com
Contact: Rachel Holick, 908-687-5800, rachel@candycentral.com

Candycentral.com is a full service distributor of candy, gum and snack items in East Hanover, New Jersey. As a fourth generation company, we have proudly been serving customers since 1937. We carry an incredible selection of chocolate and non-chocolate candy, gum, mints, gluten-free, sugar-free, Kosher and Licensed items, along with our popular retro/novelty items. Choose from manufacturers like M&M Mars, Hershey, Nestle, PEZ, Willy Wonka, or Tootsie…the list is endless. We offer a tremendous selection with low prices and fast delivery.

Clockwise from top left: Choose your favorite color M&Ms for a theme! * Create your own candy bar! * Celebrate with an assortment of colored coins. * An assortment of Whirly Pops!

Covered In Candy
Contact: Laurie Zucker, 646-234-9635, Laurie@coveredincandy.com

COVERED IN CANDY creates unique candy covered gifts for any occasion. From basketballs, soccer balls, lacrosse sticks to peace signs even handbags and shoes. Candylicious Centerpieces and Yummy Eye Popping Candy Buffets are also our specialty. From the smallest of gatherings to Camp Visiting Days, Baby Showers, Sweet 16’s, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, to large corporate events, COVERED IN CANDY designs each and every candy creation special for you. EVERYBODY DESERVES A LITTLE SWEETNESS IN LIFE!!! We are looking forward to creating a CANDYLICIOUS unique CANDY EXPERIENCE for you! Visit us on Facebook.

Top Left Photo: Pink Candy Buffet
Top Right Photo: Various Covered In Candy Centerpieces
Bottom Left Photo: Technology Candy Cake For Your Favorite Tech Guy/Gal
Bottom Right Photo: Candy Covered Initials

Dana’s Bakery
Contact: Dana Loia, 800-477-1816, info@danasbakery.com

Life should be exciting and so should your dessert! Dana’s Bakery brings you a unique experience by revolutionizing the traditional French macaron with an authentic American twist. With flavors such as Birthday Cake, Champagne, Red Velvet and Chocolate Molten Mac, these Kosher and 100% Gluten-Free goodies are the perfect treat for any event. Looking for custom colors, flavors, and unique macaron creations for your special occasion? The unconventional and unexpected is what Dana’s bakery is all about. Email Dana’s Bakery at info@danasbakery.com or call 800-477-1816 to discuss your specific needs. Follow us on Twitter @danasbakery and Instagram @danasbakery, “Like” us on Facebook, or check out our boards on Pinterest for our latest creations.

Top photo: Some fun flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Key Lime, Birthday Cake and Red Velvet Macarons
Middle left photo: Macaron Tower Bar Mitzvah candle lighting ceremony
Middle right photo: Red Velvet party favors
Bottom left photo: Gift box take-aways
Bottom right photo: Macaron Tower centerpiece

Dina’s Delights
Contact: Dina Tsiorvas, 516-578-7568, Dina@DinasDelights.net

There are many places you can go for cakes and cupcakes, but we at Dina’s Delights pride ourselves in treating your event like it’s our own special day. From consult to design, we truly enjoy creating custom cakes, or towers to serve as the centerpiece of any affair. We have provided dessert for events from Manhattan to Montauk. With our competitive packages and pricing, we are your source for custom creations for events of any size.

Top left photo: Pink and black topsy turvy Bat Mitzvah cake
Top right photo: Sports themed cake pops serve as a table centerpiece for this Bar Mitzvah luncheon
Bottom left photo: A mardi-gras inspired cupcake tower with a purple and green cake topper
Bottom right photo: A six layer pink and silver cake really bought the “wow” factor to this girl’s celebration

ZaJus Gourmet
Contact: Zac Odumes, 609-835-0211, zajusgourmet@gmail.com

Tasty food, delicious drinks & great times! At ZaJus Gourmet, we specialize in yummy fresh fruit smoothies or we can fill the room with the sweet aroma of freshly made waffles topped with ice cream.
Whichever one your choose, it will be a big hit at your son or daughter’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. With our smoothies you will have the choice of our Tiki Bar set up. We provide you with 1-2 professional servers/cooks dressed in Hawaiian shirts or attire to fit any theme. Everything is certified Kosher.

Top photo left: Fresh made waffles topped with delicious ice cream, caramel, chocolate and whipped cream
Top right photo: Check out some of our happy clients
Bottom left photo: ZaJus Gourmet will provide fantastic service and great flavors, something that your son or daughter will always remember
Bottom right photo: Sensational smoothies made in assorted gourmet flavors

June 1st, 2013
By Leslie Price, In Any Event
Whether I’m planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding, my clients often ask how to incorporate the memory of a loved one at a party without seeming morbid and sad.
In fact, nearly every celebration I’ve ever planned has acknowledged and honored a relative who is no longer with us. The secret is to do it in a way that is joyful, not mournful.
If you plan to have a traditional candle lighting or montage, it’s an easy and obvious way to include someone in loving memory.
Here are 7 other ideas which are meaningful ways to acknowledge the loved one during a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration:
1. Use Photos – As an alternative to photos of the Mitzvah child at the entrance or around cocktails, use old family photos which create a sense of heritage and belonging. Frame each photo and hang it as an art installation with a short description of who, what, where and when next to each. It also gives your guests something fun and interesting to look at and discuss during cocktails. You can also create a family time line by including photos of other relatives at their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and important family milestones.

If you can’t hang anything on the walls, use easels or consider digital photo frames on each table during cocktail hour with a slide show dedicated in loving memory. Add a card ‘In Loving Memory” with the name and relationship to the Mitzvah child. Group it in among other family photos to create more interest and reduce the ‘shrine’ effect. Perhaps even write a brief description of a favorite memory from one of the photos or a short letter which can be displayed along side the photo. If it’s celebratory, it’s not morbid.
2. Food and Drink – There are more subtle ways of infusing a loved one into the celebration; for instance, using a favorite recipe or drink in memory of a loved one, and mentioning it on the menu….
Grandpa Joe’s Filet Mignon
Served with shoe string French fries
Just the way he would have liked it
3. Favors – Recently, a client gave each guest a reusable bag with a mini challah, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla along with Bubby’s Famous French Toast recipe card and a short paragraph about Bubby. What a hit!
4. Printed Materials – In addition to menus and favors, you can mention a loved one in your Mitzvah program if you customize it (about $12 each at www.invitationsbyana.com).

This Mitzvah program above used the theme of a butterfly which was symbolic to the guest of honor
In the program, there is a section devoted to loving memory.
We remember with love, Grandpa Herbie,
who would have loved every minute of this day.
5. Donations – Another wonderful and meaningful way to acknowledge a loved one is to make a donation to their favorite charity or an organization which in some way relates to their memory. Attach a card which can be distributed to each guest, tastefully, with dessert.
In lieu of traditional favors, a donation has been made to Plant trees in Israel. Grandma Maddy would be very proud.
6. Momentos – Use an item from the deceased during the service whether it’s a talit, kiddush cup or a piece of jewelry, it’s a great way to honor their memory. (Try: OnceUponATallis)
7. No-No’s – While there’s no ‘wrong’ way to remember someone with love, there are two things to avoid at a party; empty chairs around a table and moments of silence — both are party killers. No one wants to be sad on a happy day.
We would like to thank Leslie for these great ideas. You can read more of her guest columns here:
Creative Ideas for the Candle Lighting Ceremony Part 1
Creative Ideas for the Candle Lighting Ceremony Part 2
June 1st, 2013
The Rubin family from Roslyn, New York celebrated daughter Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah on November 24, 2012 at Temple Sinai in Roslyn, New York.
Later that evening, it was a “white out” reception, with a South Beach nightclub feel at H On The Harbor in Port Washington, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Maddie, Dad Jason, Bat Mitzvah girl Sophie and Mom Wendy.
Party photography was by Stephen Andrews Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Sophie at her service at Temple Sinai.


Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends created Sophie’s white hot invitation which gave guests information about the theme.

The invitation included a “Whiteout VIP” card which directed guests to a Website created exclusively for Sophie’s party by Stephen Andrews Photography

Sophie’s dress was created by Designing Dreams. Her long tulle skirt was removed after her entrance so she could dance in a shorter version of her dress. Sister Maddie’s custom outfit was designed by Holly Green.

Sophie and her sister Maddie strike a pose

All guests were asked to wear their best “white beach chic” to celebrate in true South Beach style

The Rubins worked closely with H on the Harbor owner Alan Feinstein, Stephen Strutt of Stephen Andrews Photography and Dean of Great Neck Games to bring all the decor and creative elements to life.

Sophie posing next to the white lifeguard chair

White lounge furniture and draping with pink up lighting

Posters of Sophie wrapped around the walls

The dance floor gobo

Lots of details added to the authentic south beach feel.

Flip flops for those who wanted to take off their heels to dance

Sophie holding one of her custom made terry cloth pillows from Holly Green

The backdrop for the Challah table was a picture of Sophie at the beach with Sophie Beach spelled out in the sand

Sophie made her entrance on a surfboard from Surfboard Beach Art.

Guests threw confetti as she entered the room

DJ’s Unlimited provided the musical entertainment and led the action on the dance floor.


Sister Maddie getting a twirl

There were many fun interactive elements at this SoBe party including airbrushing courtesy of DJ’s Unlimited and sandbox with surf simulators operated by Great Neck Games.

Air-brushed flipped flops were made for Sophie’s guests

Guests getting airbrushed tattoos

Some surfer dudes practicing their moves

Mom Wendy surrounded by her friends.

Mom Wendy and her friends in all white!

Sophie surrounded by all of her friends during her candle lighting ceremony.

The cake display had many beach elements like sand, pails, beach chairs, and cake pops that were later passed out in the pails!

The cake had beach chair candles and was created by Cake Boss finalist Corina Elgart of Taste.

Chelsea Blake by Holly Green created the white off the shoulder sweatshirts for the girls.

The front of the sweatshirt

The back of the sweatshirt read, “Out of the dark, into the white”

The favors came in these great bags and Sophie’s guests got custom twisty band hair ties to tie the socks together

Advice from Mom Wendy:
“I practiced a lot of deep breathing and yoga! There are so many details to coordinate and manage. It’s important to remain calm and balance patience with perseverance. Not everything goes exactly how you expect but that makes for a more fun and exciting party in the end. Hurricane Sandy was two weeks before Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah. I was grateful that H On The Harbor did not suffer any hurricane damage. The party was a true collaborative effort. I could not have pulled off the “White Out” party without the talents of my creative party planning team.”

Sophie designed custom shoe laces, “NVR4GET” to raise awareness and funds for the National Holocaust Museum. The laces will be given to individuals who participate in Temple Sinai’s First Annual Race for Remembrance this Spring.

Visit Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah Website, sophbeach.com for more information about her Mitzvah Project

The following vendors helped to make Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: H on the Harbor, 516-883-0091
Party Planner/Caterer: Alan Feinstein, H on the Harbor
Decor: Dean, Great Neck Grames
Photographer/Videographer/Decor elements: Steven Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography, 516- 780-9100
Website/ Montage: Stephen Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography
Music Entertainment/MC: DJ’s Unlimited Productions, 516-496-9616
Favors: Chelsey Blake by Holly Green
Party entertainment: Sand Box/Surf Simulator, Great Neck Games, 516- 747-9191
Invitation: Dara, Dear Friends, 516-456-2514
Cake: Corina, Taste, 516-802-2212
Sign-In board: Marjy, Surfboard Beach Art, 631-374-3399
Printing and production: Alan Shanes, 516-647-8843
Favor Bags: Bag Makers, 800-458-9023
Custom hair bands/Custom shoe laces: The Twist Band
Sophie’s custom made dress: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Mom Wendy’s dress: Versace, 212-317-0224
Maddie’s dress: Infinity Clothing by Holly Green
Hair: Liz and Tina, Bella Luna Salon, 516- 801-3730
Makeup: Lauren and Sondra, Jill Sherer Ltd., 516-621-6611
Transportation: Delux Transportation of Port Washington, 800-232-3358
May 28th, 2013
On December 21, 2012, the Breitowich family from La Porte, Indiana, along with twenty family and friends, traveled to Israel to celebrate son Jack’s Bar Mitzvah. Another twenty-five family members who live in Israel joined the celebration at the top of Masada.
Once back in the States, there was a celebration in Jack’s honor for school friends, teammates, camp friends, and close family at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana.
All party photography was provided by Bella Photographs and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Lee, Mom Kathy, Bar Mitzvah boy Jack and older sister Andi.

The Breitowich family traveled to Israel to celebrate Jack’s Bar Mitzvah at the top of Masada.

The Breitowich family are all smiles atop Masada

The outdoor ceremony

Enjoying an authentic bedouin meal with family and friends

The logo for Jack’s Israel trip was “Life is Good”

The front read in Hebrew “Hachiyim Tovim”

The back read, “See you at the top!” (of Masada, of course!)

A t-shirt and water bottle with Jack’s logo was given to each member of the group who climbed Masada

Family and friends all together

As a special treat for their guests, Jack and his family sang a song specially written by Carolyn Schwartz from Poems by Carolyn. It’s to the tune of The Beatle’s, “Got To Get You Into My Life.“
Watch a video of their song
here

Once back in the United States, there was a kids party in Jack’s honor. The invitation and save-the-date note pads were both in the same color palette: black, silver and red.

The “save-the-date” notepads were sent out well in advance because Jack’s party was during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend

The invitation was classic and modern, created by All The Best Invitations

Bar Mitzvah boy Jack in his Brooks Brothers suit and older sister Andi in her cocktail dress from Ask Alice Boutique looked very stylish.


A take-off of the Nike logo “Just Do It,” Jack’s logo was “Jack Did It.” There was a sports vibe, but not specific to a particular sport.


The Pieced Palette created Jack’s sign-in pillow, which was a replica of Jack’s Bar Mitzvah invitation.

The fabric arrives taut so that it can stand on an easel at your party for guests to sign

After the celebration, the fabric is sent back to The Pieced Palette and a pillow is created

Jack enters to rock group Queen’s, “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

Jack is all pumped up and ready to make his entrance

Energy Productions, with JB as the MC, provided a festive atmosphere with non stop dancing and great music.

Jack dancing with one of his dancers

MC JB got the crowd dancing all night

Jack taking over and wearing one of his “Jack Did It” t-shirts

Jack and the kids in t-shirts that read, “Jack Did It”

Everyone on the dance floor having fun

As a surprise for Jack, his sister Andi, along with her friend, sang a song created by Giftrapped.com, a company that creates personalized rap songs.

To see the funny video, click here

A sweet treat as guests made their exit.

Chocolate cake pops in lacquer vases

Guests washed down the delicious desserts with yummy chocolate milk

Mom Kathy offers this advice:
“Planning a Bar Mitzvah doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating. By staying organized, starting early, and keeping several lists that I continually updated throughout the process, I was able to enjoy Jack’s day and events. Finding vendors in northwest Indiana was a challenge, but the resources from Mitzvah Market made the process easy and successful!

The following vendors helped to make Jack’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Sand Creek Country Club, 219-395-5222
Party Planner: Mom Kathy
Décor/florist: Jill, M & M The Special Events Company, 630-871-9999
Music Entertainment: MC JB, Energy Productions, 847-581-1031
Photographer/Videographer: Bella Photography, 219-736-5217
Favor person Israel and Indiana: Above the Belt T-shirts, 847-651-2144
Invitations: All The Best Invitations, 866-992-4033
Rap Song: GiftRapped.com
Song Sung in Israel: Carolyn Schwartz, Poems By Carolyn, 516-312-0727
Save the date pads: www.artpromos.com, 718-243-9417
Custom stamps: zazzle.com
Cupcakes: Designer Desserts, 219-465-0008
Pretzels: Good Karma Pretzels, 702-281-4991
Lighted tables: Cort Event Furnishings
Signs: Lance, Freelance Studios
Sign-In pillow: Jane, The Pieced Palette
Sister Andi’s dress: Ask Alice Boutique, 516-921-2464
Mom’s dress: Judee’s Boutique, 219-324-6443
Men’s suits: Brooks Brothers
Hair/makeup: Heath and Company, 269-469-4247
May 27th, 2013
Mikayla Arielle Meltser celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on March 3, 2013 at The Coliseum in White Plains, New York.
This was the second celebration for this family and they had a blowout dance party!
EK Productions not only supplied the music entertainment, but also took care of the photography, videography, decor, favors, and extra entertainment.
Pictured left: MC Evan from EK Productions and Bat Mitzvah girl Mikayla.

Mikayla’s daytime celebration took place at The Coliseum in White Plains.

Mikayla in her long, pink gown from All Dressed Up

EK Productions provided the decor for Mikayla’s celebration.

Large scale photos of Mikayla were on display around the room

Birch centerpieces with LED lights were used on some tables

Other tables featured globe centerpieces with votives

Crystal lampshades add a touch of glamour!

EK Productions provided the music entertainment with Evan as the MC. Evan and the EK crew kept guests dancing all day long.

Mikayla makes her entrance

The Pieced Palette created Mikayla’s sign-in pillow with her M & M logo.


Riviera Bakehouse created Mikayla’s colorful Bat Mitzvah cake.


EK Productions provided additional entertainment for Mikayla’s guests to enjoy.
Mikayla standing in front of her custom Step-n-Repeat where guests posed for photos

Guests enjoyed the photo booth

There was plenty of room for lots of guests!

Each of Mikayla’s friends could customize a pair of headphones like the ones below


The following vendors helped to make Mikayla’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Coliseum White Plains, 914-557-3401
Music Entertainment/Photo Booth: MC Evan, EK Productions, 718- 982-6000
Photographer/Videographer: All photography from EK Productions including Zap Shots
Decor/Favors: EK Productions
Invitations: Love Laura Designs
Cake: Riviera Bakehouse, 914-693-9758
Sign-In board: The Pieced Palette, 914-420-1746
Mikayla’s Dress: All Dressed Up, 914-908-5661
Suits for family members: Armani
Hair/makeup: Hair by Visulio & Makeup from Jay at MAC
May 22nd, 2013
EK Productions LTD. is a professional group of entertainers founded in 1986.
Their company has grown from a successful DJ operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, MC’s, and other exciting entertainment for your affair.
They are now offering something brand new to Bar Bat Mitzvah families: a virtual sports arena! There are 5 different games in 1 system and it’s so compact, it can be used anywhere.
Take a look:

Soccer

Baseball

To learn more visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.