December 14th, 2012
Alexa Miller celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 12, 2012 with services at The Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, NY and then onto the celebration with family and friends at Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich, NY.
No stranger to performing Alexa is an accomplished dancer. She did a great job during her service and when it was time to head to her reception she was ready to shine.
Pictured above from the left is Bat Mitzvah girl Alexa, Dad Steven, younger sister Jillian and Mom Margot.
Ira Rosen was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
The Millers used Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends for the beautiful and sophisticated invitation in pale pink with grey ink setting the color palette for the entire party. It was embellished with ivory ribbon edged with pink, some tulle and of course a rhinestone buckle and rhinestone accents to celebrate her love of all things sparkly!
The Miller Family looked regal and chic the night of the party. Bat Mitzvah girl Alexa’s gown was actually a bridal gown. It was white but in the middle of the skirt was a layer of off-white tulle which coordinated with accents of off-white lace and beading on the bodice. The back was corseted and tied in a bow. She also wore an amazing rhinestoned crown both bought at It’s Simply for You. To top the ensemble off, she wore white glittery Kate Spade shoes with big bows on the front. Mom Margot’s elegant gown was bought at Mieka Boutique. Dad Steven joined the color scheme with his pink bow tie and tuxedo from Bloomingdale’s. Sister Jillian completed the picture with a pink gown from Designing Dreams.
Alexa started the night and the cocktail hour in this short Sheri Hill dress from It’s Simply for You
The ballroom at Pine Hollow Country Club was sophisticated with a palette of pale pink, silver and lots of crystals. The decor was a collaboration of Alexa, Mom Margot and Danae of Stefan Florist.
The entryway of the club is elegant and a beautiful setting for guests to pick up their place cards
Place cards were done by Someday Designs and the place card holders Mom Margot got from a bridal website
Alexa striking a pose in front of the entrance to the kid’s cocktail hour
The entire perimeter was enhanced with a combination of back lit giant images of Alexa
The ballroom was completely draped in pure white fabric with white lounge furniture and shimmer pink pillows. The tufted couches and bar all had rhinestones set into each tuft!
The centerpieces from Stefan Florist were made up of white hydrangea accented with soft pink roses and blush pink spray roses, bursts of white phaelaeonopsis orchid stems displayed from crystal vases with crystal beading. They were based off of a picture Mom Margot cut out of a bridal magazine years ago!
Some of the beautiful and fun elements that were included were:
The table linens, napkins and ribbon with rhinestone buckle were all done by Table Wraps perfectly complimenting the color palette of the party
Logo’d socks for the kids
Pink imprinted napkins with grey text and a beautiful thought
Little sister Jillian stands next to her poster
EJ the DJ dancers led the way as the Guest of Honor is about to make her entrance.
EJ The DJ dancers led the way
In the middle of the party, guests were asked to take their seats to watch a “special presentation” created by Ethan Kornfeld. Alexa loves the movie “Burlesque” so they tweaked it and produced a short film highlighting the theme of the party, which was a twist on the movie “Burlesque” using Alexa’s name: Burlex.
While showing the the film to her guests, Alexa left and changed into a dance costume. When the movie ended, Alexa was back on the dance floor performing for her friends and family
Watch here
EJ the DJ provided the non-stop music and dancing for this party. MC CL kept the dance floor packed!
The interactive stations by Just Rebecca Events were placed throughout the space and included flip flops with pictures on them, create your own perfume or cologne station, a custom pinnie shop and more!
Flip flops with the kids pictures on them
A perfume station where guests were able to blend their own custom fragrance
Alexa organized a dance-a-thon in March 2011 and raised over $9,000 for The Dizzy Feet Foundation which funds and supports dance education programs for children in low-income areas and provides scholarships to talented students. To read all about Alexa’s Mitzvah Project profile we featured on Mitzvah Market click here.
Shirts Alexa’s friends received for participating in her Mitzvah Project
Alexa and her friends at the event
Advice from Mitzvah Mom Margot:
“The best advice I can give is to be organized. Do as many things a head of time as possible. And hire great people. I truly feel as if I had the “Dream Team” running my party. They all were such a pleasure to work with and were above and beyond helpful to me during the entire process. They listened to what we wanted and delivered ten-fold! People said we looked so relaxed and like we enjoyed every second and we truly did because we knew we were in great hands. After all was said and done- we wouldn’t have changed a single thing. It was truly perfect!”
This beautiful six-tiered cake was created by Cake Boss finalist Corina Elgart of Taste: It’s In the Cake. Inside was funfetti with butter cream filling…yum!
Amy Richards of And That came up with the designs for the sweatshirts, the dancer t-shirts and the dance floor giveaways which were boys and girls shirts and logo’d headphones like beatz.
The cubbies from Just Rebecca Events kept the kids favors organized and neat
The back of the black hooded favor for the girls
The date written out on the sleeve
The boys sweatshirts
The candy table was lovingly designed and presented from some very special friends of the Miller Family – Kim, Lynn and Maria. Their company is called Sweetibles.
Alexa’s Sugar Factory was opened!
Every guest received a pink lollipop with a pink rhinestoned stick from The Sugar Factory
Each was wrapped with pink tulle ribbon and a custom hang tag which read: “Sweet Dreams, Love, Alexa”
The following vendors helped to make Alexa’s party special. If you give any of them a call, let them know MitzvahMarket.com sent you.
Venue: Pine Hollow Country Club, 516-922-0300
Music Entertainment: MC CL, EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
Decor/Flowers/Lounge: Stefan’s Florist
Photographer: Ira Rosen Studios
Videographer: Ethan Kornfeld Studios
Invitations: Dara Grunberg, Dear Friends , 516-367-7877
Party Entertainment: Just Rebecca, 516-933-0911
Place cards: Someday Designs
Linen and Napkins: Judy, Table Wraps
Menu Cards: Platinum Affairs
Kids Favors: Amy and Jen, And That…Gift, 516-364-9222
Cake: Corinna Elgart, Cakes By Taste
Candy Table: Sweetibles
Rhinestone Lollipops: The Sugar Factory
Digital Sign-in: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events , 516-586-6822
Bat Mitzvah Girl’s Dress: It’s Simply For You, 516-921-2863
Mom’s Dress: Mieka Boutique
Jillian’s Dress: Designing Dreams, 516- 248-1988
Hair: Meghan, Rosanna, Jackie, NV Salon
Make-Up: Lauren, Dakotah Salon
Socks: Sockprints
December 12th, 2012
A story teller, Todd Shapera Photography captures a child’s inner beauty and close family connections with relaxed, lifestyle images, and beautiful lighting. He is a calm, unobtrusive artist.
Recently, Todd was the photographer and D.J. Chainat was the party planner at a Bat Mitzvah celebration for a girl named Haley who has a massive crush on Justin Bieber.
Haley and her family
After her father/daughter dance, Haley was tapped on the shoulder and surprised by Justin Bieber impersonator Matt Taylor. Matt just started doing these gigs to raise money for his sister who is battling cancer
Keep reading to learn about another surprise in the bag!
He serenades her with the song “Baby” and then an acoustic version of “One Less Lonely Girl”
He continued singing with two more songs that he sang and danced to: “Somebody to Love” and “Boyfriend“
Among other things, the bag contained tickets to an upcoming Justin Bieber New York concert.
Matt stayed and danced with all the kids for another 30 minutes
After all that excitement, Haley enjoys the traditional horah
We thank Todd Shapera Photography for sharing this surprise with our readers. To learn more about Todd, visit his Website at www.ToddShapera.com.
December 9th, 2012
While some people may panic if they had trouble coming up with the perfect theme for a Bat Mitzvah girl, Melisa Imberman of The Event Of A Lifetime just got creative instead.
The family and Melisa were struggling to find a theme that felt “just right,” so taking the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite color, purple, and her middle name, Rose, Melisa began brainstorming. As the Bat Mitzvah girl began to fall in love with the process of creating her custom made purple gown, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.
With only a color, a flower, and the gown as guides, Melisa designed a party filled with elegance and beauty.
The custom-made purple gown that inspired the decor
The seating cards were printed in purple ink with a rose design on each one
Instead of a typical sign-in book or board, Melisa attached note cards on purple ribbons to a miniature (purple!) dress
The centerpieces were miniature versions of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s purple gown–each gown was different but they were all adorned with roses
The cake was a sophisticated three-tier creation topped with roses
If you love these dress centerpieces as much as we do, you’re in luck! They are for sale in various colors.
Contact Karyn Greenblatt at 516-413-9327, she has 11 centerpieces. You can also contact Melissa at 914-762-5770, she has 4 centerpieces.
For more information about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their Website.
December 7th, 2012
The Mittleman family of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey celebrated their son Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah on January 14, 2012 at Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, New Jersey.
Their reception, which included close friends from near and far was held at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, New Jersey.
Mom Jenn tried to think of every detail to make this the most memorable night for Jordan. We think after reading this spotlight you will agree that she succeeded!
Pictured above (L-R): Sister Emily, Mom Jennifer, Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan and Dad Alan
All party photography is by Joe Pacifico and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Here is the full court action.
This chocolate brown and textured basketball invitation was custom made by Bee’s Cards and perfect for a basketball fan. The stamp from Zazzle.com is a picture of Jordan dunking the ball!
The front of the invitation
The inside of the invitation
The Mittleman Family looked sophisticated in their party clothes. Mom Jennifer looked elegant in her custom bronze Donald Deal gown, daughter Emily was in a couture burnt orange dress from Gotham City Clothing. Both father and son were in Hermes suits
Jordan loves basketball which made the theme an easy one to choose and the theme was carried throughout the party. A huge decal on the dance floor for Jordan’s Hall of Fame
Guests signed a beautifully framed basketball jersey which now hangs in Jordan’s room
The color scheme of chocolate brown and orange was perfect for the basketball theme party. It was all pulled together and came to life with the help of Debbie’s Designs. Dispersed throughout the room were jerseys, basketball hoops and basketballs starting with the entrance and the place card table. The place card table had graffiti basketballs with Jordan’s initials on top of cylinders with lit votive candles
Place cards were mounted on basketball textured paper
Pictures of Jordan on Sports Illustrated magazine covers looked very authentic
High cocktail tables were filled with mini basketballs in the kids lounge
Pretty floral centerpieces on the adult tables
Jordan’s basketball jersey hung around the room
Jordan produced his own entrance video! Watch his creative work here
Jordan’s basketball themed montage was created by Spot On Pictures. Watch it here
Dad Alan having a great time
The boys loved their Joe Boxer underwear giveaway and decided to wear them immediately on the outside of their clothes!
A fun party crasher
Mom Jenn and Jordan share a dance together
Jordan’s sister Emily giving a speech to her big brother
Guests were entertained with airbrushing, flip books and basketball entertainer Jack Ryan a.k.a. The Hoop Wizard. He taught Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan how to twirl 2 basketballs!
Mom Jennifer tells MM.com that you could see the outside Gobo lights from Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah across town!
Jordan’s creative cake was created by Le Petite Gateau
The favor bags were in keeping with the party’s theme of brown and orange
The front said “Jordan’s Hall of Fame”
The back of the sweatshirt featured signatures of his favorite Hall of Famer’s like Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain…how cool!
Some advice from Mom Jennifer:
“Don’t think it’s crazy to plan early! I started planning 2 years before. It’s important to stay organized! Go to Staples and buy yourself a binder and folders and label each section. My sections included: 1. Reception Venue/Cake. 2. Temple/Kiddush, 3. Hotel info, 4. DJ/montage. 5. Favors/Vendors, 6. Clothing receipts. Make lists so you feel the satisfaction when you can cross things off. Make sure you go to three different post offices to have invitations weighed (I can’t express this enough) that was my biggest nightmare. After the Bar Mitzvah celebration was over the word we heard repeatedly was “warm” and that means we accomplished what we set out to do. Jordan had the time of his life and appreciated every aspect of the night.”
Mitzvah Project:
For Jordan’s Mitzvah Project he chose to raise money for a cause that is close his heart. He created a Shoot-a-thon challenge and all of the money that was raised was donated to The Foundation for Diabetes Research. The reason he chose this charity is in honor of Mom Jenn, an Uncle, sister Emily and his late Grandfather who all have Type 1 Diabetes. Jordan went to various friends houses in town and shot at baskets until he sank 13 shots at each house. He was able to achieve his goal with friends and was able to raise $2,000.
Jordan and his friends following him as he makes his basketball shots around the neighborhood
The Mittlemans offered their guests a sweet surprise at the end of the evening wrapped in packaging that included Jordan’s logo “Jordan’s Hall of Fame”
Orange basketball bagels beautifully wrapped
and orange soda to enjoy on the way home
The following vendors helped to make Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Rockleigh Country Club, 201-768-7171
Party Planner: Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Music Entertainment/Videography: DJ Jeff Yahney, 631-425-5333
Favors: Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Basketball Entertainer: Jack Ryan, Hoop Wizard, 917-754-2486
Extra Entertainment (XBox, Dance Dance Revolution, Pop A Shot, Poly Pong): DJ Jeff Yahney, 631-425-5333
Airbrushing: Cameron Create, 973-609-2625
Flipbooks: NJ Jersey FlipBooks, 973-580-0474
Invitation: Bee’s Cards, 661-244-1233
Cake: Le Petit Gateau, 201-391-6300
Decor/Florist/Sign-In Board: Debbie’s Design, 973-696-7930
Mom Dress: Mom Jennifer, Donald Deal 212-398-5007
Sister Emily: Gotham City Clothing, 973-912-8412
Suits for family: Hermes
Hair/makeup: Barbara, Joseph Taylor Salon, 845-639-0900
Transportation: Limo Express, 201-343-3488
Photographer: Joe Pacifico, 718-339-6642
Montage: Wanda Weber, Spot On Pictures, 212-979-9667
Entrance Video: Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan Mittleman
Kippah: Mazel Tops 800-397-0703
Custom Basketball Tallis: Israel Book Shop 800-323-7723
Custom Stamp: Zazzle.com
Dunkin Jordan sign: Debbie’s Designs
Basketball bagels : Shoprite
December 5th, 2012
Zach Levin from New Jersey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on December 1, 2012 and raised an amazing $18,740 dollars for a project very close to his and his family’s heart.
Pictured L-R is Mom Randi, Bar Mitzvah boy Zach, Gallery Educator Sol Rosenkranz, Dad Chaim and Sister Amanda at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
We asked Zach to explain. Please continue reading to learn more:
MM: What is the name of your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: My Mitzvah Project is called, “Beyond the Last Generation.” I have teamed up with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, in New York City, to preserve the memory of the Holocaust for future generations.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: My grandfather Benjamin Levin is one of the last surviving fighting Partisans from Lithuania. He risked his life to save others and to be a witness to history. My goal was to raise 15,000 dollars for the Museum of Jewish Heritage which represents a penny for every child who perished in the Holocaust. I just had my Bar Mitzvah and announced that I have raised $18,740. This money will go toward the Gallery Education Program for the museum. The instructors are mostly Holocaust survivors, children of survivors, WWII veterans, and teachers, who are committed to educating about their heritage. We anticipate the museum to educate around 60,000 visitors a year.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
ZL: I have a Website at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/beyondthelastgeneration/zachary
I gave speeches at various organizations and held a jewelry fundraiser and a garage sale in the Fall.
MM: Why did you decide to take on a Mitzvah Project?
ZL: To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah gives me the responsibility to continue his legacy and educate others about this awful event in history. Charity is very important to my family as well.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
ZL: People can still donate to this very important cause on my Website as my project which was started in March 2012 will go through March 2013.
We thank Zach for sharing his great Mitzvah Project with our readers and wish him Mazel Tov for exceeding his incredible goal!
If your child did a past, present or future Mitzvah Project that you would like to share, please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
December 1st, 2012
David Tell celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May, 5th 2012, at North Shore Synagogue with a Havdalah service followed by his celebration.
This family worked Cinco de Mayo and his love of hockey into his theme for a very colorful celebration!
Jo Von was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Cindy, younger brother Sam, Dad Larry, Bar Mitzvah boy David and older brother Henry
Mom Cindy wanted to do something original for David’s invitation so she called Michelle Farber of M. Studio Events. Ethan Kornfeld took the pictures and Michelle designed the creative invite to reflect David’s love of hockey.
M. Studio Events created this invitation and special cover wrap for the current issue of Sports Illustrated
David’s service took place at North Shore Synagogue.
The colors for the kippot were picked specifically to be bright and fun for their Cinco de Mayo celebration. They were arranged into a peace sign by David’s cousins
The Tell family looked great!
The boys suits were from Kenny’s Boys & Menswear
Mom Cindy had her dress custom made by Kimberly at Runway Couture, each red rose was hand sewn on the back
The room at North Shore Synagogue was set for a real Cinco De Mayo celebration thanks to Dazzling Parties and party planner Debbie Hart. As guests entered the cocktail hour, they were greeted by a Marachi Band where the food served matched the theme.
All the tables were decorated with Mexican blankets and old fashioned bottles that had Mexican sayings on them, as well as centerpieces with flowers
Dazzling Parties created the lounge area for the young guests
Colorful spandex chair covers added to the decor and theme
Lamp shades reflected David’s love of hockey
Some of the tables had umbrellas with pinatas and donkeys
About 45 minutes before David’s celebration ended, the young guests were led into David’s Cinco de Mayo private party separate from the adults giving the kids a chance to let loose without the adults. Richie Hart brought in a separate DJ and Dazzling Parties decorated the room for a real rockin’ kids party
RH Events with Richie Hart as the MC provided the music entertainment.
David makes his entrance
David poses with the RH Events crew
The DJ set-up included light up platforms and multiple screens
As a surprise to guests, Richie Hart brought in a confetti gun that really set the mood
David with two of the dancers in festive Cinco de Mayo fashion
All their guests got into the theme as did the entire staff who were wearing Mexican ponchos & moustaches
The favors were created by Michelle Weissman. The boys received hockey sweatshirts and the girls received zip-ups. All were personalized with each child’s name!
David models the hockey sweatshirt
They also gave out T-shirts and hats during the party that said, “puck it “‘
Great advice from Mom Cindy: “Just enjoy every minute of your child’s celebration because it’s fun…….and you should feel lucky that you have the opportunity to throw such a special party.”
The following vendors helped to make David’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Keith Senzer, Del Mir Caterers, North Shore Synogague
Party Planner: Debbie Hart, RH Entertainment
Decor: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties
Invitation: Michelle Farber, M. Studio Events
Photo Shoot for Invite: Ethan Kornfeld
Music Entertainment/Videography: MC Richie Hart, RH Entertainment
Photographer: Jo Von Photography
Favors: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialities, 516-637-0493
Party Entertainment: The Main Event, games and photo booth
Mom Cindy’s dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Boy’s Suits: Kenny’s Boys & Menswear, 516-921-2660
November 27th, 2012
As you all know, there is a lot of planning that goes into your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and celebration. We all hope everything goes as planned and we aren’t thrown a curve ball!
We recently brought you an inspirational story from one family called, From The Hospital Bed To The Horah Chair. Thankfully, they were still able to celebrate and now have a great story to tell.
We recently heard from three other families with stories of Mitzvah Mishaps that we wanted to share. It is a reminder to keep things in perspective and how mind over matter can conquer all.
Family One:
Mitzvah Mom Deena celebrated her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah at Woodbury Jewish Center. Like most Moms and Dads, they wanted their family and friends to have a terrific time celebrating with them. At one point during the celebration, after the candle lighting, but before the montage, Deena’s husband lifted one of their female friends onto the dance floor platform. As he put her down, her high heel shoe got stuck and she started to fall back. Unfortunately Mom Deena was right behind her and she fell on top of her.
Deena immediately knew her face would be bloody and was very grateful to an employee who was standing by and witnessed everything. He quickly grabbed napkins so not a drop of blood got on her dress and whisked her away to a nearby room. Deena was able to tell her MC to keep the music playing and instructed her husband to keep the party going. Thankfully a physician guest was able to stop her nose from bleeding and she eventually went back to the party as if nothing happened. Two weeks later, when her nose was not healing, she found out it was broken and needed surgery to correct it. Guests had no idea this happened and looking back, she thinks she was able to will away the pain and still enjoy.
Family Two:
Like many of us, Mitzvah Mom Stephanie wore high heeled shoes at her son’s Bar Mitzvah. Even though her feet hurt, she continued dancing. Toward the end of the night, she switched into matching flip flops and at some point on the dance floor, she remembers rolling her foot. She felt it happen and knew something bad happened, but wouldn’t let that stop her from enjoying the rest of her son’s celebration. The next day she and her family hosted a brunch and her foot did look swollen and black and blue.
By Monday she needed to see a doctor and learned she did in fact break her foot. She spent 6 weeks walking around with a boot and now feels the moral of the story is to keep on your high heels, no matter how much your feet hurt!
Family Three:
Being lifted in the chair is part of the Horah tradition. Mitzvah Mom Reina tells us she was simply lifted up in the chair and all felt normal until she started to notice that she was tilting forward a bit.
The next thing she knew, she was literally being “ejected from the chair.” She thinks back in retrospect and has this to say, “Being lifted by men, is a no, no! They have no idea how to delicately balance a woman sitting in a chair and why do they find it necessary to go up and down? That is when I went flying!”
Luckily, Reina landed on her feet and was not wearing 5 inch heels. She adds, “It really could have been a disaster, but I got up, fixed myself and continued dancing. It was one of the best nights of my life and I can now look back and laugh.”
Did you have a Mitzvah Mishap at your child’s celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
Please see additional Mitzvah Mishaps sent in by our readers:
“At my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah about five years ago, my mother tripped coming down the steps from the bimah after her aliyah. At the lunch reception, we asked one of our guests, who’s an ER physician, to take a quick look at her. He told us to take her directly to the ER after the reception. It turned out she had a fractured arm. She was such a trooper – she must’ve been in a great deal of pain, but she didn’t want to ruin my son’s day.”
— Darcy Silvers, Pennsylvania
“I had a client that has a set of twins – one boy and one girl. They were having their party at a place in Chicago that is a furniture store with three floors. To make their grand entrance, the son was going to rappel down from the top and the daughter was to come into the event on the back of a motorcycle. Unfortunately that afternoon, the weather was inclement and the rider could not drive in from where he lived – so they made a quick change and she was brought into the event on a chaise like Cleopatra.”
— Cindy Rudman from NoteworthyNotes in Chicago, IL
“As a party planner, I get to see it all. Here are some of the Mitzvah Mishaps I can report on:
* The bus getting lost, delayed by traffic, stuck going up a hill to the Mitzvah celebration
* The DJ gave out beach balls & one hit a chandelier & pieces came off & hit someone & cut them
* People got carried away during the horah & flung someone into the band & she tore her dress
* Someone stepped on the Bat Mitzvah girls gown & it ripped
* The father of the Bar Mitzvah boy had a little too much to drink & started crying during his speech
* I have had a Bat Mitzvah girl have to find a new dress 2 weeks before her Bar Mitzvah due to a growth spurt (have experienced this with a boy as well, however it much easier to get a new suit)
* When they lifted the mother of the Bat Mitzvah girl up in a chair during the horah her bra pad insert (not sure what you call them) came out!
* The fire alarm, followed by the sprinklers went off during a party”
— Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime Inc.
November 25th, 2012
The sad news is that the party is over, the good news is that you can send guests home with delicious treats that will make them say, “Wow!”
Check out the great ideas below and for more, revisit: Mitzvah Exit: Something Delicious For The Ride Home.
Left: MK Photography took a picture of this Candy Shoppe Wall.
Event planner Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie presented chocolate babka cake to guests with a custom label
Evoke DC created a wall of donuts
A New York Newsstand from Creative Games giving away candy, magazines and more to guests as they leave
Included in this year’s Grammy swag bag, Mouth Party Caramels offers delicious flavors: Cappuccino, Cinnamon, and OMG! (a chocolate caramel) plus great packaging options
New York City Event Planner Marcy Blum created a “breakfast to go” bakery for her client
This Bar Mitzvah boy treated everyone to his own Dunkin’ Donuts from Pink House Events
Did you have a creative treat for your guests to take home? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
November 25th, 2012
Thank you for the “likes” on Facebook, the “tweets” on Twitter and the “pins” on Pinterest.com. Now there is a new way for our readers to connect with us!
Check us out on Instragram @MitzvahMarket.
We add photos daily and will be posting “live” from Bar Bat Mitzvahs. You can too! Just post a photo to instagram and use the hashtag #mitzvahmarket. We will follow you back and like or comment the photo!
Any questions just reach out to us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
November 23rd, 2012
Gabrielle “Gabby” Gornitsky celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 26, 2012 at the Hampshire Country Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
Her celebration was themed “Club GRG” for Gabby Rose Gornitsky and this club featured something no other nightclub ever will: there were literally thousands of balloons covering the ceiling at both the service and the party. Talk about a popping celebration!
All photography was provided by Liz Steger of Liz Photo and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured L-R: Mom Dina, Bat Mitzvah girl Gabby, Dad Lorne, Sister Sasha
Pretty Paper and Polka Dots created the unique invitations that could be worn around guests’ necks, like a VIP pass to a club.
The invitations were printed on plastic plexiglass and asked guests to wear “cocktail chic” attire
Gabby had her service at Synagogue Hatikvah in the Bronx.
The synagogue ceiling was filled with balloons
The decor in the synagogue put the guests in a celebratory mood right away
Gabby’s dress was a gorgeous bright pink Betsey Johnson creation.
Later in the night she made her grand entrance through this arch of iridescent balloons
Balloon Artistry provided the place card tins, which had a special surprise inside: kids got gumballs, and adults got mints (and a table number).
The kids’ place card tins had gumballs inside — they had an open seating area, so there was no need for table numbers
In addition to a sign-in board, Gabby had a book near the place card tins in which friends and family could leave messages
Mom Dina and Dad Lorne worked on the decor with Balloon Artistry to create a club atmosphere.
Brightly colored palm trees were at the center of each table
The colorful Club GRG logo
It seemed as though there was an endless amount of balloons
Gabby made her grand entrance through the striking balloon arch.
She wore an EJ the DJ shirt and was carried in by two dancers
EJ The DJ provided the music for the celebration with Kershel as the MC.
One of the dancers made sure Gabby got a birds eye view of the crowd
The DJ and MC hyped up the guests for a club-like dance party
Gabby was fearless on the chair, grinning and clapping her hands
Liz of Liz Photo, the event photographer, made the sign-in board too.
The board was a collage of photos of Gabby and her friends
The rose in Gabby’s hair on the sign-in board matched the color of her dress
To add an extra bit of pizzazz, Balloon Artistry made a life-size cut-out of Gabby for the party.
It’s like seeing double
A group shot of all the kids at Club GRG
Brightly colored leopard print socks were available for girls who wanted to take off their shoes
Balloon Artistry provided the favors: reversible sports pinnies with the Club GRG logo.
The girls had white and black pinnies
This was the logo on the boys’ pinnies
Instead of a cake, Gabby had a stand-alone candle lighting ceremony featuring clever poems written by It Could Be Verse.
Her candles stood behind a sparkly pink sign featuring her name, Gabby
Gabby’s mom Dina planned the party with her husband Lorne, and with help from EJ the DJ and Balloon Artistry, and her advice for other moms is short and sweet:
“Start very early, save as much money as you can, and try to be calm and organized.”
The Gornitskys, posing with Gabby’s unique candle arrangement
Through girl scouts Gabby visited Dumont nursing home and organized art projects and events for patients. She also visited the New Rochelle Soup Kitchen many times and made sandwiches and served the clients.
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Hampshire Country Club, 914-698-4610
Party Planner: Dina and Lorne Gornitsky, with help from EJ The DJ and Balloon Artistry
Favor person: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party entertainment: MC Hershel, EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
Invitation: Michelle Schwartz, Pretty Paper and Polka Dots, 914-576-6920
Décor: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Candle Lighting Poems: Claudia, It Could Be Verse, 732-679-8093
Sign-In board: Liz Photo, 914-636-7618
Life Size Cut-Out: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Dresses for family members: Pamela Robins, All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Suits for family members: Rothman’s
Party security: Bouncer from Hampshire Country Club, 914-698-4610
Photographer: Liz Photo, 914-636-7618
Videographer: EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
