April 27th, 2012
Sofia Levinson celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on February 4, 2012 at Space in Englewood, New Jersey.
Her theme was based around her middle name Rose. This creative Mom had many special touches and we thank them for sharing their celebration with our readers.
Sarah Merians was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Josh, Sister Maya, Bat Mitzvah girl Sofia, Brother Isaac and Mom Sara
Sofia’s invitation was created by Ecuamag and brought in from abroad. Once Sofia chose the paper, the invitation was created around it.
Guests could see Sofia’s logo on the stamp!
The girls in the Levinson family all looked great in their color coordinated dresses.
L-R: Maya’s dress was from Bobbi’s Golden Hanger, Mom Sara’s dress was custom made and Bat Mitzvah girl Sofia’s dress was from Party Girl
Elvira, who owns Space was also the party planner and had fun with color and “roses” to set the decor for this celebration.
See how pretty Space looked below:
Sofia’s logo was projected on the colorful walls all night!
Additional elements at Sofia’s celebration included:
A custom gift box for Sofia’s guests to drop their gifts
Custom napkins by Creative Works Marketing who also did Sofia’s favors
Sofia under a pretty arch of roses
Space provides the music entertainment as part of their packages. Sofia’s MC was Charlie who got the crowd rockin’!
A sign-in book filled with pictures of Sofia was created by Sarah Merians, their photographer.
Mom Sara created the below cupcake stand and made all the cupcakes herself!
Mom Sara called it a labor of love! Each color rose was a different flavor cupcake. Red, strawberry cupcake with a strawberry meringue frosting. Yellow: banana cupcake with chocolate ganage frosting. Orange: carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Teal: chocolate chip with mint frosting. Violet: vanilla cake with vanilla frosting. Pink, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
The sweatshirt favors for the young guests were created by Creative Works Marketing.
Black sweatshirts with Sofia’s logo in puffy hot pink
Adult guests received mugs with coffee and a box of homemade candies by Mom Sara
Some advice from Mom Sara:
“I made sure Sofia stayed focused on what was important to us, which is her commitment to our religion. I made sure I did what was necessary on my end: contracts, invitations, dressing everyone etc. I made a schedule for myself for the last week since I was making so many things myself that needed to stay fresh. As for the party, I sat with Elvira and went through the concept of what we wanted. She did the rest. On the Thursday before the Bat Mitzvah, I showed up with the cupcakes and she showed up with the flowers at 1 pm. We looked at each other and knew we were on the same page. I left at 2 pm and came back on Saturday. I knew she got it and was going to take care of her end. It was gorgeous!”
Sofia did a three part Mitzvah Project. She worked during both soccer and basketball seasons with kids that have special needs through a program in their home town. She also participated as a helper in Challenger soccer and Challenger basketball. The third part of her project was to collect books for the Englewood Family Center. It is a non for profit that provides services to the community. They are in need of resources.
The following vendors helped to make Sofia’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Space, 201-567-3810
Party Planner: Elvira Grau, Space
Music Entertainment: MC Charlie Czerniawski, Space
Favors: Creative Works Marketing, 201-638-8182
Photo favors: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Invitation: Ecuamag
Cupcakes: Mom Sara
Décor/florist: Elvira Grau, Space
Sign-In book: Sarah Merians, photographer, 212-633-0502
Sofia’s Dress: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Maya’s Dress: Bobbi’s Golden Hanger, 201-768-7770
Hair/makeup: Heather Quinn
Party security: Provided by Space
Photographer/Videographer: Sarah Merians, 212-633-0502
April 24th, 2012
David Mendelsohn celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on September 3, 2011 at Off The Hookah in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The club theme is very popular these days, so instead of going somewhere and trying to make the space look like a club, this family decided to have it at an actual club.
They loved the venue so much, that Mom Valerie is now working there planning parties for other families!
We want to thank them for sharing their celebration with Mitzvah Market.
Erica Dunhill was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Alan, Brother Teddy, Bar Mitzvah boy David and Mom Valerie
For their invitations, they decided to go an unconventional route and created a Website filled with all the necessary Bar Mitzvah information. Guests received the big postcard below, designed by Mom Valerie directing them to a Website.
To visit David’s Website with his Bar Mitzvah information, click here
Following their service, they held a luncheon in the courtyard outside their temple. In addition to catered food by Strathmore Bagels, there were many homemade treats baked by David’s Grandma Essie and her friend Saunie.
Friends Marcie Singer and Lori Gilman surprised the Mendelsohn family with centerpieces for their luncheon that included hand-dipped chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos with designs on them including Stars of David and the number 13. There were also cookies featuring David’s pictures throughout his life, created by Sandy Cookie Creations
David ordered custom converse sneakers for his celebration.
David’s colorful custom converse sneakers are on the right
To add to their “club” feel, they renamed Off The Hookah Club D13, and put posters and banners with David’s picture outside the venue.
David’s signage hangs outside the venue
Guests arrived to a red carpet!
There was a bouncer pretending to check the VIP list. The kids were then given a lanyard with a VIP access pass
David’s All Access passes
David with the staff of Off The Hookah
The inside of the venue featured lots of signage, couches, pillows and low sushi tables, as well as regular tables.
There are Moroccan and Egyptian touches throughout this venue, so minimal decorating was required
There were several banners announcing a special appearance by David Mendelsohn at Club D13, these were hung over the dance floor
Monitors hung throughout the space with David’s logo
The bar had table tents printed with drink specials for the night – these included a Davidtini, a Mitzvahrita, L’Chaim Drop and Horajito!
Mom Valerie said everyone raved about the food! The adults started off with passed hors d’oeuvres including hummus, bruschetta, coconut chicken, and pigs in a blanket. Off The Hookah serves Mediterranean and Asian food. For their dinner buffet, guests enjoyed chicken kabobs, beef kabobs, falafel, sushi, salad, orzo, rice, and a carving station with prime rib and turkey. The kids enjoyed their own buffet of sliders, chicken fingers, pasta, french fries and rice. They finished off the night loading up on goodies from the candy bar.
Z Entertainment with Nick as the MC kept everyone on the dance floor the entire night, doing a dance-off with the kids and handing out tons of prizes. Since it is a club, all of the lights and special effects are already there.
The dance floor is full including David’s Grandma Tickle!
David made his entrance behind a group of cheerleaders. Six of his girl friends dressed in TEAM DAVID t-shirts with the number 13 on the back. They came in waving purple pompoms and then did a dance and sang a song that Mom Valerie wrote to the tune of ”Oh Mickey” with the words changed to “Oh David”
All of the staff wore purple T-shirts with the Club D13 logo on the front – the kids received these shirts as their favor inside a Club D13 drawstring bag with a CD of 10 of David’s favorite songs
Throughout the night, Off The Hookah’s bartenders entertained the guests with different tricks such as flair bartending – juggling the bottles and making drinks at the same time, blowing fire from their mouths and other cool tricks. Towards the end of the evening, a belly dancer also entertained the crowd with a traditional belly dance.
A belly dancer performs
David gets a lift during the Horah
David and his friends enjoy karaoke
For their candle lighting, this family wanted something different. They used 2” square bud vases and filled them with water balls and different color lights.
Candles were placed at the top and looked beautiful across the room
The Mendelsohn’s light their candle
They created their sign-in book on Shutterfly.
They ordered their favors through Andrew Goldstein. Each young guest received the drawstring bag and T-shirt.
Their very creative friend Jenn Baxt, made individual tags that looked like iPhones, with the kids’ names on them, and a text that read “thnx 4 coming”
Can you please give us some Mom-to-Mom advice since you survived planning a Mitzvah!
“It’s the little touches that make your party special and unique. I planned my son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2 ½ months and I wouldn’t change a thing. Just be organized and if you are fortunate enough to have some creative and willing friends, let them help. Remember, at the end of the day, you’re doing it all for your child, so keep him or her in mind when making decisions. It’s also not about who spends the most money, but more about being innovative and coming up with something new and fresh and fun. Having close friends and family around for the special day is the most important thing. Don’t stress, enjoy the special time and take it all in, because in a few hours it’s all over!”
The following vendors helped to make David’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Mom Valerie, Off The Hookah, 561-252-9935
Party Planner: Mom Valerie
Music Entertainment: MC Nick, Z Entertainment Group Michael Zeidman
Favor Person: Andrew Goldstein, A.Goldstein & Co., agoldcony@aol.com, 561-656-1485
Party Entertainment: Belly Dancer and flair bartenders provided by venue
Invitation: My Event
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Mom’s Dress: Nordstroms
Photographer: Erica Dunhill, WP Inks, 561-543-7618
Videographer: Tony Hall, thvideo@gmail.com, 954-721-6142
Custom Posters and Banners: Soha Herrera, Starring YOU, 954-328-9448
Photo Cookies: Sandy Cookie Creations, 561-214-1506
April 22nd, 2012
Our readers love seeing invitations!
Our past story Inviting Invitations was very popular, so we decided to round-up a new bunch of “can’t forget” clever invitations.
Enjoy some great invitations below!
Arriving in a box, complete with a mini game ball, what basketball enthusiast wouldn’t love this invitation from Natural Impression Design
Boxed invite with purple gatefold invitation with personalized tag of recipients name. On the inside, the name “emily faith” was embellished with ultra fine glitter! The RSVP card was fashioned after a traditional guest check from a restaurant. To see more about this invitation and others visit FabuDesigns.com
This origami fortune teller invite is from Create Studio Invites
The “Locker Folder” design from Pioneer Announcements is great for a sports themed invitation. It is laser cut on a brushed silver paper. Some of the accessories were designed to resemble an actual sports game ticket
Dear Friends created the McAndies invitation above for Andie’s Bat Mitzvah which took place at a McDonalds in Manhattan. The “A” was made into a golden arch to resemble the “M” in McDonalds. Each invite was placed properly so the small details were visible. The french fries container had the RSVP and direction cards. The RSVP cleverly said, “Welcome to McAndies. Can I take your order. Place your order by April 25th.” The direction card read, “Drive Thru.” The cup contained M&Ms with Andies name on it
Lehr & Black created this one of kind invitation for a fashion loving young lady named Bianca. Once guests opened the Pucci design, they were treated to music from Madonna’s “Vogue” with graphics featuring the Bat Mitzvah girl on the cover of her favorite magazine
This two-sided glossy hard card stock resembled an iPad and featured the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite apps from M. Studio Events
Proper Notice created this invitation with smoke lucite silkscreen text and custom envelope with leather grommets and a tie closure
Created by Luscious Verde, this custom lacrosse invitation features a hand drawn, hand stitched paper lacrosse stick that was printed on textured paper to give the dimensional feel of the actual sports equipment
Unique viewfinder attached to information on this celebration from Write Next Door
Did you have an uber creative invitation for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
April 21st, 2012
Bedford Middle School student Lindsey Felner (pictured left) celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in March, 2012 and came up with a great idea for her Mitzvah Project. She raised enough money to buy a computer for the residential housing at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester.
As you will learn, this residential housing facility is very special to her.
Please continue reading to learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this Mitzvah Project?
LF: I don’t get to see my Uncle David as often as I’d like because he lives in residential housing at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. I thought it would be nice to raise money to buy a computer for his entire residence, so my brother, sister and I can always be in touch with him.
Lindsey, Brother Ryan and Sister Samantha pose with their Uncle David (2 years ago)
MM: How did you go about raising money?
LF: Around the same time I was thinking of an idea for my Bat Mitzvah Project, my Uncle was learning how to use a computer and he started sending us a bunch of great emails. By reaching out to family and friends, I raised $1,000 as part of my Bat Mitzvah Project. My brother and sister helped me with this project and I donated all the money to the nonprofit group, which used it to buy a Dell computer for the residence.
MM: How did you go about telling the residence about your gift for them?
LF: My gift will also benefit the other 10 adults who live in the residence. I’m excited that they will now be able to email and video chat with their loved ones, whenever they want. I announced my donation during a holiday party at the center. Myself and five friends from the Westport Dance Center performed for the residents.
It was really exciting to be able to tell them. When I gave a speech that I raised the money, everyone started cheering. They were so happy and it made me feel really happy too.
MM: Will you continue to raise more money?
LF: After seeing the residents’ excitement, I have decided to raise more money to buy a computer for one of the center’s other residences and I hope one day to be able to buy a computer for all of the residences.
Lindsey, her brother and sister, Uncle David, and the girlfriends that danced in the show that night with her
We thank Lindsey for sharing her terrific Mitzvah Project with our readers. If anyone is interested in helping Lindsey raise more money for Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, contact her Mom, Michele Felner at felner@optonline.net.
April 18th, 2012
Lighter Than Air is a party decorating company that has been servicing clients throughout Long Island and the Metropolitan areas, as well as nationwide, for over 25 years.
Their services include: Sign in Books, Sign in Boards, Balloons, Photo Blowups, Themed Centerpieces, Break Thru Walls, Card Table Displays, Coming Attraction Signs, Life Size Stand-ups, Place Cards, Invitations, Puzzle Boards, Step & Repeat Backdrops, Superimposed Posters, Club Style/Lounge, Marquis Signs and much more!
They told Mitzvah Market that custom pillows are very popular right now and they can produce these in 1 week or less if necessary.
Take a look at some samples below:
There is a 4 pillow minimum and each 18″ x 18″ pillow is $35.00. Send them your logo file in jpeg, tiff, pdf or eps. One side of pillow is a full color print of your logo and the other side is a solid color material.
For more information, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 18th, 2012
Kathy Goldstein at Always At Your Service is a full-service event planning company specializing in personalized attention to details at affordable prices for all social events, corporate events and fundraisers.
Kathy listens to what you want and then incorporates her unique style into her work to create an unforgettable event while keeping within your budget. She enjoys setting the tone of the event with color, texture and lighting to create the overall atmosphere.
She recently planned a Bat Mitzvah celebration for a young lady who loves the Broadway show Wicked at the Brooklake Country Club.
The place cards were designed and handmade by the Bat mitzvah girl and her Mom
The room at the Brooklake Country Club is ready for guests
Each adult table had a different style branch floral arrangement
The kids lounge area was a raised lite platform surrounded with silver sequin curtains. Eggplant couches and ottomans were designed with custom logo pillows. Lime square and round sequin pillows adorned the couches and ottomans. Green apples in vases kept with the wicked theme
A custom red velvet cake designed with the play Wicked in mind
The to go station featured a custom logo “Wicked” green mug with hot chocolate packs
Chinese containers with lime green dots filled with munchkins and personalized hang tags that said, “Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” A saying from the play Wicked
A blow-up of one of the characters from Wicked
We thank Kathy Goldstein for sharing this creative Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
April 17th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today. Last time I wrote about shoes and my style.
This time I would like to tell you about another one of my favorite things, dresses. Every girl has her own special taste when it comes to picking out their dress. Some like it short, some like it long. It’s all depends on what YOU want.
To get a feel for what the girls are going for today, I went with Sheri Lapidus, MitzvahMarket.com’s founder to a fashion photo shoot for It’s Simply for You at Hi-Tech Photography in Melville, New York.
It’s Simply for You, located in Syosset, New York sells fashion dresses in every shape, size and color. Anything you want, they have it.
While the models were getting their hair and makeup done, I talked to Rachel, the owner of the store and she told me about what style and trends are new for Spring.
Rachel said, “The Sherri Hill Rockstar collection is very popular right now. It consists of big stones and rocks on the dresses,” she adds, “Pastels, petals, and beads are also a big trend. And the white dresses are very in.”
For this photo shoot, which was shot mostly outside, customers were asked to model the dresses and they looked like they had lots of fun! Two Stephen Street Salon did the models hair and makeup.
Here are some of the looks:
L-R: Montana is in a chunky, long beaded blush dress by Sherri Hill, Lina is also wearing a Sherri Hill from the Rockstar collection and Sammy is in a pink sparkle dress with petals on the bottom
Sydney is wearing a purple cheetah dress with chunky jewels by Tony Bowls. Animal print is a big trend this Spring
Hannah is wearing a short Sherri Hill feather dress that has also been seen on Kendall Jenner
Lina is in a Sherri Hill multi-colored crystal dress that is long in the back and short in the front. Kendall Jenner has also been seen in this dress
Gabby is wearing a purple spiral dress from the Sherri Hill Rockstar collection
Taylor is on the “rock carpet” and is wearing a long, silver chunky Tony Bowls sparkle dress
Ally is modeling a Cladine by Elyse Design new for 2012. The sides of the dress are mesh panels and the shape is mermaid
There is a great selection of long and short gowns for us Bat Mitzvah girls in every color of the rainbow and all are available at It’s Simply For You. They also provided the great accessories. I loved watching this shoot and hope to do it again sometime soon. I want to thank both Hi-Tech Photography and Rachel from It’s Simply For You for letting me tag along!
Till next time…On The Circuit with Tara!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
April 14th, 2012
Are you looking for personalized favors for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration?
Made With Love and Kisses are the original creators of the fuzzy marshmallow plush, super comfy lounge pants.
You probably have seen these in a store near you, but they can work directly with you to design a unique custom applique based on your theme.
Select from any of their fun colorful items – lounge pant, boxer short, pillow or blanket and make it your own!
Lounge pants with Angry Birds
Boxer shorts customized with initials and date
Fuzzy pillow customized with your child’s name
Comfy blankets in many themes or customized for you!
Contact Jan at 516-694-332 or email her at madewithloveandkisses@gmail.com.
For more information, visit their Website.
April 12th, 2012
Are you a teen, or a parent of a teen, about to throw the celebration of your life?
If you are planning an upcoming Sweet 16, Bar/Bat Mitzvah party or other special occasion, Go Go Luckey Entertainment would like to hear from you. They are currently casting for, It’s My Party.
Go Go Luckey, the producers of hit shows including “Laguna Beach,” are seeking parents and kids with HUGE PERSONALITIES that are planning the PARTY OF THE YEAR to celebrate their child’s milestone event.
They are looking for families who are going to pull out all the stops to make their event grandiose and over-the-top. Are you renting a castle, fabulous hotel, hiring sensational entertainers, dropping the college fund on a dress, sparing no expense to have the party to end all parties? Your child’s celebration will be one time and you intend to do it like nobody has ever done it before!
If the above describes your family or anyone you know, producers from Go Go Luckey would like to meet you asap!
Please send an email to: castmyparty@gmail.com and send the following:
1. Parent’s name
2. Teen/child’s name and age
3. Parent’s contact phone number
4. Email address
5. Type of party you’re planning
6. Date of party
7. Details…tell them about the awesome location, the entertainment you’ll be hiring, the outfit you’ll wear, the catering etc. Just how outrageous will this party be?
Who knows, we all might be watching a Mitzvah Market reader starring in It’s My Party soon!
April 11th, 2012
The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company serving the Greater Metro NYC area.
They strive to customize each party to suit their clients’ vision and budget and can help with as much or as little as you like.
This celebration was inspired by a Hershey’s kiss, the colors were chocolate brown & metallic silver with turquoise.
Peter Oberc was the photographer.
The invitation, done in chocolate brown, turquoise and silver set the tone for the party
The escort cards were made of chocolate. They had the Peace, Love & Chocolate logo, along with each guest’s name and table number
The floral centerpieces in the cocktail hour had accents of blue with the bases filled with Chocolate kisses
For dinner, the adult tables were covered in luxe chocolate brown linens with turquoise napkins. In the center of each table was a different shaped apothecary jar filled with a different type of chocolate, surrounded by flowers and candles
The kids hung out in an incredible lounge that was brown velvet, turquoise and silver mylar with custom logo pillows
The sign-in board was a mirror in the shape of a chocolate kiss personalized with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name and Mitzvah date
The cake had the Peace, Love and Chocolate logo and was topped with a chocolate kiss
As one of the activities, guests enjoyed a chocolate bar. They choose from dozens of candies, nuts and cookies which got added to melted chocolate. After it hardened, it was boxed up for them to enjoy or take home
The favors were a turquoise American Apparel off the shoulder top with the Peace, Love & Chocolate logo on the back
We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this “chocolate” Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
