March 13th, 2012
Zach celebrated his Bar Mitzvah service and party on January 7, 2012 at Ultimate GaGa in Syosset, New York.
Although this family had previously celebrated their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah with a black tie affair, for Zach they wanted something completely different that would match his personality.
They went with a very laid back affair with casual attire. Zach told his friends to wear their “coolest kicks” and all the kids showed up in sneakers!
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured left: Bar Mitzvah boy Zach
Ultimate GaGa is a venue that can accommodate your service as well as your celebration all under one roof!
Zach’s Bar Mitzvah service took place in a separate room at Ultimate GaGa
Zach’s service program
Simon Elliot Events created Zach’s printed invitation which instructed guests to visit a custom Website made just for his celebration.
Once on the Website, guests could get all event information, a custom RSVP and database for the host. It also featured multiple online games, an online guestbook, and custom google maps directions to the venue
This is the inside of the printed invitation guests received
Zach and his sister Shelby are excited to celebrate!
Shelby’s Velvet brand dress is from Bloomingdale’s
Lori Bellan from NY Lounge Decor served as the party planner and along with Simon Elliot Events, transformed GaGa for Zach’s celebration with family and friends.
Hart To Hart brought in the white dance floor
NY Lounge Decor provided the furniture
Simon Elliot Events created the cool vinyl logo
A lounge area for guests
Simon Elliot Events created these large vinyl signs after a photo shoot with Zach
A step and repeat with Zach’s logo
Hart to Hart provided the music entertainment with Marco as the MC.
Marco has fun with the crowd
Zach makes his entrance
Break dancers from Hart To Hart entertain guests
Zach and his friends pose for a picture
Friends having fun!
Taste of H, a division of H On The Harbor provided the catering.
Zach’s celebration was one big cocktail party with passed foods and stations all night
Many fun games were brought in by Interactive Entertainment Concepts (IEC) to entertain the guests.
A fun mechanical bull!
Batting cage
A digital wall
Guests have fun with the basketball court at Ultimate GaGa
Along with the basketball court above, this light up floor is part of Ultimate GaGa
MazelTovGear.com created the favors for the boys – Flow Society Lacrosse shorts with Zach’s name and Bar Mitzvah date down the side. Party Girl Eventz created the American Apparel shirt for the girls.
The boys received these lacrosse shorts
The girls received this American Apparel shirt with Zach’s logo
A candy bar was waiting for guests as they exited the celebration.
Some advice from two-time Mitzvah Mom Dana:
“This was my second affair. Two years ago my daughter wanted a black tie extravaganza for which she could dress like a princess. We did that and really focused on what she wanted. We had photos of her all over the room, a runway to go with her fashion theme and bright pink sweatshirts. This time around Zach wanted a completely casual affair. We totally switched gears and went that route. As much as I would have liked to have worn another gown, I remembered that this event was for him. I wore my jeans! Keep your child in mind at all times when planning. I know both kids will never forget their special day.”
The following vendors helped to make Zach’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Ultimate GaGa, 516-921-4242
Party Planner: Lori Bellan, NY Lounge Decor, 516-921-2011
Music Entertainment: MC Marco, Hart to Hart
Photographer: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Videographer: Simon Elliot Events
Caterer: Alan Feinstein, Taste Of H
Favor/Lacrosse shorts: Jim Levi, Mazel Tov Gear, 855-629-3543
Favor/Girls shirts: Party Girl Eventz, 516-426-1459
Party entertainment: Interactive Entertainment Concepts, 800-760-0724
Invitation: Website and mailer, Simon Miller, Simon Elliot Events
Décor: Simon Elliot Events and NY Lounge Decor
Hair/makeup: NV Salon which is now Cactus in Huntington/Marianne Natural Style
Party security: Provided by Ultimate GaGa
March 7th, 2012
Recently we wrote about a new candle lighting idea and asked that readers share what they did for their child.
We heard from Amy, one of our readers who did something clever that she wanted to share.
They called it the “Rock Garden” candle lighting and it’s easy to copy for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah candle lighting ceremony.
This family bought inspirational rocks with various sayings (i.e. inspire, protection, wisdom etc.).
The Bat Mitzvah girl decided who should get which rock and their names were written on the back.
She wrote something special for each group that were called up to the cake and explained why she picked that rock with that word for them.
According to Mitzvah Mom Amy, “It was wonderful and now she has this gorgeous and memorable rock garden.”
If you did something creative for your child’s candle lighting ceremony, please share it with us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 7th, 2012
This colorful Bat Mitzvah for Julia comes to us from Person + Killian Photography.
Rafanelli Events put together this fun interactive celebration at WGBH Studios in Boston.
Julia’s logo was evident on the walls, straws and even cupcakes for her candle lighting ceremony. The decor can be called fun and interactive!
It’s hard to image that this is a television studio! The main lobby was divided into two areas for the cocktail hour
The adult side was modern and sleek while the kids area had interactive activities
Julia’s logo was evident throughout the party on many elements. Here it is used on a display for their candid photo favors
Guests looking for their photos
After the cocktail hour, guests went into the theater for a special video presentation
Guests celebrated in this grand room!
Logos on the dance floor and orange and pink washed the room
Very cool circle screens around the room played music videos and showed pictures of the family
Another view of the celebration room
Julia’s logo even appeared on napkins and straws
The tables looked pretty with low flowers and menu cards
Fun props used for the photo favors
More decor elements
Cupcakes were used for Julia’s candle lighting
Colorful banners decorated the tables
Guests were able to grab delicious treats!
Young guests grabbed their favors!
The following vendors were used to make Julia’s celebration fun.
Entertainment: KLASS Universal Entertainment
Catering: MAX Ultimate Food
Lighting: Port Lighting
Rentals: Be Our Guest
Dance Floor and Stage: Peterson Party Center
Video: Boston Wedding Films
Flowers: Table and Tulip Entertainment
March 3rd, 2012
Boxing isn’t the most common Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme, but Party Excellence did a terrific job bringing this Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite sport to life at LIFE: The Place To Be in Westchester, New York.
Take a look at some party elements below:
The centerpieces were a combination of two different styles. Half of them were their signature collage style pieces and half of them were 3D pieces. Both featured the brick wall feel (to represent the outside of a boxing gym) and then boxing gloves and a silhouette of a boxer
The tables were named Round 1. Round 2 etc..”
Additional decor elements included a seating chart for the adults with the names listed on the inside of a boxing ring, and a lifesize stand up of the guest of honor
For the entrance into the kids lounge area, a boxing ring was created using Frankie’s Fight Night Marquee sign with poles, blue roping and two silhouettes of boxers on each side of the entrance. This created a themed walk through for the kids to enter the lounge area
The back wall behind the adult tables was plain white so 5 inch letters were created to spell FRANKIE. Each letter was a brick wall pattern and outlined in red glitter to give it some pop. They covered the length of the entire wall
To learn more about Party Excellence, visit their Website.
March 3rd, 2012
Jordan Dictrow of Marlboro, New Jersey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on October 22, 2011 with a Havdalah service followed by a black tie evening party at the Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey.
Her theme was “ An ExJORDANary Evening” and when you see the pictures and most importantly read about the special touches this family incorporated you will agree with us that this was an elegant, extraordinary and meaningful Bat Mitzvah for a family who truly appreciates what they have.
Pictured left (L-R): Sister Sydney, Dad Adam, Sister Ryan, Bat Mitzvah Girl Jordan, Mom Deb
All photography was taken by Jeff Tureaud. The rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Jordan’s custom invitation by Simply Invitations By Cindi was on ivory stock with gold calligraphy. Each one was embellished with a beautiful brooch.
Jordan is very close to her Aunt Jen who had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in November 2010. Thankfully she is doing well and was able to celebrate with the family. As you will see, they had many touches relating to breast cancer in honor of her special aunt!
Jordan with her Aunt Jen. Notice Jordan’s tiara, it’s what Aunt Jen wore at her wedding
The Dictrow’s beautiful calligraphy on the invitation’s envelope was made more special with a customized Zazzle stamp for Breast Cancer Awareness month
The Dictrow family also handed out pink breast cancer awareness bracelets to their guests during the party. Everyone loved the words on the bracelets: “Faith,” “Hope” and “Strength”
Jordan looks like a princess in her beautiful gown from Diane & Co.
Sisters Sydney and Ryan got their pretty pink dresses at Maci Design
The service was held in a separate room at the Eagle Oaks Country Club.
Jordan arrives for her service and celebration
Jordan did a great job during the service
The yarmulke basket had a beautiful gold ribbon and bro0ch also created by Jordan’s Aunt Jill. Both of Jordan’s grandmothers worked very hard over the last 2 years crocheting all the yarmukes!
Mom Deb worked with Phyllis of Extraordinary Productions to create an understated elegant room with some glamorous accessories.
The beautiful escort card table featured votive candles and a crystal candlelabra
Pictures of Bat Mitzvah girl on the place card table was a nice touch!
A beautiful vibrant arrangement of pink and white flowers adorned the adult tables
The elegant ivory menu card had hot pink calligraphy
Lower centerpieces had small touches of cream feathers to accent the flowers on the table, the inspiration was Jordan’s dress
The dais sign which said “An exJORDANary Evening” was blinged out and the chandelier in Jordan’s logo had crystal accents
Pure Energy provided the music entertainment with Brian as the MC.
Jordan “makes her entrance”
Jordan hamming it up
Jordan with Denver of Pure Energy and her friends by her side
Jordan and her Dad have an exJORDANary moment during their Father-Daughter dance.
Top Elements provided the favors for Jordan’s friends.
Jordan’s friends show off their pink sweatshirt favors
The boys posing in their sweatshirts
The favor bag is as nice as the favor!
The cake and candles both were accented with pink ribbons and broaches, an element carried through from the invitation.
Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club made Jordan’s beautiful cake
Now that Mitzvah Mom Deb has successfully planned her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, she is giving us this advice:
“Make a lot of to-do lists and confirm all your vendors a few days before!”
Jordan volunteered in the JUST FOR KIX program in Old Bridge, New Jersey teaching special needs children how to play soccer. She also walked in numerous Cancer Care walks and in May, the Dictrow’s walked as a family in the Revlon Run/Walk For Women in NYC in honor of her Aunt Jen and raised over $14,000. Their team was called “Baked With Love” because Aunt Jen loves to bake and started the company right before she was diagnosed.
The “Baked With Love” team
A coming attraction poster for sister Sydney greeted guests as they were leaving. Mitzvah Mom Deb is already working on a fantastic theme for her next daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in April, 2014.
The following vendors helped to make Jordan’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please make sure you let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Eagle Oaks Country Club
Party Planner: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions 732-308-3080
Music Entertainment: MC Brian, Pure Energy Entertainment 732-536-8991
Photo Favors: Pure Energy
Tattoo’s: Tattoos by Bernadine Ferrari 973-299-9146
Décor/Florist: Extraordinary Productions
Favors: Top Elements 732-972-8290
Cocktail Hour Music: Phil Engel Band 732-616-4040
Invitation and Menu Card: Simply Invitations by Cindi 732-617-7211
Calligraphy: Jeanette Lorenzon 973-723-1793
Cake: Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club
Photography: Jeff Tureaud 732-598-7907
Videographer: Unlimited Exposures 732-617-1588
Stamp: Zazzle
Dress for Mom: Rona’s Boutique
Dress for Jordan: Diane & Co
Dresses for sisters: Maci Designs
Hair: Studio 455, 723-972-9890
Makeup: Debbie Kasoff 732-972-6910
Transportation: Concorde Limousine
February 26th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today.
Last time my post was all about Photo Favors, but today I want to tell you about my recent trip to Coco Events with my friends Ashleigh, Rachel and MitzvahMarket’s founder, Sheri Lapidus.
As soon as we entered, there was a warm feel to the company. Although we could’ve sat all day and discussed our Bar/Bat Mitzvah experiences, we had some business to take care of.
We made this visit so we could test out their Hollywood Voice Over booth which lets the guest be in a movie scene. Yes, we were able to use our voice in our favorite movie scene.
Awesome, isn’t it?
L-R: Rachel, Ashleigh and I testing out the Hollywood Voice Over booth
As Brian (who created the Hollywood Voice Over booth) explained to us: If you were at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you would follow these simple steps:
1. Sign up (with up to 2 other friends) by selecting your movie/scene. You would then receive one ticket for your group.
2. Look over the script for the scene and decide who will play whom. The script goes by color. For example, if you were voicing over The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is red, Toto is blue, and Auntie Em is yellow.
3. Action! When you are seated in your director chair with your microphone all ready, deliver the words on the screen or make it fun with your own twist. Don’t forget to smile!
When you are all finished, a disc with a copy of the scene will be on a table waiting for you at the end of the party. My friends and I thought this was a great added entertainment option for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah if you are looking to wow your guests.
Special thanks to Brian and Dennis from Coco Events for setting this up for us!
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.
February 26th, 2012
We must thank Andrea Scatuccio, founder of The Dessert Fairy for telling us about this clever iMitzvah candy bar from the Pittsburgh Candy Buffet.
Since 2009, the Pittsburgh Candy Buffet has been specializing in amazing candy buffets for any occasion. They recently introduced the S’mores Station with custom flavored marshmallows and tiki-hut displays.
We loved their candy display inspired by the iPhone for one lucky Bar Mitzvah boy named Andrew!
iMitzvah candy buffet
App inspired favor boxes
Traditional Hershey’s Chocolate Bars wrapped in this personalized wrapper
A chocolate bar for every guest
Candy buttons
Custom fortune cookies
Rock Candy and Bullseyes
For more information about Pittsburgh Candy Buffet, please visit their Website.
February 25th, 2012
Hannah Greenberg celebrated her Bat Mitzvah service on December 15, 2011 at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York followed by a celebration on December 18, at The Carltun at Eisenhower Park in Westbury, New York.
Having a child with Autism or any special needs is a challenge for any family. In preparation for Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah everything had to be broken down step by step for her to alleviate any type of anxiety or unexpected occurrences. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Hannah recited her prayers at Temple Beth Sholom. As the Rabbi said, “Hannah, like the upcoming holiday of Chanukah, was truly a miracle.”
We thank the Greenbergs for sharing Hannah’s accomplishment and celebration with our readers.
All photography was provided by Richard Black Studio and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above: (L-R) Dad Evan, Brother Drew, Bat Mitzvah girl Hannah and Mom Amy
Mom Amy, now a Bar/Bat Mitzvah consultant for Bon Chic Events told us she had three requirements for Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah. She said, “I would only work with reputable people that have given back to the autism community, I wanted to work with vendors I found through Mitzvah Market that were sensitive to my daughter with special needs and lastly, the most important thing was making sure that Hannah was happy.”
Overall, Amy was very pleased with all of her vendors and the advice she received. “My daughter was beaming,” she tells Mitzvah Market, “she looked like any other typical Bat Mitzvah girl having the time of her life.”
Autumn Maglia at Minuteman Press designed Hannah’s fun carnival themed invitation.
Their Sunday night festivities included a carnival like celebration at The Carltun at Eisenhower Park. Hannah was the last 8th grader from Roslyn Middle School to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah and this family wanted to have a fun, casual, low key party for Hannah and her typical and special needs friends.
Both Dave’s Cast Of Characters and Great Neck Games provided the carnival fun!
The lounge furniture was from Great Neck Games
Angie’s Party Designs created terrific custom carnival designs!
A ferris wheel was next to Hannah’s sign in board
A big “H” for Hannah
A happy clown!
Dave’s Cast Of Characters provided the musical entertainment with Dave as the DJ.
Guests enjoying the music
Guests of all ages enjoyed the variety of carnival games available during the Greenberg’s celebration.
For Hannah’s entrance video, the Greenberg’s found Giftrapped.com after reading about them on MitzvahMarket.com. Mom Amy said, “Working with Jay from Giftrapped was truly amazing. He customized a beautiful entrance video that truly depicted Hannah’s personality. He even went so far as to edit the words due to the sensitivity of Hannah’s condition.
Watch Hannah’s Giftrapped entrance video here
Hannah and her friends with her colorful cake!
Hannah’s friends received a lacrosse pinnie with carnival lettering produced by Arena Sports.
Pinnie with lacrosse lettering
The favors were cleverly distributed in these boxes!
Mom Amy has some advice about planning a Mitzvah:
“Involve your child in the final stages of the planning process. From choosing the music to writing the candle lighting poems, by involving your child they have a vested interest in the whole event. For a child with special needs or just an anxious child in general having a visual schedule and a timeline of the party’s activities eased much of the anxiety.”
Hannah’s Mitzvah Project has been going on for ten years. Every year Team Hannah walks on behalf of Autism Speaks to raise much needed funds for Autism Research and to help find a cure.
Team Hannah in conjunction with North Shore Autism Circle (the charity Mom Amy has founded in 2005) have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is one of the top fundraising teams on Long Island for Autism Speaks.
The following vendors helped to make Hannah’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 Carltun at Eisenhower Park, 516- 542-0700
Party Planner: Bon Chic Events, 516-499-3320
Music Entertainment: DJ Dave, Dave’s Cast of Characters, 914-235-7100
Photographer/Videographer: Richard Black Studio, 516-621-7995
Favors: Arena Sportswear, 516-767-5108
Party entertainment: Dave’s Cast of Characters
Invitation Design: Autumn Maglia, Minuteman Press, Williston Park, 516-746-4280
Invitation envelopes/printing: Inklinations, 516-365-4940
Cake: The Carltun
Montage: Giftrapped.com
Décor/Lounge Furniture: Great Neck Games, 516-747-9191
Balloons: Angie’s Party Design, 631-623-6496
Linens: Table Wraps, 516-334-8833
Dresses for Hannah and Mom: Lord & Taylor, Manhasset
Suits for Brother and Dad: Burberry
Hair/makeup: Nubest Salon
February 12th, 2012
When Bat Mitzvah girl Alyssa was thinking about her upcoming celebration, she knew two things. She wanted a fashion theme and her uncle Evan Karfinkel of EK Productions to throw her a terrific party!
Since 1986, EK Productions has grown from a successful D.J. operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, M.C.’s and other exciting entertainment for your affair.
All photography was done by Scott at Art Photography.
Alyssa’s celebration was held at Crest Hollow Country Club. EK Productions provided the music entertainment with Evan and George as MCs. They also provided the dancers, photo favors, montage and all video production.
Check out all these great party ideas below:
Alyssa’s pretty short purple dress was from 2 Be Seen in Syosset, New York
The room at Crest Hollow Country Club is ready for Alyssa’s guests
The EK Productions dance area and stage in the background
Lighter Than Air Party Decorators created Alyssa’s fashion theme including the place cards below
Handbag place card holders were lined up for guests
Lighter Than Air put Alyssa on the cover of Vogue for her sign-in book
One of the fashion inspired centerpieces
Alyssa shows off her decor
Designer inspired signs were used as table signage
Alyssa makes her entrance with one of the EK Production dancers
MC George works the crowd
Evan having fun with his niece
Alyssa with her pretty cake!
Usually you don’t see the MC helping with the Horah, but Evan wore multiple hats at this celebration!
EK Productions produced this video compilation of Alyssa’s fun Bat Mitzvah celebration.
You will feel like you are attending Alyssa’s celebration by watching her video here
To learn more about EK Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 8th, 2012
Whatever the occasion, Sugar Rush Creations can create a special edible personal or corporate gift, party favor or centerpiece solution.
All SugarRush creations are made by hand with packaged candies that vary in size, depending on your order, from mini to full size.
They use traditional candy and chocolate, as well as gourmet chocolates.
Order a candy cake in any size
Your order can be made custom depending on your specifications or you can choose from their gallery selection.
Small flower pot centerpieces
They take special requests and can accommodate everything from Sugar Free, Kosher, Healthy or just Fun!
Any Sugar Rush Creation can be shipped nationwide right to your door.
For more information, visit their Website or give them a call at 800-286-9509.
