Destination Bar Mitzvah: St. Thomas | MitzvahMarket

The McDonnell Bat Mitzvah Spotlight

The McDonnell Bat Mitzvah Spotlight

The McDonnell family from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a destination Bat Mitzvah service and trip for daughter Madison Wynter on March 27, 2013.

The celebration started on the Norwegian Epic as family and close friends cruised to the historic St. Thomas Synagogue for a their Bat Mitzvah service. After the service there was a Caribbean style celebration and more fun back on the cruise ship.

Then on June 15, 2013, there was a party at RHO Waterfront in Trenton, New Jersey, for Madison’s local friends and family.

While all this might seem overwhelming, it was a breeze for Mom Beth who is a travel agent and plans destination Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!

Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, Bat Mitzvah girl Madison, Sister Jade and Dad Greg. 

Elisa Orin was the photographer in St. Thomas and Jenn Ericson was the photographer in New Jersey. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

 

 

The Carlson Craft pocket invitation featured a pink font.

 

 

 

 

 

 Madison’s service was held at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. Built in 1833, it is the second oldest synagogue and longest in continuous use now under the American flag.

 

 

Madison receiving the Torah

 

McDonnell
A historic landmark

With its sand-covered floor, the 210-year-old synagogue is a beautiful place for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service

 

 

 

 

 

The McDonnell women wore vibrant island chic dresses and looked great.

 

 

 

v2stamp_fun

 

An open air taxi brought guests to the reception at a waterfront restaurant on St. Thomas.

 

 

On their way to the waterfront restaurant

 The Grande Cru restaurant located in the Yacht Haven Grand section of the Island was the perfect spot to celebrate after the Bat Mitzvah service

 In the evening, back on the ship, there was a private cocktail reception honoring Madison which turned out to be one of their favorite memories
 

Dinner took place at the Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse on the Norwegian Epic

All guests in matching t-shirts on the ship

 

 

v2stamp_favor

 

The t-shirt favors read, “I Rocked the Beat at Madison’s Bat Mitzvah.”

 

 

McDonnell

All wrapped up and ready to be given out to guests

 

 

 

 

Back home, Madison’s family and friends celebrated with a great party at RHO Waterfront located on the Delaware River.

 

 

 

 

The pink and black color scheme looked great.

 

 

Place cards with a bit of bling

The black table cloths and clear vases with LED lights and hot pink feathers really popped

 

Madison’s name spelled out and the pink up lighting gave the space a real club feel

 

 

 

 The sign-in board was a poster of Madison at different ages.

 

 

 

 

Madison enthusiastically making her way into the reception through confetti.

 

 
 

 

 MC Adam of A Sharp Productions brought high energy and the dancers were awesome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 v2stamp_exit

 

A great array of dessert options were available at the end of the night!

 

 

The desserts were awesome and plentiful

 

 

v2stamp_favor

 

Show Me the Favors created these great shirts. 

 

 

 

McDonnell

 

McDonnell 

 

 

 

 

Madison helped stomp out hunger by participating in the 3rd annual I Run for Food. She helped raise money and gathered walkers and runners to help local food pantries in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Madison will continue to help in the 2014 I Run For Food which is a 5k/1 mile race that is open to all ages.

 


Madison’s team

 

 

 

 

Some advice from Mom Beth:
“We were overwhelmed with joy and pride from the events of the day. To top it all off most of the guests said a toast to Madison as she stood surrounded by all her family and friends that joined us. The heartwarming stories and love for Madison was so overwhelming. Enjoy every moment! Do not sweat the small stuff.”

 

 

 

The following vendors made Madison’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

 

In St. Thomas
Temple:
St. Thomas Historic Synagogue, 340-774-4312
Luncheon Venue
: Grande Cru, St. Thomas, 340-774-4262
Photographer: Elisa Orin Photography, 716-763-5955
Cantor to prepare Madison: Jill Packman, 215-295-7235
Transportation on Island: Tropic Tours
Madison’s service dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Travel Arrangements: Mom Beth, Trip Guy Travel, [email protected], 888-990-TRIP (8747)
Favor person: Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101 for both parties
Hair and Makeup:  Sugar and Spice 340-776-LUXE
New Jersey celebration:
Venue: RHO Waterfront, 609-695-9332
Photographer: Jenn Ericson Photography 267-980-4714
Videographer:
Rich, The Times of Your Life Video Productions
Invitation: Carlson and Craft
Décor and sign-in board: Apple Graphics, 215-322-WRAP
Table Cards and Table Numbers: White Gate Papery, 215-280-2848
Music Entertainment:
MC Adam Weitz and JP, A Sharp Productions
Party entertainment
: Peekaboo Photo Booth, 800-968-4001
Madison and sister Jade’s party dresses: Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Mom Beth’s dress: Yes to The Dress, 215-947-0113
Dad Greg’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Mitzvah Spotlight, Family