Sarah Schuster celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on June 4, 2011 with a service at Temple Beth David in Commack, New York followed by a party at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.
She absolutely loves fashion and everything coordinated with this theme, from her magazine-style sign-in book and the fashion inspired centerpieces to the shopping bag cake.
All party photography below was done by DanceJock Productions. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Featured above (L-R): Dad David, Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah, younger brother Evan and Mom Robin.
Sarah’s bright pink invitation created by Beth Regino conveyed “fashion” as soon as it was opened.
Sarah’s beautiful short white dress with accents of pewter flowers was from It’s Simply For You in Syosset, New York.
Lighter Than Air worked closely with Mom Robin on the decor. She tells us she wanted to use wire forms as part of the centerpieces and found wire shoes, pocketbooks and a mannequin form online. She decorated them herself with silk flowers, ribbons and rhinestones! She went on to explain that Arthur from Lighter Than Air was great to work with and incorporated some of the forms into very cool, large glass vases.
Sarah’s red carpet entrance outside of Temple Chaverim
Ligther Than Air added a hot pink base to this mannequin form for a unique “fashion” inspired centerpiece
This centerpiece, with a wire shoe form in the vase had a hot pink base and hot pink shade!
DanceJock Productions supplied two unique “shoe” chairs which the kids lounged on during the party
DanceJock Productions provided the musical entertainment for Sarah’s celebration with George as the MC. Mom Robin says he was the perfect blend of fun for the kids and adults without being too overwhelming at the party.
Sarah “makes her entrance”
Sarah with the DanceJock crew
MC George gives her a spin
The sign-in book was designed by Mom Robin with some help from a friend who was able to photo shop images together. She used the Website Blurb.com and although it was time consuming, she says if you’re computer savvy (or have friends who are) it’s worth it and is also very cost effective. See some of the pages below which alternated with color coordinated blank pages where guests could sign-in:
Hasson Caterers created Sarah’s amazing shopping bag cake that matched the theme perfectly.
The family gathers around the cake for Sarah’s candle lighting ceremony
Parties By Commack Girls created Sarah’s T-shirt favors.
The double “S” logo was used throughout the party
There were two different designs. The girls received a fitted v-neck and it was a crew neck for the boys
Mom Robin tied a ribbon around the favors and created the name tags herself using the double “s” logo
Mitzvah Mom Robin has this advice for our readers, “My best advice is to stay organized and above all else, try to stay sane. You’ve likely spent lots of time meeting with numerous vendors and believe you’ve chosen the best DJ/photographer/caterer for your affair, right? Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice and don’t get crazy if something doesn’t go exactly as planned because you’re the only one who will know! Everyone else will just see a beautiful family and an awesome party. We had the celebration my daughter was dreaming of!”
Sarah turned her love of fashion into a successful clothing drive. She collected roughly 50 bags of clothing for the Nachlas Maharim Clothing Drive. This organization has been collecting and distributing clothing for Jewish families in need for over 20 years. Contact Shelley at 631-225-7915 to donate.
The following vendors helped to make Sarah’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: Temple Chaverim
Caterer: Hasson Caterers 516-367-1200
Music Entertainment: MC George, DanceJock Productions 631-242-0042
Favors: Parties by Commack Girls, Inc. 917-686-6426
Party Entertainment: Photo booth, DanceJock 631-242-0042
Invitations: Beth Regino 631-499-3628 [email protected]
Cake: Hasson Caterers
Décor/Florist: Lighter Than Air 516-933-3210
Sign-In Book: Blurb.com
Sarah’s Dress: It’s Simply For You 516-921-2863
Mom’s Dress: 2 B Seen 516-921-5777
Dad and Evan’s Suits: Lord & Taylor
Transportation: First Student Bus Company 631-842-7620
Photographer (Temple): Shari Manko Photography 516-467-6760
Photographer (Party): DanceJock Zap shots 631-242-0042
Videographer: DanceJock 631-242-0042