September 1st, 2012
When Alyssa Innamorato was only 8 years old, she decided to organize an “Old Fashioned,” home-made carnival in her cul de sac in Syosset to benefit Sunrise Day Camp, the only dedicated camp in the nation for children with cancer & their siblings, where summer camp and year-round activities are provided completely free of charge.
For the past 4 years, Alyssa, along with family and friends has raised over $35,000 to date! The 5th annual Old Time Neighborhood Carnival is being held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 (raindate: Sunday, September 9) from 12 -4pm at 61 Birchwood Court West in Syosset, New York.
Congratulations to Alyssa whose hard work was recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay who awarded her the “Kids of Distinction” award last year! Last year’s carnival also served as her Mitzvah Project.
There will be many great raffle prizes from local stores that have graciously donated gift certificates.
Here are some pictures from past carnivals:
Hopefully the weather will be just as beautiful!
Delicious food will be available
There will be plenty of games for all to enjoy!
Syosset High School students volunteer to help
If you need more information or are interested in donating a prize for their raffles, please contact Janie Innamorato at 516-456-7757.
We congratulate Alyssa on such a Mitzvah!
September 1st, 2012
Gregory Marx celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on March 24, 2012 at the Marlboro Jewish Center in Marlboro, New Jersey.
Greg led the Mincha, Ma’ariv and Havdalah Services in the synagogue at Marlboro Jewish Center. After the service concluded, the guests proceeded into the cocktail room for the start of their celebration.
This family chose basketball as their theme to reflect Greg’s love of the sport and the New York Knicks.
The pictures and video were done by Mike of Unlimited Exposure and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad David, Bar Mitzvah boy Greg, Brother Seth and Mom Robin.
“by dana” designed Greg’s custom invitation to reflect his theme. It was created with basketball paper with blue and orange print, the colors of the New York Knicks. The kippot, from BestKippah.com were in Knicks blue and imprinted with basketballs
To be comfortable for Greg’s celebration, Mom Robin created custom Nike sneakers to match the colors of the party
Marquis Florals designed the decor including the seating “cards” which were magnets of Greg’s logo. They were displayed on a board trimmed with logos of different NBA teams and players
Each seating card was a magnet
The ballroom was decorated with orange and blue linens and ceiling fabric
The backdrop with Greg’s logo lit up and the centerpieces on the children’s tables were basketball themed
The adult tables had orange and blue flowers
Jeffrey Craig provided the music entertainment with Jason Barbanel as the MC. Greg makes his entrance with dancers in a custom New York Knicks jersey
Greg and his guests having fun!
Jeffrey Craig also provided the photo favors and a can artist who made unique items out of recycled soda cans
Simon Elliot Events provided a customized digital i-Sign. After the celebration, Greg received a custom book with all his guest’s signatures
The “halftime show” was performed by Jack “Black Jack” Ryan known as The Hoop Wizard. He put on a show for the guests, performed basketball tricks with Greg, played a game with Greg and some of his friends and then walked around to give all of the guests a chance to spin a basketball
Greg gets in on the fun
Greg and his brother pose near the cake
Top Elements created the logos and favors. The favors were duffle bags, blankets and water bottles.
There was also a station for Greg’s friends to decorate basketball shorts for the boys and soffee shorts for the girls which had Greg’s logo on them
For dessert the guests were treated to a Viennese table that not only included a chocolate fountain but also white chocolate for dipping and a s’mores bar. On their way out of the party the guests were treated to a candy bar and a pastry bar to take treats home with them
S’mores station
For his Mitzvah project, Greg worked with a charity started by a family friend called STOMP the Monster. STOMP the Monster provides financial and other support to cancer patients and their families.
Greg sent out flyers to his friends and family and collected new and used children’s DVDs and cash to buy DVD players. STOMP the Monster then arranged for him to visit and donate them to three children’s hospitals.
Mom-to-Mom Advice: Although I started making all of the plans very early, at times the planning became very stressful. About a month before Greg’s Bar Mitzvah, one of my close friends got very sick and I tried to spend as much time with her as I could despite having a million things on my to-do list. Spending time with her helped to put everything in perspective for me. It helped me realize that the Bar Mitzvah is a happy occasion and all aspects of it should be enjoyable—even the planning. There are other things in life to stress over!
The following vendors helped to make Greg’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Marlboro Jewish Center, 732-294-0032
Photography/Video: Unlimited Exposures, 732-617-1588
Invitations: Dana, by dana, 732-625-1471
Decor/Place cards: Kim, Marquis Florals, 732-441-4800
Digital iSign Board: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Kippot: Best Kippah
Ladies’ Head Coverings: Tulle Time, 732-834-9766
Entrance Video: Jeffrey Craig, 732-536-3688
Basketball Show: Jack “Black Jack” Ryan, The Hoop Wizard
Mom’s Dress: Castle Couture, 732-617-1414
Music Entertainment/Montage: Jeffrey Craig, 732-536-3688
Photo Favors/Can Artist: Jeffrey Craig, 732-536-3688
Mom’s Makeup: Michelle Scott 732-312-6831
Favors: Judy, Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Mom’s Hair: Kristina Lauro 732-780-4300
Cocktail Hour Singers: Sibling Rivalry, 732-500-3589
August 26th, 2012
How To Do It On Your Own: It Can Be Done!
By: Eden Siegler, Vernon Hills, IL
Photos by: Tell Draper Productions Inc.
If you have a small budget like I did for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, realize that the Internet is your key. I used Websites like mitzvahmarket.com to get great ideas and then went to the craft store to do it all myself (with help from my friends).
I saved thousands of dollars making our own invitations, centerpieces, montage, sign in board, DJ sign, and candle lighting candleabra. Everything was personalized with my daughter’s style and colors and everyone in the family got to help create items, including our 10 year old daughter.
For the invitations, I went all around the scrapbooking stores and brought home different papers to mix and match. We decided on glittery silver and glittery pink cardstock. My house was full of glitter! When looking online for creative ideas, my husband decided to showcase my daughter’s beautiful singing abilities and make a CD for the invitation. He recorded her singing various pop and Broadway songs and I created an invitation online. We got that printed locally and I glued it all together for a beautiful CD invitation. The RSVP’s were all done online so no cost for a reply card or stamp.
We were able to use Hobby Lobby to get all the things we needed and incorporated music into it also by making our own music notes out of Styrofoam
I changed the lyrics to current pop songs to express our connection to the guests we called up to light a candle. My daughter sang each 3-4 line song and the DJ followed it with the original version, sometimes including a music video. The crowd especially appreciated Barney and Red Solo Cup videos!
We made gift bags for the out of towners staying at the hotel also with a note thanking them for joining us and the schedule for the weekend.
We wanted the room to be dark like a nightclub and have glowing pieces around the room. We got our vases donated to us by someone who just had their child’s Bat Mitzvah weeks before us. We have since “Paid It Forward” and have given them to another friend for their upcoming event. We ordered gel beads and fiber optic lights online, and got flashlights from Home Depot. Walmart printed our table seating assignments and sign in board poster size and we mounted them ourselves.
I even made our own dessert table with the help of my niece as it has always been a family tradition from my own Bat Mitzvah to my wedding. My grandmother was a caterer and my mom grew up in the business. So we have always made everything ourselves. Unfortunately my mom passed away only a couple of months ago so this was partially a tribute to her. It was so nice to include this part of my traditions and pass them on to Alexa and honor my mom at the same time.
The final part of making everything ourselves occurred after the Bat Mitzvah when we got over 900 pictures back and everyone wanted an album. I got to post many of the photos online but even better was using an online company to make a photo album to remember all of the amazing parts of this beautiful day. Even better was seeing my husband’s face at the event when he realized I was able to stay within his ridiculously low budget (well, almost!)
The best part of the event was seeing it all come together and getting compliments from everyone about how “professional” all of it looked!
August 17th, 2012
When Victoria Dubin Events had to plan a client’s third child’s Bar Mitzvah, following his two sisters’ fabulous Bat Mitzvahs, the family was looking for something different. They wanted their third celebration to be unique, sporty, off the beaten track and exciting. They asked, “How do you ‘recreate the wheel’?” For Bar Mitzvah boy Reid, Victoria Dubin Events did just that.
The first decision was to find a fabulous venue: Grand Prix New York Racing in Mt. Kisco, New York. Grand Prix allows their guests to race at a party, but for this event the family chose to forgo the racing and just use the venue for its space and many amenities. The Bar Mitzvah family wanted to be inclusive as it was Memorial Day weekend, a time where people like to be with their family and friends, so entire families were invited to this party. The family wanted a sophisticated vibe with a casual tone, and Grand Prix proved to be exactly the right space.
Upon arrival guests walked through the lobby area and exhibited along the way were three priceless vintage sports cars that set the tone for excitement to follow
Before adults entered the cocktail area, the venue’s fire engine red cocktail bar was set with escort cards and the display shelves filled with colored glass and candlelight in the chic mixed metallic palette of the evening
Grand Prix just added a new bowling area with state of the art video and audio system; Reid felt like the place was his own as the children spent the first hour bowling on their own 12 lane nightclub environment equipped with lounge furniture and larger than life projection screens
While the kids were bowling, the adults were escorted to another VIP room with an additional 7 bowling lanes where they had cocktails in an intimate, chic and novel space
At the end of the cocktail hour guests made their way out onto the race track where the standard setup was transformed into an industrial interpretation of a race track inspired environment for dinner and dancing using a cool palette of black, taupe and mixed metallics
The focal point of the party space was the dance area
There was a tunnel lit with intelligent lighting; the guests danced inside the tunnel on a silver hologram dance floor with raised diamond plate staging for the entertainers
Other décor elements included adult rectangular tables on the track topped with an “industrial” multilevel tablescape of components including fencing, oil cans, metallic vessels and abundant candlelight
Suspended throughout the dinner and lounge space were ceiling treatments including panels of fencing with suspended candlelight
A circular bar provided a fun space for drink service and for adult guests to mingle
There was an exciting lounge space for the kids with many touches of fun, black and white leather sofas with custom pillows, oil drum and fencing tables and the venue’s Red Bull highboy tables
In addition to funky furniture the kids lounge also had pool tables and ping pong tables
There were even cubbies for the kids in the lounge area
A highlight of the evening was when the Bar Mitzvah boy, Reid, was driven in to his party in a Ford Cobra
Reid and his friends were entertained by break dancers and a fusion style band
The evening would not have been complete without Victoria Dubin Events’ signature departure candy station; Reid had all of his favorite candies in the colors of the party displayed on cool tables with various race track touches
One last treat came in the form of parting words on custom water bottles to remind guests of all the fun had all evening:
“Beep, Beep,” the labels read
We want to thank Victoria Dubin for sharing this Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers. For more information about Victoria Dubin Events visit their Website.
August 11th, 2012
Lounge areas at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are all the rage and the furniture now comes in many shapes and sizes.
You can do a small seating area or make the party one large lounge area. There are many high impact and exciting lounge designs that fit all budgets and add visual interest to your room.
Many venues now offer their own lounge within the venue and many entertainment companies provide this type of decor as well.
The picture above is from the Citron spotlight and the lounge was created by Dazzling Parties.
Tip: You can personalize your lounge area with great pillows or a gobo that adds your child’s name, initials or theme.
The K Lounge, from Kombert Caterers offers a built-in lounge and great vibe
Party Harty creates a lounge area with acrylic high top tables which formed the letter “X”
Dynamic Events located at Temple Tikvah offers a lounge vibe, created by NY Lounge Decor, in their large ballroom
A lounge set-up with pink lighting from DanceJock Productions and Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz who served as the party planner for Madison’s Square Garden celebration
This neon lounge area was created by Balloon Artistry
This lounge area is up near the dance floor from Domino Arts Photography
Richie Hart Events used long white couches for this lounge area
EJ the DJ set up a first class lounge for this Mitzvah
NY Lounge Decor created a purple party
Extraordinary Productions created a cabana lounge area…for the adults!
The Dance Time Entertainment smaller lounge area looks cozy and personal when pictures are added
DeJuan Stroud used different textures and decor elements like the funky floor lamps to create a one-of-a-kind lounge
Victoria Dubin Events designed this hip lounge with long mirrored cocktail tables and custom pillows
A basketball theme at The Loading Dock by Ali Barone Events
Hopple Popple designed this lounge seating area within the ballroom
The 40/40 Club has a built in lounge
Party Interiors lounge area is lit up with acrylic pieces in many different colors
This lounge set-up from Parties Alive Entertainment gets a boast from cool lighting
This modern furniture grouping from Boca By Design really pops with the red and black pillows and uplighting
SRO Events created a section for the kids and defined the area with a rug and draping
For a baseball themed Bar Mitzvah, Studio3NYC created a lounge area behind a chain link fence for the baseball field feel
Did you have a cool lounge? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
August 4th, 2012
Olivia Morgan Goldstein celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on February 11, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bat Mitzvah ceremony at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, followed by a Kiddush luncheon. The celebration continued that evening with a party at 103 West in Buckhead, Georgia.
Ryan Carroll was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Mom Jennifer, Bat Mitzvah girl Olivia, Sister Sophia, Dad Neil
Olivia Morgan Goldstein’s initials are OMG, which was used in a variety of ways throughout the whole event with a logo that was specially created. Her theme was “sweet time” and her colors were hot pink, black, and white.
Delicious Save the Date favors hinted at the candy theme
Julie Pederson of Barefooted Creations created the invitations. Everything matched perfectly, and the OMG logo (her initials) was prominent throughout!
Even the black and white tile dance floor at 103 West matched the theme
The centerpieces looked like ice cream cones to match the “sweet time” theme
The black, white, and hot pink color scheme extended to every detail, including the menus
The OMG floral letters came from Etsy, and hung above an impressive candy table
In lieu of a cake, Olivia did her candle lighting with tall glass vases and floating candles
Floating candles in tall glass vases with glass beads at the bottom: an elegant alternative to a cake
The kids lounge was just as elegant as the rest of the decor
Everything stayed true to the sweet candy theme, even the place cards
A close up of the yummy place cards
Olivia found her pretty short dress at David’s Bridal
RC Engravables created adorable OMG sweatshirts for the party favor; the boys and the girls got slightly different designs
The girls’ sweatshirts had a big pink heart on the back
It’s the little things that count; martini glasses worked double duty, both as containers for cotton candy and as glasses at the kids’ “mocktail bar”
An old-fashioned cotton candy cart fit right in to the yummy pink theme
Olivia had a special drink just for her party, the “bat-tini” — it was served in martini style glasses but was completely kid-friendly and alcohol-free
Jennifer’s advice to other moms is short and sweet: “Being organized is key, but remember to have fun – it’s not supposed to be a burden to plan this special day.” This photo of Olivia with her cousins is one of Mom Jennifer’s favorites
Olivia with all her friends
The following vendors helped to make Olivia’s celebration special. If you give any a call please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Heidi Sandate, 103 West, 404-240-6660
Music Entertainment: Brenda Gelfand, Vibe Entertainment, 404 257-0206
Favors: Chris Rinehart, RC Engravables, 770-640-0732
Party Entertainment: Rozland Morgan, Crave Cotton Candy, 404-368-9762
Invitations: Julie Pederson, Barefooted Creations, 770-356-2468
Décor: Julie Pederson & Marla Kupersmith, Creative Designs and Events, 770-356-2468, 678-428-7497
OMG Floral Letters: Etsy
Lounge Rental: Peachtree Tents and Events, 404-575-6655
Photographer: Ryan Carroll, 404-803-2585
Pink Candy Bar: Candy Warehouse
Olivia’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Mom’s Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Sophia’s Dress: Nordstrom
Suits for family members: Dillard’s
Hair: Annie Gonzalez, Beauty Is Inc., 678-478-7578
Makeup: Elizabeth Mobley, 404-245-7183
Kippot: A1 Skulkcap Co.
August 4th, 2012
Brian Howard Entertainment & Talent has been entertaining and providing MC and DJ services for over 25 years. Their motto is “Personality Comes First!”
Their company focuses on providing excellent customer service and building good relationships for all their clients who are interested in all types of entertainment.
From your child’s “grand entrance” to the candle lighting ceremony to the Motzi as well as to the special Parent dance, they will take care of it all. They will also take your musical requests 6-8 weeks prior to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah and help you select different songs for each candle.
Brian is letting us all know the current Top 10 Songs at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah:
1. I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
2. Dirty Bit by Black Eyed Peas
3. Beautiful People by Chris Brown
4. Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5
5. Tonight by Ne-Yo and Pitbull
6. On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez
7. Hello by Martin Solveig
8. Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan
9. Party Rock Anthem
10. Run The World by Beyonce’
To learn the top Mother/Son, Father/Daughter dance songs, click here.
To learn more about Brian Howard Entertainment & Talent visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 4th, 2012
Rare650 is a fine dining restaurant in Syosset, New York from Anthony Scotto. In the tradition of their sister restaurants Blackstone Steakhouse and Insignia, Rare 650 blends the best of prime steaks and sushi with the addition of Mediterranean seafood. Have your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Rare 650 and your guests will enjoy amazing food, a beautiful venue and superb service.
Cole’s Bar Mitzvah was celebrated at Rare 650. The family wanted an outdoor feeling for dancing and used the outdoor patio. Both the adults and kids danced the day away to the great music and ended their celebration with an ice cream Sundae bar that everyone enjoyed.
Cole’s handsome invitation was created by Write Next Door. You will see this name logo used throughout his party decor
The outdoor patio area
The main dining room was set for lunch for the adults while the kids had games, a photo booth and a delicious buffet
Games for the young guests
There were many “Cole” special touches: see above and below
Cole’s sign-in was a basketball jersey
For more information on Rare650, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory. You can also visit their sister restaurants: Insignia Steakhouse and Blackstone Steakhouse.
