October 22nd, 2014
Kevin Lubera is a location photographer based in Los Angeles, California. We found this adorable Peace, Love and Happiness themed Bat Mitzvah on his blog. We thank him for allowing us to share these photos with our readers.
Many Mitzvah kids are into Peace, Love, “fill in the blank.” Here are some photos to inspire you for your child’s Mitzvah theme!
Bat Mitzvah girl Sami had a two-day event. During the first day, guests participated in The Make It Count Project. To learn more about this wonderful idea, click here
Guests made these stuffed animals to be donated to a worthy cause!
Each guest received this silver box at their place setting
Inside was a special message thanking guests for sharing Sami’s special day with her
Day two of Sami’s celebration included this Peace, Love, Happiness themed room ready for guests
The kids’ lounge area
A large floral “S” sat in the lounge area
Beautiful centerpieces above and below
Colorful peace sign place cards
The Untouchables of Untouchables Entertainment wowed the guests!
Guests received a delicious treat as they left the celebration
Here are some of the Vendors used to make Sami’s day special:
Location & Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering at Spectra
Event Design/Coordination: Gilded Events
Entertainment: The Untouchables of Untouchable Entertainment
Mitzvah Project: The Make It Count Project
Photographer: Kevin Lubera
October 19th, 2014
The Engel family of Manalapan, New Jersey, celebrated the Bat Mitzvah service and reception of daughter Delaney at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Using Delaney’s favorite color, Tiffany blue with polka dot accent designs, this party had a great logo, fun decor and lots of amazing energy!
Pictured L-R: Dad Spencer, Mitzvah girl Delaney, Brother Harrison and Mom Leslie.
El-Co Color Labs was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The party theme was subtly launched by the invitation. The Engel family worked with It’s Your Party who created this polka-dot envelope that held the invitation card. The front with the shimmery bow.
In Tiffany blue and silver glitter border
A great picture of Delaney at Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Delaney looked beautiful standing in front of the stained glass at the synagogue
Delaney’s gorgeous party dress had beautiful appliques and an accent ribbon and broach which tied the whole look together.
Mom Leslie and Delaney purchased their dresses at Castle Couture and the men’s suits were from Nordstom
Using Tiffany blue (Delaney’s favorite color) and black polka dots, a creative logo was designed by Dana Kaufman of By Dana.
Marquis Floral and Event Design by Kim transformed the temple ballroom into a modern and stylish reception incorporating Tiffany blue accents and polka dots.
For the adult tables, there were blue linens with crisp white napkins and colorful tall centerpieces
The room had white and Tiffany blue draping. On the kids’ tables there were fun polka dot lamp shades which added just the right pop to the tables
A beautiful enlarged picture of Delaney and Scarlett wearing Delaney’s favorite color
The sign-in book was embellished with Tiffany blue and silver bling on the cover along with a big “D.”
Pure Energy Entertainment and MC Robby provided the amazing music and dancers. The room was high energy! Delaney made her entrance with the Pure Energy dancers
Delaney was all smiles up in the chair
and so was Dad Spencer!
Delaney had a great time!
The kids took over the DJ area
Classical Caterers created a great cake and awesome polka dot cupcakes for guests to enjoy at the end of the party. Pretty blue bows dressed up the candles.
Delaney had her friends come up to light one of the candles
The cupcakes were colorful and delicious
Apparel Zone created the white sweatshirt favors for Delaney’s friends. Shimmery silver favor bags with custom aqua and black polka dot labels.
The front of the white sweatshirt
The back with that great logo
Delaney donated many dresses to Cinderella’s Closet of Monmouth County. Through donations of new and gently used formal dresses and accessories, they “Turn Dresses Into Dreams” for juniors and seniors referred to the organization by their school, community organization or social care agency.
Cinderella’s Closet has helped hundreds of students in need and now possesses an inventory of over 1,200 dresses. Students from across Southern New Jersey have been an integral part of the organization’s success with current students eager to carry on its mission for years to come.
The following vendors helped make Delaney’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services in Mitzvah Market.com.
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gornitsky-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.QiNIvSYe.dpuf
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gornitsky-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.QiNIvSYe.dpuf
Venue: Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 732-297-0696
Caterer: Classical Caterers, 732-297-6444
Music Entertainment/Photo Bar: MC Robby, Pure Energy Entertainment, 800-419-5355
Photographer/Sign-in Book: El-Co Color Labs, 732-536-1808
Decor: Marquis Florals and Event Design by Kim, 732-441-4800
Invitations: It’s Your Party, 732-431-0999
Logo: Dana Kaufman, by dana, 732-625-1471
Cake/Cupcakes: Classical Caterers, 732-297-6444
Sweatshirt Favors Apparel Zone, 732-441-7780
Delaney’s service dress: Gotham City Clothing, 973-467-9797
Delaney’s and Mom Leslie’s party dresses: Castle Couture, 732-617-1414
Men’s attire: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Studio 455, Michelle/Sonia, 732-972-9890
October 17th, 2014
For years and years, Bar and Bat Mitzvah families have LOVED the inclusive packages at SPACE in Englewood, New Jersey. Now, you can take your party “to-go” and get the same services offered by party guru Elvira, but at the location of your choice.
Space Events Off Premise is a new full-service entertainment and production company. They do everything – MC’s, DJ’s, dancers, lounge furniture, décor, centerpieces, graphic design, LED lighting, photo booths, unique entertainers and more. And best of all, they bring their services wherever the party is – family house parties, backyard barbeques, or the Bar Bat Mitzvah venue that you choose! Space Events Off Premise offers Event Planning & Production, Event Design, and Event Entertainment. With Space Events Off Premise, you and your guests can enjoy the “SPACE” experience anywhere you want.
Event Planning & Production
Get LED lighting, sound equipment, a dance floor, timelines, floor plans and a personal event coordinator.
Event Design
They also provide graphic design, decor, centerpieces and floral arrangements.
Event Entertainment
Their services include MCs, DJs, dancers and unique entertainer.s
To learn more about Space Off Premise, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 15th, 2014
According to Mitzvah Mom Melissa Levine, “Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is hard work, when you plan for twin boys with different personalities, it gets even harder.”
This family felt a logo would start the planning process and give their celebration a direction.
Enter Amy Wohl from FabuDesigns.com. It was explained to her that Jaden loves Broadway and theater and Jonah loves music. They asked Amy to think of a logo based on a Broadway show that was about music! She came up with Rock Of Ages, a logo they all loved.
This logo was used throughout the boys celebration which took place at Michael’s Hotdogs in Highland Park, Illinois. Photography was by Tell Draper.
The Levine family headed to Michael’s for their celebration following their B’nai Mitzvah Havdalah service at Temple B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim
The logo played the entire night on the tv screens, along with pictures of Jaden and Jonah
The logo was also part of the decor featured on large cubes that served as centerpieces
An overall look of the room
Like most celebrations, this one included a candy bar with their logo serving as big signage
And of course the logo was used on the favors. They had sweatshirts created for their family members and guests received tank tops (for the girls) and t-shirts (for the boys)
The logo looked great on the napkins and the candy bag labels
Watch this video to see more of this celebration
To learn more about what FabuDesigns.com can do for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, visit their Website here.
Venue: Michael’s Hot Dogs, Photography: Tell Draper Photography, DJ: Ryan Levin with 4Sure Entertainment, Room Decor and Giveaways: Lance Gustafson with FreeLance Studios, Invitations/Napkins/Stickers: Mi-Te Print, Montage: Mom, Wonka Candy Bar: Wonka Dessert Stations, Boy’s Suits: Guy’s and Co., Dad’s Suit: Von Maur, Mom’s Dress: GiGi’s Closette, Mom’s Hair & Makeup: J Terri Ross, Videography: Tony Arci of Mixital Media/4sure Entertainment
October 15th, 2014
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company has grown into so much more than simply snapping a photo. The “&” in their name represents the company they are today.
They want to be in their clients’ lives for a lifetime, as opposed to just one event. This special relationship they foster with all of their clients, in addition to the wide range of products they create and services they offer, is what sets them apart. They are photographers, videographers “&” so much more.
Over the past 28 years, they have grown into a full-service studio for all stages of their client’s lives. Mitzvah children become brides and grooms, and those brides and grooms have continued to return with their new and growing families. What their clients value most is that they understand how important a once-in-a-lifetime day is!
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company has an extensive Mitzvah section on their Website that includes a tab for Mitzvah Trends. They’ve created their own version of Pinterest and posted several categories pertaining to Mitzvah planning, including:
Thematic Party Branding
There are many ways to “brand” your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. From unique logos, to creative themes and color schemes, to food, treats, room decor and decorative accents. The team at Sarah Merians have photographed thousands of Bar Bat Mitzvahs showing creativity at it’s best. Here are some examples found in the Thematic Party Branding section of their website:
Fox Sports Football theme with branding throughout
“Emily Live” was on-point using the “E” as part of the logo
Playbill pillows and a colorful logo were a nice touch
“Jake” had a high-tech logo using a neon green and black color scheme
The “RMP” heart logo looked great on the colorful signage and accents
To learn more about Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 13th, 2014
Klipped Kippahs are yarmulkes with clips built right in. They don’t slip or slide and they come in many color combinations. Also available, sports teams and customization.
Since October is Breast Cancer awareness month, Klipped Kippah is going pink! Order your pink limited edition kippah from Klipped in support of breast cancer awareness. All kippahs can be customized with your B’nai Mitzvah logo. In addition to being Klipped, each kippah has a special breast cancer awareness label on the inside.
Klipped will donate 20% of sales from these pink kippahs to Sharsheret. Sharsheret is a an invaluable non-profit organization that provides all kinds of support for Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer.
For more information and to see other styles and colors, check out their Website, Klipped Kippahs.
October 13th, 2014
The Unterberg family from New York City, New York, celebrated daughter Tatum’s Bat Mitzvah with the service and reception at Motivo NYC in New York City, New York.
Tatum envisioned her Bat Mitzvah at a nightclub with family and close friends. Her theme was neon lights and by selecting Motivo NYC everything needed for an amazing party was already in place! Mom Robin used her creative skills to personalize many party details.
Pictured L-R: Mom Robin, Sister Riley, Bat Mitzvah girl Tatum and Dad Craig.
Photography by JB Yong of Sweet Dreams Studio and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
By selecting Motivo NYC the venue was perfect for the service and reception. The family created a special place of worship within the reception venue.
To make the invitation more personal Mom Robin used a photo of Tatum and designed it on her computer. Guests emailed their RSVP and Robin kept track of the responses with a grid sheet in a Mitzvah binder
Tatum, along with her Hebrew tutor, Howard Blas, chose the prayers and songs that were special to Tatum
Mom and Dad gave a heartfelt speech
Tatum’s cousin played the guitar
The beautiful ceremony took place in a room with high ceilings and modern chandeliers
Mom Robin created a prayer book filled with the prayers in Hebrew and English along with photos of family members and Tatum that were called up for Aliyot
Mitzvah Details
Hosting the celebration at a nightclub filled with bright colorful lights made decorating very easy. Not all children like to dance and many do not like the loud music so they provided a quieter area for fun activities.
On the second floor Mom Robin created “Tatum’s Chill Zone” which was an area of the club just for the kids. Mom and Tatum designed the banners on Vistaprint.com
Tatum liked her private lounge area; as the sign says, “No one over 18 permitted!”
Mom Robin ordered LED Fiber Optic centerpieces and sprinkled silver confetti. The best part is she can reuse them for another event!
Mom Robin created a photo book using Snapfish.com. She made sure to include photos with each family member as well as photos of Tatum with her friends. Guests signed next to their picture or in the back on blank pages
Guests enjoyed looking at pictures of Tatum through the years
The guest book is a wonderful keepsake
Sweet Dreams provided the photo booth. Tatum just couldn’t decide on one backdrop, so owner JB Yong told them they could have two backgrounds that he could interchange throughout the party!
Fun for kids of all ages!
Since Mom Robin is a teacher, she loved creating the fun in “Tatum’s Chill Zone.”
Board games were a big hit
A caricature artist added to the fun
Music & Entertainment
Guests were entertained by MC Van and Total Entertainment who kept the crowd going all night.
Tatum’s entrance on a throne!
Mom Robin up for the Horah!
Tatum enjoyed the dance floor
Sister Riley rockin' out with her parents
Everyone watched the talented dancer
Total Entertainment provided neon giveaways
Mom Robin created this beautiful candle light display from items purchased at Michaels craft stores. Tatum picked out the colors used for the cake and candle lighting
Tatum surrounded by her grandparents
The cake from CMNY Cakes was delicious and most guests had two slices!
Mitzvah Video
Tatum’s montage was created by Spot On Pictures and was filled with movie and television clips in addition to celebrity mentions!
Watch the montage here
Mitzvah Favor
Mom found mini colorful Chinese take-out boxes and filled them with personalized M&M’s.
Neon colors, of course!
Mom Robin also made labels to attach on each box
Mitzvah Project
Since Tatum was 4-years-old she has been doing mitzvot. On her 4th birthday she wanted to make sandwiches for the homeless. Whenever there was a catastrophe she immediately wanted to help. She usually sent her money to the Red Cross. She visited her great-grandmother in an assisted living home where she went around to all the people bringing them sweets and putting smiles on their faces. For her Mitzvah Project Tatum chose the ASPCA. She had stoop sales to raise money as well as donating her own allowance to help animals in need. For family and friends who hosted the Friday night dinner for Tatum, they chose to donate money to the ASPCA in their honor. People loved this thoughtful gesture.
Tatum is used to doing mitzvot and growing up often had stoop sales from selling lemonade and cookies to selling her gently used toys and clothing to raise money.
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Robin:
“I decided to do the Bat Mitzvah without a planner. Organization is key! Do your research; the internet makes it doable. There are plenty of web sites like Mitzvah Market that guide you on what’s needed and when it should be done. I made a notebook to keep all invoices, contracts and purchases in one place. Once we locked in the venue and hotel for out of town guests, the rest was easy to plan. I made a master grid of what I needed to purchase, reserve and checked it off as I went. Included on the grid were contacts’ email, websites, phone numbers, date for deposits due and total cost. I also made a grid specific for the Bat Mitzvah weekend. I organized the grid of what I needed to bring to the Friday night dinner and Saturday ceremony/party. For example, I made sure for the Friday night venue we had a Challah, candle sticks and a kiddush cup.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Tatum’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Motivo, Metronome Hospitality, 212-505-7400
Mitzvah tutor and officiant: Howard Blas
Photographer/Videographer: JB Yong, Sweet Dreams Studio, 862-204-9172
Party Planner: Michelle, Motivo, Metronome Hospitality, 212-505-7400
Invitation: Mom Robin
Music Entertainment: MC Van, Total Entertainment, 800-783-9335
Chinese take-out boxes: Michaels
Personalized M&M’s: My M&M’s
Photo booth: Sweet Dreams Studio, 862-204-9172
Candle lighting display: Mom Robin
Cake: CMNY Cakes, 516-513-0010
LED Fiber Optic Centerpieces: Coolglow.com
Beads: Oriental Trading
Sign-In book: Snapfish.com
Montage: Spot On Pictures, 212-979-9667
Bat Mitzvah girl Tatum and sister Riley’s dreses: Macy’s
Mothers dress: Missoni
Dad Craig’s suit: Hugo Boss
Out of Towners Bus Transportation: Academy Bus Lines, 212-445-7590
October 12th, 2014
Elevate Event Lounge is the newest and hottest venue to come to Westchester!
They are a private event facility that specializes in entertainment. They are here to help you every step of the way to make planning your event as stress free and fun filled as possible.
The Elevate staff promises a visually stimulating room that will trigger the “party animal” in your guests with their 1500 square foot dance floor and seven screens with two projection walls. They treat every event equally with enthusiasm and professionalism. Their state-of-the-art sound system, special effects lighting and interactive photo opportunities will make your event a memorable one. They even offer bus services to and from your event as well as valet parking.
You’re Invited…
Grand Opening of Elevate Event Lounge!
Thursday October 23rd from 6pm-9pm
Refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Photo Favors, Door Prizes and great music along with their Ribbon Cutting!
View their Event Invitation on Facebook and RSVP to Marie@elevateeventlounge.com
Check out these photos of Elevate Event Lounge:
State-of-the-art technology including special effects lighting…
…and seven screens with two projection walls
Colorful high-top tables light up the room
Amazing 1500 square foot dance floor!
Their DJs and MCs keep the party going
To learn more about Elevate Event Lounge, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 8th, 2014
EJ The DJ prides itself on talent, integrity and service. They have been providing the East Coast with optimum DJ entertainment for the past 29 years. They are committed to offering your child and guests the finest entertainment for their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
EJ The DJ prides itself on treating your child like an absolute star, all the while making sure family and friends are involved in the celebration.
Throughout the planning process, they pay special attention to your child’s event, working with you from the minute you contact them to the moment the last dance is played.
With EJ The DJ’s help, they promise to make your child’s special day unforgettable!
INTRODUCING SOMETHING NEW: DIGITAL LIGHT WANDS!
Provide an unforgettable, unique visual effect at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party. Capable of projecting any graphic, logo, picture or pattern you desire. This can also be synced with the music of your choice.
There is no limit to what these wands can do other than your imagination!
Watch the Digital Light Wand and learn what this exciting NEW party entertainment is all about here
To learn more about EJ The DJ, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 8th, 2014
The Gruber family from Lake Grove, New York, celebrated son Mason’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, New York. A reception followed at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.
Since Mason is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, it was all about “Mason Nation” a clever spin on “Steelers Nation,” the popular fan club of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pictured L-R: Sister Alissa, Bar Mitzvah boy Mason, Mom Beth and Dad Ross.
The photographers were Andrew and Treavor of White Light Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The family worked with Sealed with a Kiss on the modern black card, with yellow “Steelers” font, which set the tone for the party. The return label sticker in the color palette
A postcard RSVP with one side showing Mason’s logo, the other side had the RSVP information
The custom stamp from zazzle.com looked great!
Mason at Temple Isaiah on the bimah.
The Gruber family looked sensational. Both Sister Alissa and Mom Beth got their beautiful floor length gowns at Omnibus Fashions and had a great experience working with them. Bar Mitzvah boy Mason and Dad Ross got their tuxedos at Men’s Warehouse. 
For the reception Mason changed into a Steelers bow tie
Lighter Than Air scored big time with the signature Steelers black and yellow color palette. There were countless details that helped to bring this theme full circle. Check out the over-sized seating chart with a picture of Mason. That photo of Mason was taken at a pre-Mitzvah photo shoot
Mason stood proudly at the entrance to his party. The doors featured other pictures from his pre-Mitzvah photo shoot
The adult tables had black table linens with yellow napkins. There were yellow balloons hung from the ceiling and Mason Nation wrapped lampshades
Pictures taken from Mason’s pre-shoot were used on the illuminated DJ booth
White lounge furniture in the kids’ area with custom pillows
Anyone who knows about the Pittsburgh Steelers knows that you can’t have a celebration without the Terrible Towel. The famous rally towels were given to all guests so that they could wave them for the entrance and throughout the night.
Mom Beth and Dad Ross made their way into the reception
Mason’s version of the terrible towel
Lighter Than Air created this awesome breakaway
The guest of honor made his way into his reception
Once the music began, it didn’t stop, with Party Harty providing the music entertainment. MC Howie made sure all of Mason’s favorite songs played late into the night as everyone celebrated this special evening. Party Harty dancers got into the action with Steelers shirts
Mason had the right moves on the dance floor
Guests on the dance floor
Photo books by Tara created Mason’s sign-in book. The picture was taken from Mason’s high school team and the #43 is Troy Polamalu from the Pittsburgh Steelers…of course!
Mom Beth and Mason shared a special dance. They danced to “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” which was Mason’s parents’ Wedding song
For the candle lighting ceremony, mini flashlights were at every place setting and distributed to the kids. Everyone held up their flashlights so they could be a part of the candle lighting ceremony
Schwab’s 2nd Wind Screenprinting & Embroidery created the drawstring backpacks. The boys received black Under Armour t-shirts and the girls received black tank tops.
Mason, his sister Alissa and cousins modeled the favors
Hasson Caterers created a tailgate party for the exit surprise. There were hot pretzels in several flavors, churros, a grilled cheese tent, cotton candy, a food truck loaded with bags of chips, Gatorade and bottled water. Mason was all smiles at his Mitzvah Exit tailgate party.
The Grubers’ Temple asks the children to perform 13 mitzvot to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Mason completed the 13, but the one he was most proud of was being a team leader for Team Liquori for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. He did this in honor of his close friend’s mom, Jen Liquori, who is a breast cancer survivor. He raised over $2500.
The family also made a food pantry donation to their Temple pantry – their donation had lots of pasta, cereal, etc. The Mason Nation boxes were placed on the lecterns on the bimah at the service
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“Pay attention to all the details along the way, but on the day of the affair however things are just enjoy the day. The day will happen exactly as it is meant to which is not always exactly as planned, but that’s what makes it so perfect. And remember it is about your child and not you, so if they are happy you are happy!”
The following vendors helped to make Mason’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Chaverim, Hasson Caterers, 516-367-1200
Music Entertainment/Photo Booth/Staging/Lounge Furniture: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Photographer/Videographer: Andrew/Trevor, White Light Photography, 516-933-3399
Invitation: Sealed with a Kiss, 631-697-9980
Décor/Seating Chart/Breakaway Screen/Photo Blow-ups: Arthur, Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Favors: Mason Nation t-shirts/tank tops/rally towels: Schwab’s 2nd Wind Screenprinting & Embroidery, 631-331-4531
Cake: Hasson Caterers, 516-367-1200
Yarmulkes: That One Special Touch, 516-496-1025
Sister Alissa’s temple dress: Bloomingdales
Mom Beth’s temple dress: Flair in Stony Brook Village
Sister Alissa and Beth’s party gowns: Omnibus Fashions, 631-422-6946
Bar Mitzvah boy Mason’s service suit: Kenny’s Mens & Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Brother Ross’s service suit: Marsh’s
Dad Ross and Bar Mitzvah boy Mason’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Sivana Salon: 631-584-2408;
Make up: Makeup by Michelle, 917-608-9845
Party security: Provided by Hasson Caterers
