B’nai Mitzvah Project To Benefit Debbie’s Dream
November 4th, 2015

B’nai Mitzvah Project To Benefit Debbie’s Dream

Amanda and Ryan Caress (pictured left) will be celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah December, 2015, in New York City and have been hard at work on their Mitzvah Project.

They have worked together on various fundraisers to raise over $2,000 for an organization dear to their hearts, www.DebbiesDream.org.

We asked them some questions to learn more about their Mitzvah Project which is raising money and awareness for this organization.

MM: Can you give us details of your B’nai Mitzvah Project?
Amanda & Ryan:
Our goal was to raise money and awareness about stomach cancer specifically for www.DebbiesDream.org, which was started by our Aunt Debbie. We have organized multiple promotions for Lemonade stands and are selling tickets to a NYC event, Night of Laughter.

MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
Amanda & Ryan:
We took on this project because it is a cause that touches home for us as our Aunt has stage 4 stomach cancer and started this organization.

MM: Does your Mitzvah Project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
Amanda & Ryan: We focused on two fundraisers, the first was an all-day lemonade stand and for the second one, we are involved in the planning of the NYC event, Night of Laughter at the Gotham Comedy Club.

Amanda & Ryan Caress

Ryan working the booth

In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your B’nai Mitzvah?
Amanda & Ryan: We couldn’t think of a more meaningful B’nai Mitzvah Project than raising money and donating our time to our Aunt Debbie’s charity. We have found it very rewarding to dedicate our time to helping others. We have done many fundraisers, lemonade stands, shopping events and are helping to run and promote the NYC Night of Laughter benefiting stomach cancer.

Amanda & Ryan Caress

Amanda baking the cookies they sold

If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
Amanda & Ryan: For our second fundraiser, the NYC Night of Laughter, we have helped spread the word by giving out flyers, sending emails and advertising on various social media sites.

Amanda and Ryan Caress
Flyer promoting Night of Laughter

How long can people donate to this charity?
Amanda & Ryan: Feel free to donate directly to the charity www.DebbiesDream.org and indicate it’s in honor of Amanda & Ryan’s B’nai Mitzvah Project.

Anything else we should know about your B’nai Mitzvah Project?
Amanda & Ryan: We know how difficult it is to live with cancer. We hope our efforts inspire others. We have been raising money for this charity for years and will continue to do so in the future.

We thank Amanda & Ryan for sharing their Mitzvah Project with our readers. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balloon Artistry: A Logo As Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Theme
November 4th, 2015

Balloon Artistry: A Logo As Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Theme

 

Balloon Artistry is a full-service Bar Bat Mitzvah party decorating company, famous for transforming parties into magical, unforgettable memories. Balloon Artistry’s legendary balloon creations, personalized themes and breathtaking centerpieces capture the exact mood you desire. Their experienced staff will make your party room feel fun, festive and youthful. They create an environment for your party that will put a smile on your face and make your guests excited to celebrate with you and your family.

 

 

 

Mitzvah Market sat down with Shaina from Balloon Artistry to learn how they design logos for Bar Bat Mitzvah themes:

MM: Please tell us about your logo designs and Bar Bat Mitzvah themes.
BA: Many Bar & Bat Mitzvah kids don’t have specific interests that they want to feature at their party. To remove the pressure of coming up with a theme, we create a customized logo using their initials, names, dates & colors and focus the decor on that design. Logos are a trendy, modern way to pull the entire “look” of the child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah together. It’s basically “branding” your child in every aspect of the decor. 

 

Balloon Artistry 

MM: What is the process for creating a logo?
BA: We have hundreds of logos we’ve designed, as well as a library of ideas that we use for inspiration. When the Bar Bat Mitzvah child chooses a style/design they are drawn to, we start the design process. We review fonts, colors and layouts to customize the logo specifically for that child. One of our customers’ favorite things about using us to design their logo is that we invite them to come into our office to design with us. They get to see the process first hand — they watch us work, they ask questions, offer suggestions and see all of our color choices at once.

Balloon Artistry logo blog

Balloon Artistry logo blog

Balloon Artistry logo blog

Balloon Artistry logo blog

MM: How do you incorporate the final Bar Bat Mitzvah logo into the party decor?
BA: 
We use the logo on everything from party favors, centerpieces, place cards to sign-in boards and room signage. We  usually design secondary logos, so the look of the theme doesn’t get too repetitive. For different areas of the party, will use two versions of a logo that work well together. 

 

Balloon Artistry logo blog

Balloon Artistry logo blog

Balloon Artistry logo blog

To learn more about Balloon Artistry, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

 

November 2nd, 2015

The Friendship Circle

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    A Bat Mitzvah Project With Animal Attraction
    November 1st, 2015

    A Bat Mitzvah Project With Animal Attraction

    By Bari Diamond from Teaneck, New Jersey

    People who know me know that I LOVE animals. So for my Bat Mitzvah project I wanted to do something that combined
    two things I love — horses, and my friend and neighbor, Kayla.

    Kayla is a sweet and smiley three-and–a-half-year-old girl with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. Kayla can’t talk
    and can only walk with the help of a special walker, but when she rides Butter, a tan colored pony every Sunday through the
    Pony Power program, she’s SO happy. I’ve seen how amazing the program is for her. Kayla smiles and laughs and loves her time with the horses.

    I first visited Pony Power Therapies in Mahwah, NJ, with Kayla because I wanted to watch her ride and I wanted a chance to see the horses in action. I was so amazed at how much Kayla gained from riding the horses. All the kids I saw on my visits were so happy and it made me feel so good to see how beneficial therapeutic horses can be for kids. I chose this organization as my Bat Mitzvah project because I’d love to give other special needs children the opportunity to ride as well.

    Pony Power Therapies is a nonprofit organization that gives children and adults with a broad spectrum of developmental and physical disabilities a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. All the activities there enhance their physical, social and emotional well-being in a safe, nurturing farm environment.

    During each 30-minute session, riders are paired with one Pony Power instructor and two trained volunteers. The therapeutic
    riding focuses on teaching each child to ride a horse within his or her ability. Many kids can get better focus, flexibility, balance and
    motor skills from riding. But most importantly, all riders leave with a smile.

    I think everyone should be able to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their abilities, and Pony Power helps make that happen. I wanted to do anything I could to help as many other children like Kayla get the benefits from this great organization.

    Bari Diamond
    Kayla rides her horse with the Pony Power Program

    So far I’ve raised more than $3,000 – more than $500 over my initial goal. I raised it by creating an online fundraising page that I emailed to my friends and family, telling them all about Pony Power and asking them to support my project. I also donated most of my babysitting and dog-sitting money.

    The money I raised is enough to send two children to Pony Power for a semester each. Because therapy is not done in one session,
    but rather 10-12 week semesters, the money I raise can really make a difference in a few kids’ lives. I’m working with Chai Lifeline and i-Shine to identify kids who could really benefit. Once they start, I hope to attend a few of their sessions so I can see how the money I’ve raised is helping them. There’s also some extra money that will go to send nearly 100 autistic children on interactive field trips where they will meet and groom Pony Power horses.

    Helping others is definitely a good way to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah. A Bat Mitzvah project is so meaningful because it makes you feel like you accomplished something to make other people’s lives better. As a result, I have learned not to take anything for granted and to appreciate everything that I have.

    This project is just one way I have interacted with animals. I have always known I wanted to do something with animals. Even as
    a baby I loved going to the zoo and I love learning about animals. For my birthdays when I was younger I asked people to sponsor
    animals from the World Wildlife Foundation instead of buying me presents, and I am sad to learn about those animals that are
    endangered. When I grow up I’d love to work with animals, either as a veterinarian, a trainer, or even a marine biologist or scuba
    diver, which sounds awesome.

    Bari Diamond
    Bari and Kayla

    I plan to continue to raise money for Pony Power and can’t wait to see how Kayla progresses in life and grows up. I wouldn’t miss it!

    Bari Diamond is in 7th grade at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, NJ. To donate to her project, visit her website. To learn more about Pony Power Therapies visit their website.

    2015-2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine cover

     

    This story is from new 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

    A Kids-Only Bar Mitzvah Celebration
    November 1st, 2015

    A Kids-Only Bar Mitzvah Celebration

    The Brown family of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, celebrated son Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Judea of Bucks County in Furlong, Pennsylvania.

    Josh didn’t want the traditional luncheon or dinner celebration that his brother Evan had, so the family compromised with a sit down luncheon after the service at Caleb’s American Kitchen. Later that evening, there was a big kids’ party at Back Steps, part of Beat Street event venue, with a “JCB Stadium” theme.

    Pictured L-R: Dad Howard, Brother Evan, Bar Mitzvah boy Josh and Mom Lisa.

    The photographer was Hy Paul and the rest of the vendor information is listed a the bottom of the spotlight. 

    Mitzvah Invitation

    The family worked with Melissa Berk of By Invitation Only. The navy blue and apple green color palette set the tone for the entire party.

    Josh Brown invitation

    Josh Brown rsvp

    The RSVP and luncheon card

    Mitzvah Service

    The service was held at Temple Judea of Bucks County where Josh did a beautiful job reciting his prayers and reading from the Torah.

    josh brown service

    Josh at the Bimah during his formal portraits

    Josh Brown kiddush luncheon

     After the service, there was a Kiddush luncheon at Caleb’s American Kitchen 

    Josh Brown cupcakes

     

    Cupcake Fantasy created the cupcakes in the party colors with an edible chocolate “J” on top

    Mitzvah Style

    The Brown family looked great in their casual outfits and were ready to party.

    Brown family style

    Mitzvah Décor

    The kids party was at Back Steps at Beat Street, an eclectic industrial type room. Event planner Valerie Felgoise of Let’s Party with Valerie created most of the decor elements using a navy and green apple color scheme. Lounge Around provided the lounge furniture which also incorporated Josh’s colors.

    Josh Brown decor
    LED high-top tables added color

    Josh brown decor

    The lounge decor looked great and was comfortable for guests

    Josh Brown lounge decor
    The pillows added to the color scheme

    Josh Brown decor

    Custom signage was created to incorporate many of Josh’s favorite things including his camp and favorite college team, Ohio State

    Josh Brown gobo

    The Gobo on the dance floor was Josh’s logo

    Josh Brown signage

     

    Signage for the kids lounge

    Josh Brown details

    Navy blue and green custom cocktail napkins

    Mitzvah Sign-In

    The family used a sign-in locker with a custom logo from Let’s Party with Valerie.

    Josh Brown sign in locker
    It’s now in Josh’s room

     

    Mitzvah Music

    EBE Events and Entertainment with MC Everett Jackson kept everything moving on the dance floor.

    Josh Brown entrance

    Josh making his entrance in a big way

    Josh Brown Cheerleader entrance

    Josh posing with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders

    Josh Brown dancing
    There was lots of action on the dance floor

    Josh Brown dj

    And lots of high energy in the room, thanks to MC Everett

    Mitzvah Cake

    Randi Leese of RL Cake Designs created the amazing JCB Stadium cake, a replica of Ohio State’s stadium. It also included some of Josh’s other favorite things like a pretzel, popcorn and a Sprite!

    Josh Brown cake

    Josh Brown cake
    The view of the stadium cake from above

    Mitzvah Candle Lighting

    Josh was surrounded by his friends during his candle lighting ceremony.

    Josh Brown calndle lighting

    Mitzvah Dessert

    There were many great dessert choices such as cotton candy.

    Josh Brown dessert

    Mitzvah Favors

    The favors were logo’d sweatpants by Let’s Party with Valerie.

    josh brown favor
    Each was presented in clear wrapping to see the great logo

    Josh Brown sweatpants
    The sweatpants were a big hit

    Mitzvah Project

    Josh worked with the Simons Fund, which is an amazing organization that promotes the heart screening of all kids and young athletes to detect undiagnosed heart defects.

    Josh Brown prooject logo

    Mom to Mom Advice

    Some advice from Mom Lisa:
    “Stay organized! I used a giant three ring binder, with dividers for each vendor. Book as much as you can, as early as you can. Also, let your child guide you. Let them be a part of the planning, since it is their day!”

    Vendor Directory:

    The following vendors helped to make Josh’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

    Service: Temple Judea of Bucks County, 215-348-5022
    Luncheon venue: Caleb’s American Kitchen, 215-794-8588
    Evening venue: Back Steps at Beat Street, 215-364-1844
    Photographer/Videographer: HyPaul Studio, 215-364-4144
    Music Entertainment:
    MC Everett Jackson, EBE Events and Entertainment, 215-634-7700
    Décor/Florist/Sign-In/Signage/Favors: Valerie Felgiose, Let’s Party with Valerie, 610-213-5675
    Photo favors
    : Hour Entertainment, Shannon Shields, 215-355-3755
    Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, 215-339-6700
    Invitation: By Invitation Only, Melissa Berk, 215-654-1601
    Cake: Randi Leese, RL Cake Designs, 215-364-4842
    Sneaker socks: Mitzvahsocks.com
    Lounge furniture: Lounge Around, 215-355-6552
    Cupcakes at luncheon: Cupcake Fantasy, 267-481-5026
    Custom water bottles: Eagles Peak 215-345-6069
    Individual popcorn bags: Clusters Bucks County Caramel Corn, 215-693-1137
    Cotton candy: Gourmet Vendor, 215-396-7000
    Mom’s service dress/party dress: Nordstrom/ Flirt Women’s Boutique
    Suits for boys suits/night clothes: Schweons, 215-357-0600
    Dad’s service suit: Ventresca’s 215-348-3139/Party clothes: Nordstrom
    Hair/makeup: Suzanne Munshower, Beauty Marx, 215-422-3690 

    A Unique Mitzvah Project: Giving New Life To Unwanted Computers
    October 28th, 2015

    A Unique Mitzvah Project: Giving New Life To Unwanted Computers

    A Unique Bar Mitzvah Project by David Lilienfeld from Margate, New Jersey:

    I love computers. I love using them, fixing them, refurbishing them. When I grow up I want to be a computer science engineer. So when it came time to choose a Mitzvah Project, I decided to use my technological abilities to help others.

    I’ve always had computers and electronics around me all my life and I realize how lucky I am because I have seen many people who do not have this privilege. I know how important computers are.

    When I thought about my mitzvah project, I wanted to do something meaningful and involve what I enjoy doing. When you enter Jewish adulthood, you need to learn responsibility and do good for your community. I realized that there were a lot of computers out there that weren’t being used and a lot of people who could use them to find a job, fill out an application, or to do their homework. If we gave them a computer they would be able to do all of these things.

    My mom hired a computer technician to teach me how to reformat and rebuild computers that have outlived their usefulness to their owners. My goal is to deliver 35 computers to people who can use them in Atlantic County, NJ, where I live, by the time of my Bar Mitzvah in May 2016. I’ve already received a dozen donated computers. Some were desktops that were so old and not Wi-Fi capable/wireless, so they were given to a nearby recycling center. The others are ready to be upgraded and given a new life.

    I want to distribute computers to people who really want them and need them, and I know they will be put to good use. It is very meaningful to me to be able to personally deliver the computers and meet the people who will benefit from their use.

    I have a website, a Facebook page and a PayPal account to get the word out to donors and families who can use a computer. We also accept monetary donations that will be used to purchase hard drives, routers and software. I’d also like to raise enough money to provide the new owners with Internet access for a year.

    David Mitzvah Project

    To help spread the word about my project, I created a youtube video to explain it

    I have distributed flyers at my synagogue, Beth Judah, and at Atlantic City High School and the Margate schools asking for donations of old computers as well as looking for suitable people in need of our computers.

    There’s a huge need out there. Most people need laptops, so we are getting more selective about what we can accept. We need
    computers that are five years old or less and they must have the required power cords. I will reformat the donated computers to
    completely clear any personal data left by the previous owner, and then set them up in the new owner’s home.

    I’ve even emailed the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to see if they would help…but I haven’t heard back from them yet.

    By doing this project, I hope to not only help those who need computers get one, but I also hope to inspire others to give away things that could be of use to someone else. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” If my project is successful, I would like to expand outside of my local area and give out computers to people in need all over the US.

    David Lilienfield is a 7th grader from Margate, NJ, who attends Eugene A. Tighe School. For information about his project or to make a donation of a laptop, monitor, router or financial contribution, go to: www.davidsdigitaldonations.org

    This story is from new 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

    An Amazing Art Themed Bat Mitzvah
    October 28th, 2015

    An Amazing Art Themed Bat Mitzvah

     

    84 West Events created an Art themed Bat Mitzvah for the Strackman family from Lake Worth, Florida.

    Bat Mitzvah girl Ally is an amazing artist and her family is just as creative, so it was a true collaboration for “Ally’s Art Mitzvah.”

    Benvenuto Restaurant located in Boyton Beach, Florida, was the venue. 84 West Events provided the photography, decor, entertainment and lighting.

     

     

    Aly's art mitzvah entrance and placecard table

     The entrance featured Ally’s own artwork!

    Aly's art mitzvah kids area signage
    Colorful signage for Ally’s V.I.P. friends

    Aly's art mitzvah pencil decor

    The “A” for Ally’s sign-in board was created with colored pencils and made by Ally!

    Aly's art mitzvah ballroom
    LED uplighting was used in a colorful pattern creating a vivid and happy room

    Aly's art mitzvah centerpiece decor
    LED colored pencil centerpieces

     

    Aly's art mitzvah centerpiece decor2
    Even the napkins and linens matched the colorful uplighting

     

    Aly's art mitzvah table setting

     Tiny easel seating cards at each place setting

    Aly's art mitzvah floor decal
    A custom floor decal

    Aly's art mitzvah candle lighting
    The candles dripped rainbow colors for Ally’s candle lighting ceremony!

    Aly's Art Mitzvah fun sunglassesn

     LED giveaways were a big hit on the dance floor

    Aly's art mitzvah interactive fun
    Ally enjoyed the Photo Graffiti Wall

    We thank 84 West Events for sharing this Ally’s Art Mitzvah with our readers.

     

    On The Bar Bat Mitzvah Circuit…With Carrie
    October 25th, 2015

    On The Bar Bat Mitzvah Circuit…With Carrie

     

     

     

     

    By Carrie Berk

     

    About Carrie Berk
    I’m an 8th grade Bar & Bat Mitzvah teen blogger for MitzvahMarket.com and live on the Upper East Side in NYC. I love fashion, soul cycle, theater, hanging out with friends, and cupcakes (I have a blog about them: www.facebook.com/PLCCupcakeClub). My bat mitzvah project is for my dance teacher and friend, Elizabeth Maria Walsh, who died of a rare form of cancer at just 26 years old. Direct message me on Instagram (@carrieberkk) for information on how to donate, and follow me for more fun Bat Mitzvah photos!

     

     

     

     

     

    Recently, I attended the Bat Mitzvah of one of my best friends, Stella Solit.

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    Stella and Carrie

    Everything at the event had Stella’s stamp on it—literally! From the décor to the donut carts, it was super cool and creative, just like her. The Bat Mitzvah was all about personalization. Stella wanted her friends and family to be able to enjoy whatever they liked, so everything was customized. During cocktail hour, we got to choose our own slushies. They gave us cups and we picked whatever flavor we liked. We even got a slushie maker to take home with us!

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    As the cocktail hour transformed into the reception, Stella got really creative allowing her guests to create customized sodas. Since Stella used to dance, each bottle had pictures of her busting some moves on them. The flavors were dance-themed as well: “Kickin’ Red Cream” and “Leapin’ Berry Blue.”

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    You could also customize bracelets or checkers. Stella wrote on her own bracelet, “Core Four” for her group of four besties.

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    Stella’s dress was custom-made with a removable long over-skirt so that when it was time to dance, she could take it off and reveal a shorter skirt that was easier to move in. Genius!

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    Instead of a regular dinner menu, it was breakfast as dinner! My friends and I were fighting to get to the front of the line first so we could dig into the Belgian waffles! They were soooo good!

    While that was going on, people wheeled donut carts around the dance floor. They had different flavored syringes that you could use to fill the donut. I’m not a jelly donut person, but Bavarian cream? Chocolate fudge? Yes, please!

     

    Carrie Berk - Stella
    Stella, with the girls who pushed the donut cart

    At the end of the night, we got the most amazing favor: a photoscope containing a picture we took with Stella inside it. It was a really creative way of taking a photo home with us.

    Carrie Berk: Stella

    Stella also gave out gray sweatpants that said, “Xoxo, Stella” in pink on the front and had a pink kiss on the back.

    Screen Shot 2015-10-08 at 7.11.51 PM

    My favorite take-home treat was cereal! Stella had a huge cereal bar so you could pick and pack up our faves as we exited. I packed up a container of Frosted Flakes and marshmallow Lucky Charms with a small bottle of milk. And guess what I had for breakfast the next morning?

    Carrie Berk - Stella

    Stella’s Bat Mitzvah was a night to remember because of its creativity. She made each and every guest feel so special and welcome.

    Vendors:
    DJ, MC, and Games: Untouchable Events, Food: Park Hyatt Hotel, Party Planner, Randi Levy; Photographer; Michael Jurick,
    Custom Made Dress: Campanella Collection

    Read more of Carrie’s blog posts:
    Blog #1 here
    Blog #2 here
    Blog #3 here

    Big Shot Selfie Camera For Bar & Bat Mitzvah Entertainment
    October 25th, 2015

    Big Shot Selfie Camera For Bar & Bat Mitzvah Entertainment

    At Boom Event Source they take pride in helping clients celebrate their child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah in the most fun, creative and unique ways. They are a nationwide event rental company helping clients orchestrate the ‘BOOM’ factor at their events. At Boom Event Source, they value their clients’ vision — “If you can dream it, they can create it.”

    They provide the best of the best in entertainment specializing in novelty games A-Z, they want your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah to be fun for every age attending. From lounge decor and dance floors, to music and interactive games, Boom Event Source adds the perfect flair that promises to make your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration beyond memorable!

      

    NEW! BIG SHOT SELFIE CAMERA

    “I’ll get back to the party, but first, let me take a selfie!”

    There’s no need to hide in the corner with your iPhone at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party while you take a selfie. With the Big Shot Selfie Cam from Boom Event Source you smile bright, then hold a moment while your selfie is printed instantly. It is then added to the Bar Bat Mitzvah slideshow. Don’t forget to add a logo or message before emailing it to yourself!

     

     

    Big Shot Selfie Cam1

    Guests of all ages love taking selfies! 

     

    Boom Event Source Big Shot Selfie

    Customization for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah theme is available

    Boom Event Source Big Shot Selfie

    Selfies are emailed instantly and are available on social media platforms

    To learn more about Boom Event Source, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

    A Bat Mitzvah For A Candy Obsessed Girl
    October 25th, 2015

    A Bat Mitzvah For A Candy Obsessed Girl

    “I Want Candy!” That’s what Brianna Zeiberg said when asked what theme she wanted for her Bat Mitzvah celebration.

    The Zeiberg famliy of Westport, Connecticut, celebrated daughter Brianna’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Shalom with a Havdalah service and a reception immediately following at Mora Mora in Norwalk, Connecticut.

    “B Sweet” was the perfect theme for this “candy-obsessed” Bat Mitzvah girl. Guests enjoyed an evening of bright and beautiful colors and candy.

    Pictured: Mom Charlene, Sister Shira, Bat Mitzvah girl Brianna and Dad Adam.

    James Grout Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.

    Zeiberg Invitation

    Her zebra-striped invitation, from Alpine Creative Group, had brightly colored accents and a big “B” set the tone for fun. Notice the colorful gumballs (a hint of her theme!) on the postage stamp from Zazzle!

    Zeiberg Service

    The Havdalah service took place at Temple Shalom in Norwalk, Connecticut. Brianna did a beautiful job reading from the torah. She wore her late maternal grandfather’s tallis during her Torah portion and later wore a tallis given to her by her paternal grandfather for her havtorah

    Zeiberg Family

    Brianna’s Mitzvah Style was all about pink! She wore a gorgeous bubble gum pink gown from A Step Ahead with just the right amount of bedazzle to let everyone know that this was her party. Mom Charlene looked beautiful in her dress, also from A Step Ahead

    Zeiberg

    Brianna, pretty in pink, ready for her party

    Zeiberg logo

    Zeiberg

    The “B Sweet” logo, with hot pink and bright blue text in a candy wrapper graphic, sweetened the room with special décor touches. Graphic designer, Dee Dee Hamm, added “Bri,” short for Brianna, to the logo to make it extra special

    Zeiberg

    A “Bri Sweet” sign made of Candy Buttons

    Zeiberg decor

    Guests felt like a “kid in a candy store” with colorful candy at every corner of the room. Walls were decorated with wonderful posters of Brianna in fun poses

    Zeiberg

    Donuts – yum!

     

    Zeiberg

    “I Want Candy!”

    Zeiberg
    Many other fun, creative poses with candy!

    Zeiberg place cards

    Place cards hung from pretty ribbon

     

    Zeiberg place cards

     Custom place cards with various signature photos of Brianna from her pre-Bat Mitzvah shoot. Guests found their tables by matching the picture on their place card with the photo on each table

     

    Zeiberg Decor

    Spectacular colors really lit up the room

     

    Zeiberg Decor

    Colorful tables included candy and candles matching the table color.
    The chairs were decorated with matching ribbon to pull it all together

     

    Zeiberg

    Floating candles and decorative glass containers filled with candy were on each table

     

    Zeiberg

    Adorable logo’d napkin rings 

    Zeiberg Sign-in

    Brianna’s sign-in board featured her “Bri Sweet” logo in a white matted sign-able frame. Family and friends enjoyed writing meaningful Mazel Tov messages with color sharpies that hung from pretty ribbon

    Zeiberg Entrance

    Starlight Express was the music entertainment and the DJ and MC kept the party going all night. Brianna waved to guests as she was escorted by a dancer to the song, I Want Candy!

    Zeiberg

    Mom Charlene and Dad Adam made their grand entrance

    Zeiberg DJ

    Brianna’s friends had tons of fun on the dance floor!

    Zeiberg DJ

    The MC had great dance floor giveaways of giant candy

    Zeiberg Candle Lighting

    Mom Charlene found a vendor on Etsy.com to create the candle lighting display

    Zeiberg Candle Lighting

    Brianna and her parents enjoyed the candle lighting ceremony

     Zeiberg Candy

    One of the highlights of the evening was the candy bar, a “Bri Sweet” table with jars upon jars overflowing with colorful candy of all kinds.  Fun Dip was served on trays

    Zeiberg Mitzvah Exit Treat

    Brianna’s friends love the candy bar

    Zeiberg Exit Treat

    Glass containers of all sizes added to the look

    Zeiberg Favors

    Proforma K Print Solutions created logo’d pinnies, shorts and drawstring bags for Bri’s friends. Girls received a pinny, bag, hairband formed into a lollipop and Baked by Melissa cupcakes and the boys received shorts, a bag, an iTunes giftcard and Baked by Melissa cupcakes

     

    Mitzvah Project
    Bri has been fundraising for The Humane Society of the United States since she was seven and has raised approximately $9,000 from her charity-based birthday parties. Also, Bri is a teen ambassador for the Meatless Monday organization, raising awareness on why to reduce the consumption of meat. She successfully worked closely with two Fairfield, Connecticut restaurants.

    Zeiberg Mitzvah Project

     Brianna and her sister Shira meeting with the CEO Wayne Pachelle, of The Humane Society of the United States in Washington DC to plan her Mitzvah Project

    The following vendors helped to make Brianna’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.

    Venue/Caterer: Mora Mora and Garelick & Herbs, 203-972-4499
    Party Planner
    : MZ Events, 212-262-0609
    Music Entertainment/Photo booth: Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
    Photographer/Videographer: James Grout, 917-599-8818
    Favors: Pinnies/Bags/Shorts – Proforma K Print Solutions, Tracey Kaye, 845-634-0500
    Cupcakes: Baked by Melissa
    Invitation: Alpine Creative Group, 212-989-6507
    Stamp: Zazzle.com
    Décor: Party Ideas, Arlene Rosenthal, 203-226-3672
    Sign-In board: Design: MZ Events, 212-262-0609 and Production: Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas, 203-226-3672
    Dresses for Charlene & Brianna: A Step Ahead, 203-329-2959
    Hair: Vincent Palumbo Salon, 203-454-8600
    Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics, 203-349-8850
    Transportation: Dattco, 800-229-4879
    Party security: Provided by Mora Mora