January 31st, 2021
Live streaming Bar and Bat Mitzvah services has become the “new normal” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as families are finding creative ways to celebrate their child’s simcha. Recently a family from Southport, Connecticut worked with Jenn DelAngelo of Caramel Studios, to re-imagine their son Jonah’s montage into a special surprise with messages of congratulations from invited family and friends.
Pre-coronovirus, DelAngelo was hired to create a traditional Bar Mitzvah montage for the Hourihan family for their son’s March 28th affair. When the celebration was postponed, it was decided that the service would be live streamed on the intended day. The parents collaborated with DelAngelo to “create a fun, upbeat video with surprise messages and photos for Jonah so he could feel the love from the family and friends that should have been there to celebrate with him.”
DelAngelo provided her client with a set of simple, clear directions to share with guests and also offered suggestions and tips. “We kept it fun and light, so there was no pressure. The only goal was to shower the Bar Mitzvah boy with love!” she explains. Photos and videos were emailed directly to DelAngelo and the entire process took about two weeks but messages were being added up until the day of the Bar Mitzvah service.
After Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah service, his family surprised him with the montage filled with photo and video messages. DelAngelo says that Jonah loved the video and told his parents the day was even more special than he’d expected. Guests received a link to the video which was also posted on Facebook by Jonah’s mom. The family plans to share their original, traditional montage with guests at their rescheduled celebration in the fall.
Watch a sample of Jonah’s Surprise Mazel Tov video:
Watch a short version of the montage
here
DelAngelo is currently working to re-create meaningful montages and video messages for postponed weddings, graduations and more. To learn more about Caramel Studios visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
August 9th, 2020
For many years it was the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah MC that introduced the guest of honor into their celebration. Reel Life Cinematography, a video production company, has opened the door to a brand new way to get the party started with their creative Hype Videos.
Each Hype Video is unique to the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah child’s personality. These mini movies showcase their talent and/or favorite parts of their life. They can even include family members for a more fun and personal touch.
With more than 20 million views on YouTube alone, Reel Life Cinematography knows what teens connect with and relate to the most. “Our goal is to do more than entertain your guests,” said Chris Tsalikis, Co-founder of Reel Life Cinematography. “Production value is a huge part of the experience. We’ll make your Hype Video or Photo/Video Montage the highlight of your celebration.”
Reel Life Cinematography will work with your family through each phase of the production process and use their creative expertise to make sure your Hype Video or Photo/Video Montage is unique and high-quality. “We understand how important this day is to you,” said Billy Anastasiou, Co-founder of Reel Life Cinematography. “We’re extremely passionate about creating an unforgettable video that your guests will remember months after your event.”
To see examples of Reel Life Cinematography’s Bar Bat Mitzvah video work, see below.
Hype Videos
In producing her music video, the Reel Life Cinematography crew visited The High Line, Hudson Yards, The Vessel, and a few other prominent Manhattan locations. The day started during golden hour at Lafayette and E. Houston and ended under the city lights in Madison Square Garden. Chloe's hype video can be viewed
here
Jordan dreamt of recreating the iconic film scene from the 1992 film White Men Can't Jump for his Bar Mitzvah Hype Video. Watch
here
Amanda wanted to express her bold personality in a unique and creative way. She had a blast filming her Hype Video. Life is a great big canvas Amanda, throw all the paint you can on it! Her hype video can be viewed
here
Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Montages
Chloe's photo/video montage can be viewed
here
Jordan's photo/video montage can be viewed
here
Remi's photo/video montage can be viewed
here
For more information about Reel Life Cinematography, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
You can also ask questions and get advice about montages in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.
August 2nd, 2020
Best friends Zachary Tamarkin and Eric Zager of Allentown, PA had planned separate Bar Mitzvah celebrations – Eric’s in March and Zachary’s in June, 2020 – prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. When it became clear that plans would need to change, their families joined forces to celebrate their simchas with a Zoom B’nai Mitzvah and socially distant celebration. Held on Zach’s original date, the day was festive, meaningful and definitely memorable.
Each family participated from the safety of their respective homes, while their rabbi from Temple Beth El in Allentown conducted the temple’s first-ever virtual service from his house. Both families had Holocaust Torahs in their homes, making their services even more significant.
In the afternoon, they came together at the Tamarkin’s house, where they rented a frozen treats truck and had guests sign up for 15-minute time slots to drive by, get a treat, and have a quick, socially distanced visit with the Bar Mitzvah boys. Outdoor decor included homemade lawn signs, the boys’ custom logo, and photos of the friends over the years. Guests received a custom face mask and other favors made by the families. Prior to the Zoom, they hand delivered or mailed goody bags to create excitement for the event.
Read on to see photos from this awesome socially distant celebration:
Zach & Eric’s Virtual B’nai Mitzvah
A custom logo was created for the celebration
Prior to the big day, guests received these goody bags at their homes
Close up of letter from the Tamarkin and Zager families
The Tamarkin's (L-R), mom Tama, brother Gabe, Bar Mitzvah boy Zach, sister Hannah and dad Frank
The dining room was used for their service and Zoom set up.
Zach did a great job reading from the Torah
The Zagers joined together in their living room
Mom Miriam and dad Mike on either side of Eric, while his siblings watched from the sofa
Scott Present from
Xtreme Event Group coordinated the Zoom service for the families and also produced a montage of well-wishes from guests
Zoom guests
Each boy celebrated with their own hora!
Mazel Tov!
Furry guests were able to attend the at-home service
Eric is joined by his siblings, Zach, Ben, Carly and Matthew
Zach's house was decorated with lawn signs and photos
Close up of lawn signs
Photos of the boys through the years captured their friendship
This frozen treat truck was a surprise treat for drive-by guests
Must-have Mitzvah accessory of 2020
A day neither boy will ever forget!
Mitzvah Advice
“Hire a DJ/entertainment company to help run your virtual Mitzvah,” says Zach’s mom Tama. “While a virtual event was not what we had planned or hoped for, we were able to add meaning and connection. Having someone else run the Zoom, (Xtreme Event Group did ours) it put us at ease and also made for a seamless and professional event which guests connected with.”
Mitzvah Project
For Eric’s Mitzvah Project, he was joined by Zach and other friends when he regularly visited Country Meadows Retirement Community this winter to spend time with residents and talk about his love of sports. The conversations often turned to other topics and the boys loved hearing stories from the residents and learning life lessons. Eric will now be joining Zach to complete a Mitzvah Project with Mitzvah Circle, a local organization that the Tamarkin family has engaged with that was created to fill gaps and provide items that are not covered by government assistance to families most in need. When it is safe to do so, Zach and Eric will be organizing a service day for their friends and family to go to Mitzvah Circle’s warehouse to help package customized care packages with clothing, shoes, diapers, period supplies, books, household goods, toiletries and more for families in crisis.
Vendor Directory
Virtual Service Coordination & Well Wishes Montage Video: Xtreme Event Group, 732-536-8155
Photographer: Heather Gogal Photography, 610-704-9274 and DAVisions Photography, 610-258-5805
Custom Masks: Big Tex Banners and Flags, 888-849-2749
Invitations: InkRedible, 610-398-8599
Food Truck: Frozen Island, 302-353-8868
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
July 5th, 2020
You’ve successfully rescheduled your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Now it’s time to let your guests know about your new date.
With so many events being postponed in the wake of the coronavirus, you’ll want to make sure your friends and family put your new Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah date on their calendars. Following up with an official email or change of date card is definitely recommended. “Many families are looking for a formal way to communicate their new Bar or Bat Mitzvah date with their guests,” explains Jeanne Woodyard of Invitations4Less. “We’ll help them create a fun, unique message.”
Vendors are creating everything from digital change of date cards to Bar Bat Mitzvah Websites to keep guests up-to-date. See below for some creative examples.
How to Communicate Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Change of Date
Invitations4Less has created this adorable change of date card to look like a text message
Cutie Patootie Creations is offering digital change of date cards, in four templates, at no charge. Printed versions are available at $1.00 each. Learn more
here
Invitations With Love created this clever sticker (top right) for invitations that had already been sealed and about to be mailed. The sticker reads, "We hope to see you on May 30th, but save the date of October 16th if we must reschedule. Please include your email address on the RSVP card so we can reach you with updated information"
EventPrints will create a new change the date card to coordinate with your existing invitation (if already purchased from them), or you can choose from a selection of pre-designed cards on their Website. Learn more
here
Let's Go Invite is building Bar Bat Mitzvah Websites for families to keep guests up-to-date and will also print a change of date insert card
Invitation House is using this wording for Weddings, but can create this for any Bar Bat Mitzvah too
Informally Yours created this postponement card to match the invitation ensemble
Did you send a clever postponement card that you would like to share? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
June 26th, 2020
If you’re like us, the past few months at home have you missing the dancing, decor and delicious FOOD at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations more than ever.
We recently asked members of our regional
Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning groups on Facebook to name their favorite Mitzvah hors d’oeuvres. Top pick? Mini hot dogs of course! We also asked a top Mitzvah caterer, to share their recipes for most requested apps.
Top 5 Bar Bat Mitzvah Appetizers
MINI HOT DOGS are the most popular Bar Bat Mitzvah app
BABY LAMB CHOPS are always a crowd pleaser... check out the recipe from
SPACE Events below
Who doesn't like a crispy POTATO LATKE?
The classic combo of MINI GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO SOUP SHOTS has become a Bar Bat Mitzvah staple
Sushi! One word says it all. This beautiful sushi display is a signature appetizer by
SPACE Events
Try This At Home
Looking for a little Mitzvah culinary inspiration at home? SPACE Events, which recently launched a mobile SPACE Kitchen, is a full service event planning, design, production and entertainment company based in Englewood, NJ. They say that their crab cakes with mango salsa and lamb chops with chimichurri sauce are two of their most requested hors d’oeuvres for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. They’re sharing their secret ingredients with our readers:
Combine crab meat, celery, red pepper, scallions, cilantro, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs in a bowl; gently scoop into small patties and lightly fry on the stove top until golden brown. To make the mango salsa combine fresh mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Let chill, then scoop over cooked crab cakes
To make chimichurri sauce combine chopped shallot, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, parsley, red vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. While sauce is resting, grill or broil lamb chops until medium rare; top with chimichurri and serve
We all hope to be back enjoying these delicious Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration appetizers soon!
June 7th, 2020
Die hard baseball fan Spencer Friedman of Marlboro, New Jersey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with an party at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. A few months before the event, his family took part in a once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot at the stadium. Event photographer Jen Davis captured every moment of this special all access experience, from the dugout and locker room to the batting cages and the field.
See below for photos from this unique pre-shoot as well as Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah celebration.
It’s a Beautiful Night for Baseball
Spencer's one of a kind invitation
The family gets silly on the field
Spencer had the field to himself when he suited up in a Phillies uniform
During Spencer's pre-shoot he spent some time in the player's locker room
MLB cufflinks... of course!
Ballpark themed cocktails
LED centerpieces
Tons of baseball swag
What MLB game would be complete without hot pretzels?
Other Vendors Used: All Around Entertainment, Aramark (Food Service), Invitation by Skylographic Designs.
To learn more about Photography by Jen Davis, visit her profile page in Mitzvah Market’s Vendor Directory.
For more creative Bar Bat Mitzvah venue ideas in your area, check out Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups where thousands of parents are sharing ideas. Join now!
May 17th, 2020
Jake Epple of Westchester, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his love of baseball with family and friends. From little league and travel baseball to his favorite college, minor and major league teams, every aspect of Jake’s baseball experiences were infused into this celebration. Guests enjoyed a pre-recorded message from the announcer for the LA Dodgers, a first pitch by the Bar Mitzvah boy and a surprise appearance by NY Mets’ mascot Mr. Met!
Jake’s service was held at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. The photographer for this event was Poppy Studio. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight. Photo above (L-R): mom Michele, brother Ben, dad Chris, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake.
Bar Mitzvah Service & Invitation
Jake and his family before his service
He was all smiles on the big day
Custom kippahs were placed outside the sanctuary
Baseball Bonanza
Jake's name on the billboard outside the venue
Baseball pennants were perfect centerpieces
Each of Jake's favorite teams were represented
The Epple's take a moment before the celebration begins
Jake's custom MLB logo
More table decor
The Bar Mitzvah boy throws out the first pitch to get his party started!
Jake had a blast during the horah
MC EsXence kept the dance floor packed
Jake and the Dance Time Entertainment crew - with jersey numbers spelling out his Bar Mitzvah date
Jake is joined by his family for his candle lighting
The custom centerpiece was inspired by the World Series trophy
Friends surround the Bar Mitzvah boy
After the montage, a very special guest made an appearance!
Mr. Met posed for photos...
He danced with guests...
and even dove into the crowd. WOW!
The dance floor was packed all night!
A night to be remembered!
Major League sign-in board
Check out the custom kicks Jake wore for his big day
Rally towels featured Jake's logo
Jake's friends took home these awesome portable speakers
Mitzvah Advice
“Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be similar to a wedding. Let’s be honest, it’s not fun,” says mom Michele. “Just prepare for a rough few weeks/months and remember that the planning is rigorous, challenging and will add a layer of tension on the entire household. Stay organized, divide time between practicing of prayers, speeches to party planning execution. And on the big day, remember that it flies by so tell your caterer or party planner to make sure that you carve out a few minutes to take in the experience away from the crowds, pictures and everything else. This party is for the kids but also the parents, so plan some fun time and music for the adults too. When you look back you should feel like you had as much fun as the kids did!”
Mitzvah Project
Jake volunteered for a weekly program at the local JCC where he worked and played with kids of all ages with special needs. These friendships carried over into Jake’s middle school where several of the JCC kids attend.
Vendor Directory
Venue: Club LED, 845-267-2022
Catering: Encore Catering, 973-515-8000
Music/MC/DJ: Dance Time Entertainment, MC EsXence, 914-591-2100
Invitations: Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photographer: Poppy Studio, 914-231-5371
Centerpieces/Place Cards/Gift Box: Brian Williams Events, Inc., 845-628-0614
Sign-In Board/Candle Lighting Centerpiece, Giveaways (Rally Towels, T-Shirts): Trigger House, 603-427-8997
Portable Speaker Favors: JBL.com
Custom Pillows: VistaPrint.com
Mr. Met Appearance: The New York Mets, 718-559-3093
Suits: Lubins, 914-713-0300
Custom Sneakers: Stomping Ground Customs, Brandon Sanfilippo, 917-515-9718
Dresses: Bloomingdales & Michael Kors
Hair: New Karma Salon (hair), 914-631-7171
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
May 10th, 2020
Sydney Kalish’s Bat Mitzvah was held at the Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, New Jersey. While she started off with a Sephora inspired theme, using the beauty brand’s bold black and white design, ultimately the theme evolved to represent everything Sydney loves (think makeup, fashion, jewelry and more!).
The event was filled with tons of custom touches, from the hand painted greeters who handed out specialty drinks and swag to the cocktail hour filled with finger foods in personalized boxes and food containers with Sydney’s logos. Guests were entertained by musicians, a mentalist/magician and two professional basketball players who performed tricks. This was a night that Sydney and her guests won’t soon forget!
The photographer for this event was Kathryn Huang Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Party Details
Mitzvah Advice
“Have a planner or day of coordinator to handle all of the details on the day of the event,” says mom Pam. “I worked with a ‘dream team’ that allowed me to be a guest at my own party and not have to worry about a thing.”
Mitzvah Project
Sydney volunteers at the Friendship Circle in Livingston, NJ where she spends time working with special needs children and teens.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s celebration everything she dreamed of. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club, 973-992-4700
Giveaways/Swag (t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, flannels, blankets): Garage 68 Ink, 516-224-4447
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc., 973-758-9800
Event Planner: Beth Flyer Events Simplified, 973-809-7573
Event Design: Extraordinary Productions, Phylllis Skolnick, 973-467-1637
Personalized Cups/Napkins/Bathroom Towels: Paper Capers, 973-994-3130
Invitations, Thank You Notes, Custom Stamps: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Entertainment/Step & Repeat/Hand Painted Greeters: Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Musicians: Evan Kremin Band, 914-643-3168
Magician/Mentalist: Phil The Magic Man, 914-260-5686
Basketball Entertainers: Basketball Magic, Kenny “The Blenda” Rodriguez, 917-297-9389; Hoop Wizard, Jack Ryan 917-754-2486
Photographer: Kathryn Huang Photography, 201-247-7431
Videographer: Professional Video, LLC, Seth Elgart, 973-218-0800
Montage: Moving Pictures, Stefanie Lichtstein, 973-202-0224
Food Truck: Big Mozz Food Truck Catering, 973-981-7770
Cake: Suzi Cakes, 973-917-3897
Digital Calligraphy: Artistic Types, 201-424-9810
Dresses: J&A Estrada, Estrada Twins, 914-219-8700
Hair: Beige & Blanc, 973-992-8500
Makeup: Marisa Roitman, 973-449-5356
Transportation: My Limo, 1-800-624-6112
Planning your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and need help or advice? Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
May 3rd, 2020
Logan Horowitz of Syosset, New York, lives and breathes lacrosse, so it was no surprise that he chose a LAX theme for his Bar Mitzvah. His December celebration at Temple Chaverim was also the last boy party of the Mitzvah “season” in his middle school, creating an additional opportunity to create memorable, unique logos and taglines.
“One Last sHot” was the lead tagline, which also incorporated Logan’s initials. “sLasH” was also used throughout the event and on some of the super SWAG that mom Stefani created with The Coolest Giveaways. Guests found their table assignments on a 3-D LED screen that read, “Give It Your Best Shot, Find Your Seat;” and Logan’s friends hung out in “The LAX Lounge.” “pLay like a cHampion,” was another clever phrase which played off of his initials and the revival of the Champion clothing brand.
Mitzvah Mom Tip: To give Logan’s party SWAG some longevity, Stefani chose to forgo the standard date/logo on hoodies and trucker hats and instead used custom branding (as seen in photos below). “Everyone is still wearing them – even the parents!” she says. “It was almost like we created his own brand.”
Photo above (L-R): dad Seth, mom Stefani, Bar Mitzvah boy Logan, sister Sydney, brother Jack. The photographer for this event was Starr Digital. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this spotlight.
Havdalah Service
A bold, graphic invitation set the tone for a night of FUN
The Horowitz family before Logan's service
Enter the LAX Lounge
The guest of honor took a moment before the celebration began
The collage style sign in board featured Logan's custom logos and hashtags
Guests found their table numbers on this LED screen
The entrance to the ballroom was flanked by a huge LED arch featuring a LAX slogan- SLASH
Dramatic lighting, oversized balloons and a digital wall totally transformed the traditional ballroom
A large dais was set up next to the dance floor; with round tables scattered throughout the space
The LAX Lounge became the gathering place for Logan's friends
White lounge seating was set up against a backdrop of red and black pipe and drape and bold red lighting
Adult tables featured various lacrosse themed centerpieces
Votives and decorative grass was used to accent the bold color scheme
"One Last Shot" was a clever way to celebrate the last Bar Mitzvah of the season!
View of multiple centerpieces in the space
A moment 13 years in the making!
Logan and his parents - with a custom lacrosse cake
Sister Sydney surrounded by her friends
During the cocktail hour a DJ scratch station was set up for Logan and his friends to mix their own music
Photo booth fun!
One Last Shot… To Wear Your Bat Mitzvah Gown!
Many of Logan's friends wore their own Bat Mitzvah dresses to celebrate the last party of the Mitzvah season
As is tradition in many towns for the last Bar Mitzvah of the season, the girls wore their Bat Mitzvah gowns for the last time
Super Swag and Sweet Exit Treats
Dance floor giveaways included custom t-shirts and sports jerseys
Custom hats and t-shirts were a big hit on the dance floor
Black hoodies for the boys
Hoodies for the girls featured a Commes de Garcon inspired heart logo
Mom Stefani surrounded by her friends, in their new SWAG
What better way to end the night than a food truck filled with sweet treats and fast food favorites!
Mitzvah Advice
“Allow your vendors to be creative!” says mom Stefani. “The less you try to do their job the more innovative they can be. If you hire the right people you should trust them to do all the work.”
Mitzvah Project
Logan hosted a fundraiser at Bounce Trampoline Sports to raise money for a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis. Family and friends joined him to help build awareness and have fun. The money raised was donated to the Mount Sinai IBD Center.
Vendor Directory
Venue: Temple Chaverim, 516-367-6100
Caterer: Hassan Caterers, 516-367-1200
Event Planner: Mom, Stefani
Logos/Favors: The Coolest Giveaways, Sue Smith, 516-439-4303
Music/DJ/MC: GEO Events Group LLC, MJ (MC), Spyro (DJ), 212-225-8311
Photographer/Videographer: Starr Digital, Matthew Starr (photo), Russell Starr (video), 718-482-1800
Invitations: WOW Creations, Sue Evangelatos, 516-662-9558
Decor: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Food Truck: Mobile Delights, 631-335-4448
Dance Floor Food: Little Vincent’s Pizza, 631-423-9620
Dresses: Mieka (mom), 516-367-8755; Ask Alice (sister), 516-921-2464
Suits: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Entourage (hair, Laura for mom; Melissa for sister), 516-496-1700; Jennifer Ann Cosmetics (makeup, Brittany for mom; Jennifer Ann for sister), 516-921-1963
Transportation: Late Night Chauffeurs, 631-601-7503
April 29th, 2020
Alex Miller of Port Washington, NY was fortunate enough to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah right before the Coronavirus stay at home began in March. With guests coming in from as far as Serbia, the Millers made sure to count their blessings and savor every moment with loved ones.
The celebration began on Thursday night as guests began arriving from out of town. On Friday evening a dinner was held before attending Friday night services at The Community Synagogue in Port Washington. The service was followed by a spectacular Oneg, thrown in Alex’s honor by female friends and family. Alex was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah on Saturday morning. She celebrated with a kiddush luncheon and an evening party at Temple Judea in Manhasset.
Alex’s theme, “Party the to AM” played off of her initials, and couldn’t have been more appropriate given the unsettling climate at the time. Party indeed!
Photo above (L-R): dad Michael, sister Taylor, Bat Mitzvah girl Alex, brother Jake, mom Jessica. The photographer for this event was White Light Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service
An AMazing Night
The family poses on the dance floor - which was wrapped with Alex's logo
Playing off of the AM theme, the gift box proclaimed it was going to be an AMazing Night, while the backlit seating chart asked "Where AM I Sitting?" Cute!
The ballroom was a sea of silver and blue
Another view of the ballroom
Centerpieces featured photos from Alex's pre-shoot as well as graphics, by FabuDesigns, in Alex's silver and baby blue color scheme
Another version of the centerpieces
The spectactular photo booth was created by White Light Photography
"It's MILLER Time" announced the adult bar, playing off of the popular beer brand and the family's last name
Oversized letters added to the custom decor
This "cling" sticker was placed on the mirror in the women's bathroom
Alex's mirrored sign in board featured a cute wink emoji
The horah was a true celebration - pre social distancing!
Even dad got in on the dance floor fun!
Navy sequins and candle light complimented the custom cake
Alex's three tier cake was made by her caterer
Party swag and favors - including custom sweat pants, shirts and drawstring bags - were produced by A Promos USA.
Mitzvah Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says mom Jessica. “It’s not about every item being perfect. It’s about your child, family and friends sharing in a meaningful service and celebration where we truly ‘had the time of our lives.'” She adds: “Accept help from anyone willing to make things a little easier. It is so wonderful to see the look on your daughter’s face when she finds that special dress, and when she enters the party room for the first time. Enjoy it all — it goes by so fast!”
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Alex along with family and friends, spent several weekends volunteering at Centro Evangelistico MMM Food Pantry in Inwood, NY. “We had an opportunity to meet and interact with many neighborhood residents who visit the food pantry weekly. Alex plans to continue doing volunteer work there in the future,” explains mom Jessica. “Alex also raised money for The Baco Boys Fund. Sadly, in 2003, a close family friend lost her brother, and three of his Camp Baco friends in a tragic drowning. The Baco Boys Fund was created to send less fortunate children, who might otherwise might not have the opportunity, to sleep away camp. Summer camp has always been a special place and experience for Alex. Her hope was for other children to have those same wonderful summers of camp!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped the Miller family to create the the Bat Mitzvah celebration of their dreams. If you contact any of them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue/Cake: Temple Judea-Hasson Caterers, 516-625-1200
Music/MC/DJ: Next Level Event Group, 516-996-1285
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth/Montage: White Light Photography, 516-933-3399
Favors: A Promos USA Inc., 516-377-0186
Invitations: Helene Dorfman, RSVP, 516-621-7259
Decor/Sign-In Board: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-2113
Branding/Logos/Graphics: FabuDesigns, 312-513-1698
Custom Sneakers: Rebootz, 516-456-5468
Dresses: Designing Dreams (Alex and Taylor), 516-248-1988; Holly’s Infinity (Alex’s service dress), 516-801-3774; Runway Couture (mom), 516-308-4639
Suit: Kenny’s Menswear (brother), 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Wash, 516-767-7460
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
