November 2nd, 2014
Jimmy Dee Entertainment is one of New York’s most sought after sources for Entertainment and Enhancements for Private Events. Their attention to detail in the planning phases of an event carries through to the talent that is placed at the event. They have very high standards for their staff, as does their clientele, and clients take comfort in knowing that they are trusting the success of their event in the hands of people who care about it just as much as they would their own.
Being in business as long as they have, they’ve seen trends come and go. In order to not only stay in business but to be renowned within their market, they are constantly innovating and expanding to keep up with the trends in events and trends in technology.
Jimmy Dee Entertainment works hand-in-hand with their clients in planning and designing their event. Every aspect from the décor and logo, to the sound and lighting setup, and the flow of the event is meticulously planned and organized so that when all ideas come to fruition, the clients get to enjoy being a guest at their own event!
Jimmy Dee Entertainment offers clients several ideas to upgrade their entertainment package including great lighting options such as:
Uplighting – A technique used in lighting design to enhance the atmosphere of any given space. It involves placing lighting fixtures on the ground and focusing them upward. This method of lighting is one of the easiest ways to dress up an event space. It can add color to a neutral surface, such as a wall or column. By carefully selecting the placement and focus of their lighting fixtures, they can brighten any room and give it an inviting glow. If you want your event space to radiate elegance, Uplighting is the way to go.
Custom Gobo – A great way to add a personal touch to a venue. Gobo stands for “Goes before Optics.” It is a metal disc that is custom engraved to the client’s specifications. They insert the disc into a high power gobo projector to create a great personalized effect.
Dance Floor Lighting – Modern and controlled systems which create a sophisticated yet groovy atmosphere and experience. They are not the old-school, disco-y or strobe light effects. Many times, it will even help keep guests on the dance floor as it enhances the overall experience.
Dance floor lighting can be set to move with the music, or set to fade through a specific sequence. Because the dance floor lights are computer controlled they can be color mixed, or washed with “full color” to virtually any color imaginable. They can transform a simple room into a dance floor haven!
To learn more about Jimmy Dee Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 2nd, 2014
We saw these decorative oreos on PartyFavoritesblog.com and had to share it with our readers.
From Etsy seller Sweeties By Kim, these are Oreo cookies hand-dipped in Wilbur chocolate. The beautiful artwork is done with an edbile colored cocoa butter design. They come in a variety of patterns and styles:
Baseball and many other sports are available
Animal prints
Many patterns, colors and styles
A great idea for a Mitzvah Favor or serve to your guests as a dessert to remember!
For more information, visit Sweeties By Kim.
November 2nd, 2014
This story begins with our friends in South Florida who are part of Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah’s Facebook page!
We saw that the Ginsburg family recently celebrated their daughter Lexi’s Bat Mitzvah and started posting photos. One of the photos featured hand painted converse sneakers!
Bat Mitzvah girl Lexi wore them to her party with her party dress instead of heels. They were very comfortable and matched her decor perfectly.
We had to know more…
Handpainted Converse sneakers
Lexi’s sneakers were a perfect match to her theme and colors by Perfect Party of Boca
Enter Alyssa Reise, the artist responsible for these custom sneakers. Mitzvah Market contacted her and she quickly sent additional photos to us; each one uniquely created for the guest of honor. She works on any white canvas sneakers such as Converse or Vans.
When we asked her for more information, she explained that she does this free-of-charge! That’s right, FREE! People send her any white canvas sneakers with a list of what they want and/or pictures. She draws on the sneakers and sends them back. She will ship anywhere. She needs at least one month, because as you can imagine, at her price, there is a wait!
You can email her at areise@msn.com. She has created hundreds, starting with her own kids, years ago.
Her only request is to send sneakers that you know will fit! She says, “Drawing on a pair that isn’t guaranteed to fit is a waste of time!”
We are sure her wait list just got much longer!
November 2nd, 2014
The Maskell family of Muttontown, New York, celebrated daughter Dylan’s Bat Mitzvah service at North Shore Synagogue in Muttontown. The evening celebration took place at Temple Sinai in Roslyn, New York. Dylan wanted a sophisticated and modern party with only one requirement…plenty of teal! With a great color palette, clever poems and delicious Mitzvah Exit treats, it was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. Added bonus: Mom Keri made the amazing Bat Mitzvah cake and treats!
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Sean, Brother Griffin, Sister Riley, Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan and Mom Keri.
The photographer was Hi Tech Photography Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Beth Shapiro of Invitations with Love to create a custom invitation in teal and black with Dylan’s name in different fonts. The center was black linen silk screened in two colors with rhinestones surrounded by turquoise glitter paper
Dylan had her service at North Shore Synagogue and immediately following was a brunch for all of the out-of-town guests, family and close friends. Dylan was all smiles up on the Bimah
Dylan posed for photographs outside Temple Sinai.Dylan twirling in her gown giving a peek at her comfortable footwear
The beautiful white tulle gown, adorned with crystals and teal accent
The whole family looked great
Hi Tech Photography Events created the modern decor in teal, the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite, using black and silver accents. The seating chart, which resembled the invitation was a focal point in turquoise glitter surrounded by teal votives and blinged-out candles
The illuminated bar with Dylan’s name and logo
Stylish and fun pre-Mitzvah portraits of Dylan lined the ballroom
The entire ballroom was lit with blue up-lighting that created a bright, crisp palette
There were alternating centerpieces with feathers and hanging crystals. Check out the chair backs in sequins!
This centerpiece featured teal LED crystals in a black trumpet vase with black feathers
On the communal tables, there were silver sequin table runners with illuminated Manzanita branches decorated with hanging votive candles and crystals
The wall above the buffet was all about Dylan with fabulous photographs from the pre-shoot
Details galore at this party starting with the out-of-town goodie bags included water, goodies, directions to the temple, to the brunch and to the party; each with a handwritten note from Dylan
Vases of varying heights added interest to the table decor. Notice the taller vase with the same graphic treatment from Dylan’s invitation, very cool!
DYLightful signature drinks in honor of Dylan
Custom beverage cups with Dylan’s name and logo used for drinking during a surprise performance later in the party
Custom water bottles with Dylan’s logo and the words Dance Past Midnight (for her initials) were given to guests when Dylan made her entrance
Using the graphics from the invitation, these custom mint tins were created by REM Products
Ear plugs were available for guests sitting near the dance floor
Hi Tech Photography Events created custom vinyl clings to decorate the sign-in door from Dylan’s bedroom closet
The back of the door signed and ready to be put back on Dylan’s closet
Dylan entered into the ballroom on the shoulders of the EJ the DJ dancers
Dylan was up in the chair…
…so was Dad Sean
The dancers, along with MC Kershal, posed with Dylan
Dylan, surround by her friends, sang “Cups” from the movie “Pitch Perfect” using her custom cups
Guests and dancers had fun striking a pose
Lots of fun SWAG with Dylan’s logo was out on the dance floor including baseball hats, pajama pants, shorts and bandanas. Hats for those who lifted chairs during the Horah and for crazy dancers
White boxer shorts looked great with the teal logo
Guests received cozy pajama pants too!
Adam (Realman) Rinn wowed guests. Mom Keri found him at a Mitzvah Market Celebrate! Party Showcase. Adam performing: Now that’s a “hard act to swallow”
A labor of love, Mom Keri made the beautiful multi-layered cake
Mom Keri also made chocolate covered Oreos to match the color palette
These whipped bite cupcakes are from Whipped Creperie & Dessert Bar
The low floating votive candles were used for the candle lighting
A nice shot of the Maskell family
Dylan surrounded by her friends
Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan and her dad danced to Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
Parents Sean and Keri toasted Dylan during the party
Creative Specialties created the cool favors for Dylan’s friends. There were lacrosse shorts for boys and cut/ripped cropped t-shirts for girls. Limited edition sweatshirts were made for immediate family and a few friend
The front of the girls’ shirt
…and the back with Dylan’s initial’s highlighted in teal
Since both Mom and Dad are dentists, there were personalized toothbrushes for everyone when they left
“THX 4 Coming!!” key chains
Slippers for the moms on the front seat of each car
A poem from Dylan on each pair of slippers
Mitzvah Project
Dylan’s Mitzvah project was to raise money for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A very close family friend has a son who was recently diagnosed with this disease. Dylan thought of a way to use her gymnastics skills to raise money. They had rubber bracelets made up that said “iflip 4 Jack” “Help find a cure.” The family also did a walk-a-thon for “Team Jack” as well.
The Maskell family had rubber bracelets made up that said “iflip 4 Jack” “Help find a cure.” The bracelets were sold for $3 and each and every time someone bought a bracelet, Dylan did a back-handspring flip for them!
Some advice from Mom Keri:”It is never too early to start planning! The most clever thing I did was ride on the coat tails of my friend whose daughter’s Bat Mitzvah was 2 months prior to mine. I figured that if I did everything that she did at the same time – I would be stress free the weeks prior to my own. Well, it WORKED! I really kept to a “fake timeline” and even pressured my vendors, dress fittings, etc. to be on the same page. I’m so glad I did it that way. It allowed me to take in the week leading up to the Bat Mitzvah. It was busy enough the week of, so without the added stress of any last minute details — I really took it all in, sat back and let this amazing day carry the momentum the entire week. Some other advice — clip coupons and buy when things go on sale! Baskets at Michael’s, socks at Modell’s, etc. And last, if you can DYI – it saves a ton of money, it only costs a little time and the rewards are so gratifying. Doing so much of it myself and with Dylan gave us such a great feeling.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Dylan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Sinai, 516-621-6800
Party Planner: Mom Keri
Decor/Flip Books: Hi Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Music: MC Kershel, EJ the DJ, 800- 358-4335
Invitation: Invitations with Love, Beth Shapiro, 516-314-7298
Favor Sweatshirts/Lacrosse shorts/Hats/shorts/pajamas/slippers/keychains: Creative Specialties, Michelle, 516-348-1346
Party Entertainment: Strongman Adam Rinn, Adam Real Man
Cake: Baked by Mom Keri
Sign-In door/Cling-ons: Hi Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Table Decor: Photo-fetti, 866-496-3168
Dance floor give-aways: Creative Specialties, Michelle, 516-348-1346
Rubber bracelets: Michelle Collins, 516-459-6495
Toothbrushes: Mom Keri known as Dr. Keri
Cupcakes: Whipped Creperie & Dessert Bar, 732-747-0076
Socks: Modell’s Sporting Goods
Custom water bottles: Tailor Made Water, 516-686-6821
Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan and sister Riley’s dresses: It’s Simply For You – closed
Mom Keri’s dress: Mieka, 516-200-5501
Hotel for guests: The Roslyn Hotel, 516-625-2700
Make-up: Filis Forman, 212-580-0687
October 29th, 2014
Kylie Mittler from Woodbury, New York, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on March 28, 2014, and decided on very special Mitzvah Project to honor her late grandmother, Shelly. She calls her project, “Kylie Celebrates Our Grandmas.”
Her project will benefit Dementia Research with funds donated to several Dementia organizations.
We spoke with Kylie to learn more about her special Mitzvah Project:
MM: Can you please give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
KM: For my Mitzvah Project, I enclosed two cards along with my Bat Mitzvah invitation and response card.
One of the cards explained what I was doing:
The other card was blank, but at the top it read, KYLIE CELEBRATES Our Grandmas.
I asked everyone to send back their cards with memories of their grandmothers. We had them all posted at the party for everyone to share.
Since Kylie’s Bat Mitzvah theme was, “Kylie Paints The Town Red,” all cards were strung together and hung off paint brushes
This helped my friends and family to recognize how important it is to cherish these memories and to remind us that people with Dementia may not remember us, but we remember them. This made my project extra special because it also allowed the other kids whose grandparents had Dementia, or other illnesses, the chance to share as well. I was able to share how much I missed having my grandma there and also to raise money for this cause.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so, what are they?
KM: My project was originally for the night of my party. But since then I have continued to get cards and donations. This project will continue to grow.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
KM: My grandma Shelly was only 71 years old when she died. She had Dementia; a disease that causes you to lose your memory so that you often don’t even recognize family members. While she was not able to remember me, and was unable to do many of the things she used to do, I will ALWAYS remember many amazing things about her. I decided to make Dementia research the beneficiary of my Mitzvah Project because I was so sad that my grandma would not be able to come to my Bat Mitzvah and be a part of this special time. She has been a huge part of my life and has been there for everything I do. Even though she lived in Florida, she always made sure to come to all my parties, dance recitals and sports games.
It is sad that this disease occurs and takes even young people. I want to raise money to help others so that it doesn’t happen to their family. I also wanted my other friends to share their own memories. I think it is important to remember to take the time to share our memories to keep the important people who we love, alive. I found it so helpful to learn that some of my own friends had the same experience as me. I didn’t know that before this and it allowed us to form a new bond. I believe it touched so many people and I hope this made my grandma proud.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
KM: I think it is important to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah. I think part of becoming an adult is being responsible and showing that you know what it means to be a role model and give back. I think it is important to share this with others and remind them that everyone should be doing things to help other people. I think that while it is fun to have a party, we need to remember others that may be less fortunate and who could benefit from our help.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
KM: I have continued to let people know that I am raising money for Dementia research and also want to make people take the time to think about their Grandmas and cherish the memories. My mom put it on Facebook, my grandpa is starting a website, and we are working on a book to honor my Grandma and raise more money.
MM: Is there anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
KM: I just want everyone to know how much I will always cherish my Grandma Shelly. She was an incredible grandma with so much love to offer. She was generous, caring, kind, considerate, funny and the best grandma in the world. I want her to be proud of all the things I do and I will never forget her. I want people to continue to tell stories to their friends and families and keep all of our families memories alive.
Also, it is the best feeling when you do a Mitzvah Project that is close to your heart. I really looked forward to getting the responses, reading the messages, bonding with my friends and knowing I did something great.
We thank Kylie for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our readers.
This story is from new 2014 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
October 29th, 2014
Your Broadway Song creates an original, one-of-a-kind Broadway Style Song all about the honored Bar Bat Mitzvah child! The songs are written by professional composers/lyricists in New York City and are then performed at the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration by Broadway singers.
Something New: Your Broadway Song Presents: Candle Lighting Ceremony Songs!
Candle Lighting ceremony songs are the perfect addition for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. Whether it is for a Broadway themed party or you are just looking for one of the most unique Candle Lighting options out there, this will WOW your guests!
Your Broadway Song writes custom music & lyrics for each candle. They are original mini songs written by professional composers and lyricists from New York City. No more trying to figure out rhymes about your family and friends. Let them do the creative work for you! The best part is that the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child sings the songs!
We asked Your Broadway Song to explain more:
MM: How does it work?
YBS: You give us the list of the family and friends you want included in the candle lighting ceremony. We then set up an interview to learn about all the names on the list. We find out a bit about them and their relationship with the Bar Bat Mitzvah boy or girl. We ask for adjectives about them as well as fun and special facts about them. Then we get to work.
We write original music and lyrics for each candle. When we are done and it is approved, the Bar Bat Mitzvah boy or girl (or family member) sings this one-of-a-kind Candle Lighting Ceremony. We provide a piano track on an mp3 that accompanies them while it’s being presented.
Listen to a sample of the Candle Lighting songs here
MM: What if the Bar Bat Mitzvah child isn’t a singer?
YBS: If the boy/girl isn’t singer there are a couple of options: they can have a family member sing it for them or with them, we can pre-record it for them with one of our singers, Or, if they are in NYC, we could arrange to have it pre-recorded with the boy or girl.
MM: How much does it cost?
YBS: The price: $495. You should also ask us about our combo packages where we combine the Candle Lighting songs with a custom song all about the Bar Bat Mitzvah child!
To learn more about Your Broadway Song, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 26th, 2014
We welcome the first post from our newest teen blogger Chloe Cornell. In case you missed it, read about how Chloe “crashed” Fashion Week here.
By Chloe Cornell
Recently I went to my friend Alexa’s Bat Mitzvah. Her theme was “sparkle,” and everything from her dress, to the tables, to the dance floor reflected the theme. The party took place on the stage at the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase. Adult guests received a giant monogrammed “diamond” with a pouch to identify their table assignment. I’m glad that my parents were at the party, as I will love using this as a paperweight on my desk!
For the cocktail hour, the kids were directed to a kids’ room, which had a lot of great games including a giant video game station on TVs that we all loved.
The party room was gorgeous. There was sparkle everywhere in the room. Tables had sequin tablecloths and mirrored vases.
After dinner, tons of disco balls descended over the dance floor, which got everyone dancing!
They gave out a lot of gorgeous jewelry on the dance floor so that all the guests sparkled too. I tried to get one of everything!
One of the best giveaways on the dance floor was a fan that featured a message when you turned it on. We got so hot from dancing that we were thrilled to use them!
The kids’ dessert also descended from the ceiling in giant silver cans. I scored a lot of goodies in addition to a yard long box of cookies!
Yard long box of cookies!
The party not only looked amazing, but it was so much fun and everyone had the best time. Lawrence Scott Events was the party planner.
About Chloe
I’m a 7th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement. I am very excited to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015.
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 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
