September 3rd, 2014
Maya Ungar from Englewood, New Jersey, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 26, 2014.
With the help of Areyvut, she selected two Mitzvah Projects to complete in honor of her Bat Mitzvah: Mural for Leket, and Cupcakes for Project Next Step.
We asked Maya a few questions to learn more about her Mitzvah Projects:
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Projects?
MU: I worked with Areyvut, a non-profit that, among other things, helps Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids come up with meaningful Mitzvah Projects.
MM: What did you decide to do?
MU: I decided I wanted to complete two projects. We created a mural for Leket to hang up in their warehouse in Israel where the food is gathered. For Project Next Step, we decorated cupcakes to deliver to their drop-in center for the homeless.
MM: These activities took place during your Bat Mitzvah celebration?
MU: Yes, we had hired a muralist, Kelli Bickman, and a cupcake decorator, L’via Weisinger, to facilitate the program. My friends just walked up and joined in with the mural and the cupcakes.
Artist Kelli Bickman helps Maya with the mural
MM: What about the t-shirts?
MU: The t-shirts were from Areyvut’s National Mitzvah Day and kept my friends paint free during the painting process.
Maya’s friends take turns working on the mural
MM: How long did these projects take?
MU: Both projects were primarily completed on the date of my Bat Mitzvah (though there was prep work involved, as well as significant “post-production” work in the case of the Leket mural).
The decorated cupcakes
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
MU: I decided to do my Bat Mitzvah project with Leket because I love food, and who doesn’t like food? Leket helps gather food and delivers it to families in need, which I think is amazing. The reason I chose to make a mural was because I love art projects, and to have one at your own Bat Mitzvah is pretty cool. The mural will be sent to the Leket office and will definitely brighten someone’s day.
Maya in front of the completed mural for the Leket offices in Israel
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
MU: To me, doing a Mitzvah Project for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the beginning mitzvah, leading to a life full of mitzvot. I do not think it should be one project and then you’re done, it should be the starting point to many mitzvot.
We thank Maya for sharing both her Mitzvah Projects with our readers. For more information about Areyvut, visit their Website.
September 1st, 2014
Lighter Than Air is a party decorating company that has been servicing clients throughout Long Island and the Metropolitan area, as well as nationwide, for over 25 years.
Step & Repeat backdrops, which have been popular in Hollywood at movie and party premieres, are now the hottest new item to use at Bar Bat Mitzvahs and Sweet 16s.
This backdrop can be printed with your name or logo and are being used in a number of ways at celebrations.
Here are some examples below:
Backdrop during your candle lighting ceremony
Photo favor backdrop
Entrance photos
Part of the decor
Entrance decor with life size cut-outs and red carpet
To learn more about Lighter Than Air visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 1st, 2014
The Pollack family celebrated their daughter Lindsey’s Bat Mitzvah at Two Below at K-Pacho in New Hyde Park, New York.
Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is a unique time for a girl. She is finding the balance between leaving her childhood behind and maturing into a young woman.
The vision behind Lindsey’s Bat Mitzvah encapsulated this concept; the fun and innocence of youth met with elegance and sophistication. According to Mom Melissa, this can usually be summed up with one word – CANDY!
Lindsey didn’t necessarily want a theme, but knew she wanted a color scheme, a cool logo and lots of candy. She carefully selected every detail of this celebration and we thank her for sharing it with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Pictured left: Mom Melissa, Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsey, Dad Gregg
The photographer was Alex M. Wolff’s The Portrait Shoppe and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Although Melissa thought she would handle all the details of her daughter’s celebration, after meeting Jodi Tinkler of The Event Shoppe, she knew she would be an integral part of the planning. Jodi designed the invitations and many of the other party elements you will be reading about. Melissa and Jodi worked on several designs until the Bat Mitzvah invite evolved into this multi-layered invitation on white linen, hand assembled with a few rhinestone adornments
Lindsey’s turquoise short dress was from Designing Dreams. Check out those cool sneakers from Nature Breeze. They are the Venus style purchased through iDeals Boutique on ebay
The back of the dress featured crystals
Jodi from The Event Shoppe purchased pre-wrapped rock candy in cellophane and hand-tied name tags indicating table numbers. The font on the name tags matched the font used for the invitation
EMaury Productions with Eric as the MC provided the music entertainment.
The dance floor was packed all night!
EMaury Productions also designed the logo and provided the floor gobo
The Event Shoppe coordinated the decor at K-Pacho. Some of the furniture was provided by EMaury Productions
The pillows were made by Melissa on her sewing machine! The turquoise pillows were a double layer of synthetic silk, and sheer glitter fabric purchased at JoAnn’s Crafts. The black fabric was also purchased at JoAnn’s, and after they were sewn, Susan Koenigstein screen printed them with the logo to match the sweatshirts and DJ t-shirts
Turquoise blue candy served as the centerpieces created by The Event Shoppe
This unique custom LED sign found by Melissa on Etsy
Simon Elliot Events provided the Selfie Booth. A custom photo of Lindsey was on the side of the booth
The Event Shoppe created the sign-in board featuring Lindsey’s logo.
Instead of a cake, Jodi from The Event Shoppe designed and assembled a candy cake. This candy cake was inspired by pins on Pinterest
Surrounding the candy cake were tall candles in containers of colorful M&M’s. Another perfect execution by Jodi!
Lindsey surrounded by her friends
When Mom Melissa couldn’t find any affordable cubbies to rent, she took matters into her own hands and bought four Closetmaid cubby organizers from Lowe’s, which provided a neat place for the girls to store their shoes
Although delicious desserts were served by K-Pacho, guests received additional sweets! Turquoise cupcakes from Nancy The Cupcake Lady
A candy buffet designed by Jodi from The Event Shoppe
Sweatshirts favors created by Susan Koenigstein were given to Lindsey’s friends
The black sweatshirts featured Lindsey’s logo
Adults were given acrylic tumblers found on DiscountMugs.com
Lindsey’s Mitzvah project, which was completed in the Fall of 2013, was to raise money for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. She raised over $2,000 for the cause and participated in the Walk-A-Thon at Jones Beach. Her Mom Melissa had breast cancer in the summer of 2012, and she wanted to do something in her Mom’s honor. Although this was not incorporated into the party or the theme, Lindsey artfully crafted a frame that was displayed at the synagogue.
Mom to Mom Advice From Melissa:
My advice to other moms is take the time to get lots of ideas and listen to your child, and gets lots of pricing from various vendors to help you narrow down your budget.
Meeting with various vendors is necessary to make sure you find the perfect fit for you and your family. I met with several DJ/Entertainment companies and photographers until I found the one that I was most comfortable with and who gave me the most confidence that the event would be a success. The photographer I chose offered us the opportunity to hire him for a few hours to do a photo shoot, and decide if we like working with him. The shoot was so much fun and we found that we had a great rapport. He was creative and patient and fun to work with. I highly recommend doing this with the photographer that you are choosing to help make a decision before hiring for your event.
– See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=115669&preview=true#sthash.84JGjmu8.dpufMom To Mom Advice From Melissa:
“My advice to other moms is take the time to get lots of ideas and listen to your child, and gets lots of pricing from various vendors to help you narrow down your budget.
“Meeting with various vendors is necessary to make sure you find the perfect fit for you and your family. I met with several DJ/Entertainment companies and photographers until I found the one that I was most comfortable with and who gave me the most confidence that the event would be a success. The photographer I chose offered us the opportunity to hire him for a few hours to do a photo shoot, and decide if we like working with him. The shoot was so much fun and we found that we had a great rapport. He was creative and patient and fun to work with. I highly recommend doing this with the photographer that you are choosing to help make a decision before hiring for your event.”
The following vendors helped to make Lindsey’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Billy, Two Below Catering in New Hyde Park, 516-358-2222
Event Designer (Invitations, Sign-in, Decor, Centerpieces, Candy Table): Jodi Tinkler, The Event Shoppe, 917-570-6071
Music Entertainment (Gobo, Furniture, Stages, Lighting, Step N Repeat, Logo): MC Eric Maury, EMaury Productions Inc., 631-796-7792
Photographer: Alex M. Wolff’s The Portrait Shoppe, 516-938-3936
Videographer: Roy Campolongo, 516-783-5790
Favors (dancer t-shirts, pillows): Susan Koenigstein, 516-384-9262
Party entertainment (Selfie photo booth): Michelle, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Cupcakes: Nancy the Cupcake Lady, 516-305-0402
Custom LED sign: Unique LED Products
Adult Favors: Acrylic Tumblers, DiscountMugs.com
Lindsey’s Dress: Designing Dreams 516-248-1988
Lindsey’s Sneakers: iDeals Boutique on eBay
Mom Melissa Dress: BCBG Maxazria
Hair/makeup: The Hair Bar and Makeup Lounge, 516-308-3153
August 24th, 2014
United Floral Events is the best kept secret for all your Bar Bat Mitzvah needs.
They are always out on top with the newest ideas in the industry. Each client works directly with Charles (their lead designer) from start to finish no matter how small or large the event.
UFE is far from a factory style operation. UFE is now in its 3rd generation family cycle, running strong for 75 years. They have worked through rough economies and pride themselves for their ability to work with any budget.
TWO RECENT EVENTS: TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LOOKS
Event 1: This Bar Mitzvah celebration was held at Carlyle at the Palace. The family wanted a sophisticated, classy look with a basketball theme.
See more below:
Charles used orange roses and industrial containers to create this elegant look
This decorative wall mural incorporating the basketball theme was created before the event and produced a dramatic graffiti wall that really popped
An actual basketball hoop covered in flowers was used as part of the decor
Different sized vases create a dramatic look
Graffiti favors bags and basketballs were painted on the spot by Meir
Event 2: This Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at the Village Club at Lake Success. The colors of gold and yellow guided this party’s club atmosphere.
See more below:
Long light-up tables were brought in by Great Neck Games
Different flowers were used throughout the party including these gerber daisies
Test tubes holding french tulips were used on alternating tables
Yellow and gold Chiffon curtains create a sexy look and divided the dance floor
Make an appointment to visit their new 2,000 square foot showroom that is filled with “out of the box” ideas.
For more information about United Floral Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 20th, 2014
A Promos USA/ImageMaker has over 20 years in the industry, they distinguish themselves by creating custom designs that set the trends for the Bar & Bat Mitzvah world.
WHAT’S NEW FOR FALL:
1. Opening September 2014, a new showroom on the North Shore of Long Island located at 210 Terminal Drive, Suite 100, Plainview, New York 11803 (off Sunnyside Blvd Exit of the LIE). We are proud to announce this new showroom that is open by appointment only with extended weekend and evening hours in addition to our showroom and factory already located on the South Shore of Long Island.
2. New styles & fabric treatment for the upcoming year. As we approach 2015, why not bring in the NEW! Add bling to your garment with hoodies, tee’s, crew necks & more where the fabric is not only luxurious in feel, but sparkles to the eye. Imagine adding a bit of metallic ink or foil, glitter perhaps to make a spectacular party favor. New in washed garments – 2 tones hoodies and sweats that your teens will love. Stop in our showroom and ask about our cosmic fleece. Great feel, great look, great favor!
HERE’S THE DEAL: The first 10 Mitzvah Market readers who call for an appointment at the new showroom and book their event with us, will receive a personalized travel pillow and blanket (A gift worth over $50 – see bottom of this story for more information).
10 TRENDS FROM A PROMOS USA/IMAGEMAKER
1. VINTAGE IS BACK
Soft, worn fabrics, along with the newest print techniques and design brings ‘tween fashion back from the late 60’s into 2014. Kids want their favor not only to represent a part of them, but to make a fashion statement with a garment that they can easily find in a top trendy teen shop at a fraction of the cost since we are factory direct. We know what the kids want since we sell to top fashion outlets nationwide. No middle man here. Talk directly to the source!
2. BIG IS IN
Think Big…Big Letters, Big Words or just Oversized Graphics. Whether you decide to print one color or multi-color, our knowledgeable, patient sales staff and in-house superior design staff will make it happen!
3. SOFT AND YUMMY
Most kids agree…Soft and Yummy fabrics are what they want to wear. Some of the hottest fabrics out in today’s market are tri-blends, burnouts, french terry, slub jersey and thinner tissue-weight fabrics. This statement also holds true with the inks we use. Some printers print with thick ink, we understand the fabric and use fashion-soft inks designed specifically for these fashion soft garments.
4. KEEP WARM MUST HAVES
For fall and winter events, why not think outside the box with embroidered hats, blankets and scarves? All embroidery is done here on premises, no job is too small or too big. For printed garments, we recommend flannels, sweatpants and polar fleece trimmed hoodies.
5. THINK GEEK
For all future Bill Gates’ and their friends. GADGETS! Our kids love them.
Some of the favorites are headphones, portable speakers, jump drive wristbands, touch screen gloves and power supplies, which will keep them always connected.
6. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!
Neons and bright colors are always in style. Check out our sleeveless hoodies with slit sides, perfect over a bandeau or bathing suit. For something different, we carry fringe shirts & knotted tanks with complementing dyed short shorts. No need to worry about the boys….keep the design, change the garment and ink colors so the girls get what they like and the boys do too.
7. HOLLYWOOD BLING
Bling it on baby! Stones, foil and glitter inks make all the difference. If you are looking for that added touch, enhance your garment with that little bit of bling. Foil is not just for girls anymore, boys are loving that bit of shine also. For a new look, customize each garment with a name in glitter flake.
8. THE SPORTS CRAZE
We carry all kinds of jerseys in all colors – basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and football. Want just a bit more than a t-shirt? How about a dry fit t-shirt available in short and long sleeves? Check out our themed drawstring bags, perfect for that special favor with a sports theme.
9. CAMOUFLAGE
Camouflage is not only basic green, but available in fashion colors including shades of blues, grey and even pink. There are also many different fashionable silhouettes available. Whether you are looking for a winter hoodie, a long sleeve thermal, two tone fabrics, tees or tanks, camouflage is the rage and the craze for our teen’s fashionable wardrobe.
10. GLITTER Pillows & More!
If you are thinking about decorating your lounge, make sure to print pillows with your specially designed logo or theme to complement your decor. Add a blinged-up water bottle for an added accent. Kids love metallic ink, foil embellishment, and bling…let your child’s Mitzvah shine above the rest with something different.
ADDITIONAL BAR AND BAT MITZVAH IDEAS FROM A PROMOS USA/IMAGEMAKER
Custom pillows, blankets & more…
Adult Favors:
MORE THAN JUST MITZVAHS
At A Promos USA, we are not just known for our super creative Mitzvah favors. Think of us when you are in the market for School Fundraisers & Spiritwear, Team Uniforms, Business Apparel and Company Gifts, Birthdays, Sweet 16s, Family Reunions, Fire Department T-shirts and more. We offer vinyl banners and back drops, life size and table top stand ups for events and businesses, step and repeat walls, tablecloths, pillows and more. Additionally, we offer competitive pricing, an outstanding art department, knowledgeable and helpful sales staff and in-house embroidery and screen printing with 24 hour rush service.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEL PILLOW AND BLANKET
Note: This special offer is only valid for the first 10 Mitzvah Market readers who book their order through the new showroom on orders over $700.
Learn more about A Promos/USA ImageMaker by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 20th, 2014
Space, located in Englewood, New Jersey, is a unique party space with high tech games, extravagant entertainment, unique decor and customized menus.
We spoke to owner Elvira Grau and wanted to share 3 things you need to know about this Bar Bat Mitzvah venue location:
1. They truly are a one-stop shop!
When you book your date, Space not only serves as a venue, accommodating up to 400 guests, but offers customized menu options by their in-house chef, in-house entertainment (DJ,Emcee, dancers + giveaways), customized linens, overlays, runners, centerpieces & all decor. Also, club furniture, LED bars, high boys, high chairs & all that you need for your party! They also work with each family to design custom timelines as well as custom floor plans to accommodate all size parties.
Note: They are not Kosher, but welcome Kosher caters to come in to accommodate Kosher clients.
No two parties look the same!
Blinged out centerpieces
Pretty pink centerpieces
Creative food displays
2. Their venue can be transformed into a variety of colors depending on your theme.
They offer “couture” full service party planning & event services. They paint their walls with LED lights and can transform their Space into any color you want!
3. Lots of extra entertainment is included when you have your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration at Space!
Space offers over a million dollars of the best high tech entertainment with over 100 of the latest video games, laser tag, exclusive paintless paintball & glow in the dark bowling alleys. Your guests can enjoy unlimited play on all games & attractions.
To learn more about Space, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 20th, 2014
The Hally family from Yardley, Pennsylvania, celebrated daughter Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Kol Emet in Yardley, Pennsylvania. A reception followed at Rho Waterfront in Trenton, New Jersey.
Amanda is very active on a competitive cheer team, loves the color purple and sparkles and wanted to incorporate all three into her Bat Mitzvah.
Mom Alyson works for Mitzvah Market so we are excited to spotlight this Bat Mitzvah.
Pictured L-R: Dad Ray, Brother Jack, Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda and Mom Alyson.
Creative Photography by Maya was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
A purple background set the tone for the Bat Mitzvah invitation with Amanda’s name across the top in silver sparkles.
Amanda’s service was held at Congregation Kol Emet and she did a great job reading from the Torah. The beautiful tallit was a gift to Amanda from her grandparents’ recent trip to Israel
Circles of Life Kippot were given to guests. These are 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, 100% biodegradable seed paper that when exposed to soil and water, a beautiful flower garden will grow.
The Hally family looked great. Amanda got her beautiful service dress from Belinda’s Designs Haute Couture.
For the reception Dad Ray and Jack wore suits from Nordstrom with purple ties from The Tie Bar. Amanda’s beautiful purple gown was from G-Lizzy and Mom Alyson’s embroidered bodice chiffon cocktail dress was from Saks Fifth Avenue.
Rho Ristorante is a great venue; a refurbished factory building with spectacular river views right on the banks of the Delaware River. Amanda was excited to see her name up on the Marquee!
Amanda wanted her Bat Mitzvah color theme to be purple with sparkles and BJ Boyd from Parties! Rare to Well Done and her team did a great job. Framed pictures of Amanda growing up were a nice touch on the gift box table. Photo-fetti was sprinkled for a colorful accent
Different variations of whimsical centerpieces
All accented with Photo-fetti
An over-sized Purple “A”
Amanda’s cheer logo was used on these fun stadium cups. Notice the megaphone
Amanda’s own signature drink
Parties! Rare to Well Done also created the sign-in mirror. A great way to remember everyone who celebrated with her
All signed, it’s now hanging in Amanda’s room
Since Amanda is on a cheer team it was only appropriate when it was time to make her entrance guests cheered holding purple pom-poms.
Flare Event Group created a great video which really captured the entire evening. Watch it here
MC Dylan and the Flare Event Group dancers provided the non-stop fun on and off the dance floor. All smiles during the Horah
Non-stop party on the dance floor
MC Dylan entertained the kids with interactive games during the cocktail hour
Amanda was presented with a wonderful collage of memories
There were many nice moments at this celebration including a dance with Dad. Amanda and her dad started out dancing slowly to “My Little Girl” by Tim DeGraw and then…
…they really showed off their dancing skills which everyone loved!
Rather than having a traditional 13 candle lighting ceremony Amanda chose to honor her family and friends while lighting three beautiful candles. Parties! Rare to Well Done created the pretty candle holders. Amanda’s outlined initials sparkled in purple glitter representing the Past, Present and Future and of course, one for “Good Luck.”
Amanda surrounded by her friends
The Hally family helped Amanda blow out her candles
Custom Discount Apparel created the hooded sweatshirts which looked great wrapped up with a single purple ribbon. The girls sweatshirts were purple with white
Grey sweatshirts with the date in purple for the boys
On the back of the sweatshirt was Amanda’s initials with all her friends’ names written inside the letters
Jim’s Soft Pretzel Bakery created “A” very delicious treat for guests to enjoy on the way home!
Amanda is part of the Pennsbury Falcon Cheerleading Association. She volunteered her time to be a junior coach affiliated helping cheerleaders with special needs.
Amanda (right) with teammates and some new friends
Some advice from Mom Alyson:
“This is a moment you’ve been waiting for since the day your child was born. Let it be a reflection of who they are! Family and friends who travel from near and far to fill the room to celebrate this special occasion with you is what makes the day extra special! Don’t waste your time and energy sweating the small stuff. Everything always works out in the end!”
The following vendors helped to make Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Melissa, Rho Waterfront, 609-695-9332
Décor: BJ Boyd, Parties! Rare to Well Done 267-312-1990
Photographer: Creative Photography by Maya, 215-322-7237
Montage: Ben, Lafayette Hill Studios, 610-828-1142
Music Entertainment/MC: Dylan Weisman, Flare Event Group, 215-364-1199
Favors: Toni, Custom Discount Apparel, 610-642-4002
Photo booth: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Invitation: Sara Jane Kimmel, S&J Printing, 609-895-0703
Kippot: Mike Glaser, Circles of Life Kippot, 978-254-7768
Sign-In mirror/Votive candles/Custom cups: Parties! Rare to Well Done, 267-312-1990
Confetti decor: Photofetti
Pom Poms: Oriental Trading, 800-457-6728
Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda’s party dress G-Lizzy, 610-668-2801
Amanda’s service dress: Belinda’s Designs Haute Couture, 305-532-0068
Mom Alyson’s Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Dad Ray and Brother Jack’s suits: Nordstrom/Ties: The Tie Bar
Pretzels: Jim’s Soft Pretzels Bakery, 215-673-2200
August 17th, 2014
At Ann Marie Casey Photography their passion as photographers is capturing precious moments that tell your child’s story in their journey as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Your child’s coming of age event is the most important day in their young life. At AMC Photography, you can be sure they will document your milestone events with emotion and creativity that will last a lifetime and inspire future generations.
Established in 2004, Ann Marie Casey Photography, LLC , specializes in commercial and event photography. The studio provides photography services to clientele in the Philadelphia Metro area and U.S. destinations. The team at the studio is educated and accomplished photographers. They collaborate with their clientele to offer a rare opportunity to work with photographers from start to finish ensuring artistic, creative and high quality results.
They are expanding! In addition to their studio in Bryn Mawr, PA, they have a 2nd location in Center City Philadelphia.
Ann Marie Casey Photography Has Six Subtle Adjustments To Ensure Ideal Results!
1. Men/Boy’s Blazers: For a clean distinguished look, men should button blazers during formal photographs with family and extended family.
Buttoned suit jackets look crisp and neat
2. Tallis Folding: If possible, Tallit should be steamed prior to formal photographs in the sanctuary. It is best to fold the Tallis in half or along the original crease lines. The Tallis should be gently draped and neatly presented over the shoulders of the individual wearing their pray shawl. They also commonly have an artistic motif, (also called Atarah or crown), along the top long end and that part should go along the neck.
The Atarah should be placed around the neck
3. Feet Placement: Being conscience of our feet placement during formal photographs. For men, it is always best to stand with feet together or slightly apart. For women, it is best to stand one foot towards the camera in a heel to arch placement. Also know as, “The Red Carpet placement,” plus who doesn’t want to show off their fabulous shoes?
“Red Carpet” foot placement creates a perfect pose
4. Hora/Sitting for Women: Women and girls while sitting should cross their legs at the ankles. Especially during the Hora and if they’re wearing knee length dresses.
A gentle reminder to girls and women to cross their legs at the ankle
5. Lighting: DJ lighting is great and lends a very cool vibe during your reception. Just beware of the type of lighting you have included in your package. Make sure to discuss with the DJ or your entrainment company what type of lighting they will be using during your event. Laser lighting and dot lights will affect your dancing photographs. We suggest having these lights within reason, but request they be turned off during important formalities, such as your candle lighting, hora or speeches. Photo retouching squiggles and dots off of faces will add up when considering photographs for your final formal album.
Proper lighting is important
6. Reception Toasts: Request that your Bar/ Bat Mitzvah be given their glass at the end of your toasts. This allows for amazing photographs of your child’s reaction to your toast.
Toasting glasses after the speech allows for a “hands-free” reaction!
To learn more about Ann Marie Casey Photography visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 13th, 2014
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
When Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Videography celebrated her daughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah, she kept a Mitzvah Mom Journal. She covers topics such as: Location/Venue, Invitations, Synagogue, Photography, Video, and Montage. Entertainment, Décor/Lighting, Cake, Looking Good (Clothes/Hair and Make Up) and Miscellaneous (Yamukas, Tallis, Giveaways, etc.)
As Sarah explains, “Even though I’ve seen it all and know a lot, it doesn’t mean that I know it all! Because of this, I have decided to chronicle my Mitzvah experience not only to preserve the memories, but also to offer advice and support to all of you Mitzvah Moms who may be going through the same journey as me.”
Sarah with her daughter Emily on her big day!
Below are four tips from Sarah when beginning the Mitzvah planning process:
1. Surround yourself with professionals that share your vision. Real professionals that know the importance of teamwork can be one of the secrets to a successful party.
2. Make sure you are confident and comfortable with your catering manager or hire an event planner to oversee the event. It is important you are a hostess and can truly enjoy the experience with family and friends.
3. Experience brings comfort and comfort equals trust. We are all spending a lot of money to make this day special so spending it wisely is key.
4. Create a list of all the variables and things to do to pull off your event by your date. I see parties planned a month in advance and I see clients that begin two years prior. Anything is possible today, however careful planning and delegating will allow for the entire process to be fun and exciting.
Check out the Mom Journal here.
Read more about Emily’s celebration here.
Learn more about Sarah Merians Photography & Video here.
To see our past Mom Find, click here.
August 6th, 2014
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
Sammi Collins celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in November 2013 and her mom Michelle, who works at Simon Elliot Events, pulled out all the stops for her daughter’s “Sam I Am” theme.
One of the many special touches was the way they collected their gifts. A custom-wrapped US Mailbox stood by the entrance/exit with a note asking guests to place their gifts here.
This official US mailbox was wrapped with photos of Sammi and her logo
To see more ideas from the Collins Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, click here.
To see our past Mom Finds, click here.
