August 6th, 2014
The Herschkowitz family from Syosset, New York, celebrated son Blake’s Bar Mitzvah and reception on December 7, 2013, at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
This was the same venue for their older son’s Royal Corybbean celebration back in 2011.
The theme was Basketball with a NBA theme, National Blake Association, and a visit from one of the New York Knick’s former all-star MVPs!
Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Mom Malky, Bar Mitzvah boy Blake and Brother Cory.
The photography was done by David Conn of Visions Fine Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The invitation, created by Dear Friends, really set the tone for the party, and was hand delivered to each guest. The basketball featured the service information printed right on the ball. Additionally, there was a brochure which included reception information and pictures of Blake growing up
The theme, National Blake Association, was NBA inspired and fit perfectly! For the pre-party shoot, Blake was photographed at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, home of the Nets
Great shot of Blake on the “B”
For the dress code, adults were asked to wear “Cocktail Attire” the kids were asked to wear “Jerseys and Jeans”
The logo, created by Dazzling Parties, was created to look like the Brooklyn Nets logo
Dazzling Parties also created the decor making guests feel as though they were in an arena. The 3-D place card table display included all of Blake’s favorite teams
The place cards looked like real tickets
The entryway into the ballroom at Or Elohim included an over-sized poster of Blake and a locker which served as the sign-in
The entryway sign was created to look like a sporting venue with Row “B” for Blake, Section 13 for his age
Real basketballs were used for the centerpieces
Great details in the centerpieces including the use of clear vases with mini basketballs floating
The reception looked great with the colorful spandex chair covers and up lighting
A cool scoreboard and Blake’s jerseys were hung on the drapes and used as part of the decor
This picture lamp shade was customized with NBA team logos and pictures of Blake
ET Events with MC Carl were the music entertainment for this celebration and kept the music going and the dance floor packed
Great view of the action
Time for the Horah
NBA great and former New York Knick, John Starks, was on hand to take pictures and sign autographs
John Starks signing a picture for Blake, a cherished momento of the night
Guests also enjoyed watching Jack Ryan, known as “The Hoop Wizard,” a basketball entertainer who performs magic tricks with basketballs
The cake, from Dortoni Bakery, was a replica of a basketball sneaker which looked amazing and tasted great
The Herschkowitz family with big smiles, enjoyed this very special moment
Blake’s “Dream Team” included all his friends
A delicious assortment of cookies with Blake’s logo and name were offered to guests at the end of the night
Mitzvah Project
Blake raised money for Sunrise Day Camp on Long Island. This camp, for children ages 3-16, is the only dedicated full summer day camp in the nation for children with cancer. It is a camp designed to meet the emotional, social, recreational and physical needs of these children while allowing them to enjoy the comforts and safety of their own homes at night.
Blake presented a check to the camp
Some advice from Mom Malky:
“While planning, I included Blake in the choices of decorations and kept in mind who he is. Blake hates getting dressed up. Therefore, kids wore jerseys and jeans!”
The following vendors helped to make Blake’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-433-9888
Caterer: Shawn, Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Invitation: Dara Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, ET Events
Favors: Michelle, Creative Specialties, 516-348-1346
Photographer/Videographer David Conn, Visions Fine Photography, 516-764-4040
Basketball Entertainment: The Hoop Wizard
John Starks Appearance: Shawn, Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Décor/Florist/Sign-in board: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Cake: Dortoni Bakery, 516-796-3033
Mom’s dress: Tadashi Shoji Boutique, Las Vegas, Nevada
Boys suits: Kenny’s Mens & Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Michelle, Dakota Salon, 516-496-2525
Make Up: Ann DeFranco, Dakota Salon, 516-496-2525
August 6th, 2014
Tom Mart, Joel Herman and Dale Nash are three childhood friends from Cleveland, Ohio, who attended Hebrew School together.
Recently, Tom realized the 50th Anniversary of their Bar Mitzvah services would be approaching and a twist of fate brought him back together with old friends Joel and Dale. Together they decided to celebrate in a big way!
Joel and Dale actually shared the Bimah back on April 25, 1964, for their Bar Mitzvah and Tom’s was on Shabbat HaGadol-Shabbat before Pescach.
On April 12, 2014, these three friends, along with their family and friends, participated in Shabbot morning service at B’nai Jeshurun in Pepper Pike, Ohio, followed by an extended Kiddush that they all sponsored.
Tom, Dale and Joel on the Bimah with the Rabbi
For Tom, he recited his exact long Haftorah. He says, “I practiced on and off for 8 months. Unfortunately, I didn’t remember much!”
Tom Mart on the day of his Bar Mitzvah in 1964 and a current picture
Dale Nash at his Bar Mitzvah and 50 years later
Joel Herman on his Bar Mitzvah day
Mazel Tov to Tom, Dale and Joel on the 50th Anniversary of their Bar Mitzvahs. We thank them for sharing their special story with us at Mitzvah Market!
August 4th, 2014
Decorating your party space can be a fun and collaborative part of the planning process for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Decor designers will work with you to decide what looks best in your event space based on your input. You can discuss your child’s theme and color scheme and creative ways to tie it all together. A lounge setting, LED furniture, floral decor, unique centerpieces and special lighting are just some of the ways to make it your “own.”
Decor experts work with a range of budgets, styles and tastes and they look forward to collaborating with you and your child to create a unique look and feel for your party space.
Flower Power Designs
Contact: Mindi Shaevitz, 973-951-5676, flowerpowerdesignsnj@gmail.com
Flower Power Designs is a full service event décor company offering a huge array of décor options and event planning services. Located in Livingston New Jersey and owned by Mindi Harrison Shaevitz, Flower Power Designs will walk you step by step through the entire process of throwing a memorable Bar/Bat Mitzvah or wedding. We’ll help you with selections as large as the venue right down to the candy customized for your candy bar. Start to finish; Flower Power Designs can do it all.
Flower Power Designs will seamlessly blend your vision for your party space, develop your theme, logo and layout your floor plan. We will provide you creative, customized furniture options, gorgeous one-of-a-kind centerpieces and everything in between. Flower Power Designs believes in being hands on at every turn so nothing is sent outside our doors. We are “one stop shopping” at our core! Put some Flower Power into your next party!
Top Left Photo: Customized Lamps and Flower centerpieces at the Crystal Plaza
Top Right Photo: Lounge furniture with custom logo’d table and pillows at the Venetian
Bottom Left Photo: Hockey theme with the Devils arena in mind – dance floor wrapped like a hockey rink, custom jumbotron hanging above
Bottom Right Photo: Basketball centerpiece – custom airbrushed basketballs indicated which table/team guests were seated
Bloom Floral & Events
Contact: Scott Gersten, 732-414-6054, scott@bloomfloralevents.com
BLOOM Floral & Events ensures your momentous family celebration is unique and unforgettable ─ just like your child. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah specialists offer full service floral design and décor staging─ flowers, lighting, linens, and decorations ─guaranteed to make your celebration of Jewish adulthood the talk of the town.
“From winter wonderland in Tiffany Blue with white hydrangeas and roses to creative balloon décor and floral design, Bloom Floral and Events will make your event fabulous”
thecoolestgiveaways.com
Contact: Sue Smith, 516-466-5728, info@thecoolestgiveaways.com
Sue and her design team help clients develop their ideas, create a unique logo in the context of the whole event, and then help clients execute it in creative ways. It’s fun to bring the details together in your party space. We can brand your event using your logo on many decor elements throughout the celebration. For example, lounge pillows that tie-in your logo, theme and colors, a dance floor sticker that welcomes guests to all the fun and dance floor throw-outs to motivate the kids and get them on the dance floor. We also offer custom step and repeats, centerpieces customized to your logo and theme, custom place cards, custom lamps, custom glow cubes, custom Sign-In Pillows and Sign-In Boards, custom cups and to go containers, and so much more!
These are all the little details that add the WOW factor to your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration!
Our custom designed logos are used on various décor elements at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, as well as on wearables, water bottles and many other items
Our themed email blasts are a great way to get know vendors in a specific category. To learn more about our other themed topics click on the links below:
A Variety Of Music Entertainment For Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Kids All Want These Bar Bat Mitzvah Favors For Their Friends
Mitzvah Style: Bar & Bat Mitzvah Fashion For The Entire Family
Invitation Experts For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning
Add Something Extra To Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
All About Photo Booths & Photo Favors
Extra Entertainment For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Desserts And Sweet Treats For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Photographers, Videographers & Montage Experts For Your Child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah
Choosing The Perfect Bar Bat Mitzvah Venue Creative
Catering Options For Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration
Party Planning Experts Are Here To Help
Have you discovered Mitzvah Organizer yet? This go-to planning tool for B’nai Mitzvah Families will SIMPLIFY YOUR SIMCHA!
August 3rd, 2014
Have you been noticing the feet of Bat Mitzvah kids? Some wear heels and then slip on something cool and custom that even matches their theme!
Grafeeti Kicks is a custom sneaker company. They transform white slip-on Vans into a one-of-a-kind sneaker based on the buyers requests.
These sneakers have become popular with Bat Mitzvah kids and some are giving them as gifts. The designs are based on the Bat Mitzvah theme, interests and/or the colors of the party.
See a few samples below:
These Michigan themed sneakers were for a Michigan themed party
Another design example based on the customer’s request
The kicks above were worn by a Bat Mitzvah girl whose theme was “All About Amanda.” She based her design on all her favorite things
These Vans are $200 which includes the artwork and shipping. Please allow 2-3 weeks from the day of purchase to receiving your kicks!
To see more pictures, follow @grafeetikicks on instagram. Reach them at grafeetikicks@gmail.com or 312-330-3230.
July 30th, 2014
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduation and Birthday Parties.
Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while they supervise the children. Their services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Something New! The Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Website now features a question of the month!
This summer, the question is: How do you keep the young guests quiet during the candle lighting ceremony?
Check out some of the Bar Mitzvah bouncers’ answers here.
Their feedback allows clients and prospective customers to get a feel on how they handle situations and their procedures in terms of dealing with the kids. Every month a new question is posted and different staff members respond each time.
They have received a lot of positive feedback from parents and party planners concerning the bouncers’ responses.
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 30th, 2014
NO GUILT: HAVE THE SIZE CELEBRATION YOU WANT TO HAVE!
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman, “Favor It Things“)
South Florida Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group members on Facebook run the gamut from planning a family dinner celebration at home, to an over-the-top weekend long star studded extravaganza B’Mitzvah celebration.
These clinicians, your Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah, see the internal struggle manifest itself in arguments and conflict within families and between friends.
Some claim that “spirituality and meaning” can somehow be erased by a large celebration. Chabad.org posted, “As for the cause of the celebration, this is the day when a Jewish person is given the obligation and resulting privilege of observing God’s commandments. One would be hard pressed to think of a more joyous occasion to celebrate together with friends and family.” According to some sources, the first documented Bar Mitzvah is referred to in the Torah: “And the child (Isaac) grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a GREAT feast on the day Isaac was weaned.” (Genesis 21:8) Some believe this was the day Isaac turned 13 and was “weaned” from childhood into adulthood and received the responsibilities of a Jewish adult. If we are all being honest and real, a low key affair does not ensure spiritual meaning any more than an over-the-top one, negates it.
As we discussed in our last blog, “meaning” comes from values, examples and experience. It begins with each of us, as parents, modelling EVERY DAY, what is meaningful and important. It begins with “walking the walk and talking the talk.” Every detail about the B’Mitzvah service is about meaning, tradition, ritual and prayer. Every detail about the celebration takes all of these things and acknowledges the achievement of your child, recognizes the incredible importance of becoming a Jewish adult, and most importantly in your own personal way and style, shares this unbelievable milestone with all of the important people in your life.
We each had many milestones, celebrations and stepping stones. If you as a parent, had your own B’Mitzvah, do you remember how you felt that day on the bimah? We do…it was like being on top of the world. How many other days in our Jewish lives focus solely on our growth, achievements and the obligations, expectations and hopes that God and our families have for us? There are so few times that we get to celebrate pure, unadulterated moments of joy in life, so make the most of it and do not allow anyone to make you feel shame or guilt over the way you choose to celebrate with family, the love, change and spiritual growth of your special child.
SO, we began to build on the vision we had for the day when our son, Blake becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Remember, one of us would like to write a “tell all” here while the other is more tight lipped, so we compromised by telling you about visions in a more generic way. (Insert eye roll here!)
We know we want BIG décor with a combination of flowers and theme and we want our guests to have an “wow!” moment from the moment they arrive and with each step forward up to the moment they get into their car. We will include activities for both adults and younger guests at the entrance to start our party with a BANG not a lull. A first impression is a lasting one. Consider your party to be a space shuttle launch and build the excitement and then keep them soaring throughout.
We acknowledge we are incorporating some of the well…in our opinion less exciting components like a candle lighting ceremony, but we feel this is necessary, as we feel that the day is not complete without honoring the “village” who are helping us create this young man we celebrate on this day. It also creates a magical moment with loved ones that incorporates “light” a tradition innate to Jewish Culture. With each honor we bring more light, symbolic of the path and future that lies ahead- never forgetting who helped you get there.
There are many places you can save money, DO NOT choose any vendor based solely on price. Meet with vendors, tell them what you want and what you can spend and allow them to tell you what they can do to help. Always see their work in some way, attend expos, see videos and get referrals from real people.
Of course “Favor It Things” is our chocolate and sweet treats headquarters, so you can imagine that we are busy creating little sweet surprises from the moment they enter the room until they load into their minivans.
As the Dean of a school and a Psychologist, we will tell you, Fail to Plan, Plan to fail, young kids and teens will find a way to entertain themselves if you don’t entertain them. The right DJ company and vendors will make sure to keep them engaged.
Next time, we will talk about how we are personalizing our event.
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
Catch up on what you might have missed:
Blog post #1 here
Blog post #2 here
Blog post #3 here
July 22nd, 2014
Lighter Than Air Events 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.
They specialize in Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, Anniversaries, and any other special event. No job is too small or too big!
Their services include: Sign in Books, Sign in Boards, Balloons, Photo Blowups, Themed Centerpieces, Break Thru Walls, Card Table Displays, Coming Attraction Signs, Life Size Stand-ups, Place Cards, Invitations, Puzzle Boards, Step & Repeat Backdrops, Superimpose Posters, Club Style/Lounge, Marquis Signs and much more!
Their New Styrofoam Letters Are All The Rage!
Now available, Lighter Than Air Events has big, bold letters made from styrofoam that can be easily customized to match the theme or color scheme of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.
Perfect for table centerpieces, even sign-in boards!
Sizes are generally 12″ x 24”, larger sizes also available
New Customized Pillows!
Add a splash of color to your lounge decor for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration with these new customized pillows.
Clients have their choice of printed or embroidered pillows. They can work with any logo, design or color scheme
To learn more about Lighter Than Air Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 22nd, 2014
Your child will be invited to many Bar Bat Mitzvahs during their 7th and 8th grade school years. There are dressy clothes to purchase, carpools to arrange and many gifts to buy!
It’s common, and (let’s face it) easy, to send a check as the Bar Bat Mitzvah gift. After all, there’s a Bar Bat Mitzvah money card section in many stationery stores across the country.
Bar Bat Mitzvah gift amounts vary depending on where you live in the country, your relationship to the child and how many in your family are attending the celebration. What if you prefer to give the young man or young lady something special, more personal?
It’s very hard to know what a 13 year old would want as a Bar Bat Mitzvah gift. There are laptops, iPads, iPods and many other electronic devices. For the girls, jewelry is an easy choice and most boys would love tickets to a sporting event.
We found six other options that might strike a cord with your special Mitzvah boy or girl:
1. Baseball cuff links.
Cuff links from Paul Fredrick
These baseball cuff links from Paul Fredrick are very special because they are made from actual used game baseballs. There’s a number engraved on the back which you enter into their Website to find out information about the game they were played in!
2. Invitation box from Lexington Studios.
This gift box from Lexington Studios is personalized with the child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation on the outside and a special message from the gift giver on the inside. Each box also contains an album with ten 8.5 x 11” sheet protectors and acid free paper to allow for creative scrapbooking and to hold your favorite photos. The album can also serve as a guest sign-in book!
3. A customized rap song from Giftrapped.com.
Watch sample song here
Giftrapped.com will gather information from you about the guest of honor and then create a completely personalized rap song and slide show using 20-30 photos. This video can be shown at the child’s celebration as an entrance video or as part of the montage.
4. The Daily Portrait.
The Daily Portrait from Milson Road is a great commemorative Bar Bat Mitzvah gift that is set up like a newspaper. It shows the lead headline, which is news of the Bar Bat Mitzvah child being called to the Torah and other information about the service and celebration. Additionally, they capture the news of the day from national and international sources. It is produced in an 18 x 20 inch print with a custom wood frame
5. The Pieced Palette.
These keepsake pillows are custom made to complement any invitation, announcement or photo. Using the Bar Bat Mitzvah child’s invitation, they find a complementary fabric and ribbon and create a pillow
6. Sean Kenney: Your portrait in lego!
These clever gift ideas will have the special guest of honor in your life remembering you for years to come.
For more gift ideas, visit our Mom To Mom Forum and make some suggestions for our readers!
July 22nd, 2014
The Potash family celebrated their daughter Isabelle’s (Izzy) Bat Mitzvah on November 9, 2013, at the Temple B’nai Chaim, in Georgetown, Connecticut.
The reception was held at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The theme was “Izzy’s Igloo” and Mom Lisa’s company, PiPo Press, created the Izzy’s Igloo logo, invitation, and many of the “cool” event details.
Pictured L-R: Dad Ken, Mom Lisa, Bat Mitzvah girl Isabelle and Brother Jack.
Bentley Waters Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is at the bottom of the spotlight.
There was a morning service at Temple B’nai Chaim where the family has been members for many years.
Izzy holding the Torah with her proud Mom and Dad
After a truly meaningful service, the Kiddush luncheon was held at Weston Field Club in Weston, Connecticut. Izzy spent many of her childhood summers at the club, so it felt right to have a part of her special day at this venue
Simple and beautiful Kiddush centerpieces
Mom Lisa is co-owner of PiPo Press, a custom invitation design boutique, and created an invitation and RSVP card which set the tone and theme for the reception. The color palette of blue and hot pink was also used throughout the party.
The RSVP response card text was very clever. “Cool!, can’t wait!” or “Brrr! so sorry to have to miss it, have fun!”
The thank you card included a picture taken from the party of Izzy dancing with her dad and website information was printed on it so that the guests were able to view the photos from the evening and the highlight video as well.
The Potash family was beautifully color coordinated. Izzy looked awesome in a royal blue chiffon gown from La Femme and Mom Lisa wore a gorgeous pink gown custom made by Jennifer Butler. Dad Ken and brother Jack looked sharp in their own suits and coordinating hot pink ties from Saks Fifth Avenue.
The evening party was held at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut. Another place Isabelle spent many hours in as a child. The party was held in a wonderful party space to one side of the museum. To keep it intimate, they decided not to open up the party to the entire museum.
Balloon Artistry created a balloon arch that resembled an igloo for guests to walk through as they entered the venue
The theme was Izzy’s Igloo. Rooms were lit in light blue with sparkles of silver and crystal.
The blue up lighting, clear stools and white table cloths all worked perfectly with the winter decor theme. This was a long hallway with all glass walls where the adult food and bar was set up
The large media room featured the kids’ lounge area. There was a dance floor, LED high top cocktail tables, white leather couches, a large floor to ceiling screen and video snowflakes falling throughout the evening
The gobo looked great on the dance floor adorned with animated snowflakes
MC Gio and the dancers of Jeffrey Craig Events did a fantastic job keeping everyone dancing and having fun all night.
Izzy makes her entrance
Izzy singing along with friends
Balloon Artistry created the sign-in using a mirror with Izzy’s logo in the center. Multi-colored sharpies with ribbons were attached so guests could “sign-in.”
It looked great before and after
One of Izzy’s friends writing her a message
Kids and adults had the opportunity to have custom dog tags created with their names or pictures courtesy of PBG Events. There was also an animated photo booth from The Bosco, where guests could immediately share pictures on Facebook. There was also a glitter tattoo artist from Glitter Toos with custom tattoos of Izzy’s party logo and the Weston, Connecticut town logo.
Photo engraved dog tags were a big hit!
Here is one of the fun photos from The Bosco photo booth. The photos taken throughout the evening was streamed live on two screens all night. The gift box on the right was from Balloon Aritstry.
A guest ready for his temporary tattoo
The girls showing off their arm tattoos
The highlight of the evening was a lion dance performed by Wan Chin Ming Hung Gar Institute. Being half-Chinese, the Potash family wanted to include something from Isabelle’s Chinese heritage.
A group of ten dancers and musicians performed a traditional lion dance with drums to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the celebration
A great moment between Izzy and her dad. They danced to “Thank You” by Natalie Merchant.
Wanting an informal, “kids party” atmosphere, AMG Catering provided a cocktail style party for the entire evening with passed hors d’oeuvres and stations all night. The kids had a similar set up with Isabelle’s favorite foods. There was a taco bar and a mashed potato station for dinner, served buffet style.
The adults were offered ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.Go8MrosY.dpuf
For the adults, winter inspired ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow
Italian ices and snow cones truck, parked at entrance for arriving guests – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.8AjjL4Nv.dpuf
Guests enjoyed Italian ices and snow cones from a truck parked at entrance
Italian ices and snow cones truck, parked at entrance for arriving guests – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.8AjjL4Nv.dpuf
The kids’ bar was set up with a rainbow soda bar of glass soda bottles in every color
The adults were offered ice blue martinis served on trays of shredded coconut snow. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/?p=108721&preview=true#sthash.Go8MrosY.dpuf
Some of the delicious hors d’oeuvres
Milk and cookies, one of the many dessert options
Snowball cake pops on mirror trays
The Cake Boutique created this igloo themed cake which was used for the candle lighting ceremony.
At the end of the evening, Izzy’s friends received clear drawstring goody bags with sweatshirts and bags of blue and silver candy with logo name tags.
Sweatshirts with Izzy’s logo all wrapped up
Izzy and her friend posing in their new sweatshirts
As guests departed, they left with ice blue slushes in logo plastic cups.
Isabelle’s Mitvah project was for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. They are a national non-profit organization raising funds for pediatric cancer research. She sold cookies to family and friends and raised over $2,000 for the pediatric unit at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The caterer, AMG Catering donated kitchen time and Isabelle and her friend, Audrey, spent an afternoon there baking hundreds of cookies that were handed out after her Bat Mitzvah service. She wrapped each package in cellophane and tied them with hot pink and cobalt blue string, her party colors. She paid for the ingredients with her allowance and 100% of the proceeds were donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
Cookies beautifully wrapped by Izzy and her friend Audrey
Some advice from Mom Lisa:
“Everyone says this, but keeping yourself organized is the only way to go. I purchased a cute little notebook about a year before the event. Scribbles from every meeting with every vendor is in that notebook. Any thoughts I had or suggestions from other friends were recorded in the same spot. Pinterest.com was also a great source of inspiration. Something else I learned through this process is that so many of the little details that I slaved on were only noticed by me, so if you are on a budget, let those little things go. Focus on what is important to your child and let that guide the party planning. Finally, hire great people with good referrals and you will be in good shape!”
The following vendors helped to make Izzy’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Tabitha Carter, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 203-899-0606,
Caterer/Party Planners: Alison Milwe Grace/Olivia Savarese, AMG Catering, 203-227-5535
Photographer: Bentley Waters, Bentley Waters Photography, 914-953-4155
Videographer: Jack Craymer, Jack Craymer, 203-434-7882
Invitation/thank you cards/logo: Mom Lisa Chin Potash, PiPoPress, 203-221-1181
Music Entertainment: Scott Sica, MC, Gio, Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 800-690-9370
Balloon arch/sign in board/gift box, Shaina, Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party Furniture rental/dog tags: Nancy, PBG Events, 646-430-4107
Animated Photo Booth: Lisa Fertig, The Bosco, 917-407-3802
Lion Dance Dancers: Warren Wan, Wan Chin Ming Hung Gar Institute, 917-922-6877
Sweatshirt Favors/Slushee cups: Chrissy Nasi, Professional Marketing Services, 203-984-1915
Caterer Rentals: Taylor-Rentals, 203-762-9611
Tattoos: Liana, Glitter Toos
Candy bags: Swirl, 203-544-7057
PJ’s Italian ices/snowcone truck: PJ, 203-331-7017
Cake: Sonia, The Cake Boutique, 203-761-7990
Bat Mitzvah girl Izzy’s gown: La Femme, Neiman Marcus
Mom Lisa’s gown: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Dad Ken and brother Jack: Their own suits, coordinating hot pink ties, Saks
Transportation: Hoyt Livery, 203-966-5466
Hair & makeup, Blow Dry Southport, 203-557-4789
July 20th, 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 the Nussbaums celebrated their second child’s Bat Mitzvah, they wanted something completely different than their son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2006. Carlee loves texting and circles and they were able to incorporate both into their theme, “LOL With Carlee.”
Mom Tracey also found a way for her daughter to wear a custom dress, without the custom price!
Carlee’s chocolate brown dress was found at a Jessica McClintock store and then embellished by an FIT student/family friend Erika Schuster. She went shopping with Carlee and added embellishments so her dress would match the theme!
To see more ideas from this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
