A B’nai Mitzvah For Two Cousins Who Know How to “LIVE BIG”

Growing up as some of the youngest cousins in a close knit family, Brett Nussbaum and Lindsey Phillips have shared a lot of memories over the years. From holidays and birthdays to summer camp, they have a special bond. When their moms, sisters Tracey and Amy, suggested a B’nai Mitzvah for the pair, they were totally on board. “Originally we were going to plan a destination vacation with our extended family,” says mom Tracey. “But Brett and Lindsey really wanted an actual celebration together.” The planning process was easier than expected. Both moms had already planned Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations for their older children (see Carlee Nussbaum’s spotlight here), and Brett and Lindsey were pretty laid back about the process. “They both gave their input, but in the end it was our final decision,” says Tracey. 

(Above L-R: Brett Nussbaum and Lindsey Phillips)

The photographer for this event was Colleen Piccolino.  A complete vendor list follows at the end of this story.

All in the Family

The B'nai Mitzvah service took place at Congregation Ohav Shalom in Albany, NY, a very meaningful place to both families. Amy, Tracey and their brother Rick all became Bar/Bat Mitzvahs there, as did the sisters' older children, and Amy and Tracey were both married at the synagogue too!

Moms Amy (left) and Tracey enter the ballroom at Franklin Terrace with their husbands Keith (left) and Jon.

The Nussbaum and Phillips families celebrated together. The Phillips have one more to go!

Proud grandparents were thrilled to be a part of this special B'nai Mitzvah

The cousins/siblings clan! There are 16 first cousins in all!

Living Big!

Lindsey and Brett's initials - and their mutual desire to always live life in a fun, exciting way- inspired the celebration's theme: "LIVE BIG!" which was created by FabuDesigns.com

The Mitzvah kids hit the dance floor

The ballroom was filled with lanterns, oversized balloons and sweet photos of the cousins through the years

The unique candle lighting display was a DIY project for Tracey and Amy. They bought the gumballs at Michael's, the jars came from Amy's family business, Phillips Hardware, and with a little help from their mutual decorator, they added silver ball candles, confetti, and metal letters

The hora was filled with family and plenty of friends joining in the fun

Special Touches

The invitation gave guests a hint of the party color palette

"Live Big" signage was used in a variety of ways throughout the party

Lindsey and Brett each had a sign-in locker and a place for their gifts

Custom sweatshirts were given out to Lindsey and Brett's friends...

Sweatshirts were inside these branded drawstring bags

The following vendors helped make this celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you heard about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Franklin Terrace Ballroom, Troy, NY, 518-270-9622
Music Entertainment: Events by Cool Cat, 518-384-2288
Decor: Party With Mia, 518-782-2313
Logo: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Photographer: Colleen Piccolino, More than Memories, 518-514-8632
Brett’s suit: Lord and Taylor
Lindsey’s dress: Jovani from Azalea Dresses, 518-952-6727
Hair: Joelle Averill, The Beauty Bungalow, 518-505-9413
Sign-in Trunks: Hayneedle.com
Favors/Airbrushing: TSS T-shirt Spot, 518-915-1107
Invitation: Caryn Poskanzer, Occasions, 518-438-1803