“A Day in the Life of Aly” Bat Mitzvah in Monroe, New Jersey

“A Day in the Life of Aly” was the perfect Bat Mitzvah theme for Alyson Kratchman. The family, from Monroe, New Jersey, celebrated Alyson’s (Aly) Bat Mitzvah, with a service at Temple Beth Shalom in Manalapan, New Jersey. Later that evening was a party in her honor at Pines Manor in Edison New Jersey.

Since Aly has so many interests including: basketball, softball, social media, gymnastics and Starbucks, all were included in the creative theme and logo.

There was also a very touching father/daughter dance and a special montage.

Pictured: Brother Emery, Mom Koren, Bat Mitzvah girl Alyson, Dad Jarrett and Brother Logan.

Jeremy Messler Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.

Mitzvah Service & Style

 The service was held at Temple Beth Shalom. The family worked with Lori Steinberg, of All About Invitations & Event Creations on the pink, white and zebra invitation.

The zebra design kippot matched the invitation perfectly

The inside featured a nod to the theme, along with Alyson's name, date and an inscription, "A Day in the Life..."

Alyson hand painted this kiddush cup which she used during her service

The Kratchman family looked great the night of the party. Aly and Mom Koren looked elegant in their Jovani gowns and her brothers Logan and Emery and Dad Jarrett looked sharp in their matching Ralph Lauren grey suits with pink bow tie accents

This family knows how to have fun!

This is Aly's favorite photo from her celebration

Mitzvah Details

Shaina Fine of Balloon Artistry created the logo after getting initial input from Aly and her family. The logo and theme “A Day in the Life” highlighted Aly’s interests. Balloon Artistry created the room decor with each table representing a different day in Aly’s life. Some of the tables included decor and pictures of Aly playing basketball, performing gymnastics and of course, with her family.

The logo that was used throughout the event

The place card table was at the entrance of the venue. Both the place cards and gift box were created by Mom and Dad!

Dad Jarret did the graphics and Mom Koren cut and assembled each place card using her scrapbook tools!

Aly's color scheme of pink, white and zebra were used throughout the room

Over-sized sparkle balloons with tulle and lights

Picture cube 3D centerpieces like this one of "social media" were on each table

"Aly" in balloons on the wall

The logo was placed in the middle of a door which was used as her sign-in. The door is now back in Aly’s bedroom

Each family member had their own Krazy Straw that they used throughout the night. They were a huge hit!

Music & Entertainment

Jeffrey Craig Entertainment provided the music and non-stop dancing.

Aly making her entrance on the shoulder of one of the dancers

Up in the chair for the Horah!

Alyson entered the ballroom to the song "Selfie," so as soon as she entered the ballroom, she took a selfie with her selfie stick!

For the candle lighting ceremony, there were various sized votives. The simple, but elegant look was created by using submersible LED lights alternating in pink and white with floating candles, created by Classic Cake

Aly surrounded by her family

 Mitzvah Moment

Aly’s Dad wrote the music and words to their father/daughter dance along with a music video that was shown simultaneously. It had guests tearing up and a moment the family will never forget. Alyson was conceived right after 9/11 as Mom Koren is a 9/11 survivor who was on the 74th floor of Two World Trade Center and was able to escape. Alyson had no clue that her father put together such a beautiful tribute to her.

 
What Mom Koren loves about this photo is that it shows the World Trade Center towers on the screens which has special meaning for the family and reminds them of how truly blessed they were that day

Exit Treats & Favors

The candy buffet was color coordinated and created by Mom Koren who kept to the pink, white, black with zebra print theme for all of the candies. Blue Streak Uniforms created the favors.   

The candy buffet had a great poster of Aly above it

There were many color coordinated candies making it a sweet ending to a beautiful night

Who doesn't love a good egg cream for dessert? Brooklyn Seltzer Boys supplied the fizz

As guests left, there were delicious Philly Pretzels to enjoy on the car ride home. Dad Jarrett is from Philly, so this was a sure thing to please the crowd!

The beach totes for the girls were such a huge hit and so were the gym bags for the boys

The bags came out great and kids found them very useful!

Mom to Mom

 Some advice from Mom Koren:
“Get organized! Hundreds of hours of planning all came together for one truly magical night.”

Mitzvah Project 

Aly raised money for Simon’s Fund, a non-profit in Pennsylvania that raises money to do heart screenings. Alyson’s father and the co-founder of Simon’s Fund, Phyllis Sudman went to high school together. Simon’s Fund was established in 2005 in memory of Simon, son of Phyllis and Darren Sudman.

The organization provides free heart screenings to children, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia area. It also sponsors medical research projects, hosts awareness events, works with major medical institutions and promotes legislation.

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Alyson’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Pines Manor, 732-287-2222
Music Entertainment: Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 732-952-8772
Photographer: Jeremy Messler Photography, 609-980-5082 
Invitation: Lori Steinberg, All About Invitations and Event Creations, 845-357-8070
Logo/Décor: Shaina, Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828 
Party Entertainment: Foto Novelty, Inc., 866-452-0527 
Sign-In – Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828 
Sweatshirt/Hat/Blanket Favor:
Krazy Straws: Krazy Straws, 215-925-1450
Cake: Classic Cake, 856-751-5448 
Favors: Blue Streak Uniforms; 732-656-0400
Egg Creams: Alex Gomberg, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, 718-649-0800
Pretzels: Philly Pretzel Company, 732-225-4567
Aly’s party dress: Lola’s in Manalapan, NJ
Mom’s party dress: Jovani dress, Dream Dresses, 732-607-1112
Suits for family members: Ralph Lauren
Kippot: Kippah.com, 718-435-3288