Jared’s March Madness Inspired Celebration

The Ceitlin family of Marlboro, New Jersey, celebrated their son Jared’s Bar Mitzvah at The Palms Plaza in Matawan, New Jersey.

Since Jared’s Bar Mitzvah date was in March, it was an easy theme decision: March Madness! This family loves basketball and follows along with the bracketology of the games.

Pictured L-R: Mom Marcie, sister Lainey, Bar Mitzvah boy Jared and Dad Jeff.

Photographers at 290, a division of El-Co Color Labs, photographed the event and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Mitzvah Invitation & Service

By Dana created the basketball themed invitation.

The textured invitation in navy and orange really set the tone for the theme

The head coverings for the women were made by Mom Marcie and the kippot for the male family members were made by Grandma. For their guests, there were navy suede kippot with orange rim

Mitzvah Details

They chose “JC Madness” as the logo and were thrilled that Jared’s favorite teams were in the round playing that weekend! Although he didn’t win, he did come in 3rd in his NCAA pool! Wendy Kandell at WayKool Events created the centerpieces.

A table decorated with pictures of Jared and basketball paraphernalia

Jared's logo was created by Mom Marcie and Dana Kaufman of By Dana, Inc.

Centerpieces included foam fingers, college team logos and basketballs

The cube at the base of each centerpiece had a "JC Madness" sticker

The kids' section looked great with a blue, orange and black balloon arch

The kids received a draw string bag and pennant with Jared's logo on the back of their chair

We love this "Team Ceitlin" sports tie-up pillow

Orange and navy custom cocktail napkins

The Ceitlin March Madness Bar Mitzvah included this seating chart that guests loved and paid homage to a final four bracket

A custom jersey was used as the sign-in and was beautifully framed by Mom Marcie

Music & Entertainment

Total Entertainment provided the music with MC Nebraska entertaining and dancing with the guests while playing Jared’s favorite tunes.

Jared made his entrance with a big smile

Great party giveaways

"Hands up in the air"

Jared’s candle lighting ceremony was very clever. “JC Madness, the Road to the Final Candle” was announced as if it was a draft/seeding similar to the actual March Madness system

Everyone pointed to Jared

Mitzvah Exit Treats & Favor

There were great stadium treats for everyone at the end of the night.

Cotton candy was part of the candy and dessert bar from Palms Plaza Catering

Team colored popcorn in custom bags from Jody's Gourmet Popcorn

Shera of Show Me the Favors created the orange hooded sweatshirt with Jared's logo on the back

Mitzvah Project

Jared has several friends and family members that suffer from loss of hearing. Living with this on a daily basis has become a personal experience. He chose to raise money for the Hearing Loss Association of America and participated in their annual 5K Walk 4 Hearing which took place in October, 2013, in New Jersey with over 50 friends and family joining him for the walk that day. He raised over $4,000 and was named the 3rd largest donor/walker in the New Jersey and one of the top 25 walkers in the United States.

 Team Ceitlin and Jared raised over $4,000 and Jared was named the 3rd largest donor/walker in New Jersey and one of the top 25 walkers in the United States

Mom to Mom

Some advice from Mom Marcie: 
“Plan for as much as you can, as early as you can! I wanted to personally make and do on my own, as much as possible. From the logo and theme, women’s head coverings, the sign-in board, to the water bottles, custom popcorn, baskets, and some other small favors to even the montage—it all came together. Bounce your ideas off friends and help each other out—most likely they’re going through the planning as well. Involve your child because it is all about them and they have some of the best ideas! Since Jared’s candle lighting ceremony was “JC Madness, the Road to the Final Candle,” writing that out a few months beforehand was one of the most memorable family experiences we shared. And lastly, expect the unexpected. Our transportation for the kids from the temple to the party did not show up. Friends and family took everyone and made sure everyone was ok. Once I knew all had arrived safely and knowing everything would work out, I chose not to focus on why there was no bus, but instead to enjoy every moment because I knew how fast it would be over. There really is nothing better than seeing how hard your child has worked and what they have accomplished. To then be surrounded by friends and family is truly the best!”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Jared’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com

Venue: Palms Plaza Catering, 732-583-6767
Music Entertainment: MC Nebraska, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Photographer: Photographers at 290, division of El-co Labs, 732-536-1808
Videographer: Eric Fisher, 732-778-8511
Décor/Party Planner: Wendy Kandell, WayKool Events, 732-682-5096
Favors: Shera, Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101
Party entertainment: The Main Event, 732-431-0820
Invitation/Navy suede kippot: By Dana, 732-625-1471
Sign-In Jersey: Custom jersey and frame created by Mom Marcie
Color Popcorn: Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn
Mom Marcie’s dress: Nordstrom
Sister’s dress: Lola’s, 732-972-5222
Bar Mitzvah Boy: The Clothing Center, New Brunswick, NJ 732-254-0870 & Nordstrom
Hair: Salon Bellaonna, Old Bridge 732-591-1300;
Make Up: Josephine Higgins 732-890-4328