The Gary family celebrated their son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on September 17, 2016, with a service at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, New Jersey, followed by an afternoon party at Pure, an event space in South Amboy, New Jersey.
Their older son Spencer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with A Night Of Champions theme. For Alex’s party, they came up with a surprise for their guests.
In a unique twist, guests were not told the party location, it wasn’t even printed on the invitation. The element of a surprise destination gave people something to talk about for months prior to the celebration and then beyond once the big reveal was made as guests arrived via private transportation after the service. The family wanted the party to reflect Alex, keeping the emphasis on enjoying life’s journey while also making this celebration one to remember.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, Dad Aaron, Mom Rachel and Brother Spencer.
The photographer was Brad Photographers & Video Inc., and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bar Mitzvah Invitation and Service
Mitzvah Party Bus
Mitzvah Party Details
Mitzvah Entrance and Music
Mitzvah Moments
Bar Mitzvah Favors
Mitzvah Project
As sports have played such an integral role in Alex’s family he wanted to make sure others always have the same opportunities. For the past three years, Alex has volunteered for Special Olympics New Jersey as part of his Bar Mitzvah project. He welcomed 3,500 athletes at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and educated fans about the USA Games and the importance of making sports inclusive for all. In March 2016, Alex organized a bake sale that contributed to a $6,300 donation to Special Olympics New Jersey’s annual Snow Bowl. He even incorporated Special Olympics into his invitation by using the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Forever stamp on his response card to bring greater attention to the cause and raise additional funds that directly benefit athletes of all abilities.
Advice from Mom Rachel
“For this second go-around, I found it to be much more stressful, but realized it was the undue pressure I was placing upon myself to make this one unique that caused the added anxiety. In hindsight, I wish I had enjoyed “the journey” more and did not work so hard to match our previous celebration. I also should have listened to my husband and not worried so much about what others were thinking for deviating from the expected with not letting people know of the destination.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Alex’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, 973-376-0539
Centerpieces/Placecards/Candle Lighting: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions: 973-467-1637
Photographer/Videographer/Entrance Video: Brad Photographers & Video & Good Night Productions; 973-696-8763
Party Venue/Caterer: Pure Event Space, 732-952-2628
Party Planner: Parents, Rachel & Aaron Gary
MC/Music Entertainment/Photo Booth: MC Gregg Mistrella, Pure Event Group, 732-952-2628
Invitation: Merri Kurzner, Letter Perfect, 973-467-4541
Logo Creation: Alex’s aunt, Vanessa Gary
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Favors: Tom Varga, MetroGraphics Printing, 800-932-6045
Mom Rachel’s dress: Seng Couture, 908-322-8700
Dad Aaron’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Bar Mitvah boy Alex and Brother Spencer’s service suits: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Party Shirts: Robert Graham, Bloomingdales
Hair Ana/Makeup: Olivia from Details Salon & Spa, 973-379-1770
Transportation: Coach USA
