The Gary family celebrated their son Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah with a Havdalah service followed by a party at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, New Jersey.
The evening was truly a celebration as guests saw the grace and poise of the Bar Mitzvah boy reflected in all of his wonderful characteristics in the theme, A Night of Champions.
Pictured L-R: Dad Aaron, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, Brother Alex and Mom Rachel.
Brad Photo and Video was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Merri Kurzner of Letter Perfect on the sophisticated invitation.
The black, red and pewter color palette was used throughout the party
Spencer had a beautiful Havdalah service.
Spencer with his family on the Bimah
Spencer drinking from the kiddush cup as his proud family and Rabbis look on
Flower Power Design owner Mindi Shaevitz created a room for a champion starting with a great idea for the place cards.
Customized Gatorade bottles served as place cards and thirst quenchers!
They had Spencer’s logo and the table assignment
The lounge furniture featured lots of customization with pillows and decals on the coffee table
Spencer’s logo front and center
There were alternating custom centerpieces, this one featured Spencer’s picture and logo
The centerpieces included silhouettes of basketball, lacrosse and soccer players
An over-sized Gobo was projected on the wall
Spencer’s logo was displayed on the screens around the room
The menu card at each place setting included the logo.
Mom Rachel created the sign-in book on Shutterfly.com.
A great picture of Spencer on the cover
The book included pictures of Spencer throughout the years
Robbie of Pure Energy and the dancers took care of all the fun on the dance floor.
Spencer made his entrance with two dancers
The DJ and dancers all wore black t-shirts with Spencer’s logo
There was lots of action on the dance floor
Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony, the family honored the people who helped make Spencer “a champion.” The final candle was given to the Sportsman of the Year, Spencer, while simultaneously a large canvas poster of the cover of the Spencer Illustrated magazine was unveiled. This custom and personalized keepsake was conceived by Dad Aaron, written by mom Rachel and designed by Spencer’s aunt Vanessa Gary, a graphic designer. Copies of the magazine were distributed to all the guests.
Spencer surrounded by his friends
Spencer with brother Alex
The family enjoyed a special moment
The canvas poster of the cover of Spencer Illustrated incorporated all of his favorite sports
Spencer posed with his magazine!
The grey hooded sweatshirt favors from Robin Edelman, Always Smile Designs Logo and Party Favors, included Spencer’s great logo.
Spencer modeled his sweatshirt
Another large canvas poster was created and placed near the exit reminding guests to save the date for brother Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on September 17, 2016.
Coming Attraction poster for younger Brother Alex
For his Bar Mitzvah project, Spencer volunteered for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and Special Olympics New Jersey. In addition to assisting in the 2014 USA Games offices completing administrative tasks, Spencer welcomed the 3,500 athletes competing as part of the New Jersey Welcome Day celebration. A highlight of his involvement with Special Olympics New Jersey was swimming the first leg of a triathlon as a Unified Partner to two Special Olympics athletes. After this experience, Spencer considers “Special Olympics athletes to be true champions because despite their differences, they continue to try their best.”
Spencer helping out folding t-shirts for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Welcoming the athletes as they arrived for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Spencer with one of his partners from Special Olympics New Jersey where he served as her Unified Partner in an area triathlon
Some advice from Mom Rachel:
“Event planning is something that comes naturally to me in my work in public relations; however, even I was amazed at all the little details that went into the planning of the celebration including coordinating with the temple, the room designer, the wardrobe fittings for all of us, the hotel and all the creative elements we were doing ourselves. I recommend creating a binder with sections for temple, venue, entertainment, decorations, favors, etc. and make lists so no detail is forgotten. Most of all, it is important to enjoy the process and work together with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah child so that it is your collective vision. One of the best moments of the night was my son’s reaction to the transformation of the temple ballroom as he did not truly envision how it could have a club atmosphere.”
The following vendors helped to make Spencer’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 Beth Ahm Yisrael, 973-376-0539
Photographer/Videographer: Brad Photo & Video, 973-696-8763
Party Planner: Mom Rachel
Décor/florist Centerpieces/Placecards: Mindi Shaevitz, Flower Power Design, 973-951-5676
Music Entertainment: MC Robbie, Pure Energy, 732-952-8772
Favors: Robin Edelman, Always Smile Designs Logo and Party Favor Design, 973-865-6863
Party entertainment: Tap Snap, 1-877-729-2715 ext. 1070
Invitation: Merri Kurzner, Letter Perfect 973-467-4541
Logo: Created by a personal friend
Sign-In book: Shutterfly.com
Magazine Spread: Mom Rachel and Spencer’s Aunt Vanessa
Mom Rachel’s dress: Rhona’s Boutique
Suit, Dad Aaron: Hugo Boss
Suit, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer: Sam’s of Livingston
Suit, Alex: Men’s Warehouse
