Alex Imberman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on September 24, 2011 at a venue called, The Rock, in Bardonia, New York.
His Mom Melisa told us, “My son wanted a sports theme for his celebration, but being a party planner I couldn’t bare to do another sports themed Bar Mitzvah. So, I really had to think outside the box!”
As you will see below, she came up with creative and original ideas!
All photography was done by Peter Oberc and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Marc, younger sister Morgan, Bar Mitzvah boy Alex and Mom Melisa
Alex’s invitation was designed by Mom Melisa, owner of The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. and created by All About Invitations. Melisa designed the invitations, escort cards, place cards, menu and tag for ear plugs.
The front of the invitation was metal with Alex’s Hebrew name & logo
Once opened, the left side had information printed in black & red layered with red & mirror. The right side had a pocket with the response card, directions & a card explaining Alex’s Mitzvah Project & how people could help
Mom Melisa and sister Morgan looked great. They both got their dresses at A Step Ahead.
Alex’s celebration took place at The Rock, a health club. Mom Melisa transformed it into what looked like a NYC restaurant/sports lounge.
The Rock was a blank canvas that was dressed up and transformed
As guests arrived there was a red carpet leading up to the step n repeat which was used for paparazzi photo ops
During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed action food stations, like mozzarella from scratch by Encore Catering
The seating card table was located in the cocktail hour and was quite unique!
Baseball jersey escort cards were displayed on bleachers which sat on a baseball diamond
A closer look at the baseball jersey seating cards
Melisa wanted her son’s celebration to be a combination of fun and formal. She used black and gunmetal with accents of red which created a sophisticated look filled with unexpected sport touches.
Hard to believe this is a health club. Lighting helped set the mood!
Long banquet tables for the adults with a combination of sophisticated flowers & candles with sport accents
Vases with sports balls (like the footballs above) were placed on the tables
The lounge for the kids featured illuminated logo’d tables made of baseballs, basketballs, footballs and couches with logo’d pillows
Oversized baseball & basketball ottomans fill the kids lounge area too
Menu cards matched the decor. To the left of the menu was another special touch – ear plugs with a note!
A floral baseball sat on the end of the bar
Alex surprised his guests when he “made his entrance.”
The entrance video was created by VSoNY, watch here
When the entrance video ended, Alex surprised everyone by breaking through the white screen
Starlight Express provided the music entertainment with Koko and Kayo along with outstanding dancers.
A non-traditional mother/son dance to Meet My Mom by New Boyz
For his sign-in board, Alex used the iSign from Simon Elliot Events.
Alex’s friends digitally sign-in!
There were many fun surprises at this celebration!
Women in cocktail dresses went down an inflatable slide
Simon Elliot Events also set up a texting area and guests were able to text to a number on the screen and leave messages
Many fun arcade type games were available for guests
Big screens were in place for video games
Alex and his Dad wore matching baseball cuff links from Paul Fredrick. These are made from actual game used baseballs. There’s a number engraved on the back which you enter into their Website to find out information about the game they were used in!
Fun sports socks for the girls
Lulu Cake Boutique created the sports themed cake and cupcakes for Alex’s candle lighting.
Alex’s friends pose for a picture
For Alex’s favors, Mom Melisa created baseball caps and T-shirts that were waiting for friends in cubbies.
Young guests received baseball caps with a logo that lit up & flashed along with Abercrombie style t-shirts
Guests enjoyed a candy bar on their way out of the party.
Mom Melisa has some advice: “Stay organized, figure out what your priorities are, find a way to make it yours & ENJOY!”
On a family trip to Jamaica Alex saw a little boy all by himself. So he started tossing his Frisbee to the boy. When it was time to leave, he gave him the Frisbee and the boy was so happy. Alex said it was like he gave him a million dollars. So Alex decided to collect sports equipment and send it to a school in Jamaica.
He also collected & recycled bottles and cans to purchase some additional things to send.
The following vendors helped to make Alex’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please make sure you let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Rock
Party Planner: Mom Melisa, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc.
Music Entertainment: Koko and Kayo, Starlight Express
Party Entertainment: Green screen photos on canvas, CoCo Entertainment
Invitation Design: Mom Melisa, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc.
Invitations: Lori Steinberg, All About Invitations, 845-357-8070
Text To Screen Entertainment: Simon Elliot Events
Magician: Magic Dave
Cake/Cupcakes: Lulu Cake Boutique
Décor/Florist: Michael George Custom Floral
iSign-In: Simon Elliot Events
Mom/Sister Dresses: A Step Ahead, 203-329-2959
Suits: Nordstrom
Cuff Links: Paul Fredricks
Hair/makeup: Rhona Krauss
Photographer: Peter Oberc
Entrance Video/Videographer: Video Solutions
Caterer: Encore Catering
Rentals: Smith Party Rentals, Cloth Connection, Jersey Street Furniture
