The McDonnell family from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a destination Bat Mitzvah service and trip for daughter Madison Wynter on March 27, 2013.
The celebration started on the Norwegian Epic as family and close friends cruised to the historic St. Thomas Synagogue for a their Bat Mitzvah service. After the service there was a Caribbean style celebration and more fun back on the cruise ship.
Then on June 15, 2013, there was a party at RHO Waterfront in Trenton, New Jersey, for Madison’s local friends and family.
While all this might seem overwhelming, it was a breeze for Mom Beth who is a travel agent and plans destination Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, Bat Mitzvah girl Madison, Sister Jade and Dad Greg.
Elisa Orin was the photographer in St. Thomas and Jenn Ericson was the photographer in New Jersey. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The Carlson Craft pocket invitation featured a pink font.
Madison’s service was held at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. Built in 1833, it is the second oldest synagogue and longest in continuous use now under the American flag.
Madison receiving the Torah
A historic landmark
With its sand-covered floor, the 210-year-old synagogue is a beautiful place for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service
The McDonnell women wore vibrant island chic dresses and looked great.
An open air taxi brought guests to the reception at a waterfront restaurant on St. Thomas.
On their way to the waterfront restaurant
The Grande Cru restaurant located in the Yacht Haven Grand section of the Island was the perfect spot to celebrate after the Bat Mitzvah service
In the evening, back on the ship, there was a private cocktail reception honoring Madison which turned out to be one of their favorite memories
Dinner took place at the Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse on the Norwegian Epic
All guests in matching t-shirts on the ship
The t-shirt favors read, “I Rocked the Beat at Madison’s Bat Mitzvah.”
All wrapped up and ready to be given out to guests
Back home, Madison’s family and friends celebrated with a great party at RHO Waterfront located on the Delaware River.
The pink and black color scheme looked great.
Place cards with a bit of bling
The black table cloths and clear vases with LED lights and hot pink feathers really popped
Madison’s name spelled out and the pink up lighting gave the space a real club feel
The sign-in board was a poster of Madison at different ages.
Madison enthusiastically making her way into the reception through confetti.
MC Adam of A Sharp Productions brought high energy and the dancers were awesome.
A great array of dessert options were available at the end of the night!
The desserts were awesome and plentiful
Show Me the Favors created these great shirts.
Madison helped stomp out hunger by participating in the 3rd annual I Run for Food. She helped raise money and gathered walkers and runners to help local food pantries in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Madison will continue to help in the 2014 I Run For Food which is a 5k/1 mile race that is open to all ages.
Madison’s team
Some advice from Mom Beth:
“We were overwhelmed with joy and pride from the events of the day. To top it all off most of the guests said a toast to Madison as she stood surrounded by all her family and friends that joined us. The heartwarming stories and love for Madison was so overwhelming. Enjoy every moment! Do not sweat the small stuff.”
The following vendors made Madison’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
In St. Thomas
Temple: St. Thomas Historic Synagogue, 340-774-4312
Luncheon Venue: Grande Cru, St. Thomas, 340-774-4262
Photographer: Elisa Orin Photography, 716-763-5955
Cantor to prepare Madison: Jill Packman, 215-295-7235
Transportation on Island: Tropic Tours
Madison’s service dress: Saks Fifth Avenue
Travel Arrangements: Mom Beth, Trip Guy Travel, Beth@tripguy.com, 888-990-TRIP (8747)
Favor person: Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101 for both parties
Hair and Makeup: Sugar and Spice 340-776-LUXE
New Jersey celebration:
Venue: RHO Waterfront, 609-695-9332
Photographer: Jenn Ericson Photography 267-980-4714
Videographer: Rich, The Times of Your Life Video Productions
Invitation: Carlson and Craft
Décor and sign-in board: Apple Graphics, 215-322-WRAP
Table Cards and Table Numbers: White Gate Papery, 215-280-2848
Music Entertainment: MC Adam Weitz and JP, A Sharp Productions
Party entertainment: Peekaboo Photo Booth, 800-968-4001
Madison and sister Jade’s party dresses: Party Girls, 215-579-9899
Mom Beth’s dress: Yes to The Dress, 215-947-0113
Dad Greg’s suit: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Elexia-lexylank@live.com
