Matthew Menis celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at B’nai Israel in Oakdale, New York. The reception was held at Giorgio’s at Fox Hill in Baiting Hollow, New York. Matthew’s “Big Apple” Sports Fantasy theme featured the 8 major New York sports teams and the beautiful New York City skyline. This theme was also incorporated into the decor, cake and favors.
Pictured L-R: Dad Stuart, Mom Beth and Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew.
Photography by Neal Bloom was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew at the Bimah with his parents
Matthew gave a hint of the theme with his invitation from Fat Cat Paperie. This invitation featured the New York City skyline in the background
Custom postage stamps on the envelope featured Matthew’s initials in the “Big Apple”
A creative Big Apple poster was placed at the entrance
Matthew is a huge New York City sports fan so after cousin Justin Novick, who is a graphic designer, created the logo, Lighter Than Air worked on the decor. They made the place cards that included each New York sports team as well as Matthew’s favorite players on those teams.Matthew sat at the New York Jets table
The centerpiece for the place card table included all of the New York sports teams and favorite players
Matthew happily awaited his guests!
Matthew looked great as a New York Islander
Created by Lighter Than Air, the sign-in book had Matthew’s logo as well as pictures of him on the cover
Matthew entered through his logo!
Absolute Entertainment with MC Scott provided the non stop fun, dancing and entertainment. Matthew up in the chair
Surrounded by his friends
The Absolute Entertainment dancers amazed their guests
There were great photo favors by The Main Event along with these mini Matthew pictures on a stick from Shindigz.com. A real Matthew “Mitzvah Moment”
For added fun, amazing balloon artist Todd Neufeld from The Twisted Balloon entertained by twisting balloons into caricatures, characters, corsages, and fabulous hats. A guest all twisted up
This guest enjoyed his balloon pet
There were many giveaways with a “Big Apple” theme such as apple flavored lip balms, calculators that looked like Apple iPhones, sunglasses with apples and red customized rhythm shakers
His all-star “Big Apple” cake was from La Bonne Boulangerie
Matthew showed off his favor designed by his cousin Justin Novick.
Bar Mitzvah Project
Matthew’s Temple doesn’t ask students to participate in a Mitzvah Project until 9th grade, so Matthew donated some of his own money to the Jewish National Fund, specifically to help the drought in Israel. He received a nice plaque from them which he displayed at his Mitzvah reception. He thought a drought was a good cause for him, since he’s a competitive swimmer and loves water.
Mom Advice from Beth
“Start planning early! Book a venue, photographer and DJ early, so you have plenty of time to focus on fun details as you go. I also bought Bar Mitzvah planning software which was very useful. Keep all contracts in a central location. Also, make sure you know in advance whom you need to tip, and what kinds of tips are expected. If your party is not during prime wedding season, (like a winter month affair), you can get some great deals on things like venues, DJs and transportation.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Matthew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Giorgio’s at Fox Hill, 631-727-6076
Party Planner: Lighter Than Air Events, 516-933-3210
Photographer/Videographer: Photography by Neal, 631-754-7442
Music Entertainment: MC Scott, Absolute Entertainment, 631-286-8117
Logo/Favors: Shirts designed by cousin, Justin Novick
Photo Favors:The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Balloon Artistry: Todd Neufeld, The Twisted Balloon Company, 212-748-9798
Invitation:Fat Cat Paperie, 631-657-5481
Cake: La Bonne Boulangerie, 631-473-7900
Temple Florist:Dale’s Flowers From the Heart, 631-758-7930
Sign-In book: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Matthew photo cutouts: Shindigz.com
Give-aways: Lip Balms, Egg Shakers, Color Touch Calculator, Light up Pens and Sunglasses
Dresses for Mom Beth: Lord and Taylor
Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew’s suit:Brooks Brothers
Dad Stuart’s suit: Michael Kors, Rico’s Fine Clothing, 631-878-1022
Hair/makeup: Joanne Flores, Christopher Street Salon, 631-499-1990
Transportation: Sir Oliver Limousine, 631-585-1600
