REAL STORIES: A Local Jewish Synagogue Goes Modern Chic for David’s Metal & Red Bar Mitzvah

August 24, 2011

Other than working in tents, there’s nothing like finding a large empty room to serve as the blank canvas for a modern metal and red bar mitzvah.  In this case, the blank canvas was a traditional Jewish synagogue in the Main Line suburbs located just outside of Philadelphia.  [Photos: Michele Corbman]

We’re very lucky to produce bar and bat mitzvahs for families with more than one child.  Several years ago the same synagogue was awash in turquoise blue, aqua lighting and coral flowers for a “Cabo” inspired bat mitzvah for this young boy’s sister.  That soft, beachy theme was not going to fly for David!  Oh no, this kid wanted an edgy, urban, modern restaurant environment!  We layered clear chairs, stemware and chargers with metal-topped tables on light up lucite boxes placed against gray drapery.  In came the red flowers in the simple lush centerpieces and BANG! went the party drum!  Although we used roses {the come in such dazzling reds, how couldn’t we?} it was the orchids, anthurium, dahlias and mini calla lilies that gave us the vibrant color layers we needed to convery real RED.  Adding red candles, dramatic blue and red lighting effects, hazing smoke and cool contemporary logo’d signage throughout gave David the room he was waiting for!  Mazel Tov!


TASTE: Sushi Bars, Always a Popular Food Station at Parties

July 27, 2011

When it comes to planning your special event, wedding or bar/bat mitzvah menu, invariably the question “what are the most popular food stations at parties?” gets asked.  The answer, at least on the East Coast, is an enthusiastic “SUSHI!!!!”  In one form or another, sushi stations or sushi bars, are a guaranteed win-win choice for cocktail receptions for discerning palates.  Sushi and sashimi are even served at children’s parties for the kids to enjoy!  Over the years we’ve designed and styled many a sushi presentation using carved ice, glass vessels, running water, river rock, custom-made wooden planks, light up tables, lucite shelves, red lacquered boxes, gold vessels, Asian statuary, and on and on.  Below are just some of the sushi stations we’ve created for weddings, parties and social gatherings.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Philip Gabriel]

For a modern white and purple 25th wedding anniversary we worked with Leslie Rosen Catering to create a stylish Seafood Crudite with colorful mixed sushi, salty steamed edamame and a large ice bowl filled with cocktail shrimp.  [Above, Photo: Paul Loftland]

Multiple light up tables were placed in a row to create a large sushi display that would allow a large group of guests to graze all at one time.  Each table was composed of multiple mirrors in silver metallic frames that held monochromatic displays of sushi, sashimi and seaweed salad. [Above, Caterer:  Wolfgang Puck Catering; Photo: Susan Beard Design]

For a tented cocktail reception for a bar mitzvah at a private home, this floating ice sushi station presented multiple sushi rolls on glass and metal platters.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Phil Kramer]

Sushi isn’t just for cocktail receptions. Why not serve it as a surprise second course during a sit-down dinner?  That’s exactly what we did for a bar mitzvah at Peche at Sherman Mills.  Just as the first course was ending, a wall of drape opened on one side of the ballroom to reveal a forty foot sushi station laden with gold vases filled with purple orchids and plate-after-plate of sushi! [Above, Catering: Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo: Susan Beard Design]

Sushi Cabanas built with tents inside a building gave the adult guests at this bat mitzah a fun activity to enjoy while they watched the kids dance below.  [Above, Catering:  Peachtree & Ward; Photo:  Phil Kramer]

Bamboo, black beans, sushi mats and vintage Asian elements combine to make this sushi stationa hit at a boy’s bar mitzvah celebration at Peche at Sherman Mills.  [Above, Catering:  Leslie Rosen Catering; Photo:  Philip Gabriel]


REAL STORIES: Fall Down the Rabbit Hole into Ally in Wonderland’s Bat Mitzvah!

May 9, 2011

event lighting

Just this past April, guests entered the whimsical world of Ally in Wonderland at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.  Designed to evoke an enchanted storybook garden, the ornate ballroom was transformed into a magical place to celebrate Ally’s bat mitzvah!

[Photos courtesy of Universal Party (above) and AVI Photography]

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REAL STORIES: Jake’s Brown, Black & Gold Plaid Bar Mitzvah at The Phoenixville Foundry, Philadelphia

March 31, 2011

We planned and designed a family-style celebration for Jake’s bar mitzvah at the historic Phoenixville Foundry in suburban Philadelphia.

[Photos courtesy of Susan Beard Design]

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REAL STORIES: A Black and Blue Havdalah Bar Mitzvah at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia

February 19, 2011

With its large elegantly-appointed ballroom, adjoining event spaces and outdoor terraces, the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia is an ideal location for a private party.  Particularly a bar mitzvah celebration that can literally claim every nook-and-cranny the hotel offers for an intimate Havdalah ceremony, adult cocktail reception, kids cocktail party and dinner dance celebration. 

[Photos courtesy of Susan Beard]

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REAL STORIES: Modern Light Up Glass Tables and Plenty of Purple Lighting make for a Stylish Bat Mitzvah in Philadelphia

February 8, 2011

With a majority of bar and bat mitzvah celebrations designed around a sport, hobby, video game, favorite movie or childhood activity, this sophisticated party concept was quite refreshing.  The only requirement we had to meet was making pretty much everything light up or turn purple.  

[Photos courtesy of Michael Branscom]

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REAL STORIES: A Carousel Bat Mitzvah at the Please Touch Museum in Fairmont Park

November 9, 2010

 

Time flies by in a fast and furious blur when you’re busy party planners!  It wasn’t too long ago that we transformed the Please Touch Museum into a carousel of wonderment for Madison’s bat mitzvah. 

[Photos courtesy of Charles Maring Visuals] Read the rest of this entry »


REAL STORIES: A Flowering Dogwood-inspired Spring Bat Mitzvah in November

September 8, 2010

When you think of November, don’t you wish for delicate dogwood blossoms and the sun’s golden rays?  Our Bat Mitzvah girl always had such a bright smile that event designer Brian Kappra was only too happy to provide the joys of Spring for her Fall Bat Mitzvah.

Photos courtesy of Phil Kramer.

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REAL STORIES: Hot Pink & Orange Bat Mitzvah for Sydney!

July 28, 2010

Well, if the country club ladies popping their heads in and gasping out loud in gleeful delight were any indication, it’s that our hot pink and orange bat mitzvah for Sydney was SPOT ON fabulous! 

Photos courtesy of Pictures by Todd. Read the rest of this entry »


WE LOVE: Black, White & Yellow Specialty Bar for Parties

July 22, 2010

 

Oh, how we L-O-V-E anything black & white!  It’s a bold duo, always classic and infinitely dramatic.  Pair it with bright yellow and, well, the world goes happy. 

Photos courtesy of Philip Gabriel. Read the rest of this entry »


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