
California Mitzvah at Norris Pavillion by Karen Ard Photography
Have you ever walked into a Kate Spade store and been completely overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by all of the bright, bold color covering every wall, nook and shelf? That’s sort of how I felt when I first laid eyes on this mitzvah from Karen Ard Photography. Every table, flower arrangements, mocktail and M&M is as vibrant as the next, creating a candy-coated wonderland for guest of honor Megan and all of her family and friends! Check it out:
Can you give us an overview of the event?: Megan was a beautiful Bat Mitzvah the morning of June 4, 2011 with a colorful celebration to follow that evening. Her Mitzvah project raised $10,000 for Hadassah, a women’s organization, to reflect Megan’s commitment and passion to the power of women. The party celebrated Megan and her accomplishments.
Was there a specific theme or style? : Color, color everywhere! We worked with the fabulous Nina Bracker Events to transform a large, plain room into a 13 year old fantasy party.
What were your playful twists that made the event unique?: The entire evening was built around Megan’s favorite things. The food choice was gourmet “kids food” which was loved even more by the adults. During the evening we weaved in a special song/dance performance by Megan’s dance troupe and a special surprise serenade by her best friend. The evening ended with everyone taking home a box of Krispy Kreme donuts for “Sweet Dreams”.
Did you DIY any of the details?: The table cards were homemade and each shared 6 childhood photos of Megan. There was also a sign-in scrap book for all the guests to share their best wishes and decorate in their unique style.
Tell us about the food and desserts.: The food was gourmet, kid-friendly food catered by Someone’s In The Kitchen. The menu was inspired by all of Megan’s favorites. From the vegetable table designed to make you feel you were picking your own vegetables from the garden, to the hamburgers, macaroni and cheese bar, and sweet potato french fries (regular too), the choices were all delicious.
(Continued) For dessert, Megan’s favorite fresh strawberry and chocolate crepes were the centerpiece of a yummy desert table. Also included were chocolate chip cookes, s’mores, and brownies. There was also a very colorful, fun kids beverage bar with fun concoctions and plenty of light up barware.
What kind of energy did your entertainment give the event?: DJ Seth Breton from You Should Be Dancing really rocked the party. He spent more than an hour on the phone with Megan before the party to make sure he prepared an entire evening of things she would enjoy. Far more than just her favorite songs and games, Seth worked out a full night’s plan with Megan to make sure she and her friends would be engaged all night long. There was also a room with Dance Party revolution and a Green Screen photo booth to kick off the cocktail hour before the DJ started.
If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?: Not a thing! The day was a perfect balance of Megan honoring her Jewish commitment and a celebration honoring her.
List Companies & Websites Here: Venue: Norris Pavilion | Caterer: Someone’s In The Kitchen | Photographer: Karen Ard Photography | Floral/Decor/Rentals all arranged through Event Planner: Nina Bracker | DJ: Seth Breton, You Should Be Dancing | Stationery: Paper Place | Videographer: Melinda Gilchrist | Favors: Krispy Kreme Donuts