By Susan C. Nieman
Photos by Paige Miller Photography
Stars, sparkles, glitter and tons of desserts colored Rebecca Phelps’ bat mitzvah festivities.
Greg and Rachel with their children, Jacob, Rebecca and Laura
From the vivid, pink dress Rebecca wore during Saturday morning Shabbat services, to her beautiful luncheon and festive evening celebration, family and friends could feel the positive vibes flowing throughout the day.
On March 14, 2020, although the world was shutting down amidst the closing of sports activities and other events, you wouldn’t know it that day at Beth Sholom where Rebecca recited her Torah portion, or while the dancefloor at Temple Israel was hopping throughout the evening.
The dancefloor was busy thanks to the great picks of DJs Josh Wurzburg and Cage Carruthers.
“We were very fortunate that the celebration could be held with our family and friends,” said mom Rachel Phelps. “Bornblum Jewish Community School teachers, parents and students were so supportive, and it meant so much to our family that they came to celebrate with us.”
Pop Culture created the balloon arch and runners.
Event planner Einat Loskovitz helped the family bring the enchanting setting to life using Rebecca’s favorite colors and stars as a backdrop. “Rebecca loves pink, purple and blue,” said, Rachel, who grew up at Temple Israel. “We didn’t really have a theme in mind, but with Einat’s guidance, she and all of the vendors made everything come together seamlessly.”
Entering through a canopy of balloons, colorful star table numbers lit the way into a spectacular room filled with streamers, flowers and stars. Guests enjoyed stations with Italian, Asian and even fried foods by Paradox Catering.
Paradox Catering created themed food stations throughout the venue.
“There was so much food,” exclaimed Rachel.
“And plenty of desserts,” chimed in Einat.
From colorful candy to the eye-popping floral trim around the three-layer cake – each layer a different flavor – the room exuded excitement.
Everyone enjoyed face painting, a photo booth and plenty of dancing throughout the evening. And when it was time to leave, guests could grab a pretty box of macaroons.
On their way home, guests picked up pretty boxes of macaroons prepared by Prima’s Bakery.
Leading up to her special day, Rebecca who is an animal lover, worked with and will continue to work with Guardian Angel Pet Rescue. During her free time, she makes beds for rescued cats. For her mitzvah project, she reached out to the congregation to help fund supplies to make the beds. Others donated supplies. “Her grandmother, Sharon Phelps, taught her how to use the sewing machine,” said Rachel. “She’s become pretty self-sufficient now.”
Rebecca finished off the day with a huge act of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charitable acts) by working with 901 Pop, an organization that picks up flowers at the end of party to repurpose and donate to hospitals and nursing homes.
Taking a cue from the logo created by Brittany Colson Design, the room came alive with ribbons, stars and flowers arranged by L&Jay Productions in pink, purple and blue. The three-layer cake featuring three different flavors and embellished with colorful flowers was prepared by Prima’s Bakery.
Other vendors included RSVP Stationers who designed the invitations, cups, napkins. Bling Photo Booth kept kids of ages smiling. Paint It Cool made everyone happy with face painting and temporary tattoos. While Elegant Chair Solutions provided the linens.
