The "before" at the event venue, the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan Center Studios.
And after: A stunning party for 800 guests including a cocktail reception, dinner, a stage show and a "nightclub." Imagine Lighting Design handled lighting.
With the bat mitzvah coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Purim, which includes celebrations and the wearing of masks, the event team develops a Venentian masked ball theme. Here, the greeter at the entrance to the cocktail reception.
Dramatic floral at the entrance to the cocktail reception. An adjoining area for children features games, a photo booth, flip books and other teen delights.
The first glimpse of the dining area. Foremost Caterers provided kosher catering services.
The event team turns to a palette of vibrant violets and fuchsias along with touches of gold and black to create a sense of elegance and mystery.
A masked entertainer adds to the sense of a Venetian masked ball.
Giant video screens add moving decor.
Gobos create a sense of motion.
The dramatic floral includes dendrobium orchids in deep magenta and purple, Vanda orchids, purple calla lillies and tulips, a rich array developed to evoke "boldness, powerful femininity and sensuality," the event team says.
Floral vessels are a mix of low ....
... and tall.
The pink floral makes a striking contrast to the black tabletop.
Another view.
A tabletop view from above.
Gold chiavaris make a dramatic statement against the black tabletops ...
... as do the fancy gold table legs.
Floral punctuates the bar as well.
Sprays of calla lillies springing from beds of Vanda orchids create floral focal points.
Fabric butterflies add to the sense of drama and celebration.
A closer view.
A mix of vessels--some bejeweled--adds glamour to this tabletop.
Spheres of roses in a riot of color pack a punch.
Masks complement the floral and complete the Venetian masked ball theme.
As the entertainment portion of the evening begins, a video clip with a "Glee"-theme plays, with the bat mitzvah girl cast as the star.
As the move clip ends, real-life dancers position themselves behind the curtain ...
.. the curtain reveals a new, "nightclub" space as a complete surprise.
Guests are welcomed to the new space where they dance on a black dance floor.
After the DJ warms up the crowd, rapper/beatboxer Jay Sean--flown in from London for this event--takes the stage.
As Jay Sean finishes his act, another curtain rises to reveal a massive dessert counter beneath 50 feather-trimmed lampshades.
The dessert buffet includes cookies with a "Glee"-inspired logo honoring bat mitzvah girl Lily.
Delectable desserts.
A long view of the dessert buffet.
A tufted sofa and purple ottomans in the club area.
Another view of the club area with the dessert buffet in the rear.
Note the saucy feather fringe on the lampshade at left.
A mix of textures in curving shapes gives off a powerful feminine vibe.
Guests dig into the candy buffet,
Departing guests leave with customized hoodies.
For a colorful b'nai mitzvah from KBY Designs, click here. For a wide range of bat mitzvahs, click here. For more beautiful Photo Galleries, click here.
