Ella’s CoachELLA Bat Mitzvah

Woodward Academy student Ella Weinstock likes softball, basketball, snow and water skiing, and Birch Trail Summer Camp; but on Feb. 22, her party venue leaned into the very avant garde Coachella Festival. Party planner Amy Ackerman brought in the pink ethereal “fairy dust drama” to 42West to bring the famous California festival’s ethos to Midtown.

Spiritually, in the morning at Temple Sinai, Rabbis Brad Levenberg and Ron Segal (filling in as cantor) urged Ella to provide for her community and always honor and represent the cores of Judaism. In her speech, Ella referenced both of her late grandfathers, with whom she was close, for their “love and teachings” while she donned her father’s tallis. Ella’s Torah portion was Parashat Mischpatim from Exodus and dealt with many of the Jewish laws. What Ella took away most significantly was the class differential of the slave owners vs. the Jewish slaves subjected to their unfair rights and the challenging decisions they would have to make once their served time was up.

For her mitzvah project, Ella volunteered for seven Saturday mornings with The Christopher League at NYO, which is a buddy program that provides a safe and fun environment for boys and girls with disabilities to play baseball in a supportive and inclusive league.

Ella chose the Coachella theme because of her love of music. Dad, Shaun, said, “Ella’s very outgoing, so it helped that her name was spelled out in the festival word. The theme was a perfect blend of who she is, captured in the design, atmosphere, and setting of the party.”

Coachella is an immersive music and arts festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., over two consecutive spring weekends. It’s a major cultural phenomenon known for its fashion and pop culture trends, heralding back to 1999.

In terms of hiring Ackerman as party planner, mom, Alayna said, “We liked Amy’s approach and demeanor and felt it was inviting, collaborative, and non-stressful. She played a role in everything – from the design, logo, event space, music, planning and beyond.”

Amy agreed it was a good match, by stating, “I absolutely loved working with the Weinstocks and creating this one-of-a-kind celebration. The event was beautiful, tasteful, and most importantly, Ella had a huge smile on her face all night long! It was an amazing party – you could just feel the energy and love for this family in the room.”

To execute the Coachella theme, Ella chose a pink, gold, and white color scheme. Ella’s favorite mitzvah song was Rhianna’s, “Under My UmberELLA,” while she sported a festive pink dress with matching pink Jordans. The menu was fun and accessible with some Coachella festival favorites. The adult menu featured street tacos, three types of sliders, and Asian rice bowls. Teens enjoyed chicken fingers and waffles, French fries, sliders and Caesar salad. Adults found trays with spiked Capri Sun pouches with Ella’s logo. Desserts were cookies, while donuts were passed on the dance floor. Guests were treated to an outrageous custom candy bar “reveal” at the end of the night, featuring themed treats and goodies.

For party favors, each teen received a logo’ed sweatshirt. Swag was given out by the DJ throughout the night – hats, flannels and T-shirts. More than 180 of Ella’s favorite family members and camp friends attended.

Looking back, Ella said, “What I liked most about my bat mitzvah weekend was to have a special day surrounded by my best friends and loved ones all together, and I realized how rare of a moment that is. It was the best weekend ever!”

Vendors:

Event Planner: JDV Occasions (Amy Ackerman)
Décor: Yes Event Designs
Catering: Zest
Photographer: Vosamo
Videographer: Dewitt Smith
Graphic Design and Stationery: Jenny’s Paper Ink
Candy Bar: Ash Sweet Creations
Swag: BR Swag
DJ: Atlanta Fever, including a live saxophonist who played along with the DJ
Photo Booth: Button It Up
Activities: Funorama Parties