Emme Live from the Pink Carpet

The lights were bright, the cameras were flashing, and the pink carpet was rolled out in style for the event of the year — the 13th Annual Emme Awards! Friends and family gathered for a night of sparkle and celebration as Emme Spillerman stepped into the spotlight for her bat mitzvah.

Emme celebrated her bat mitzvah at The Temple on Nov. 1, in what mom, Ilyssa, described as “beautiful and warm.”

The service was led by Rabbis Lydia Medwin and Lara Tessler, and Rabbi Steven H. Rau was on hand to share his memories and kind words to Emme.

Ilyssa continued, “You could see the relationship between Emme and the rabbis as she radiated her contagious smile and sweet laugh.”

It was truly a family affair as Emme wore her father’s tallit, which was also worn by her brother, Jesse, at his bar mitzvah, while dad, Chad, wore his late father’s tallit.

“Things got emotional and tears were shed during L’dor v’dor where we were blessed to be able to include Emme’s great-grandmother who became ill shortly after,” Ilyssa said.

Reflecting on Emme chanting her parsha, Lech Lecha, Chad remarked, “we were beyond proud of all the time and hard work Emme put into studying and preparing for her bat mitzvah.”

In her D’var Torah, Emme said, “Since I was a little girl, I’ve watched my cousins, brother, and friends celebrate their bar and bat mitzvahs; and I can’t believe today is the day that I stand here becoming a bat mitzvah, too.”

Emme, a seventh-grade student at The Davis Academy, loves cross country, volleyball, track & field, and performing in the school’s annual Broadway-worthy productions. Emme has always loved performing so her theme, The Emme Awards, was a perfect fit.

The evening celebration was held at The Carlyle Venue in Buckhead where guests entered on a pink carpet and were chased by the “paparazzi,” asking who they were wearing and to strike a pose in front of a custom step-and-repeat banner for a spotlight moment. The ballroom featured a dreamlike glow with pink uplights and gold twinkling stars suspended from the ceiling. Tables, with elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling above, were adorned with centerpieces incorporating Emme’s logos, sequin tablecloths, candelabras, and hot pink and red floral arrangements, all creating the “glam” effect Emme wanted.

Marci Miller, owner of The Perfect Party Atlanta, did a dazzling job bringing Emme’s vision to life. She shared, “Working on Emme’s bat mitzvah was such a great experience. My goal was to create an elegant old Hollywood feel with youthful touches and make it personal by incorporating some of Emme’s favorite TV shows. One fun touch were the actors hired to play the part of the “paparazzi” for our pink carpet experience. This really set the tone for the night.”

The Spillermans praised The Carlyle’s catering team for their partnership and exceptional food. Upon arrival, guests enjoyed Emme’s signature cocktail, Emme Island, a take on the popular show, “Love Island.” For dinner, guests dined on short ribs, miso salmon, lemon chicken, and several side options. Ilyssa and Chad reported that they received many compliments on the food. Ilyssa said, “As the daughter of a former restaurant owner, the food quality was of utmost importance. I wanted a variety of delicious options for everyone to enjoy.”

Dessert was a feast of enormous hot chocolate chip cookies, peach cobbler, and ice cream sundaes and floats.

The dance floor was packed all night with kids and adults alike grooving with MC Daniel from Espuete Productions. Emme shared, “The extended Horah was one of my favorite parts. That, plus having my old and new friends celebrating together. I was so happy to have some of my friends from Camp Blue Star come to Atlanta for my special weekend.”

Emme dazzled in a “fit for Hollywood” sparkly, short, red corset-style Sherri Hill dress, covered in red sparkly crystals. In addition to dance floor giveaways that included trucker hats, pajama pants and T-shirts, all custom made by BRswag, the kids took home black “White Fox” inspired sweatshirts with “Best Night (emphasis on the E and S)” printed on the back.

Emme, concluded, “This truly was the best night of my life.”

Additional Vendors

Videographer: Q&U Productions
Video Montage: Taylor Bonnet, TimeStamp Productions
Photo Booth: Button It Up
Logo: Jen Leitman Designs, LLC