Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah, Locklane Event Planner, Jen Bates Photography, Torah

Before becoming an event planner, I made a career in marketing. I was directing all marketing efforts at Congregation Micah, a reform synagogue in Brentwood, TN, when I started Locklane Weddings & Events. At Micah, I learned a great deal about Judaism and it deepened my respect for the religion, traditions, and history.

B'nai mitzvahs quickly became a favorite as I watched children grow in their understanding of both the Torah and the Hebrew language. They dedicated their Sundays to their studies, then later their Wednesday nights, and when they draw nearer to their day, they studied with the rabbi. I used to sit in my office and listen as they practiced their prayers and their Torah portions, in awe of their dedication.

Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah, Locklane Event Planner, Jen Bates Photography

Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah, Locklane Event Planner, Jen Bates Photography, Program

Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah, Locklane Event Planner, Jen Bates Photography, Lisa Silver

Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah, Locklane Event Planner, Jen Bates Photography, Torah, Rabbi Flip

Leslie Kirby and Craig Smith were both very involved at Micah, teaching Sunday School and volunteering often. Their son, Eli Kirith, was well prepared for his bar mitzvah through his involvement and studies. Eli was called to the Torah in August of 2015.

I began working with Leslie just four months prior to plan Eli's celebration. Luckily, Eli was very easygoing and mostly concerned with having fun and incorporating music! Right off the bat, we hired a DJ who is known to provide fun games along with popular music, Louis Lee Entertainment.

Our venue for the evening party was unconventional and so perfect for Nashville! We rented out rehearsal studio space at SIR Nashville, where many big name artists have dropped-in prior to going on the road.

In addition to DJ Louis Lee, there was a graffiti wall from Spangler Entertainment, a photo booth, a candy bar, delicious food, and sodas galore! It was definitely a fun night for a 13-year-old!