Annie's Bat Mitzvah at Exchange Ballroom

Annie Zigman’s bat mitzvah celebration was an affair as lovely and as elegant as she is.

The party happened at the über cool Exchange Ballroom, an excellent pairing of sweet and pretty with upscale urban. Ballet-in-the-forest themed centerpieces complimented the custom designed architectural trees placed throughout the ballroom’s dining area. Plush fabrics in modern neutrals welcomed guests into high backed chairs and benches built for 10. Floor to ceiling glass garage-style doors let in plenty of breeze and light, guests played card games outdoors and visited henna and bling stations inside.

There was also bling outside: the 5th floor rooftop terrace offered a sweeping, glittering view of downtown Portland’s waterfront. Sunset was nothing less than spectacular. Old Town favorites shimmered into view as the night came on, and our beloved “Made in Oregon” neon greeting wasn’t the only thing to light up the evening. Aviva, Andrew and Jonah basked in the warm glow of family, friends, and Annie’s accomplishment—so much glow, I’m pretty sure the candles were jealous! During a slide show, Annie gave thanks to the people whose love and support she’d cherished most, calling them up to join her in front of her guests and lighting a candle in their honor. While her discerning-beyond-her-years taste is a thing to behold, what impressed me deeply was the grace and thoughtfulness behind this gesture of gratitude.

I was also impressed (and certainly not the only one, if their quick disappearance was any indication) with the ever magical Voodoo Doughnuts…candy colored, cereal coated, sprinkled, pastel, chocolate frosted sugar bombs! While everyone was delighting over doughnuts, Food in Bloom was using a dessert torch to masterfully golden-brown marshmallows melted over chocolate and gram crackers. S’more? Yes please.

All in all, every detail was darling. The perfect celebration, from A to Z.