Real Bar Mitzvahs: Casino Night in Brooklyn, NY

For one young man's bar mitzvah, mom and dad decided to buck tradition -- party tradition, that is. Rather than larger-than-life decor and an awkward dance-off, this family hosted a low-key celebration centered around faith, family, and a blackjack table or two.

Family-style Fun Following the bar mitzvah, family members and friends gathered at a casual cafe in Brooklyn. The 60 guests were given the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another as they noshed on an Italian meal of rustic breads and cheeses, pasta and panninis, fresh berries with whipped cream, and warm Nutella banana panninis -- all served family-style. Site: Bocco Lupo Restaurant, Brooklyn

Low-key Vibe Later that evening, everyone reconvened for a casino-inspired celebration. In keeping with the casual atmosphere of the day, the family rented a sound system to play the bar mitzvah boy's top picks from an iPod, while passed plates of comfort food, such as mini twice-baked potatoes, homemade potato chips, and mini hot dogs and hamburgers, kept guests from going hungry. A bartender was also on hand shaking up mojitos to quench the adults' thirsts.
Sound System: EGADS Computer Rental, New York
Catering: Lori Castronuovo, Flemington, NJ

Vegas Baby, Vegas The younger set got a kick out of the real-life casino tables brought in just for the occasion. When guests arrived, they received "Jeremy Money" -- named after the day's honoree -- to try their luck at roulette, blackjack, and even Texas hold 'em!
Casino Party: 21 Nights Entertainment, New York

Cupcake Central A no-frills party, calls for a no-frills dessert, which is why this family chose chocolate-cheesecake cupcakes for a delicious change of pace. They may not have been the prettiest confection, but they were big and tasty enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cupcakes: Court Street Bagels, Brooklyn

Luck of the Draw In keeping with the casino theme, guests received scratch-off lottery tickets and lucky pennies tied to bags of shredded money -- a winning favor for adults and kids alike.

--Christa Vagnozzi
photography by Nelson Hancock