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We’ve photographed a few surprise parties in our day, but this most recent was a unique experience.

Surprise parties are hard to pull off regardless, but especially when the birthday gal is a working mom with a busy life and a hand in everything she does. Thankfully, they found the most genius way to make it happen.

That Tuesday evening we showed up to Roka Akor, a spectacular sushi joint in a prime Scottsdale spot, to photograph the special 40th birthday.

Her boyfriend, kids, parents, and 40 of her close friends/family were waiting. It was such a lovely set up for a private event. A stunning ice sculpture would catch your eye as you enter the room, the warm low lighting was classy and inviting, and they had added a personal touch of photos from highlights of her life laid out across the classic bar. 

With it being a random Tuesday night, she had absolutely no idea. Genuinely shocked by the posh private party space, the joyful “Surprise!” made her smile and laugh. The celebration carried on and soon sushi was being passed around while guests sipped on their craft made cocktails.

We loved capturing the many many hugs and certainly recommend looking into the restaurants and event spaces in your local areas for events such as this.

It makes all the planning, from the food to the timing to the social photography so much easier.

Plus you’re guaranteed good food, service, and aesthetically pleasing environment – with none of the responsibilities as a host! Whenever we host an event in our home, all we can ever think about is all the dishes we’re going to have to do once people go home! Such a relief to be able to enjoy the event, pack up, and go home.

Truly an elevated event experience.