Lilia Bat Mitzvah | The Ashley Castle, Chandler, AZ

I was thrilled that I was able to photograph Lilia’s Bat Mitzvah, I did her sister’s a few years ago. I’m so glad her family thought of me again. I loved being their Chandler event photographer for this big life moment! It’s so fun capturing it.

Planning any event can be challenging, especially if you want it to be outside in Arizona. This Bat Mitzvah was scheduled and planned at least a year in advance for the middle of March. Usually that’s a pretty decent time weather wise for Arizona. Well, the weekend came and the weather decided to be 100 degrees that day. Yikes! By the time I got to the venue, I saw all the beautiful tables and decorations were inside the grand hall. I thought that was what it was supposed to be, but I was told that it had been planned to be outside in the beautiful courtyard and gardens area. So good job to The Ashley Castle for adjusting and making the event a wonderful one, even though the weather had changed the plans.

The event was beautiful. Guests were ushered to go on the path to the back of the venue in the beautiful garden area. There they found the gift table and guest book. As they continued, they walked up on the large patio where they could mingle and get refreshments from the bar. Lastly, they would enter the ballroom and find their table.

Every Bat Mitzvah has a theme. Lilia loves fashion, so everywhere you looked there were symbols of famous high fashion brands and big black bows were everywhere. Light blue, black and gold seemed to be the color scheme, including on the gorgeous cake.

Before the guests arrived, I took photos outside the castle of her family. Then Lilia and I had some fun taking photos of just her and she had a lot of pose ideas!

Once the event started, Lilia and her family all made grand entrances. Lilia went to sit at her long, u-shaped table of friends while her parents said a few words about her. Then her grandpa did the traditional cutting of the challah bread. Once that was finished, dinner was served. It was delicious!

After dinner was over, then it was time for the candle lighting ceremony. This is where Lilia celebrated and honored her family and friends by calling them up to help her light a candle. She also said why that person or group were important to her. It is always very sweet with lots of hugs, kisses and even some tears.

When the lighting ceremony was finished, then the party started! They began with The Horah, I love watching this dance! Everyone dances and holds hands going in circles and then at some point Lilia is lifted up on a chair. They also lifted her sister and mom. The only problem from a photo standpoint is that sometimes it’s hard to capture, especially when they lift someone up on the other side of the room facing away from me! The night went on with many fun dances, games, serving the cake and an all around good time.

Lilia’s Bat Mitzvah was such a fun night! Thanks again for having me as your Chandler event photographer! I hope to see you all again.