Sunday, February 22, 2009

(So, what's a quinceañera?) Sweet 15 for Sweet Ashley

This post is long overdue. Meet beautiful Ashley. It was so heartwarming to be surrounded by such a close family. I had such a great time capturing this traditional and important time in her life. The time when a child becomes a woman and renews her faith in God as a woman. This event was so traditional in so many ways and it took me back to my sweet 15. An event in my life that I will never forget.


Prior to Ashley's Quinceanera we meet up for a fun teen fashion shoot for her guest book.











The Quinceanera celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A Reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music, and in most, a choreographed waltz or dance performed by the Quinceanera and her Court.

It is traditional for the Quinceanera to choose special friends to participate in what is called the Court of Honor. Usually, these young people are her closest friends, her brothers, sisters, cousins – the special people in her life with whom she wants to share the spotlight. The Quinceanera's Court of Honor can be comprised of all young girls (called Dama), all young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both..


The Quinceanera traditionally wears a ball gown, with her Court dressed in gowns and tuxedos.














One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes. The father or favored male relative ceremoniously changes the young girl’s flat shoes to high heels. This is a beautiful symbol of the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady.






At the reception, there is always the toast to the Quinceanera, known as the brindis, the guests are invited to offer their congratulations and best wishes.


Guests usually receive small tokens, cápias and cerámicas, to commemorate the celebration. There are many traditions throughout the quinceanera celebration.
The Last Doll is used as part of the ceremony or as decoration and keepsake. In some customs, the Quinceanera doll represents the last things of a child now that the Quinceanera will focus on the things of a young lady. In some Hispanic cultures, the cápias (printed ribbons with the Quinceanera’s name and date) are pinned to the doll, and the Quinceanera circulates among her guests, thanking them for their presence and presenting them with a memento taken from the doll.


The Quince Años is a glorious celebration that remains a cherished and honored tradition.

A special HUGE shoutout to the super talented Autumn Thomes who team shot this event with me. Check out her take on things here.

22 comments:

Andi Walpurgis said...

Beautiful pictures Val...I have been to a quinceanera in Puerto Rico a couple of years ago and it was amazing...I loved all of the traditions that were done and you were able to capture them for Ashley...great job!!!!!

Christopher said...

Love the BW shot of her eyes. That is awesome!

Beyond The Lens Photography said...

Great job on these Val...I'm sure they love these photos and the memories you have captured!

erica said...

wow. she is beautiful and you captured her SO well. That last image is killer!!

OHANA PHOTOGRAPHERS said...

wow!!! she is gorgeous! you captured her beautifully val!!! love love love the first image!

Candice @ Jubilee Events said...

These are great Val! She is gorgeous. Her parents must have been so proud!

lindsay@sixpence said...

What a little beauty! Great shoot.

Valeen Thivierge said...

These are just gorgeous shots! You captured her beauty in such a way that it truly is breathtaking. I can't even tell you which is my favorite! :)

Eric Foley said...

Very nice usage of the natural light and sun Val! I personally love the shoe/dress shot :)

Tiffany said...

These are stunning!!!
Love the lighting ~

Anonymous said...

Love love love these shots Val as always your work is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

omgg, i love all these pictures ! thank you so much again val ;)
-ashley*

kymberli q. said...

Beautiful images, Val!! Too many favorites to name! Awesome work!

Anonymous said...

LOVE the portraits of Ashley in the beginning - great photos!

Anonymous said...

Hey Val, I really love the photos from this day, you did an outstanding job. I especially like the portraits!!

E. Broderick Photography said...

She is so cute and soo photogenic. I love these, Val. And that last shot of the family hug is so sweet.

Travis Flynn said...

Great work-- both portraits and photojournalism.

Anonymous said...

Hey Val, totally stalking your blog waiting for you to post more stuff!! :) Hope you are doing well!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images and it looks like such a fun event!

Anonymous said...

Hi !.
You re, I guess , probably curious to know how one can manage to receive high yields .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may start earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
AimTrust incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with structures everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
Do you want to become an affluent person?
That`s your choice That`s what you really need!

I`m happy and lucky, I started to take up real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a correct partner who uses your money in a right way - that`s the AimTrust!.
I make 2G daily, and my first investment was 500 dollars only!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://zyjibogyku.s-enterprize.com/atutyf.html
and go! Let`s take this option together to get rid of nastiness of the life

xanax said...

My how times have changed.

viagra samples said...

this post really very good and effective for me thanks for sharing this nice post