(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.

E-Session: Marissa and Mike

They grew up in the same town.  Just minutes away from each other.  Their paths had crossed time and time but they didn't meet until one fateful day through friends.  Now they are inseparable.  Supposedly Mike was camera shy but I think they both did great and the camera loved them!  So do I!  

I loved these doors!

My trigger finger is still killing me from this ring shot ;-)

Thanks Marissa and Mike!  I am so lucky to be your photographer and I can't wait for your wedding :-)  Enjoy your slideshow!

Rebekah and Alberto - Engaged

July 3, 2007 in Newport, RI. We were standing near each other waiting to cross the street at a cross walk. We were attracted to each other and we made eye contact. We crossed the street and made eye contact again. Alberto caught up to me and introduced himself.  He invited my sister and I to a have a drink with him and his friends. We ended up spending the evening together.  Unfortunately, I was moving to NC in 10 days, but we dated long distance for 6 months and it all worked out in the end.

-Rebekah

Now that's when you know it was meant to be. They were meant to be at that cross walk at that moment. Such a beautiful story :-)

Rebekah and Alberto share a love for the beach so what would be more fitting than a beach session?  

Mr. Squirrel wanted in on some action too.  This little guy walked around like he owned the place.  Then when he saw my camera he switched up to his best runway super squirrel model walk.

Rebekah and Alberto were so fun to shoot!

Here is their slideshow.  Enjoy the rest of the session!  :-)