A quinceañera is a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday and marks her passage from a girl to a woman. It is both a religious and a social event that emphasizes the importance of family and society in the life of a young woman.
Quinceanera's are celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, as well as in Latino communities in the United States and elsewhere. In preparation for Abby's Quinceanera, we scheduled a portrait session at Thanksgiving Point during the Tulip Festival. And as the session was ending, 2 deer came sprinting through the grounds and stopped just long enough for me to get this epic shot. It was pure MAGIC!
The original meaning of the quinceañera was to announce that a girl was ready for marriage. The modern celebration more likely means that she is ready for formal dating. Some girls choose not to have a party or to wait until their 16th birthday to celebrate. Like many other rites and ceremonies, Quinceanera's continue to evolve.
No one is sure how the quinceañera started. Some people think it is connected to the rite-of-passage customs of the Aztec and Mayan cultures. Others think that it may be a combination of Spanish court rituals and American Indian traditions.
Apart from the lavish party & all its eye-catching details, the most essential detail is the dress. Choosing a Quinceanera dress is a lot like choosing a wedding dress, except you’re fifteen, so your parents will be shouldering most of the expense, and of course, they know it’s your special day and would give anything to make you happy. Still, you should try to set a reasonable budget for your dress. This also helps you to narrow down your search and makes dress shopping a little faster and therefore more fun.
As always, when to comes to choosing any outfit, consider your body type. You want a design that complements your assets and minimizes what you’re uncomfortable about.
If You’re Tall
Look for a dress with a defined waistline. Peplums are perfect but a sash or belt at the narrowest part of your waist will also help break up your long, tall frame.
Beautiful Broad Shoulders
If you’re a girl with a well-developed shoulder line because you rock at all things athletic, or because you’re graced with the upper bodylines of a fashion model, add a bolero or a chiffon cape for a softer look. Also, if you need a bit more coverage for your ceremony, a removable jacket is perfect.
Curvy Girls
If you rock a Beyonce or Kim K bod, a corset bodice is perfect to highlight the most flattering part of you.
Generous Bosom
Your body has let you know that you’re truly becoming a woman, and that’s something to be proud of. For your ceremony, though, and perhaps to show consideration for the feelings of your parents or godparents, you might want to choose a halter design. You can have the beautiful look of a strapless gown with an illusion and lace overlay that will also give you the confidence to dance the night away!
Smaller Bustline
When it comes to making you beautiful, it’s all about illusion. Choose a full-on embellished bodice with details like ribbons, chiffon or embroidered flowers, sequins, or crystals. A heavily embellished bodice will create a fuller silhouette and play up your other curves.
The most important consideration when choosing your Quinceanera dress is that the color flatters your skin tone. While you may exude confidence and could most likely rock all the colors of the rainbow, for this one night, you might want to consider a color that’s a bit more classic.
No matter what dress you choose, whether it’s a designer look loaded with crystals, or neon green rocker chic, this is your big night. Forget all the stress and anxiety from party planning and revel in being queen for a day. Most importantly, remember that your Quince happens only once in a lifetime, so make the most of it and enjoy your transition to womanhood in the most beautiful, comfortable, and flattering gown you can find!
Please click on this link if you would like to view photos from Abby's Quinceanera celebration taken at Magnolia Grove in South Jordan on May 18th, 2024.
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