Alex Turner and her damas (maids of honor).Alex Turner and her damas (maids of honor). I was honored to photograph Alex Turner's quinceañera. In Latin culture, the quinceañera "marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood." In a way, it's a small wedding without the marriage. Like a wedding, the birthday celebrant has damas (maids of honor). There are also dances with the parents. This quinceañera featured a celebration where family and friends lit candles in remembrance of loved ones who had passed away. It was especially poignant as one of the candles was for Alex's grandmother, who was expected to attend the quinceañera but had passed away very recently. Again, like a wedding, the quinceañera had speeches, a cake, and dancing. Welcome, young lady!

Alex enters the hall for the first time.

Family Portrait Detail of the remembrance candles.

Alex, her father, and brother share a moment while waiting to take portraits.

Adjusting the tiara. Alex's friend expresses her joy at seeing Alex in her dress.

  Star wands and glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets were among the decorations.

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