Weddings_&_Quinceaneras_Spring_2018
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EDITORIAL<br />
SPRING EDITION <strong>2018</strong><br />
Una vez más damos gracias a Dios por la<br />
oportunidad de ir a todos nuestros lectores<br />
entregandoles el resultado de meses de<br />
trabajo y pasión. Estamos dejando esta guía<br />
en manos de quienes estan próximos a su<br />
día especial y tienen ese sentimiento de<br />
ansiedad por querer que todo salga bien.<br />
<strong>Weddings</strong> and Quinceañeras Magazine nos<br />
convertimos en ese apoyo, para que con<br />
esta guía conozcas todo lo que deben saber.<br />
EQUIPO<br />
El deseo de hacer de tu evento un día<br />
inolvidable llegó; es ese gran momento<br />
que has estado imaginando desde que jugabas a las muñecas: ¡tus<br />
quince! Y quieres un vestido que te haga lucir y sentir como una reina.<br />
Una cena inolvidable, que el lugar brille y sea de sueño y lo cierto<br />
es que ese gran día es como un sueño y por esa razón necesitas<br />
encontrar un traje que cuando te lo pongas te haga experimentar un<br />
torbellino de felicidad; ese atuendo con el que al mirar tu reflejo en el<br />
espejo te haga ver como la princesa de tu cuento de hadas favorito;<br />
ese vestido tan lindo que sabes que es el ¡tuyo!<br />
Lo que debes tener claro es que este es un proceso largo y merece<br />
toda tu dedicación. Puedes inspirarte en nuestros articulos y<br />
clientes especializados para ir observando la variedad de modelos<br />
y características. Lo ideal es probarse tantos modelos de vestido,<br />
salones, comida, bailarines y todo como sea posible y para eso<br />
estamos aquí! Para guiarte!<br />
EN EL COVER<br />
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Edición<br />
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Camilo A. Correa<br />
Karen A. Contreras<br />
Francisco J. Correa<br />
Diana Correa<br />
Camila Contreras<br />
JJ Multiservice, Inc.<br />
Jonathan Lareo<br />
Erza TV<br />
Angel Patiño<br />
La Misión Import<br />
(832)274.9109<br />
Escanear para ir<br />
al sitio movil<br />
Conoce nuestro website<br />
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Artículos de interés y entretenimiento,<br />
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contenidos. La dirección no se hace responsable de las opiniones,<br />
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publicitario con contenido o descripción de carácter inapropiado.<br />
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CONTENIDO<br />
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RECEPTION HALL<br />
10 Things to consider when choosing<br />
Your Reception Venue<br />
W<br />
With so many reception venues available, you’d think choosing<br />
one would be simple, but it never is.<br />
There are so many factors to consider when choosing where<br />
to hold your reception and, if even one doesn’t suit your<br />
requirements, it’s usually enough to have that reception centre,<br />
garden or church hall struck off the list.<br />
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So, to avoid the disappointment of having to see – and then reject – what seems like the perfect<br />
reception venue, here are 10 questions that you should have the answers to before you go venue hunting.<br />
1. Is the venue available?<br />
This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a reception venue. Some venues and<br />
public gardens are booked years in advance, especially around holidays or for particularly special days such<br />
as Valentine’s Day.<br />
If your venue of choice is not available on the date of your day and you’re dead set on holding your ceremony<br />
or reception there, you will either need to change your date or search for a new venue. Once you have found<br />
the perfect venue and and know it is free, book it immediately to ensure nobody else books it for your big day.<br />
2. Is the size appropriate for your guest list?<br />
Picking a venue that is the right size for your festivities is essential when planning your reception. The<br />
last thing you want to do is have your guest sitting cheek to jowl because your venue was too small for the<br />
group you are inviting.<br />
Pay special attention to the capacity of any venue you are looking at before booking and ensure that it has<br />
space for the activities you’re planning on holding.<br />
3. Is it friendly to your budget?<br />
There are countless venues to choose from for your reception, and some will be more appealing.<br />
However, the reality is not every venue will fit within your budget. Determine what you can afford per head<br />
before contacting venues as this will avoid the frustrations of falling in love with a venue you simply cannot afford.<br />
4. Is there nearby accommodations for guests?<br />
If you are planning on holding your reception somewhere a little further out than usual or if you have<br />
lots of guests coming from overseas or interstate, consider whether your venue has its own accommodation<br />
or is near accommodation that will allow your guests to stay overnight.<br />
It’s one thing to hold your dream in a charming castle or country estate, but if your guests are unable to call<br />
taxis afterwards or get to accommodation, especially if they’ve been drinking, it will end the evening badly<br />
and you don’t want your guests being unsafe.<br />
5. Is there in-house catering?<br />
Whether you are going to serve a full four-course dinner or have some type of buffet with snacks, you<br />
need to know if the venue you are looking at has an in-house catering service. If they do, can they provide you<br />
with menu options to suit your guests, including vegetarians, gluten-intolerant guests. If there is no in-house<br />
catering, you will need to add another job to your list, finding a caterer.<br />
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6. Is access to the venue easy?<br />
We’ve talked about an aspect of this factor above, but location isn’t the only consideration. Is the venue<br />
you are looking to book easy to find? If it is located too close to busy streets? Will that cause unnecessary<br />
frustrations to the wedding party and the guests? Try not to book a reception venue that is too far from the<br />
venue as convenience is crucial for you and your guests, but it’s likely you’ll be taken care of as far as transport<br />
is concerned.<br />
This won’t necessarily be the case for guests who don’t have transport etc.<br />
7. Is there sufficient parking?<br />
Is there adequate parking for all of your guests? If parking is lacking, find a nearby parking lot available<br />
on your date where you can, perhaps, organise a shuttle service to your venue. Again, there are safety concerns<br />
too, as you don’t want your guests wandering the streets or in lonely car parks in the wee hours.<br />
8. Are tables, chairs, and other essentials provided?<br />
When choosing your venue, don’t assume everything you see in the pictures is included. While most<br />
venues will provide chairs and tables, extra costs may be involved when it comes to dancefloors, cutlery and<br />
glasses as well as table decorations and linen. And not all venues will provide these things, so be sure to ask what<br />
is included and what you must source yourself.<br />
9. Can I serve alcohol?<br />
Find out if your reception venue allow couples to serve alcohol. Permits are required in many<br />
circumstances and, without one, you won’t be able to serve any alcohol. Some venues require the couple to<br />
source their own permit.<br />
Also, check if you can bring in your own alcohol. Many venues don’t allow you to bring in your own alcohol.<br />
10. Are there back-up plans in the event of an unexpected weather incident?<br />
When it comes to outdoor receptions, whether you’re holding it in a public garden or a physical<br />
reception venue, be sure to ask whether there are any wet weather options in the event it rains or is too hot<br />
or a storm develops etc.<br />
While most venues have other rooms that you can run into in the event of an unexpected weather incident, in<br />
some places, you’ll need to organise a marquee or some sort of back-up yourself.<br />
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BRIDAL & QUINCEAÑERA BOUTIQUE<br />
Choose your own style<br />
Over High Fashion<br />
IIf you buy a dress that is ultra trendy you can guarantee it will date your day photos, and it<br />
may prevent you looking as bridal as you would like.<br />
Instead of choosing a gown because it is fashionable, choose one that you love and that<br />
makes you look and feel wonderful.It is better to add your own personal character to a<br />
simple dress using jewellery, shoes and other accessories, than to take a outfit directly off<br />
the wedding catwalks and regret it later.<br />
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Determine Your Colors<br />
To determine your colors, you need to assess your hair, skin and eye color as well as what colors<br />
you feel you look the best in. Determining your “season” can introduce you to a whole new palette of<br />
colors! The point of doing this is to use these colors as a guide while shopping so that you can select<br />
the pieces that will look best on you. I’m a summer, what are you?<br />
Choose a Style Trademark<br />
A style trademark is something that you either wear every day or simply an aesthetic that you are<br />
known for. It’s that piece that your friend texts you about and says, “I was wearing today and I felt just<br />
like you!”<br />
Usually, a signature item or style chooses you, because it’s just something that you love so much you<br />
have to wear it all the time. But it helps to think about what you value, what you find aesthetically<br />
pleasing, and what you love to wear most. Personally, my signatures are bold nautical stripes and Sperry<br />
Topsiders. What’s your signature?<br />
Embrace Your Shape<br />
Although we’re big proponents of wearing what you want regardless of your body shape, learning<br />
to dress for your body type can be a good jumping off point when developing your style. Knowing how<br />
to highlight your best features can save you time and take your look from average to amazing.<br />
The most important thing you can do when studying your shape is to stay positive. Dressing well is all<br />
about having an underlying layer of confidence, and if you are overly critical of your body, you undermine<br />
that. Don’t tell yourself that you have a pudgy stomach - instead, remind yourself that you have a tiny<br />
waist, or beautiful legs, or a shapely chest, or amazing arms - you get the idea. Highlight your assets and<br />
embrace your body as it is!<br />
Create a Personal “Look Book” or Inspiration Folder<br />
A great aid for honing in your style, and also a really fun project, is creating a personal look book of<br />
your favorite past outfits. By documenting your style on a daily basis, whether by starting a style blog or just<br />
saving photos on your computer, you start to get a sense for which outfits you like best, and which pieces<br />
look best on you. It’s a fantastic way to document your look as it evolves.<br />
Another idea is to start an inspiration folder or inspiration binder to keep track of your fashion inspiration. I<br />
created my own book by grabbing a sturdy notebook and collaging photos that I like. I’d cut pictures from<br />
magazines, print from Pinterest. Before I go shopping, I take review my book to remind myself what I like,<br />
what I’m looking for, and how I want to dress. Sometimes I’ll even take it shopping with me!<br />
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MAKEUP & HAIR STYLIST<br />
How to do<br />
G<br />
Quinceanera Makeup<br />
Guess what every girl dreams of. That she will be wearing a long puffy dress<br />
and get her hair and makeup done up by professionals. Sounds exciting and<br />
nervous, is it?<br />
But when ‘quince’ day is nearing, you have to see that your quinceanera<br />
makeup matches the color of your dress. Quinceanera is celebrated<br />
when a girl turns 15, a transition from childhood to adulthood. And it is<br />
celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Since it is a jolly and cheerful occasion, the<br />
Quinceanera queen must be dressed up and made up accordingly!<br />
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Put your worries to rest as I share with you quinceanera<br />
makeup ideas, quinceanera makeup looks, quinceanera<br />
eye makeup, quinceanera makeup and hair, quinceanera<br />
makeup tutorial to go with your quinceanera dress.<br />
Cute and easy, this elegant look for quinceanera<br />
has everything for you to fall in for – there are pink<br />
lip and shadow, and liquid winged eyeliner and<br />
mascara.<br />
A cross between prom look and quinceanera, look<br />
how the face is beautifully accented with ringlet<br />
hairstyle and headband.<br />
Now let us have a look at how various colours of<br />
quinceanera dress could give you the quinceanera<br />
makeup goals. If you opt on wearing a bright pink<br />
lipstick, then a neutral brown eye shadow would be<br />
the best.<br />
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INVITATIONS & MORE<br />
12 Questions to ask when ordering<br />
Your Quinceañera Invitations<br />
L<br />
Letterpress, thermography, engraved, matte, jacquard, glassine …<br />
Ordering invites will mean learning a few new vocabulary words. You’ll also<br />
need to learn about all the components that you might want to include<br />
in your invitation, as well as what other printed materials could be part of<br />
your scenario.<br />
With so many details to consider, you’ll depend on a creative invitation<br />
professional to clue you in on the jargon, and guide you in choosing<br />
invites that reflect your style. After all, nothing sets the tone for an event<br />
like an impeccably designed invitation.<br />
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Getting To Know Your Invitation<br />
1. How long have you been in business?<br />
2. What is your design background? NOTE: This may or may not involve formal training. Remember, “good taste”<br />
isn’t necessarily something that can be taught!<br />
3. What types of printing processes do you offer and which do you specialize in? Which do you recommend for<br />
my budget and style?<br />
4. Is your printing done in-house or do you outsource it?<br />
5. Do you offer custom invitations as well as templated<br />
styles? Is there a fee if I want to order a s<strong>amp</strong>le of either<br />
an existing invitation style or a custom design? If so,<br />
how much?<br />
6. If I choose a custom wedding invitation, what are my<br />
options for color, paper type, ink and fonts? What is the<br />
word limit for the text?<br />
7. Can I also order my table numbers, place cards, escort<br />
cards, ceremony programs, menus, etc. from you?<br />
8. Do you offer a package or a discounted price if I<br />
order all of the invitation components at the same time?<br />
(Here’s a complete list of what might be included.)<br />
9. If I want to include a picture or graphic on my savethe-date<br />
card or invitation, can you accommodate that?<br />
If so, does the image need to be saved in a specific<br />
format? Do you have photo retouching available, and<br />
if so, what is the price range? Can your photo specialist<br />
also convert color images to black & white or sepia? Is<br />
there an additional cost?<br />
10. Are there any new styles, trends and color<br />
combinations I might consider? Which are the most<br />
popular? What kinds of handmade or artisanal paper<br />
do you offer? NOTE: The answers to these questions<br />
will give you a sense of how creative and up-to-theminute<br />
your invitation professional is.<br />
11. Can my invitations be printed on recycled paper<br />
and/or with soy-based ink?<br />
12. Based on the paper I select and the number of<br />
pieces involved, what would it cost to mail my wedding<br />
invitation?<br />
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CATERING EXPERTS<br />
4 Insider tips for Choosing<br />
the Right Caterer<br />
P<br />
Practically every caterer has a standard menu or menus to choose<br />
from, and many do provide some level of built-in flexibility to adapt<br />
these menus to your specific needs by substituting specific items<br />
and/or customizing others.<br />
“Any caterer who has been in the industry and knows what they are<br />
doing should have a few different menu options that are constantly<br />
being updated and changing to keep up with current trends”<br />
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#1 Willingness to Provide Tastings<br />
How will you ever know what a caterer can do unless you s<strong>amp</strong>le their goods? And more specifically,<br />
how will you know what the menu items you are considering will taste like unless you specifically try them?<br />
Some people shy away from asking to s<strong>amp</strong>le the specific items they want for their event because it seems<br />
like a hassle for the caterer, but it is standard to ask for a s<strong>amp</strong>ling of what you are intending to order<br />
before you sign on the dotted line. In addition, you can request wine parings for these tastings if they are<br />
appropriate for your event (again, be prepared to pay a fee … it’s a small price to pay to ensure you choose<br />
the right caterer). And when you are s<strong>amp</strong>ling the food, also attend to how it is presented, as any caterer<br />
who takes the time to properly display a s<strong>amp</strong>le will probably be more likely to make that kind of effort on<br />
your event day.<br />
#2 Familiarity With the Venue<br />
You may be in for a surprise if you hire a BBQ take-out joint to cater a formal ballroom fundraiser. Or<br />
if you choose a high-end corporate event caterer to serve a barn wedding. Why? Because these caterers<br />
may not be accustomed to preparing and serving food in such a setting.<br />
This can get even more specific depending on restrictions of the venue itself, like in the case of museums<br />
and historical sites. Even more traditional venues can also have restrictions that caterers must follow – like<br />
certain setup standards or disposal restrictions for waste food and water – so having a caterer that is familiar<br />
with a venue’s rules can potentially save you lots of hassle on event day.<br />
#3 A Well-Defined Cancellation Plan<br />
“Get detailed information on how they handle cancellations and make sure it’s included in the<br />
contract,”. “You should find out if your deposit is fully refundable and what the next steps are. And will they<br />
refer you to other caterers or help make some calls to see who is available?”<br />
You don’t want to be left without recourse with only days or hours before your event, so just make sure<br />
cancellation procedures and penalties are in place so you do have a backup plan.<br />
#4 References You Can Call and Talk To<br />
Of course you will need to check up on the caterers you are considering, and it’s always good to start<br />
online and check out sites like Yelp for their reviews and ratings. However, don’t stop there, as online reviews<br />
are not always reliable (or even authentic); for ex<strong>amp</strong>le, a good caterer may have had a few nightmare/hater<br />
clients who skew their ratings, while a truly mediocre caterer may have padded their online reviews. So see<br />
if you can track down some past clients of the caterers you are considering and reach out to them.<br />
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EVENT COORDINATORS & PARTY RENTALS<br />
7 Tips to Finding the Right<br />
Y<br />
Event Planning for Your Event<br />
You’re looking to select an event planning company for a major bash that’s<br />
on the horizon but do you know what to look for when searching for the<br />
right event planning company?<br />
It can be a mind-bogglingly decision as, of course, every event planning<br />
company will tell you they’re the best. To get it right, take a look at what<br />
each company has to offer and determine who is going to give you the<br />
best outcome based on your event needs.<br />
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1. Passion<br />
I recommend that you look for an event planning company specializes in a particular type of event (quince,<br />
wedding, corporate, fundraising, for ex<strong>amp</strong>le) and is passionate about what they do. It’s highly unlikely<br />
that a company that has no passion for the job is going to produce an exciting and successful event.<br />
1. Organization<br />
The event planning company you choose must be highly organized. In talking to previous clients of the<br />
companies you’re considering you’ll be able to determine their level of organizational skills fairly quickly<br />
by asking them.<br />
3. People Skills<br />
It’s fairly critical that, as event planning involves<br />
dealing with and organizing people, the event<br />
manager you’re considering should have<br />
outstanding people skills. To a certain extent<br />
you can judge this by how they interact with you<br />
personally but it’s always a good idea to speak with<br />
some of their vendors as well.<br />
4. Excellent Time<br />
Of course, time management could also fall broadly<br />
into the organization category but it’s also worth<br />
considering time management on its own. A huge<br />
part of producing a successful event is to deliver<br />
each and every stage of the project on time because<br />
any delays can be disastrous to your timetable and<br />
event. Ask the event planning company you’re<br />
considering what kind of time management system<br />
they use to stay on track.<br />
5. Resourcefulness<br />
Is the event planning company you’re considering<br />
able to quickly and effectively come up with a plan<br />
B should the need arise? You’ll want to make sure<br />
that the event manager of the company that you’re<br />
considering is calm under pressure and able to<br />
think and act quickly and calmly to keep the event<br />
running smoothly.<br />
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6. Flexibility<br />
You definitely want your event planning schedule nailed down with very specific timelines and milestones.<br />
That said, Murphy’s Law dictates that things will go wrong at some point and it’s absolutely essential that<br />
your chosen event manager has the flexibility to cope. So, if you’re speaking to a previous client of an<br />
event planning company you’re considering, ask them how the company performed under pressure and<br />
were they able to adapt to difficult or unforeseen events.<br />
8. It’s Team Game<br />
Finally, bear in mind that organizing an event is normally a team game. It’s unlikely that you’ll be dealing<br />
solely with your event company’s planner in isolation. Ask who the main event manager is for your event<br />
and who reports to her. Get as much information as you can about all the people involved in organizing<br />
your event.<br />
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a gala or a fundraiser, finding the right event planning company<br />
for your event is paramount to your event’s success. When all is said and done, you want to establish a<br />
relationship with your event manager so take time and choose someone that meets your event needs.<br />
Interviews and Discussing Event Needs With Applicants<br />
Most event planners will be eager to hear about your specific event, but provide them with brief details at<br />
first, and focus a bit more on their expertise in the initial round of interviews, during which time you should<br />
reduce the number of candidates down to the three strongest applicants.<br />
You should then ask each event planner or their firm to share information about their business, experience<br />
with past events, and how they plan for contingencies, paying careful attention to the manner of the<br />
applicant’s response and any follow-up questions he or she might have for your company, or its goals.<br />
Good planners will walk you through a discussion to learn about your event’s overall objectives,<br />
timeline, budget, guest count, and personal preferences. Good planners will ask you questions about<br />
your organization and learn about your objectives and your particular event look for these signs when<br />
interviewing to find candidates who stand out from the rest.<br />
Although it’s not always possible to meet someone in person during the first round of interviews, especially<br />
if your program is out of town, this can be a critical step in choosing the right planner or producer for your<br />
event and company.<br />
Face-to-face meetings provide insight beyond a planner’s expertise or experience into his or her rapport<br />
with the team in your company that will be helping create this event you’ll want to choose a candidate who<br />
not only has a great track record for producing quality events, but also one who gets along with your team.<br />
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LIMOUSINE RENTAL<br />
Tips or Hiring<br />
a Limousine Service<br />
W<br />
Whether you’re planning transportation for a quince or<br />
prom being well informed isthe key to having a safe and<br />
satisfying ride.<br />
To reduce the risk of ano-show, getting poor service,<br />
or not getting what you expected, the Better Business<br />
Bureau (BBB) recommends the following tips beforehiring<br />
a limousine service provider:<br />
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Check references<br />
Choose an experienced, reputable company with numerous references. If a company can demonstrate that<br />
they have successfully operated for many years and has a solid reputation for quality and safety, you are<br />
probably in good hands<br />
Ask for proof of insurance<br />
Operators should be eager to provide proof ofvalid, current insurance coverage for their fleet. Be aware that<br />
some limousine service providers insure their vehicles under a personal autopolicy, if at all. Personal auto<br />
insurance policies rarely cover the clients who hire the vehicle.<br />
For service taking<br />
You or your party across state lines, check with that state for regulations and compliance. In some states, the<br />
vehicle can be stopped and immediately impounded if found not in compliance.<br />
Seekquality chauffeurs<br />
A professional chauffeur is equally as important to the success of your event as a nice vehicle. Choose a<br />
provider that places a high value on the caliber of their chauffeurs.<br />
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Get everything in writing<br />
Special occasions, such as quince, birthdays, weddings and proms, commonly require personalized attention<br />
to your specific requirements. The more specific your requirements, the further in advance you should reserve<br />
and pay for your limousine. When doing so, insist on a written contract that clearly states all details of your<br />
reservation.<br />
Know your rights<br />
Inquire about the company’s cancellation policy and get a copy in writing.<br />
Look before you buy<br />
If you haven’t used the provider before and time allows, visit the company in person before hiring them. The<br />
time to find out what you’re getting is not on the date of the special occasion.<br />
Ask about limo rental cost<br />
Price is obviously a factor. Limo companies sometimes have layers of fees that they add on to your base<br />
rate. You’ll see fuel surcharges, administration costs, tolls and gratuity for the driver. Suddenly, your bill is 30<br />
percent higher than you quote. Make sure your final price is all-inclusive.<br />
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CAKES<br />
Tips for Choosing<br />
D<br />
Your Party Cake<br />
Do you know everything there is to know about<br />
quinceañera cakes? The more informed you are, the better<br />
the decisions you will make. We’ve got you covered with<br />
our top tips.<br />
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Start early<br />
Your venue choice can really influence the aesthetic and design details of your cake: Delicate buttercream<br />
icing won’t withstand the heat as well as sturdier fondant at an outdoor summer quinceañera, for ex<strong>amp</strong>le,<br />
so once you’ve secured your location, start shopping around for your baker.<br />
Find your baker<br />
Word of mouth is the tried-and-true way to find a baker, but attending wedding fairs is another route.<br />
Couples have the opportunity to meet local bakers and see and s<strong>amp</strong>le cake without having to commit<br />
to a private consultation.<br />
Get Social<br />
Like many creatives, I post my cakes in real time across social media, so brides can get a clear sense of<br />
my work output and the types of cakes I specialize in. But don’t be swayed by the swoon-worthy images<br />
alone. Seek out online testimonials and reviews to complete the picture before you schedule a meeting.<br />
Align your style<br />
Some bakers are highly specialized and others offer a much wider variety of styles. I specialize in fondant<br />
cakes with a modern aesthetic. I don’t do buttercream or rustic cakes, but there are other bakers who<br />
work exclusively with buttercream. There are even bakers who only create naked cakes. As you explore<br />
and gather cake images, note the styles that speak to you. Whimsical? Geometric? Romantic? Rustic?<br />
Glamorous? Do you see a pattern emerging?<br />
Take a meeting<br />
Once you’ve narrowed your search to two or three bakers (or even The One), the cake journey begins!<br />
Before even thinking about red velvet vs. vanilla bean, your baker will need the nitty-gritty details such<br />
as wedding date, venue and estimated head count.<br />
Bottom line basics<br />
A big part of my job is helping a couple prioritize where the cake purchase fits within their quinceañera<br />
budget. A good cake designer will make helpful suggestions to keep your budget on point, while still<br />
meeting your aesthetic needs.<br />
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Get Inspired<br />
Your overall quinceañera style can kick-start the design process with your baker, but don’t stop there.<br />
Mood boards, images of cakes you love, your wedding color palette, your dress — any and all of these<br />
elements will get the cake design wheels in motion.<br />
Be fearless with flavors<br />
Some bakers charge extra for so-called premium flavors and fillings, others (like me) do not, so be sure<br />
to establish any cost upgrades at your tasting so you don’t get hit with surprise surcharges. I encourage<br />
clients to push the flavor envelope. Why go with vanilla, chocolate or red velvet when there’s praline and<br />
hazelnut cake accented with chocolate mousse and a drizzle of caramel to consider? Your cake should<br />
be both beautiful and delicious: Don’t choose flavors you think everyone will like, choose the flavors you<br />
like. Remember, it’s your wedding and this is your cake.<br />
Tasty vibes<br />
I like to meet with a couple over a 45-minute tasting and design consultation. I send a menu ahead<br />
of time and have the couple choose two flavors, which are served at the tasting along with chocolate<br />
mud cake, red velvet cake and vanilla bean cake. Couples also get to choose four filling flavors to try,<br />
plus I always provide s<strong>amp</strong>les of Swiss meringue buttercream and chocolate ganache (both are used<br />
as frosting or filling). The tasting is set up so that couples can mix and match the various elements. I<br />
always start the design process with the tasting because it’s such a great ice breaker — who doesn’t<br />
love eating cake? Clients are asked to bring along any relevant design inspiration (including images of<br />
cakes they love), and I always ask them to bring ex<strong>amp</strong>les of things that are meaningful to them or their<br />
relationship. After an initial discussion and budget evaluation, I sketch out several ideas, and we work<br />
from there to conceptualize a final design together.<br />
After the Party...<br />
Cake delivery takes coordination. Complex cakes may not necessarily be delivered in final form. Allow<br />
time and space for assembly, if needed. Refrigeration may also be required. For more on last-minute<br />
details, review our Points for the Contract.<br />
Avoid freezer burn! Even if you take the most painstaking packaging measures, eating the top tier<br />
of your cake on your first anniversary sounds far better than it tastes. Think about indulging on your<br />
two-week or one-month anniversary, and treat yourself to a fresh cake in the same flavor when you’ve<br />
survived the first year. If you must adhere to tradition, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then bag it in an<br />
airtight baggie. Stay away from aluminum foil it might not protect against freezer burn as well as plastic<br />
wrap because it’s not an airtight material.<br />
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PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Pointers for picking<br />
the Perfect Quince Photo<br />
OOne of your most important vendor choices is who will capture the events of<br />
your quince. You should hire a professional photographer to ensure the day is<br />
properly documented.<br />
Every photograph can be measured or graded on all twelve elements, but you<br />
may want to simplify by picking the most important elements to you and your<br />
partner. Score each photograph, and keep track of your highest rated works.<br />
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ENTERTAINMENT<br />
How to find your first<br />
Dance Quinceañera Song<br />
N<br />
Next to a quinceañera may be one of the biggest formal events<br />
in a young girl’s life! And while it’s a recent development in<br />
quinceañera traditions, the surprise quince dance is a must at<br />
your party. After you’ve chosen your quince court, deciding on<br />
your dance is the next big task. We have some ideas to help<br />
you get your performance on point.<br />
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Explore Your Roots<br />
Latin America is rich in culture and your background is a great place to start when choosing your dance<br />
style. If your roots lie in Colombia or Central America, try the Cumbia. The Cumbia started out as a<br />
courting dance and isn’t too hard to catch onto. You’ll find this dance at weddings and parties in Latin<br />
cultures of all kinds, so it’s a great one to learn.<br />
The fiery Salsa dance originated in Cuba and may be the perfect fit for your passionate Cuban background!<br />
This dance is visually exciting with colorful dresses and spirited moves with your partner. For traditional<br />
girls whose family migrated from Mexico, the Ranchera is a great choice. These dances are traditionally<br />
accompanied by a Mariachi band and carry themes of love and patriotism!<br />
The Merengue is often noted as the “Dance of the Dominican” so Dominican Republic girls, take note!<br />
Embracing your roots is a beautiful way to pay tribute to your heritage during your quince dance!<br />
Explore What You Love<br />
Have you always loved salsa dance? Been dying to take ballroom dancing lessons? This is the perfect<br />
time to incorporate your passion (or something you’ve wanted to try) into your performance! If you’re<br />
not sure where your “dancing” heart might lie, think about what kind of music you like. Girls who crank<br />
up the country tunes might enjoy having a two-step dance; R&B fans might prefer to try a hip-hop<br />
routine! Your quince dance is all about you, so take this opportunity to explore something new!<br />
Explore With A Pro<br />
If you have no idea where to begin, it may be a good idea to talk to a professional choreographer. Many<br />
choreographers have experience in many types of dances including traditional styles like ballroom or<br />
ballet, and more contemporary like jazz and hip-hop. Before you contact them, you may try searching<br />
YouTube for quince dance ideas to show your choreographer. That will help them understand the vision<br />
you have for your quince dance and make it perfect! Even if you already know what you’d like to do,<br />
hiring a pro for your dance can help polish your moves and make your performance truly unforgettable.<br />
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CHOREOGRAPHERS<br />
Your quinceañera dances:<br />
Some Traditions<br />
A<br />
According to custom, a quinceañera’s first dance is with her father.<br />
It’s usually to a song of the father’s choosing that has a certain<br />
significance to them. Traditionally, it also represents a girl’s first<br />
public dance. Afterward, the father can hand the quinceañera over<br />
to her escort.<br />
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A big part of a quinceañera celebration is the music. Many families hire a band and others hire<br />
DJs. Sometimes families will hire both. When the band starts playing, the court of honor proceeds to<br />
present themselves. In some venues, a member of the band or the DJ will call the names of the damas,<br />
chambelanes, padrinos and madrinas by name as they come up, and then they call the parents and<br />
lastly the quinceañera.<br />
After the court of honor has been presented, the quinceañera takes a seat in the middle of the<br />
dance floor in a chair. The exchange of the high heels is about to take place. If there happens to be<br />
a madrina and padrino for the high heel, they bring the pair of high heels on a heart-shaped pillow<br />
over to the father of the quinceañera. This is highly symbolic moment in the celebration. The ritual<br />
signifies the change from girl to woman. The father takes his daughter’s flats shoes off and replaces<br />
them with high heels.<br />
The First Dance<br />
Before the age of fifteen, a young girl is not allowed to dance with a partner or at public events.<br />
The day of her quinceañera, she will be able to enjoy the band and dance with friends and family, and<br />
it is after this event that she can now dance at public events. However, the first dance the quinceañera<br />
must have is with her father. There are many songs dedicated to the quinceañera’s first dance with<br />
her father. They speak about the transformation from childhood to womanhood, but also speak about<br />
always being daddy’s little girl.<br />
Traditional, and the Toast<br />
The court of honor proceeds to the table of honor. They give a toast to the quinceañera.<br />
Gathering next to the quinceañera, a member from the band says a toast and asks all the guests to<br />
toast as well. Some families provide the tables with wine and wine glasses for the toast, but one can<br />
toast with whatever one is drinking. After the toast, the professional photographer hired takes pictures<br />
to capture all the moments. After this, the party can officially begin. While people are dancing, drinking<br />
and having fun, food is being served. That is why when my sister and I had our quinceañeras, our uncle<br />
gave us each a cow from his ranch to make the food. People are hired to pass out the food among<br />
the guests. When a quinceañera celebration is held at a venue that offers catering, more gourmet or<br />
American dishes may be served.<br />
After about half way through the night, the band or DJ takes a break, but only to do another quinceañera<br />
ritual. As mentioned earlier, there is a large doll adorned in a quinceañera style dress that sits on<br />
the table of honor. This symbolizes the last doll of the quinceañera. At this time, the quinceañera<br />
along with her chambelan de honor go to the middle of the dance floor. She may be blind folded or<br />
simply closes her eyes. At first all the damas and young girls are asked to come to the center as the<br />
quinceañera will now throw her doll for someone to catch. It used to be that the quinceañera would<br />
throw the doll that a person would catch, but now there are times where the quinceañera will throw a<br />
flower because the doll is porcelain. All the girls gather around and walk or dance in a circle until the<br />
quinceañera throws the doll or flower and one lucky girl catches it. This is the quinceañera letting go<br />
of her “niñez” or childhood.<br />
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SOCIAL EVENTS<br />
Plans are nothing...<br />
Planning is everything<br />
A<br />
A quinceañera is no ordinary birthday party. Celebrated in many<br />
Latin American countries and communities, the quinceañera birthday<br />
is a special coming of age celebration for girls. With a lot of fiesta<br />
thrown in!<br />
The event is celebrated differently depending on the culture, but<br />
all quinceañeras mark a transition for the girl between childhood<br />
and adulthood. In some cultures, girls are not supposed to dance<br />
in public until their 15th party, so you can imagine that music and<br />
dancing play a huge role in the event.<br />
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DIRECTORY<br />
SPRING EDITION<br />
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