A California Red-Carpet Day
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 A celebrity-style celebration
When Briana Moreno’s mother, Deanna, set out to plan her daughter's quinceañera, she had one goal in mind, to plan an event where her daughter felt "happy and special." And from the Swarovski-crystal-laden bouquet of white roses and blue orchids to the entourage of 15 damas and chambelanes to the black stretch Hummer limo (a surprise gift from her brother), Briana received the kind of special treatment usually reserved for the stars.
"The special treatment felt more than good. I felt like everyone was there for me not just a party," exclaimed Briana.
Dance 'til dawn
Following a Mass at Holy Angeles Church in Daly City, Calif., the swan-themed extravaganza really kicked off at the Mission Blue Center in nearby Brisbane. Entertainment for the evening included a 15-piece youth Mariachi band, Aztec dancers, a folkloric dance quartet, and DJ Tony Silva who kept the crowd on the dance floor until close to midnight.
"Of all the quinces I've heard of and been to, no one stays on the dance floor all night," commented the birthday girl on the night her mother describes as "perfect."
The dancing kicked off with Briana and her court waltzing to “Tiempo de Vals” followed by a feisty rendition of “Suavemente.” Both dances were choreographed by Briana’s cousin, Leticia Moreno. Following the father-daughter dance to “Fell for You” by The Dramatics, Briana shared a dance with her older brothers Tone and Frankie during “You’re a Big Girl Now” by The Stylistics.
Dressed to thrill
Of course, a celebrity can’t walk the red carpet without a new dress. Briana tried on 10 dresses before selecting a Mary’s Bridal satin number trimmed in blue.
“I knew it was just for me. I kept looking at other dresses, but kept coming back to that same dress,” says Briana.
Her seven damas and eight chambelanes wore formal wear from My Wedding Expressions in Daly City. Briana selected her god brother and cousin Rafael Moreno to act as escort of honor. Rafael led the group of dapper chambellanes who were fitted in hats and tails for the evening.
Star treatment on a real-world budget
And while celebrities have the budgets to celebrate in excess on a regular basis, Briana’s mother made sure to stick to a realistic budget, advising: "If you do things yourself, you can still throw an elegant party without spending." Deanna crafted the invitations, catered the event with enchiladas and carnitas, and designed the floral centerpieces.
Her mother’s hard work did not go unnoticed by Briana who credits her for the success of the evening: "My quinceañera would not have been what it was if I didn’t have my mom." And this won’t be her mother’s last quinceañera to plan; Briana’s younger sister Carina will turn 15 in less than two years.
Natalie Bow is a freelance journalist based in Newport Beach, Calif. She regularly covers fashion, beauty and teen topics for various publications.
Photography courtesy of Jaime Gomez. |
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