Every year young women across the world commemorate and honor their transition into womanhood by having a quinceanera. Historically It is believed that 15 was considered the age that a girl is prepared for marriage and ultimately for motherhood and although nowadays that seems ridiculous it is still a rich and cultural tradition to commemorate a girl transitioning to womanhood.Quinceañeras are popular in South American countries and have since grown very popular here in the United States.I shot Victoria’s quinceanera a few weeks ago. Victoria looked gorgeous in her custom-made dress, it complemented her very tall slender physique. Like her sister Valentina.

Even a stormy day can lead to fabulous photography. We started the day at Victoria’s parents house… Veronica, Victoria’s mom, has the most fabulous taste. I never worry about taking photographs in her home because I know that it will be just as beautiful as any gorgeous high-end hotel.

Previously photographed Victoria’s sisters quinceanera a few years ago… But although the girls look very much alike, both tall, slim, statuesque…. They are very different girls.

Where were we, we were at Veronica’s home. I photographed Victoria getting dressed and ready for the day.

We then headed to St Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington which let me tell you is one of the most beautiful churches in regards to photography. The lighting is angelic and absolutely magical as you can tell from these photos. It may not be the most ornate but if you want beautiful dramatic photographs for your quinceanera or wedding this is the church to book.

Afterwards it started raining pretty heavily so we took some family portraits outside but under cover.

Normally we would go to some fabulous outdoor location to shoot the creative formal photographs for the quinceanera. And in Long Beach there is no lack of gorgeous locations. We shot Victoria’s sister, veronica, a few years ago at the Long Beach village off of PCH. But because it was raining pretty hard at the last moment Veronica booked the Maya hotel for an hour of photography.

The Maya hotel is one of my favorite hotels, it is just stunning inside and we were able to get some gorgeous photographs. I’m a pretty daring photographer and for me I wouldn’t mind being outside as long as someone was holding an umbrella over my equipment but Victoria was not going to go for it. That’s seriously made me giggle.

Hey I can ask right!