Lizzy's quinceañera was my first ever, and what a way to start!

We met at her house, piled into the limo, and rode downtown for portraits with the skyline behind her.

She wore a burgundy and gold gown that looked custom made for the lens, surrounded by her chambelanes and damas in matching tones, holding a bouquet of deep red roses

like she was born to.

Then came the party. Family, community, music, food, all of it pouring out the way only a quinceañera can. I left with a memory card full of frames and a deep admiration for the tradition.

Some celebrations belong to one person. This one belonged to a whole community.