The Valley: Quinceanera Pages

The Valle y

Editor’s Letter Faithful Readers and Friends, Words can hardly express my excitement at presenting this first

Publisher/Editor Leticia Guerra Cantu Managing Director Administrator/Production Manager Rebecca A. Sanchez

volume of The Valley Quinceañera Pages, but I will try.

Administrative Assistant Yeini Balderas

Since 2004 The Valley Wedding Pages has guided you in planning your special events, helped you select the best venues and

Accounting Victor J. Barrera

vendors, informed you of changing industry trends, and showcased many happy engagements and beautiful weddings. We’ve joyfully reported your accomplishments and celebrated your achievements, embracing your spirit of love and happy endings.

Website JMSolo Designs

Now, with this Introductory Issue on a variation of our parent

Contributing Editor Merrijo Tanberg Bonds

magazine, my wonderful staff and I are delighted to pay special tribute to our more youthful consumers—the budding girls and blossoming young women whose birthday parties have become an increasingly important part of our work.

Please join with me as we share some amazing stories of Sweet Sixteen and Quinceañera parties that were recently celebrated.

Read about how the tradition came about, read how the families of these young ladies recognized their coming of age, and read about their stunning receptions.

We hope you’ll be as touched as we are by the ways these lovely girls marked their transition into young womanhood. Perhaps you’ll be inspired by their examples as you or your loved one anticipate her special birthday. With a heart full of pride, let me welcome you to part one of The Valley Quinceañera Pages!

Leticia Guerra-Cantu & Staff

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Senior Graphic Designer Hilary Gamboa

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

Photography Services “Photos contributed by photographers for editorials and ads are listed on individual images.”

Senior Account Executives Nancy Cantu Rebecca Sanchez For information about advertisement, please contact nancy@valleyweddingpages.com rebecca@valleyweddingpages.com All credit cards are accepted “Story details submitted by individual parties or event planners are edited by The Valley Wedding Pages LLC” All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. All information contained in the magazine is believed to be accurate. However, The Valley Wedding Pages, LLC cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. The Valley Wedding Pages, LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the advertisers, printer’s errors or any other portion of this publication.

All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

Inside This Issue 9 Evyn Sakulenzki - Sweet 16 14 Reception Reference Guide 16 What Makes Sixteen So Sweet?

18 Quince Traditions are Just as Sweet!

20 Vanessa Morales - Quinceañera 26 Have your Cake…. and Everything Else, Too! 28 Go Crazy for Photo Booths 31 Directory

On The Front Cover SWEET 16 EVYN SAKULENZKI GOWN GLITZ & GLAMOUR ' (1 , *$ȃ4/ 13(23 &(+ ".5 114!( 2 /'.3.&1 /'$1 - '( 6$##(-&2

ANAHI WEDDINGS

32 Quinceañera & Wedding Fair Events

956-735-1463

DAVIDALEXANDEREVENTS@GMAIL.COM

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

8

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

Evyn Sakulenzki SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2015

“I just wanted something to be created that will be remembered as magical and beautiful in my daughter’s eyes,” said Debbie Sakulenzki, mother of Evyn who celebrated sixteen years of life on September 19, 2015. Debbie and Evyn both arrived in a limousine to the McAllen Country Club dressed in couture and ready to celebrate before guests arrived.

As they walked in to the venue that was draped in white silk @MC BGHƤNM SGQNTFGNTS SGD KHMFDQHMF RBDMS NE %QDMBG STKHOR hydrangeas, garden roses, tea cup spray roses, Phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids to name a few provided a lasting aroma for all in attendance.

A memory table served as a focal point that was in honor of Evyn’s father, Joe Sakulenzki. The only piece of jewelry she wore that night was a necklace and charm that she wears daily; a piece that she holds close to her heart.

Directly in front of the memory table that had a tie and cummerbund that Joe used to wear was a cake that was RODBHƥB@KKX S@HKNQDC ENQ SGHR DUDMS #DAAHD @MC $UXM RSNNC around and gazed in awe at a seven foot tall cake that stunned every guest with its beauty and intricate details. The cake itself was in the making for close to nine months in preparation for a perfect touch for Evyn’s special day.

$58-ŗ2 26$$3 2(73$$-

Both ballrooms were adorned with silk fabric table linens from South East Asia. Each table was dressed and tailored with soft pink colors and chair accessories to match. The omnipresent KDSSDQ Ŗ$ŗ V@R RXLANKHB ENQ SGD ƥQRS HMHSH@K NE SGD AHQSGC@X FHQKŗR M@LD (S V@R OQNIDBSDC NM SGD VGHSD C@MBD ƦNNQ RDQUDC @R @ ƦNQ@K A@BJCQNO ENQ SGD GD@C S@AKD V@R LDSHBTKNTRKX G@MC O@HMSDC NM B@MCHDR SG@S ƥKKDC SVN RHW ENNS KNMF S@AKDR @MC VDQD on straws that were placed in Evyn’s signature drink for the evening – sparkling pink lemonade.

Lightning enhanced the McAllen Country Club and gave the elegant theme for the evening a nice touch as hues of pink JHRRDC SGD E@AQHB CQ@ODC V@KKR ANUD SGD C@MBD ƦNNQ FTDRSR G@C SGD BG@MBD SN C@MBD TMCDQ @ ƦNQ@K G@KN SG@S V@R RTRODMCDC HM

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T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

midair as everyone danced to the memorable cover tunes that were sung by the Spazmatics.

During intermission, guests were able to enjoy fun in the photo booth as many posted photos on social media. One guest who enjoyed a piece of cotton candy exclaimed, “This whole event is like walking in a dream! I don’t want it to end!”

During the second half of the Spazmatics show, Evyn changed from her couture gown to a cocktail dress that allowed her to dance and mingle with her closest friends and family.

Throughout the night her smile radiated throughout and her celebration is one to be remembered for a lifetime.

12

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

$58-ŗ2 26$$3 2(73$$CAKE "8-3'( ŗ2 " *$2 ++" • $5$-3 /+ --$1 # 5(# +$7 -#$1 $5$-32 • %+.6$12 2/$"( + %+.6$12 ".4341$ %+.1(23 LIGHTING ! "*23 &$ /1.#4"3(.-2 • ,42(" 3 "."*3 (+ '.41 5(.+ ".-2.13 231(-& $-2$,!+$ /'.3. !..3' LOCO BOOTH • /'.3.&1 /'8 - '( 6$##(-&2 • 1$-3 +2 #1$ , 6$##(-&2 !8 ++ / 138 1$-3 +2

Entertainment Provided

Valet Parking Allowed

X

X

Friends Event Center

100/200

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

30-35/120

X

X

X

X

X

X

La Muñequita Ranch

1000

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Marbel Event Center

300

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Mayrin Banquet Hall

300

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Sky Tower Club

350

X

X

Just Between Friends Tea Room

X

X

Specialty Cuisine

X

X

X

All information is subject to change without notice. Some features may be available on a limited request only.

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T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

Outside Seating

X

Handicap Facilities X

In-House Liquor

X

X

In-House Catering

X

X

Guest Discount Room Rate

X

X

Dance Floor X

X

Wedding Ceremony Site Available X

200/700

Aylyn's Event Center

Room Capacity (Inside/Outside)

Beer & Wine License

X

Private Liquor Allowed

Private Catering Allowed

X

600

Colonial Events Center

Reception Reference Guide

X

X

so Sweet?

D

ANAHI WEDDINGS

What Makes

ecades ago, singer Neil Sedaka recorded an

Generations later, a “deb� evolved into something

enduringly popular tune called “Sweet 16,�

less constrictive and more celebratory. Particularly

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in the Southern states, tradition still dictates that

actress Molly Ringwald became famous for

young ladies “of stature in the community� should be

playing a girl whose 16th birthday was overlooked

formally introduced at a debut gala. For most modern

by preoccupied parents. In our American society, we

folks, though, Sweet Sixteen simply represents the

generally refer to all teen-aged girls as “sweet� when

period in a teenager’s life when she shifts into young

they turn 16, but do you know why? Well, listen up,

adulthood and a reason for celebrating a special

because the simple explanation is traceable to an

birthday.

old-fashioned concept known as a “dĂŠbutante.â€?

(This term derives from the word debut, which means

Today, parents or close family members of a

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blossoming young woman often throw a party on or near her 16th birthday, joyfully marking that

Thought to have originated in the Victorian era, a

transition from childhood to more adult behaviors

dĂŠbutante party (as they were known) was a way to

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present to society a young woman “coming of age�

situation, the party can range from a simple family

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cookout to a full-blown formal event complete with

time when respectable-yet-unmarried women were

catered dinner, special attire, hired musicians and

RNBH@KKX BNMĆĽMDC SN SGD BNLO@MX NE SGDHQ E@LHKHDR @MC

photographers, even an event planner to orchestrate

homes, a young lady was “debuted � to the public,

the whole shebang.

DRRDMSH@KKX SN RGNV GDQ NƤ

16

(Remember, social media and phones did not exist, so

In this issue of our magazine, we showcase some local

this was the acceptable method for single women to

“Sweet Sixteen� events and hope you derive some

become known and to meet available bachelors who

exciting ideas for a coming-of-age party of your own

might court them for marriage.)

or one honoring a young lady you love.

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ă‘ E R A PA G E S

Qŕ

ERIC SIERRA PHOTOGRAPHY

Quince Traditions are Just as Sweet!

uinceañera Ŕ CDƥMDC @R SGD 2O@MHRG

whether they are manifested in church ceremonies

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NQ @R FQ@MC NTSCNNQ ƥDRS@R ESDQ @KK ENQ +@SHMNR K@

@KRN B@KKDC ƥDRS@ CD C¤ATS@MSDR A@HKD

familia extends far beyond household relatives to

CD C¤ATS@MSDR ƥDRS@ CD PTHMBD ƥDRS@ de quince años, quince años, or simply

include abuelos and bisabuelos, tios and tias, primos

quince. Whatever you call the event, it’s a celebration

and primas, padrinos and madrinas, compadres and comadres, and often the church family as well.

NE @ FHQKŗR ƥESDDMSG AHQSGC@X HM O@QSR NE +@SHM LDQHB@ and other Spanish-speaking regions.

The young honoree traditionally wears a ball gown, with her court (special friends and close cousins

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invited to share the spotlight) wearing formal

country to country, with some having more religious

dresses and tuxedos. These guests usually receive

overtones than others. Nevertheless, this birthday

small tokens to commemorate the occasion. In

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like manner, gifts for the honoree are distinctive

marks a young girl’s coming of age -- the transition

treasures selected for their precious relevance to the

from childhood to young womanhood.

quinceañera custom.

Ancient Latin myths tell about how girls were

Interestingly, many local families today are merging

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their Hispanic and American heritages by choosing to

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celebrate a Sweet Sixteen. For a Sweet Sixteen party,

birthday, girls were taught by elder women to cook,

families often do the full-blown religious ceremony,

weave, and rear children so they would be prepared

a reception and dance, a tiara with the number 16,

for the expectations of married life.

and more. Valley Quinceañera Pages encourages families to select the customs that are particularly

18

As outdated as those teachings seem today, native

meaningful for them, adding to and personalizing

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as they wish. These decisions are what make the

Traditions rooted in gratitude, love, commitment, and

coming-of-age celebration unique and memorable for

family pride are central to quinceañera celebrations,

all participants.

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

5 -$22 ŗ2 04(-"$ $1 Sara and Domingo Morales, Jr. were thrilled to celebrate their daughter Vanessa’s 15th birthday with a grand quinceañera at the Sky Tower Club on November 7, 2015.

The proud parents, dressed in a beautiful gold evening gown and a classic beige tuxedo, escorted their lovely daughter in her breathtaking blush-colored formal dress that featured a beaded waist and matching headband.

Vanessa’s bouquet of pink-tipped tea roses and pale green hydrangeas set the theme for understated elegance

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T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

throughout the sophisticated venue. Tinted lighting, BGHƤNM RV@FFDC BDHKHMFR @MC RNESKX CQ@ODC VHMCNVR RTQQNTMCDC @ C@MBD ƦNNQ DMKHUDMDC AX LTRHB EQNL 1&5 !D@SR !DMD@SG SNVDQHMF FKNADR NE EQDRG ƦNVDQR ATƤDS S@AKDR K@CDM VHSG FNKC SQ@XR NƤDQDC CHMMDQ BNTQRDR B@SDQDC

by Centennial Restaurant. Guests dined comfortably on gold BG@HQR @S S@AKDR CQ@ODC VHSG VGHSD BGHƤNM @MC RGHLLDQHMF @BBDRRNQHDR SG@S QDƦDBSDC B@MCKDKHFGS NM DUDQX E@BD 3@KK gold compotes held large globes of Vanessa’s chosen blooms, adding various levels of elegance to the setting.

Vanessa Morales NOVEMBER 17TH, 2015

A highlight of the evening was a personal tribute by Vanessa’s ten-year-old sister when —alone on the C@MBD ƦNNQ

RGD ODQENQLDC @ LHW NE I@YY RSDOR @MC hip-hop moves especially in Vanessa’s honor.

Following the meal, guests were treated to /NRSQDBHSNR AX ,XQM@ ADENQD O@QS@JHMF NE @ ƥUD K@XDQ masterpiece, a fabulous confection by Cynthia’s "@JDR SG@S QDƦDBSDC SGD Ʀ@SSDQHMF RG@CDR NE Vanessa’s gown and bouquet. At the end of this magical evening, Vanessa lovingly thanked her mom and dad for making her quinceañera a gorgeous celebration whose memory she will always cherish.

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T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

5 -$22 ŗ2 04(-"$ CAKE "8-3'( ŗ2 " *$2 ++" • $5$-3 /+ --$1 $1(" " 23(++. • % 5.12 /.231$"(3.2 !8 ,81- • %+(/ !..*2 %+(/ (3 !..*2 %+.6$12 %1$2' %+.6$12 -# 26$$32 !8 $1(* ,$-#.9

• ,42(" 3 "$1$,.-8 -# #(--$1 5(.+ ".-2.13 231(-& $-2$,!+$ • ,42(" 3 1$"$/3(.- 1&5 !$ 32

/'.3. !..3' LOCO BOOTH • /'.3.&1 /'8 $1(" 2($11 /'.3.&1 /'8 • 1$-3 +2 #1$ , 6$##(-&2 !8 ++ / 138 1$-3 +2 • TIARA 2/.2 ,( ".4341$ 31 -2/.13 3(.- ++ 5 ++$8 +(,.42(-$ 2$15("$ • VENUE 2*8 3.6$1 "+4! • 5(#$.&1 /'8 .2* 1 ' %(+,2

Vanessa Morales NOVEMBER 17TH, 2015

24

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ă‘ E R A PA G E S

Have your Cake. . .

O

nce upon a time, the crowning moment of a birthday party or wedding reception was when the cake was served. Everybody eagerly awaited the layers being cut, distributed, and devoured.

Specialty cakes will always be stars of a dessert showcase, but sweets have evolved and expanded in other delightful ways, as well. If you’re seeking a novel way to distinguish your menu and impress your guests, consider these growing trends for your Sweet Sixteen or Quinceañera celebration’s dessert table.

One vibrantly popular idea is the dessert bar. Using your theme colors, decorate an oblong or large round table with linens and serving dishes that coordinate or complement each other. Think of your servings as decorations, like XNT VNTKC VHSG ƦNVDQR NQ EQ@LDC OGNSNR SN DMG@MBD SGD @OOD@Q@MBD NE XNTQ NƤDQHMFR #HROK@X ENNC @S U@QHNTR GDHFGS levels, using footed or elevated pieces to add variation and visual interest. Tuck colored tissue paper around groupings, and arrange servings atop paper doilies to add oomph and eye appeal. If your table is accessible from all sides, be sure to arrange trays and serving dishes so that guests can reach and choose with ease. Attractive labels and plenty of utensils will simplify the process and prevent confusion.

Then, open yourself up to new ideas!

8NTŗUD RDDM @MC OQNA@AKX O@QS@JDM NE QDRS@TQ@MS ATƤDSR SG@S NƤDQ RNES RDQUD HBD BQD@LR VHSG U@QHNTR ONSR NE ROQHMJKDR and sauces… how fun would that be at your own event? If XNT KHJD SGD BNKC LNSHE XNT BNTKC NƤDQ EQNYDM HBD BQD@L A@QR build-your-own sundaes, or theme-colored popsicles.

On the warmer side, consider hot donuts that guests can dip in cinnamon-sugar or frost with sprinkles… try individual fancy crepes or bite-size cheesecakes in foil wrappers…

FQNTO U@QHDSHDR NE BNNJHDR AX Ʀ@UNQ NQ BNKNQ @MC SHD SGDL with ribbons in theme colors. Little ones would be thrilled with colorful gummy candies in miniature gift bags.

26

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

and Everything Else, Too! Another clever idea is make-your-own pie or cobbler.

Some of the most elegant parties include divinely beautiful

(MRSD@C NE ƥKKHMF VGNKD OHD BQTRSR BTS CNTFG HMSN RSQHOR @MC

dessert tables—some accompanied by a tiered cake and

sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar before baking. Set

others composed entirely of bite-size desserts. In both cases,

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guests have great fun grazing and nibbling on an amazing

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U@QHDSX NE CDKDBS@AKD SHCAHSR RTBG @R SHMX ƥKKDC BTOB@JDR MTS

If you’re really serious about your theme, use cookie cutters

clusters, handmade candies, pan de polvo, mini éclairs, one-

that create the honoree’s initials instead of crust strips.

AHSD BGDDRDB@JDR ODSHS ENTQR S@QSKDSR @MC SQTƨDR SN M@LD just a few.

With the popularity of healthy options, remember that fresh fruit on a stick is both beautiful and delicious. Create a

You name a sweet, and a refreshing dessert bar can feature

pretty place for apple slices, grapes, and strawberries that

it. These fun ideas infuse a spirit of participation that

guests can dip in chocolate with picks or small forks. Other

allows surprised and delighted celebrants to customize their

fruit-based treats can be shortcake slices that guests load

calories. And as with all celebrations, using your imagination

with strawberries, blueberries, or peaches and dollop with

can elevate a regular Sweet Sixteen or Quinceañera from so-

whipped cream.

so to fantastic and unforgettable.

Go Crazy for

Photo Booths Back in the day, photo booths were popular because we hated V@HSHMF SGQDD C@XR ENQ @ CQTFRSNQD SN CDUDKNO NTQ ƥKL (MRSD@C we’d pile into a photo booth, feed the dollar bill into the slot, @MC LNLDMSR K@SDQ @ ƥKL RSQHO RSHKK RLDKKHMF NE BGDLHB@KR VNTKC RKHCD CNVM SGD LDS@K BGTSD 6DŗC @KK SQX SN FQ@A ƥQRS SN RDD GNV we looked. Ask your grandparents about their experiences with photo booths and watch them smile at the memories.

But now there’s a cellphone in every pocket and purse. Digital photos appear instantly, and with a few extra taps we can blast them to our friends almost as quickly. So what’s behind this revival of photo booth popularity?

7KH\ RƨHU SHUPDQHQFH Perhaps it’s that in this throw-away age we long for authenticity. Today, if we don’t like a cellphone photo, we hit delete and do it over. Nothing is really permanent.

But a photo booth snapshot lasts, having grabbed the excited @MSHBHO@SHNM SG@S @ Ʀ@RGATKA HR @ANTS SN B@OSTQD @ LD@MHMFETK moment.

One of the best places to include a rented photo booth is at a Sweet Sixteen or Quinceañera celebration. Over the years, CHƤDQDMS @BSHUHSHDR G@UD ADDM HMUDMSDC SN L@JD RTBG O@QSHDR HMSDQDRSHMF @MC ETM ƥKKDC ENQ FTDRSR @MC E@LHKX 3GHMJ NE GNV live bands, on-site DJs, and big-screen slideshows help everyone get into the mood. These days, photo booths have become such an integral part of teen celebrations that not having one can leave guests disappointed.

7KH\ RƨHU PHPRU\ NHHSVDNHV When a photo booth is included in a party’s activities, long queues form because everyone loves being part of the big event. Film strips make good party favors to take away, and after-party mementos can be created by having the photos printed on mugs or by having them framed.

Of course, the photos can also be downloaded into digital form and shared on social media, so sharing the captured memories is easy.

28

7KH\ RƨHU VRPHWKLQJ IRU HYHU\RQH Honestly, photo booth sessions (during the band’s intermission, perhaps?) give party guests an opportunity to be photographed in unconventional poses, acting silly or pretending, and the results can be cherished for years to come. Unlike the other forms of entertainment, a photo booth allows everyone –young or older adult—to participate at a Sweet Sixteen or Quinceañera. It’s the perfect chance to act your wackiest, and who doesn’t like to let down their hair? When all is said and done, most guests say they remember their photo booth experience above the dancing, the music, and the food.

T H E VA L L E Y Q U I N C E A Ñ E R A PA G E S

QUINCEAÑERA RESOURCE DIRECTORY Banquet & Reception 14 Aylyn’s Event Center

IBC Colonial Event Center (956) 702-7779

Bridal Fashions & Accessories

Photo Booths 28 Just 4 Clicks Photo Booth (956) 330-4971

5 Berenice’s Wedding & Quinceaùera Boutique

Photographers 25 Eric Sierra Photography (956) 522-4562

Cakes & Sweets IBC Friends Event Center (956) 702-6450 7 Just Between Friends Tea Room

15 La MuĂąequita Ranch

3 Marbel Event Center

2 Mayrin Banquet Hall

1 Sky Tower Club (956) 279-3469

IFC Cynthia’s Cakes, LLC

17& 19 Gerardo Garmendia Photographer (956) 266-6573

27 Cynthia’s Creations Chocolate, LLC

Upcoming Special Events 7 Vintage on Main Market Days

26 Postrecitos by Myrna

32 Wedding Fair Events Presents QuinceaĂąera & Wedding Fair

Dance Performers 29 Retro Dance

Event Planners 8 David Alexander Events 956-735-1463

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