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Inside This Issue Editor’s Letter Faithful Readers and Friends, Words can hardly express my excitement at presenting this first volume of The Valley Quinceañera Pages, but I will try. Since 2004 The Valley Wedding Pages has guided you in planning your special events, helped you select the best venues and 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. Now, with this Introductory Issue on a variation of our parent magazine, my wonderful staff and I are delighted to pay special tribute to our
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Evyn Sakulenzki - Sweet 16 Reception Reference Guide Vanessa Morales - Quinceañera Have your Cake…. and Everything Else, Too!
What Makes Sixteen So Sweet? Quince Traditions are Just as Sweet! Go Crazy for Photo Booths Directory Quinceañera & Wedding Fair Events
more youthful consumers—the budding girls and blossoming young women whose birthday parties have become an increasingly important part of our work.
Publisher/Editor Leticia Guerra Cantu
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.
Managing Director Administrator/Production Manager Rebecca A. Sanchez Administrative Assistant Yeini Balderas
Accounting Victor J. Barrera
Senior Graphic Designer Hilary Gamboa
Website JMSolo Designs
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!
STAY CONNECTED Leticia Guerra-Cantu & Staff www.valleyweddingpages.com
/TheValleyWeddingPages
Contributing Writers Merrijo Tanberg Bonds 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”
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On The Front Cover SWEET 16 EVYN SAKULENZKI GOWN GLITZ & GLAMOUR ' (1 , *$ȃ4/ 13(23 &(+ ".5 114!( 2 /'.3.&1 /'$1 - '( 6$##(-&2
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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
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.
Evyn Sakulenzki SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2015
$58-ŗ2 26$$3 2(73$$“I wanted something that will be remembered as magical and beautiful…” said Debbie Sakulenzki, whose daughter Evyn celebrated her sixteenth birthday on September 19, 2016. Debbie’s wish began to take shape as she and Evyn were delivered by limousine to the elegant ballroom. They were greeted by scents of French tulips, hydrangeas, roses, and orchids HM @ A@KKQNNL DKDF@MSKX CQ@ODC VHSG VGHSD RHKJ @MC BGHƤNM 3N complement her formal down, Evyn’s only jewelry was a treasured charm necklace she never removes—a gift from her late father, Joe Sakulenzki. Decorated with the formal tie and cummerbund he used to wear, @ LDLNQX S@AKD GNMNQDC )ND @MC Ʀ@MJDC @ RODBS@BTK@QKX HMSQHB@SD seven-foot cake. Tables and chairs in adjoining ballrooms were adorned with soft pink silks from Southeast Asia. Symbolizing the honoree’s name, the letter “E” served as centerpiece for the head S@AKDŗR ƦNQ@K A@BJCQNO 'DQ LNMNFQ@L V@R @KRN OQNIDBSDC NMSN SGD C@MBD ƦNNQ V@R LDSHBTKNTRKX G@MC O@HMSDC NM B@MCKDR @MC was seen on decorated straws served with Evyn’s signature drink— sparkling pink lemonade. Elegant lighting enhanced the ambiance created by walls draped HM RG@CDR NE OHMJ !DMD@SG @ FH@MS ƦNQ@K G@KN RTRODMCDC NUDQ SGD C@MBD ƦNNQ FTDRSR BDKDAQ@SDC SN RNMFR ODQENQLDC AX 3GD Spazmatics. During the musical intermission, guests excitedly
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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
posed in a photo booth for fun pictures they later posted on social media. One guest exclaimed over cotton candy that she never wanted the event to end because it was “like walking in a dream!” During The Spazmatics’ second round, the happy honoree changed from her couture gown into a cocktail dress that allowed freer dancing and more mingling with close friends and family. True to her mother’s wish, Evyn’s smile radiated throughout the evening and she will fondly remember this celebration for a lifetime.
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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
$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
Vanessa Morales NOVEMBER 17TH, 2015
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 throughout SGD RNOGHRSHB@SDC UDMTD 3HMSDC KHFGSHMF 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 chairs @S S@AKDR CQ@ODC VHSG VGHSD BGHƤNM @MC RGHLLDQHMF @BBDRRNQHDR
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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
SG@S QDƦDBSDC B@MCKDKHFGS NM DUDQX E@BD 3@KK FNKC BNLONSDR GDKC large globes of Vanessa’s chosen blooms, adding various levels of elegance to the setting. A highlight of the evening was a personal tribute by Vanessa’s tenXD@Q NKC RHRSDQ VGDM ŕ@KNMD NM SGD C@MBD ƦNNQ
RGD ODQENQLDC @ mix of jazz steps and hip-hop moves especially in Vanessa’s honor. Following the meal, guests were treated to Postrecitos by Myrna ADENQD O@QS@JHMF NE @ ƥUD K@XDQ L@RSDQOHDBD @ E@ATKNTR BNMEDBSHNM AX "XMSGH@ŗR "@JDR SG@S QDƦDBSDC SGD Ʀ@SSDQHMF RG@CDR NE 5@MDRR@ŗR 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.
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
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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.
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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
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,
NTS OKDMSX NE OHD BQTRS RSQHOR @KNMFRHCD ANVKR NE V@QL ƥKKHMFR
guests have great fun grazing and nibbling on an amazing
HM BGDQQX @OOKD KDLNM BGNBNK@SD NQ NSGDQ E@UNQHSD Ʀ@UNQR
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.
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
@ANTS @ ĆĽBSHNM@K FHQKEQHDMC (M SGD R
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
Ĺ?ƲUVW LQWURGXFWLRQĹž RU Ĺ?EHJLQQLQJ Ĺž)
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
@MC OTQRTHSR #DODMCHMF NM SGD E@LHKXĹ—R ĆĽM@MBH@K
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
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(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
EDLHMHMD ENQL NE řƥESDDM XD@Q NKC Ś
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
0THMBD@¬DQ@ BDKDAQ@SHNMR U@QX RHFMHƥB@MSKX EQNL
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
HR BDKDAQ@SDC CHƤDQDMSKX EQNL @MX NSGDQ ADB@TRD HS
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
OQDO@QDC SN AD L@QQHDC AX @FD ƥESDDM NQ DKRD ADBNLD
their Hispanic and American heritages by choosing to
MTMR (M SGD XD@QR KD@CHMF TO SN SGDHQ ƥESDDMSG
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
22
As outdated as those teachings seem today, native
meaningful for them, adding to and personalizing
BTKSTQD RSHKK HMƦTDMBDR SGD ROHQHS NE 'HRO@MHB KHED
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
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.
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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 12 Aylyn’s Event Center IBC Colonial Event Center (956) 702-7779
Bridal Fashions & Accessories
Photo Booths 24 Just 4 Clicks Photo Booth (956) 330-4971
5 Berenice’s Wedding & Quinceaùera Boutique
Photographers 17 Eric Sierra Photography (956) 522-4562
Cakes & Sweets IBC Friends Event Center (956) 702-6450 7 Just Between Friends Tea Room 13 La MuĂąequita Ranch 3 Marbel Event Center 2 Mayrin Banquet Hall
IFC Cynthia’s Cakes, LLC
21 & 23 Gerardo Garmendia Photographer (956) 266-6573
19 Cynthia’s Creations Chocolate, LLC
Upcoming Special Events 7 Vintage on Main Market Days
18 Postrecitos by Myrna
28 Wedding Fair Events Presents QuinceaĂąera & Wedding Fair
Dance Performers 25 Retro Dance
1 Sky Tower Club (956) 279-3469
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