What is a Quincenera Court?

[HotHolly]

So, I'm not a Texan. I did figure out what Quincenera is, but I didn't realize there was a court too. Is that like bridesmaids for a bride? Do they do anything or serve a function in the ceremony? I'm not finding that info.

[CobyPhoto]

Quincenera is the same thing as a wedding. Alot of times, the court is larger than most wedding parties.

CJ

(Notation...as far as work, the Q is the same as a wedding.)

[HotHolly]

I read that there are usually 14 in the court plus the Quincenera = 15. I've had 2 calls today about Quincenera and feel out of the loop with them. I only know the basics - any details would be appreciated. :o)

[Paulo]

Yes, kind of, except the girl's court consist of both boys and girls.

Quinceñeras.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era

[HotHolly]

Thanks guys. I read a few different sources and still don't have a good grasp on it. Its like reading about a wedding, but never seeing one. There is a lot of tradition and culture intertwined through the thing. I'm assuming that stands true with a Q too.

What does the ceremony look like? I read its a Thanksgiving mass. Does the court do anything - are the involved in the mass? Or are they more like a decoration? I guess I am asking - what does the court do?

[bondarnes]

It is a very traditional Catholic ritual from Mexico much like a Bar-Bat Mitzva. In the South we had coming out dances. There is a church ceremony followed by a party. The girl will have many sponsors that help pay for it and usually will have up to 14 attendants each with a male escort. I have always photographed them like a wedding. Getting ready shots, the ceremony, formals, then the party. If you price it like a wedding you will not have to do very many of them.

[MarcoFromHouston]

the court walks into (and out of) the church with the XV'ñera. They are also involved in the "baile" or dance @ the reception.

I can't think of what else they do.

I'm a veteran of at least 10 XV'ñeras (as a member of the court, not as a photog or DJ )

Oh, and there is a Primary Escort for the XV'ñera.

[bondarnes]

The court at a Q does the same thing as a wedding party at a Catholic wedding. They stand when appropriate, sit the rest of the time, and partake in communion.

[ilove2eatcake]

This site looked helpful. It had all the traditions of the mass and the after party - http://www.quincegirl.com/blogsection/TRADITIONS/

[HotHolly]

Thank You!

[MikkiStreak]

The concept is just disturbing to me, but basically, a Quince is a "wedding" type event for a 15 year old. In it's traditional sense, it was a celebration of a girl who was becoming 'available' for older men. In the more modern sense, it's a Mexican 'coming out' party.

Everyone here is dead-on. There is a Mass for the girl, which resembles a wedding: The "court" consists of boy/girl pairs that enter/exit much the same way as a wedding couple. The colors tend to be brighter for the dresses. The girls go thru the same 'preparation rituals' as a bride: hair, nails, make-up, family/friends fussing around the young girl.... I think traditionally, the 15 year old girl's 'escort' was a member of the extended family, but I don't think that's always the case anymore.

After the Mass, everyone goes to another venue to celebrate. There's a cake, just like the wedding; I think they have toasts, just like a wedding; and there's a 'first dance', just like a wedding. Usually, the "court" has a choreographed dance and join the Quince girl/escort on the dance floor during their first dance. Or, the court will dance and *then* the girl/escort start.

They can be really 'blown-up' affairs with budgets similar to weddings, depending on the family/girl. I know here in Dallas, there's actually a teenage dance troupe of boys (can't remember what they're called) that are hired to dance at Quince's around the city. They are fabulous--- similar to 80's break dancers, but with a modern twist.

These can be really cool events to photograph-- and of course, since it's teenagers and hormones, be prepared for anything. :)

[Sam50]

Quinceañera: I have had the opportunity to shoot 3. Normally you shoot pictures of the young lady in her dress prior to the event so that you have a picture to display during the "dance". Yes it has its sequence of events pretty much as described by Mikkisreak. Though I don't find them "disturbing", its just a "coming out" event for a young lady. First there is a "Mass" then the dance. There is a dinner, a presentation of the young lady, a "crowning", a first dance and a toast and a cake cutting. Some times the "court" puts on a special event (dance). Some do vary slightly but that is essentially the sequence of events. From a photography standpoint it is as difficult and complex to photograph as a wedding. By the way, the Quinceañera is escorted by a court composed of "Damas and Chambelanes". They are big events and as a photographer I do not take them lightly even though the 3 I have shot have been essentially for free I worked hard to make sure the family had fond memories. Families spend $1000s on these events. If you have an opportunity to shoot an event it can be very trying...but fun at times. Hope that helps a bit.

[kenw]

One more wedding-quince difference: quince food is a lot better, especially at smaller ones where the family makes it.

[Sam50]

KenW: You are right, the food is generally great and usually served by the people that made it.

[kronos2818]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

So, I'm not a Texan. I did figure out what Quincenera is, but I didn't realize there was a court too. Is that like bridesmaids for a bride? Do they do anything or serve a function in the ceremony? I'm not finding that info.

Yes they are mostly like the wedding party in a wedding. The walk in and out of the chruch just before the B-day girl. At the reception they get announced, do a toast, do a dance and you will need to do posed shoots just like a wedding party. Here is a link that will help you with what to expect . http://www.quinceanera-boutique.com/...raplanning.htm