Party Spot - Real Quinces: Ryann in San Antonio, TX

When Ryann's mom first asked her whether she wanted a Quinceanera, Ryann wasn't sure. But knowing that the event would take time to plan, she signed on quickly thereafter -- and spent the next year creating the quince of her dreams.

SHE IS: Ryann Elizabeth Gonzales
THE BIG EVENT: Quincenera
THE DATE: May 21

Flower Power Ryann and her mother began their planning by setting a theme. "At Hobby Lobby, I saw these cute gerbera daisies that came in salmon, pink, and peach colors -- very feminine and dainty," recalls Ryann. "That's when we decided on a garden theme with flowers, topiaries, and garlands of ivy."

Looking Good Ryann instantly fell in love with a strapless, beaded dress and matching bolero jacket she found at a bridal salon. But she assumed the ensemble was out of her price range. Holding her breath, she asked the saleswoman for the price. "It was only $99!" Ryann says. "I had my dress!"

She chose a tiara with silver and rhinestone flowers, and two pairs of shoes: satin ballerina slippers for the celebration and rhinestone-studded high-heeled sandals for the ceremonial first dance with her father. Her silver jewelry from James Avery came courtesy of friends and family before the ceremony.

And on her hand, she wore a white gold ring -- a gift from her father. Even Ryann's hair reflected the garden theme: "It was a beautiful updo, with loops of hair that made it look like a flower," she says.

The Service The 2 p.m. service featured readings, which Ryann had selected herself. "It was beautiful," Ryann says. Afterward, a stretch Hummer limousine -- a surprise from her mom -- pulled up to take Ryann and her honor court to the reception. "It was a cool yellow limo, and we all squeezed in," recalls Ryann. "We sang and danced the whole way there!"

The Party At the banquet hall, Ryann's guests feasted on a catered, formal dinner of Chicken Marsala. Peach-colored flowers, ivy garlands, and topiaries decorated the room. "My mom hung paper lanterns above the dance floor to make it look like we were outside," says Ryann.

A mariachi band serenaded Ryann and her honor court during the meal, and then the sounds of a DJ started the party. Ryann cut into a white cake with light peach–colored icing as her brother played "Happy Birthday" on his saxophone. "Each of the girls in my court had her own special cake," says Ryann. "It was sooo good!"

Her favorite moment? "When my parents toasted me, and the guys in my honor court sang 'Las Mananitas' [a traditional Mexican birthday song]."

Gifts from the Heart The night of the rehearsal, Ryann gave the girls in her honor court a gold and pearl earring and necklace set she had found online.

She sent her guests home with sentimental gifts as well: her picture in small silver frames decorated with personalized ribbon. To top it off, at each table there were hand-wrapped chocolates and candles, along with pastel-colored mints.

Advice for Quince Girls "Start early!" says Ryann. "Remember that the decorations are just a backdrop -- don't get too caught up in the small details. And don't skimp on your photographer. We found someone who shot like a photojournalist, and now we can relive the day through our pictures!"

-- Joanna Philbin
photography © Great Expectations Photography

For the ingredients that made up this party, see the right-hand column of this page.