This past Saturday, the eleventh of July at eleven o’clock a.m., we photographed Peyton Case Washington’s Quinceañera. It had to be the most beautiful mass services I have ever seen. The whole day was so special and I am very excited to tell you all about it. Vick Washington, Peyton’s grandmother called me a few months ago to discuss the event. Her celebration is a hispanic tradition. She has dreamed of this day since Peyton was born. It was an birthday celebration she never had as a child, but a gift she wanted to give to her grandaughter. The Quinceañera celebration embraces religious customs, and the virtues of family and social responsibility. The Quinceañera celebrates Peyton, the young girl (la Quinceañera) and recognizes her journey from childhood to maturity. The customs highlight God, family, friends, music, food, and dance. Peyton’s Quinceanera celebration began with a religious ceremony at St. Mary’s on the Hill Catholic Church and was done by Father Regan. A Reception luncheon was held immediatly after in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Later that night there was a dance which included food and music, and, the most amazing choreographed waltz performed by the Quinceanera (Peyton and Luke) and her Court. Let me tell you, it was amazing!!! It is traditional for the Quinceanera to choose special friends to participate in what is called the Court of Honor. Usually, these young people are her closest friends, her brothers, sisters, cousins – the special people in her life with whom she wants to share the spotlight. The Quinceanera’s Court of Honor can be comprised of all young girls (called Dama), all young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both. These were the members of Peyton’s Court: Ladies: Madison Burroughs, Julia Blakeney, Hannah Blakeney, Ashley Taylor, Morgan Compton, Kelsey Burack, Brie Cook Georgianna Malchow, Ashley Benson, Emily Skidmore, and Cameron McCormack. The Escort of Honor was: Luke Elliot. The gentlemen were: Alex Rogers, Zach Pace, Dallas Fowler, Zach Lovering, Dane Anderson, Bryan Burack, Dean Culpepper, Ross Whitehorne, Joseph Byrd, John Quinn and Brendan Douglas. Peyton’s parents and grandparents (Ronnie and Vicki Washington, Eric and Melissa Washington and Ms. Amanda Gary) invited friends and family to the Quinceanera. Also present were Peyton’s brother’s and sisters, Riley, Andie, Diego, Landry and Cruz. For her Quinceanera Peyton wore a beautiful beaded ball gown with a tiara on her head and a cross on her necklace, with her Court dressed in gowns and tuxedos. Many of the young friends attend school with Peyton at Aquanis High School were Peyton is the youngest member of her sophomore class. And in closing I just want to mention this, the mix of family and friends, young and old, near and far all so happy and full of life – all combine to make this one of the nicest celebrations anyone could have. Peyton you are truly blessed. I hope you enjoy the pictures from your Quinceanera.
Augusta Photographer-Sally Kolar
