Cara's Magical 18th birthday Debut

                     

Meet Cara Everyone!

This vibrantly beautiful young lady just celebrated her 18th birthday debut and I was lucky enough to be asked to capture this special event for her.

What is a debut?

 Good question. That's exactly what was running through my head when asked if I'd like to shoot this event. 

By definition the debut is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration which celebrates a young ladies 18th birthday, the age of maturity. --Thank you wikipedia for defying it for us.

I learned  it's a whole lot more than just a birthday bash. 

It's a wedding size party filled with beautiful traditions, dances, and speeches.

The magical evening opened up with a prayer then a speech from the debutantes parents introducing their daughter giving way to Cara's grand entrance!

Immediately after followed an "18 Roses Dance" where 18 of Cara's closest male friends and family members each take turns to give her a rose and dance with her. The final rose was given to her by her father Vic which led into a beautiful father daughter dance. The tears were definitely streaming down many faces during this dance including of course, the proud dad.

The traditions continued afterwards with Cara's top 18 closest female friends and family members with the presentation of Candles. Each girl handed Cara a candle and then gave a short speech about why Cara is so special, what she means to them, and good wishes to come.

And if that weren't enough, the speeches continued with 18 of  Cara's closest adult "Treasures".  Each gave her a gift that will help her on her path to adulthood and an explanation of the gift.

The evening continued with food, dancing, more speeches and lots of laughter.

Cara was very thankful for this grand event given by her parents and those that helped her that she 

in turn gave a traditional closing speech thanking everyone but mainly her parents for all they have done for her. If anyone's eyes were dry before they defiantly weren't now. There was so much emotion and love streaming between Cara and her parents it was beautiful.

 

After everyone dried their eyes, the dance floor opened up  and the party carried into the night filled with laughter, love, and fun! 

I learned so much through this event and I feel honored to have been a part of it. 

I wish Cara the best of luck in her next path of life and I know she's gonna be successful at 

whatever she touches. This fall Cara will be heading off to college and starting the next chapter 

in her life. Congratulations on all your success and good luck in all you do! I wish nothing but

complete happiness and love to you and your family. Thank you so much for letting me be part of your special day!

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