The Italian-born designer has worked in the Miami area since 1972, creating evening gowns for the likes of Madonna and Gloria Estefan and inaugural ball gowns for several Central American first ladies. She has also designed hundreds of gowns for brides and quinceañeras in South Florida.

Though fashions change, Arango is proud of the timelessness of her designs.

“It all depends on what the girl wants,” she said. “Every girl has her dream, often a dream she’s been working on, expanding and adding detail to, since she was a child. She knows how she wants to look on her special day. It’s my goal to understand her dream and help her realize it.”

She works to help each young woman have the dream night by making sure the gown doesn’t just conform to a fantasy, but is also beautiful for her figure and face.

“One of the most important things I do is give them advice,” she said.

Her boutique on Miracle Mile is full of inspiration, with hundreds of samples in every color of the rainbow lining the walls.

A hopeless romantic, Arango came to South Florida after meeting and falling in love with a Cuban-American lawyer.

“I met him in Rome in front of the Trevi Fountain,” she said. “It was love at first sight.”

The couple was married in a church in Rome at midday. Her own gown, which she designed, is evidence of how styles have changed. It was off-white, with short sleeves and a lace overlay. And it was short, something very few of the gowns she designs today are.

Though her influences are Italian, designers like Emilio Schuberth, she has incorporated South Florida into her designs, using the classic guayabera style to adorn everything from ball gowns to mother of the bride suits.
“The guayabera is a piece of clothing that is very tropical,” she said. “It goes with the ocean and the sun and the life here.”

She’s done weddings where every member of the wedding party wore a guayabera or a guayabera-inspired gown.

Every Arango gown is custom made, with the sewing and embroidery and all the embellishments done in her shop. She only works in silk, but the embellishments run the gamut from simple lace overlays to complicated embroidery and beading. A gown may take as long  as a month and a half to create if it’s design is complex. She can do rush jobs and sometimes does for brides who are marrying soon or have traveled to Miami to get their gown and won’t be able to come back in a month to pick it up. Many of her clients are from Central America. Arango’s confections start at $2,000.

Arango also occasionally adapts a mother’s wedding gown for her daughter, adjusting it not just for fit, but for the daughter’s tastes.

“That can be difficult because sometimes the mother really wants the daughter to wear her dress, but the daughter doesn’t want to,” she said. Often, Arango is able to help the two compromise, with a dramatically different dress based on mother’s original.

Over the years, Arango’s  business has become a family affair, with two of her daughters and her sister working with her.  She has four other daughters and a son, spread out from Miami to Rome. She designed the wedding dresses for her two daughters who are married.

“This is what I love to do, so naturally I loved doing it for them,” she said.

Photo by: Jeruel Garado

“I love doing events that are not the norm,” said Cruz. “I really enjoy working for people that other events planners would consider too ‘different.’ I love a good challenge.”

It is this zest for creative and innovative ideas that makes her one of the most sought-after event planners and party trend experts in South Florida today. In fact, Cruz’s unexpected accents and faithful attention to the very last detail makes her a coveted addition to the party-planning process for modern-day individuals, couples, and high profile corporations both here and beyond—having planned events in over 10 states and as far as Chile.

Becoming a Star

This Miami-born planner has been an arbiter of style and innovation in event planning for almost 13 years—with Ana Cruz Event Planning launching in 2001. But her roots as a former Citibank employee are a far cry from the creative field she is in now. “The day that I left corporate America, I swore that I would never compromise my way of having to please anyone and that I would never again wear pantyhose,” said Cruz in her blog.

It is this devotion to doing things her own way that, in 2005, landed Cruz a role on the Style Network’s reality wedding series “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away,” which features wedding planning at exotic locations.

Cruz was initially concerned about the producers and cameras following her around, and she was nervous that she would humiliate herself by making a serious mistake. “Luckily, I haven’t and the production team turned out to be really nice,” Cruz said.

And, while she was always confident in her skills, she wasn’t sure if she would be a fit for reality TV. “I thought of myself as just a local Miami event planner who started her own business to bend some rules and spend more time with family,” she said. “[But] that’s when it hit me: My clients, and what I do for them, would make great TV!”

One example of that great TV includes an “off the beaten path” Miami wedding that combined two strikingly different elements – Asian design and disco flair. To do so, she incorporated an Asian influence in the food and the decor (think Cherry Blossom centerpieces and Foo Dogs at the venue entrance). To incorporate disco, the bride and groom took dancing lessons and duplicated a “Saturday Night Fever” disco, complete with outfits, for the first dance. “The themes clashed but were a reflection of the bride and groom’s unique style,” said Cruz. “Just like the couple, they ended up blending beautifully.”

It’s this distinctive style, along with Cruz’s sense of humor, down-to-earth demeanor, resourcefulness, and ability to bond with her clients that quickly won the confidence of the viewers. All it took were few episodes to make her a crowd favorite and earn her the title of the “Latina Carrie Bradshaw.”

Focused On Her Clients

Despite her success, Cruz remains intent on giving her clients what they want, whatever it takes. To do so, she encourages her clients to “own” the day through unexpected touches—whether using very bold colors or the latest in intelligent lighting or an Eiffel tower made of flowers to remind everyone where the groom proposed.

According to Cruz, her perfect client is an adventurous one who is looking to surprise their guests. “They want people to leave the wedding saying, ‘I never saw that before,’” said Cruz. “My job is to help them do that—and get that reaction in a positive way.”

Figuring out how to make the event what the bride and groom want comes down to a give-and-take between Cruz and her clients. But according to Michelle Griley-Badillo, Cruz’s former client turned friend/stylist, it’s also something that is simply innate to Cruz. “Ana has this ability to immediately sense what kind of person a bride is,” she said. “She simply feels the bride and knows exactly what kind of things she wants even with just one meeting.”

Looking Toward the Future

A true trailblazer in the event planning world, Cruz also appears regularly as a popular event-planning consultant on local radio, television and news media outlets. In addition, she provides “Boot Camp” seminars around the country for individuals and brides who need her services but are short on time or funding. In these seminars, she teaches clients things like how to interview vendors and ask them the right questions. “It is important to me that clients don’t get ripped off because they don’t know how things work,” said Cruz.

She is also developing a line of celebration products for brides and grooms that will include everything from his-and-hers planners to bamboo underwear. In addition, she is launching an exclusive custom handbag line, featuring bold colors that “are perfect for the risk-taking bride,” according to Cruz.

Though Ana’s forte is weddings, she also handles social soirees, contemporary Quinces and corporate events. Among her local company clients are Citibank, The March of Dimes, Miami Coalition for the Homeless, Samantha’s Purpose, Quirch Foods and many others.

Cruz has been happily married to husband Omar for almost 11 years, and they have two gorgeous sons, Jake and Collin.

Starting in the next issue of South Florida Party Planner Magazine, Ana Cruz will be writing a column. If you have questions or interesting events to share with her, you may email her at anacruz@sflppmagazine.com

I remember when mom and I were deeply buried in one of our typical mother-daughter disagreements and she says, “Jazzmin, you are such a material girl,” that’s when I instantly know I just had to have a Madonna Theme with lots of Diamonds and Crystals. It just had to be a one fine BLINGY Affair.

Step one was a critical hunt for the best possible choreographer there is. As THE BEST could only spell for one notorious individual, that person just had to be the legendary and highly acclaimed, Rafael Espinosa.

Rafael is known as among the most gifted and brilliant producers of traditional Quinces. He even orchestrated my aunt’s Quince back in 1973, and it was no less than perfect with a timeless style and a captivating theme. Mr. Espinosa is among the few who are able to encapsulate the desires of our elders to be true to our cultural way of life and contemporary foresights that reflect modern individual styles.

Theme fixed, our next mission was to rummage for the Totally Bling Dress only for the fervent Material Girl. That’s when we found the amazing designs crafted by the one and only Ms. Gabriella Arango. True to her vision, this artist created my dream dress right before my eyes with just a quick puff. Arango carefully connects and explains with me my ideas into writing not disregarding a single detail of my much dreamed of dress.

Perfect parties can only come with the perfect location. The Material Gala is definitely one imperative factor for a Quince’s night to fly high. Shortly after considering the usual hot spots around town, my mom and I found The Alexander Hotel as we were driving down Collins Avenue. With its stunning Mahogany Wood Stairways, Crystal Chandeliers and a very lucrative and enchanting interior design, it was exactly what we wanted. With a wonderful cocktail veranda, an ocean view that’s breathtaking and a ballroom accommodating at least 220 guests, we said this had to be a dream place.

My mother became the perfect Party Planner for my dream night. She made use of Gables Linens to embellish the stage and table linens around. The stage was dressed with flawless drapes of fabrics, the best lighting, and the best imported table linens made of copper taffeta embroiders. Truly beautiful and exquisite. Ana Paz Cakes, on the other hand, knocked together a 5-layer cake that we all loved and was as absolutely gorgeous as it was extremely delicious.

Curtains opened as Keyser Gazmuri and George Anthony Valladeres announced my grand entrance and this marked my formal presentation to society as our tradition affirms. My Quinces featured 14 couples with me to represent “The Quince 15.”

I was then received by my grandparents William and Angela Dwyer. My first dance was with my grandfather, William Dwyer, who brought me the fondest of memories attuned with the elegant waltz.

My mother Mayra Dwyer dedicated a song called “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me” as we walked together thru the ballroom. My father Arsenio Rojas and I danced to “Baby You.”

From there I joined my escort and we charmingly danced to Cha-Cha, Salsa, Material Girl, Merengue and the Conga.  My two beautiful flower girls, my sister Yaraeli Rojas and Leanne Moreira, accompanied by my cousin Kevin Gazmuri, together with the gentlemen and the ladies of my court, delivered diamonds for me as Madonna’s “Material girl” was played in the background.

Swaying and dancing the night away with my godfather Mr. Rogelio Suarez, my uncles Richard Brisbin, Antonio Sanchez, Pedro Gazmuri, and David Torres were also among the many highlights of my special night.

As the party progressed late at night and we all danced to the hottest music, some special friends of ours (owners of “Poe Boys Music Group”) uncovered a surprise, by having “Flo Rida”, “Bristo”, “David Lynn”, “Brianna”, and “Mista Maz” perform live. This shook the night away!

To express my deepest thanks and appreciation to my mother and my family for a dream bash come true, I dedicated the song “I Believe in You” as part of the final culminating activities of the night.

Looking back, every time that incredible evening would come to cross my mind, I would feel that somehow saying thanks doesn’t seem to be enough, so I’d like to say, “I love you and thank you all for sharing the most amazing moment of my life. You all truly made my dream come true.”

One up-and-coming business is up for the challenge: Miami Munchies, a catering group based in Miami Lakes, began in February. The business evolved from a small cantina service that provided meals to offices and other local venues.

The Miami Lakes-based business, which is run by Mary, was the result of an unsteady economy. Before January, Mary worked in finance. After she was laid off from her position, she had to turn to something else for work.

She realized that the food business – though challenging – was the way to go.

Now Mary is the head of a booming business with a passion for taste and a love for good company.

Miami Munchies delivers hors d’oeuvres packed with flavor and texture. Some of my favorites include golden turnovers stuffed with chorizo cantimpalo and Manchego cheese. For something crisp and fresh, look no further than cherry stuffed tomatoes with salmon or tuna.

For entrees, this caterer keeps it simple: chicken drumettes served in a guava barbecue glaze kept me licking my fingers. For something a little different, try their cheeseburger meatballs – a tasty new twist on meatloaf. But if you want to stay traditional, go for their ropa vieja (shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce), a staple dish for many Hispanic families.

“The quality of our food? Forget about it,” said Mary. “It’s the best.”

Miami Munchees aims to provide good food at the greatest quality while keeping customers in mind.

For more information on Miami Munchies, please contact via telephone at  305-562-6657 or via email miamimunchies@yahoo.com.  A web site for Miami Munchies is in the works.

Rafael Angel Espinosa, choreographer and South Florida’s leading authority in the production of a Hispanic tradition known as “Quinces,” is truly a master of this ritual. Espinosa has devoted over 40 years to his art, and his talents include choreography and master of ceremony. His long career has taken him all across the United States and the Caribbean.

“I am above all flexible and can readily adapt to whatever the moment requires,” said Espinosa. “I never get upset—life is too short and I still love what I do.”

Quinceaneras

Among most Hispanic cultures Quinces is a formal presentation of daughters to society, an ancient tradition that is similar to the Jewish “Bat Mitzvah,” the Anglo “Sweet Sixteen” or “Cotillion.” In each case, the ritual symbolizes the right of passage from adolescents to a young lady.

How does Espinosa plan and prepare for a Quinces event? “First, the Quinceanera and the family decide on the choreography/theme for the event, “he said”. Then I make it clear to them that once committed, we must have at least seven to eight practices, or how ever long it takes to make this a once-in-a-life-time experience perfect. I’m with them through the entire process to insure a successful event.”

In order to create a memorable celebration, Espinosa focuses on the traditions that never change—the parts of the ceremony that make it what it is. “Quinces used to be simpler, the young participants more cooperative, and the ritual was more traditional,” he said. “The emphasis now is on who has the most elaborate, high class presentation, with the biggest names to insure a truly famous event. Still, some traditions never change. It is a very sentimental experience. The Quinceanera dances with the father, grandfather, or godfather and a partner to choreography of the waltz or feature dance, thankfully never change.”

Building on Hispanic Traditions

Espinosa’s humble beginnings in his home town Caibarien, Las Villas Cuba, typifies the charm and old world gallantry that sets this master choreographer apart from the rest. Espinosa immigrated to South Florida in July of 1962 and attended Miami Jackson High school. Espinosa fondly remembers, “I began my first events in a Christian church for a youth group, and I had a band called the ‘Cokes.’ They were strictly forbidden by church policy from dancing so we could only march a procession to present the young lady.”

He believes that his roots help him to make each event special. “I also believe my experience as a pioneer in South Florida entertainment gives me a unique understanding of our local Hispanic traditions,” he said. “When I began there were no DJ’s with elaborate lights and sound systems. We only had live bands, like The Miami Sound Machine that gave the world Gloria Estefan. We served food on paper boxes or paper plates.”

Espinosa is deeply devoted to his wife of 43 years, Raquel Viton, their three children and two grandchildren. “La Familia, the family is his foundation. Although he began as a Master of ceremonies, today he is a master of all types of events including Weddings, Baby showers, Bridal showers, Anniversaries, Social events, as well as his specialty “Los Quinces”.

From Simply Elegant to Fabulously Elaborate, Mr. Rafael A Espinosa, is a truly inspirational artist and gentleman. For questions and any inquiries for Rafael Espinosa email him at respinosa@sflppmagazine.com.

That is why party perfection is exactly what Gables Linens offers its clients then and even today.

For more than 15 years, Puerto Rican Sarah Paz-Claro has been supplying just the right linens perfect to light up and doll up various parties and weddings all over South Florida.

A Match Made For Parties

Located at the heart of Coral Gables, Gables Linens started when Sarah and her sisters started working with the family business. At one point back, it occurred to Sarah that there were no good chair covers designs available for the industry.

“Back then, everyone just settled for a one size fits all,” explains Sarah.

Incidentally, it was also during those times that she met her husband, whose parents were professional upholsters.

Sarah explained that she and her husband started talking about developing a family business that custom-designs covers for different chairs in hotel ballrooms.

Business then boomed as Sarah gave a shot not just in providing linens to parties but in organizing events as well.

“From there, we expanded to tablecloths, overlays, napkins and with my background in cakes and now in linens I found myself being able to comfortably delve at different angles of the wedding for people,” relayed Sarah.

The Shot to Success

Sarah’s first try on events organizing was for the wedding of a friend’s daughter. She was tasked to orchestrate a certainly challenging 4-day wedding, which included a Biltmore Hotel rehearsal for 75 guests, Vizcaya Wedding with more than 300 guests, followed by Williams Island Ocean Club party with 400 guests and a farewell brunch at the client’s beach home with over 200 guests.

Surviving the wedding was a hard win but this definitely made Sarah a certified expert events organizing and opened the door to numerous opportunities.

“With that event, it felt like I had taken an intensive course [on events planning] and graduated. The event included planning not just for the wedding but also group transportation, itineraries and cultivating a good family relationship,” said Sarah.

Following that success, Sarah was able to do over 100 weddings including many Catholic, Episcopalian, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and countless interfaith weddings. “I have been there- done that, as they say,” she says.

Turning-point

But everything was not a bed of roses for this Miami-born lady. Last year, Sarah had a serious health problem which allowed her to give up one of her passions.

“Since my brain hemorrhage last year, however, I have given up wedding planning and dedicated myself to my linen and lighting business,” said Sarah.

With Sarah dedicated to her linen business, she is now more hands-on with the set-up of an event. This difficult point in her life may seem to have limited her, but not too long. For it was when focusing on a single venture that Sarah found her niche. She found where she and what she ought to be.

“I always use my clients for inspiration.  I am perceptive. When guests have a hard time expressing themselves, I try to find few key elements so that I am able to understand and assist them in developing their event.

Sarah further said that it gives her the greatest pleasure when she sees her clients’ personality, tastes and desires evolve and come to life on their special day with their assistance

“I always keep in mind that it is an assistance,” said Sarah “and never to impose or try to reenact a version of my own wedding.”

When asked if she always knew that this is what she wants to do, Sarah said that growing up with her mom made her realize what she was meant to do.

“We grew up helping our mom bake the cake. We used to make the flowers and the leaves on the cake and I always enjoy it since I would occasionally dip my fingers into the batter along the way. It was all very fun for me,” she shares.

Today, Gables Linens remains a flourishing family enterprise. Shared with her mom and husband, the shop evolved from a small cake shop to a one-stop event shop.

“It is very convenient for brides or quinceneras to come to our store because they can just order everything here without the hassle of going to different stores. It’s like a one-stop shop,” said Sarah.

Sarah also added that their family wanted to make sure that the people on the go, like brides or parents of quinceneras, would not go through the hardships of jumping from one store to another to look for their much desired items and end up wasting their time.

“With everyone busy right now, visiting a boutique like ours will be every girl’s haven,” said Sarah.

Gables Linens is located at 2714 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information you may contact Sarah Paz through (305) 444 3202 or (305) 441 1156 and visit www.gableslinen.com

But just before you get your party started, here are simple tricks from our little beauty black book that will make you steal the look of the stars and shine like a runway goddess on this special night.

1. Dressed to Kill

   The party dress defines the theme that you’d want to convey on this special evening. What you wear is how you want to be remembered. That is why ball gowns, party and cocktail dresses alike need not settle to anything less than perfect for a Quinceañera.

   If you prefer that Prom Queen feel, go full out with a long, classic princess cut ball gown. Not a fan of long gowns? You may go for a nice flowing dress that falls above the knee instead. A more daring look on your special night can transpire by slipping into a fitted dress that rightly hugs your body or a jewel-toned dress that matches your skin tone. For a classy and chic style, one can opt to tog up in a little black dress or a simple satin dress.

   No matter what style you choose, the perfect dress can only be realized by planning ahead. Do research on a desired look that you want to achieve for that special evening. Get to know the colors that best suit you. Know your body type, its flaws and its strengths. Solicit pieces of advice from friends and experts. Never compromise your comfort over style or the latest trend. Study looks that catches your eyes and find out which looks good on you. Master an outfit’s outline and distinguish the right size that makes an impact. Something plain and effortless can instantly look spectacular when proportions are well worked out. Always remember, price doesn’t always equate quality and beauty of clothing. It is how you carry it.

2. The Mane Event

   The Mis Quince’s crowning glory is her hair.

   Your hair speaks a lot about your personality. A greasy and tangled crowning glory is the last thing you want on your special night. No matter what hairstyle you plan to get, a clean, well-conditioned and fragrant hair is a definite must-have. Hairstyles should also tone with the shape of one’s face and the type of hair.

   Washing the hair with the right shampoo is essential. Thin hair strands could use an effective volumizing shampoo like Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume. For normal to thick hair strands, regular shampoos will work just fine, then blow dry with preferred styling products.

   If you’re aiming for straight flattering locks a la Gwyneth Paltrow, straighten your hair with a hair flat iron. Applying an anti-frizz product like Citre Shine Spray Laminator keeps your locks from going wayward. If you are going for a sultrier look akin to Gossip Girl’s Serena van der Woodsen, curling your hair just at the bottom might be the key. For hair that is naturally very curly, straightening it with a flat iron first before curling it will do wonders. For a naturally straight hair, a curling product like Jonathan Create Curl Curling Serum will help bring out your most desired natural waves. If you’re feeling ultra-elegant, go for the usual French twist or an up-do, which you can get for a minimum price at a local hairdresser.

   Accessorize your hair with a tiara or a stud embellished clip to get that elegant and stunning look on your hair. Make sure your hair accessory is just right for your outfit. Top your hairstyle for the night with a shine spray product like Aquage Beyond Shine to eliminate frizz and make your hair super shiny and perfect-looking like a princess.

3. Face Primer

   Your makeup can either make or break you. Looking your best is easy. All it takes is the correct set of information, following some steps and the right products.

   Before applying any makeup on your face, make sure that you are well-cleansed and moisturized to give you a clearer skin. When it comes to makeup, rely on products that do not contain harsh ingredients to avoid skin irritations and break-outs. Find the shades that match and look well on your skin type. Choosing the right makeup to coincide with your outfit and the theme of the event is very important.

   For parties at daytime, use the neutral tones and for a night party use dark tones. For a tan or dark skin, it is best to use bronzing powder than a blush-on. On the other hand, a peach colored blush is perfect to achieve a sun-kissed look. Never fail to use a lip liner that matches your lipstick. Lip liners help fill the upper and lower sides of your lips to make it fuller. To look more radiant and blemish-free on this special night, add glitter to your look by applying body skimmer to your arms, legs and shoulders. Look for all-over powders that have a subtle sparkle. You can dust it on your shoulders too.

   Add on a special something on your look to highlight a feature of your face. It may be false eyelashes or glitters to really stand out. Your makeup should be more dazzling than your everyday look, but it shouldn’t be something overdone as well.

   After the party, never forget to remove your makeup to allow your skin to breathe and prevent clogged pores and blemishes.

4. Glitz with Glam

   The type of accessory you choose depends on the look of your gown as well as the kind of character you want to express. You may be wearing the same outfit, but accessorizing it will give a twist of magic. At times, choosing a point of focus and accessorizing around it does the trick. It could be your waist, your shoulders or your legs.

   Pearls make a grand statement when mixed with formal dresses. They are even perfect when paired with most traditional dresses, or a basic choker-style necklace. Long strands of pearl with gold or silver chains are great on a strapless dress. If you’re aiming for fancier bling and sparkle, rhinestones are the way to go. Rhinestone jewelry adds a lot of glare to your look. Conversely, wearing bangles and bracelets is the best way to accentuate and doll up a sleeveless or tube outfit.

   Rummage through your mom’s jewelry box or hit the nearby mall for amazing finds and pieces that will accent your party dress best. When planning to invest on pricey pieces, stick to those styles that you think you can still wear ten years later.

   Accessorize with no fear. Experiment for that ideal style.

5. In Her Shoes

   Any plain dress can instantly look stunning when matched with a great pair of heels. Cinderella wore the perfect dress during that much awaited evening, yet it’s her shoes that everyone remembers. Your shoes complete your every outfit. Bad shoes could definitely ruin even the most awesome and stylish clothing.

   Don’t just throw on any old pair of pumps for this special night. A classy and nice footwear could just be your ticket to instant stardom. Shoes can enhance your posture. It gives you a better look. Stilettos will give you an extra confident look. The classic pumps and wedges set off an edgy and more traditional look. Not so comfortable in heels? Lucky you! Pretty ballet flats are in style this season. They come in nearly every color. Choose a pair to match your dress precisely, or accent it with a metallic pair.

   Whichever pair you choose, practice dancing in them as well. Remember, you will be dancing the night away so these good shoes are exactly what you need.

6. Bag it!

   This may be something you may forego if you feel like you don’t need one. Though it may be too small, you need to stock your purse with all the must-haves like your cash, makeup, facial tissue, cell phone, digital camera, bobby pins and even emergency band aids. These things inside your little tote or clutch bag are as important as your dress and shoes.

   Mini envelope-style clutches are simply classic and glamorous. Tiny bags on long chains or straps are practical and more relaxed. Antique-looking vintage bags, tiny metallic crocheted pouches, velvet purses— the possibilities are merely endless. With the wide array of bags in trendy styles these days, you’ll be glad you’ll even need one.

7. Gloves Away

   If you are opting for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme, donning on a simple, glamorous sheath dress, long opera gloves (in black or white) will give you that Audrey Hepburn signature guise.

   Sweet, pretty dresses will look extra-romantic with a pair of dainty crocheted gloves. For Mis Quinces opting for that gothic or punky look, fingerless or black lace gloves will work best on you. Gloves are also perfect to make minimalist and unadorned outfits fly.

   Gloves may not go with every dress style. However, if you’ve chosen a look that works on them, they’ll instantly add an extra class to the outfit.

8. Scents and Sensibility

   A signature scent can be that distinct smell that everybody will most likely remember. The right fragrance in the right amount will give you that added mystery. With all of that dancing, a little spray of your favorite perfume will keep you smelling fresh for the rest of the night. Overdoing it might send the wrong impression, though, so it’s good to just keep it light.

   If you have a perfume you like, add a bit to your hair product and you’ll exude a lovely scent all night. If you don’t usually wear any, try a soft, delicate perfume like White Shoulders or L´Air du Temps.

   For a more personalized scent, look for single-note perfume oils that you can mix to create your own memorable fragrance. Try rose, gardenia, lavender, lemongrass or even cinnamon to leave a fine and lasting impression.

9. Underneath your clothes

   Wearing the right underwear is imperative to any occasion. A dress worn with the wrong undergarments h can ruin its lines which would draw attention to all the wrong places.

   A VPL (visible panty line) is certainly not attractive and can even ruin your night. A pair of Spanx might be handy if you look bulky in the waistline. Even thin women look sleeker and put together with some sort of smoothing garment under their dresses. A special hose can complete your look, whether they’re barely-there sheers or flirty lace.

   Gown couture and a variety of clothes often demand special undergarments to match it. Different dress styles hold different lingerie underwear requirements with them. Explore every outfit and try to identify these requirements to pull off that complete look. A good underwear is always better than bare.

On your special night, never leave without these must-haves, but keep in mind that confidence will always be every Quinceañera’s best accessory. Carrying oneself with composure and flair pulls off the whole package seamlessly.

As Dolce & Gabbana would say, “What matters most is to be confident and never betray your personality and personal taste. Be yourself and that is stylish.”

Always keep in mind that this is your night and the best ticket to a happy ending is to simply be bold and have fun! After all, every princess deserves a happily ever after.

I started planning “Mis Quinces” 9 months prior to my fifteenth birthday to make sure we had enough time for everything we needed to do. Finding a ballroom for the party was the number one priority. My mom and I looked around from Pembroke Pines to Hialeah and after 5 ballrooms; we came across the Royal Palace Ballroom in Hialeah. From the moment I walked in, I fell in love with the place. After seeing their ballroom on the first floor and how beautifully it was decorated, I knew we had found the place. Of course, my mom wanted me to keep looking so we did, but nothing compared to the Royal Palace. So the decision was made, Royal Palace would host what would be a very special day in my life, “Mis Quinces”.

Finding my dress was next on the agenda since it was very important that I find the right one. We went to a couple of places in Miami but I was not impressed with any of them until we went to Zaya’s in Hialeah. They had a lot of pretty dresses but none that completely captivated my attention. The lady there was very attentive as she said that they could make a special dress for me if I didn’t like any of the ones I saw. I took her on her word as I told her that I wanted an ivory dress with black lace and so they made it happen. When I came in for the fitting I was overjoyed with how beautiful it looked and how well it fit. The lady at Zaya’s was so pleased with the way the dress had come out that she said she would showcase it in their yearly fashion show.

One night, I was flipping through the channels, looking for a movie to watch when I came across the movie “Moulin Rouge”, it was right there and then that I knew I had found the theme for my party. The theme would be Paris and the colors would be black, red and gold. Finding the right designers to bring this set to reality was not an easy task until we came across Fairytale Designs. They designed every detail to my specifications and they made the Paris theme come to live. It was like being in Paris, I’m sure. Odalys made the flowers and arrangements which included the red roses and orchids that I wanted, with black feathers to compliment the theme of the party.

Of course no birthday party is complete without a birthday cake. Divine Delicacies made an ivory three layered cake with black lace icing to resemble my dress and added fresh red roses with black feathers on top of the cake to complete it.

There was only one detail remaining and that was to find the dress that I would wear after I took my “Quinces” dress off. We found exactly what I wanted in no time at all.

Finally, everything in preparation for the party was done. It was time to schedule my pictures at Vizcaya and the beach. After two days of running back and forth and changing from one outfit to the next, all my pictures came out great as the weather was perfect, thanks to Corrales Photo Studio.

Not a minute too soon, the day was here, it was time to go to the party and enjoy the night with my parents, family and friends. As the party began, I enjoyed the appetizers and the time I spent with my guests. Then I went to the dressing room to change into my “Quinces” dress. The moment that I had been waiting for all my life was almost here. I remember hiding behind the stage and waiting as my mom, dad, grandpa and little cousin were introduced to everyone. As I was introduced to my guests and I came out, it was all I had imagined and more. My long awaited dream had finally come true.

I danced with my dad (Todd Raia), my grandpa (Rigoberto Martinez) and my best friend John Falco; it was a very special moment in time, definitely one for the books. As a token of my appreciation and love, I gave flowers to my mom (Lucia Benitez), grandma (Lucia Martinez), aunts and uncles as well as a miniature birthday cake just like mine to 14 special people in my life.

When we sat down for dinner, we watched a video clip of my life from the time I was born to the present. As the video played right before my eyes, it was like taking a trip down memory lane and remembering all the very special moments in my life.

Then my mom totally surprised me with an unexpected DVD message from the artist Mims, where he wished me a happy birthday. After we finished dinner, we cut the cake and I danced a little before changing into my other dress. I danced the night away and enjoyed every minute of it in the company of my family and friends.

This night would not have been possible without my parents. I want to say thank you for making my dream a reality, it was a beautiful and unforgettable night.

For instance, in the “Latin Culture” there’s a very special tradition that is still to this day treasured and practiced. It takes place when a girl turns fifteen years of age and she is introduced to society as a young lady by having a debutant ball called “Quinces” in Spanish or “Fifteens”.

From an early age, grandmothers and mothers alike talk to their little girls about this special time in their lives. As they share their own experiences with them, they create a yearning for the things of the past to be renewed in the present and passed on into the future. Little girls begin to dream of following the same path that has been laid before them by those special women in their lives, while their family prepares financially to make their dreams come true.

Turning fifteen is special in every way, for on this day they will receive a total make over that will transformed them from little girls to young ladies embarking on their journey into adulthood. For most of them this will be the first time that they will ware makeup and heels to match their custom-made dress.

As time goes by and their fourteenth birthday approaches, many decisions need to be made in order to prepare for their “Quinces”. The first one is deciding whether to have a small gathering of family and friends or an extravagant ball. Next, determining how many guests will attend is crucial in deciding where the event will be held. Guest list and invitations are only the beginning, there is a choreographer and photographer to be chosen, music to be listened to, menus to be tasted, and of course we all know it’s all about the dress. Choosing the right dress for the occasion is as important as deciding what friends and family members will make up the court of 14 couples that will represent the first 14 years in the debutante’s life.

By the time it’s all said and done, their special day has arrived. Some cultures will start of the day with a religious ceremony in their church, followed by the debutant ball or “Quinces”. The ballroom where the “Quinces” will be held has been tastefully decorated according to the theme that has been chosen by the “Quinceañera” the Spanish term used for debutant. Beautiful flower arrangements decorate the tables where the guests will be seated based on their relationship with each other.

Once all the guests have arrived, the choreography with the 14 couples begin, while on stage and behind the curtain a nervous “Quinceañera” awaits to be introduced to society as a young lady. She is wearing a beautiful dress, not a hair out of place and her tiara proclaims her princess for the night. Her make up has been professionally done and her water proof mascara allows her tears to flow without leaving any trace behind. She has waited what seems like an eternity for this moment, a moment in time that will unite all the generations of women past and present.

As the curtains open and the “Quinceañera” is introduced, she is greeted by her father or significant father figured and lead to the dance floor where they will dance a waltz. By this time both family and friends alike are holding back the tears as their memories of this young lady no longer a little girl plays in their minds. Several dances come and go both old and new reminding everyone that while some things change, others like tradition remain the same.

Once the choreography is done, a toast is made, gifts are given, dinner is served and dancing begins. Dancing merges the gap between the generations as they dance and enjoy the night away. Time seems to fly as all too soon the last dance is played and the ball comes to an end. As the guests start to gather their things, the “Quinceañera” is surrounded by her friends as they try to hang on to the last minutes of the night.

Memories have been made, ones that will out live the test of time as they are passed on. Generations will come and go but traditions remain to remind us of where we have come from and where we are today. Nothing is gained if memories are not shared because by sharing them, they live in us and the ones we love.

When someone says, “Hey, let’s eat Italian”, automatically we think spaghetti and meatballs or some other tried and true pasta dish. The truth is Italian food is quite diverse. Veal, chicken, fish, beef, fresh garden vegetables, salads, yes, Italian food is very well rounded. That being said, I would like to introduce you to Chef Massimo Mammarella, from Massimo’s Italian Cuisine. A native of Rimini, Italy, a seaside resort town on the Adriatic, Massimo uses thirty years of culinary experience to tempt your taste buds. When asked why he chose to be a chef it became apparent that cooking has been a legacy in the Mammarella family. Massimo left Italy and came to the United States in 1999. More specifically he came directly to Miami where he met Clara Hernandez, a Cuban-American. Massimo and Clara married in 2001. In November of 2005 they opened Massimo’s Italian Cuisine in Miramar, Florida. Massimo says that when his guests come to his restaurant they have a poor concept of what really makes up Italian food. Massimo wastes no time in introducing them to the finest northern Italian cuisine this side of the Atlantic. No, its not just pasta, Massimo’s home town of Rimini lies at the culinary heart of “Emilia Romagna”, where French and Austrian influence can be felt in the food of the land. Here, rice, polenta and beans are the regnant food trio and pork is used extensively in sausage and hams. Massimo uses his thirty years of experience to show his guests just how well rounded Italian food can be. In a world of “iron chefs” and celebrity cooking shows, Massimo says he “does not compete but only cooks”.

At Massimo’s Italian Cuisine there is a preset menu but Massimo says he can also create an A La Carte menu, after listening to your requests and needs he can recommend a personally designed menu for your special event. Using indoor as well as outdoor seating, the restaurant has capacity for 70–80 guests. Massimo is usually booked with one event on a weekly basis and he closes the restaurant for the duration of the special event, ensuring your privacy and enjoyment. Massimo has catered several weddings, baby showers, birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries and corporate events in his restaurant. His concern is your satisfaction and, of course, that you “leave with a full stomach”. Everything at Massimo’s is made fresh in the kitchen and the kitchen is in view of the sitting area so you can watch your event unfold before your eyes. So come in for a taste of northern Italy… It’s not just pasta!