Madeleine’s 18th Birthday Party Photography at San Diego Marriott

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

The 18th birthday party can be a very special time for a teen, their family, and friends. It marks part of the transition to adulthood so it’s a time to celebrate. There can be a lot of preparation, celebration, and excitement and that’s exactly what I photographed when I had the pleasure recently of capturing Madeleine’s 18th birthday party photography at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

In Philippine tradition, Madeleine and her family threw a large party, complete with her own hand-picked entourage of 18 friends, plus one more to pair with herself. Madeleine wore a lovely, floor-length princess dress, while the girls of her court all wore matching pink dresses cut just above the knee. The guys were each wearing black pants, shirts, and suspenders, and pink bow-ties to match the girls’ dress. Madeleine’s partner wore a white shirt.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

Before the official program for the evening started, I began the 18th birthday party photography with some shots of the wonderfully decorated ballroom, whose theme was white and pink, with lovely flower centerpieces, all created by JD Productions. Following the table and room shots, it was time for some fun and playful posed photos of Madeleine and her court. In varying combinations, the Event Photography in San Diego captured the group in the courtyard outside of ballroom, and many more photos around the nicely lit swimming pool of the Mariott.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

The official Debut, the official name of this traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration, began first with a short prayer delivered by Madeleline’s mother. Next, each couple of the court were announced and entered the ballroom, until finally Madeleine and her partner entered at which time the court performed a “Grand Cotillion Dance”, which in this case was a modern waltz. The court also followed with a second dance. The dancing movement of the entourage and expressions of fun on their faces surely made for great 18th birthday party photography.

Throughout the evening, the master of ceremonies and music, and in fact even the creation of some great activities, was all thanks to the professional and brilliant work of Primo of Primo DJ’s. I’ve worked with Primo in the past at other events and weddings and everyone always loves the quality and fun he brings to events. And like Primo, the staff at San Diego Marriott Mission Valley did a really fantastic job of catering the event and were very attentive to all of the guests! I always like shooting at this Marriott.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

The 18th birthday party photography for Madeleine’s debut also featured a buffet meal for the 100 plus guests, and an “18 Roses Dance”. Here, 18 preselected males of the debutante’s choice each danced with Madeleine after presenting her with a single pink rose. Presenting the 18th rose was Madeleine’s father, and so the “18 Roses Dance” concluded with the memorable “Father and Daughter Dance”. Dancing with Madeleine just before her dad was her grandfather and uncles. It was certainly a sequence of dances not be forgotten, and thankfully captured perfectly with the 18th birthday party photography.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

Another key moment for the party was the 18 “candles”, where Madeleine’s female friends, aunt and grandmother each delivered a short speech about their relationship with her. There were laughs, happy moments recalled, as well as a few joyful tears in this special greeting. The intimate moments were just the right time for tight shots of the presenters using my telephoto lens, standard on all of my event and wedding shoots.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

Following the 18 candles was the birthday cake cutting, and then more great music from Primo for guests to dance to. Throughout the evening I also captured lots of posed family photos, and many with friends, too. The entire evening for the 18th birthday party photography took a bit over 6 hours and resulted in over a thousand memorable, creative and fun photos, which I’ve edited to ensure best quality for Madeleine, her family, and friends. You’ll see some of my photographer favorites photos in this article, but you can see the entire collection of the event photos by visiting my San Diego Event Photographer Client Galleries (password required).

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

With so many great 18th birthday party photography images created for Madeleine, the very best way for her, her family, and friends to enjoy the photos is going to be in one of my beautiful and affordable Italian-made event albums. These albums are personalized books that will excite the senses for the quality and story they tell. With each turn of the page you are able to see, share, and touch your beautiful photos in the only way that will truly relive the moment.

Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna
Madeleine 18th Birthday Party Photography at Mariott by San Diego Event Photographer Andrew Abouna

And like the beautiful wall portraits and photos I create, albums also totally justify the value paid for professional photography. And best of all, they keep your photos from getting lost as digital images buried somewhere on the computer. For more information about party and event photography or to see the lovely collection of album samples available for viewing in my studio, please contact me.