The Debutant

Christine and her dance instructor were circling the ballroom dance floor and the lighting technicians were positioning the spotlights when I walked in. Dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, Christine patted herself dry and sipped on a bottle of water. On our way back to her hotel room, we talked about her morning and the sudden case of nerves she was experiencing. It wasn’t until I saw her costumes—four decadently designed pieces of lycra, spandex, and crystals—when I understood what an event this was going to be.

I was commissioned to shoot Christine’s Debutant Ball after shooting her sister’s wedding a few months ago, but I suppose I didn’t fully understand what a production these types of parties are. Christine donned a heavily beaded wedding dress and crown for her grand entrance and danced a cotillion with her 14-member court. The 200 on-lookers loudly applauded and Christine brilliantly smiled. Once dinner was complete, Christine quickly changed into her costumes and performed each ballroom combination number flawlessly. Her mother presented her with a bouquet of flowers and the DJ announced a special surprise…a surprise that awaited her on the other side of the heavy wooden ballroom doors…

Christine and her court ran outside and discovered a brand-new car resting outside, complete with a large, red bow.

The event was beautiful, the dancing was fabulous, but seeing Christine’s face light up was priceless.

Here are a few from yesterday…
Christine's crown







The dance shoes
















Christine getting her makeup done












Finishing touches











The stunning birthday cake

















Christine and her court, just before performing the cotillion