Quinceanera - Bianca Chivers turns 15
Published: Dec. 28, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. PST

-
After a hours of doing hair and makeup in at the LaQuinta Inn, Bianca Chivers (the quinceanera) and other girls gather in a room.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Keenan Walch pulls off his bow tie to re-do it.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Bianca and her court wait in the Slavonian Hall for a decision on where to go shoot group portraits.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
In Jacob Carr Park Minister Jim Perryman blesses Bianca. Hoody Al-Qabandi (her escort, or the 'chambelan de honor') is at right. Her parents, Larry Chivers and Anastasia Velasquez are at rear.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Stevie Knapp razzes Hoody as he carries Bianca's dress.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall.
August 1, 2009
Peter Haley / The News Tribune
-
Banqueteers from 1947 look on as plates are filled.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Griselda Villalobos, Bianca's mom Anastasia Velasquez, and Eida Carillo play for a camera.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
While walking to the waterfront, Tira Sweet gets a ride from Jordan Crumity.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Miller Moore and Marisa Barrie get a ride from Keenan Walch while passing time in the lobby of LaQuinta.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
A break in the coolness of the ground floor of Slavonian Hall.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Anai Hernandez catches the symbolic childhood doll tossed by the quinceanera.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
No longer 'on stage', Bianca, Tira Sweet and Nathan Cook laugh and feel relief.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The court and godparents assemble for the coronation.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Waiting for limousines in the lobby of LaQuinta: Laurel Garrett (left), Marisa Barrie, Tira Sweet, Bianca Velasquez, Sarah Hubbard and Lauryn Grubbe (far right). Mike McGrath, center.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The court leaves the Slavonian Hall to begin the procession to the blessing in Jacob Carr Park.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Flower girl Jaden Axe spreads rose petal in advance of Biana and Hoody.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The heavy crown is planted carefully.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Bianca's sash and bouquet are readied.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
They assemble on a pier for a group portrait.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Isabel Medoza and father Larry Chivers wait to present the silver slipper.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Back in the ballroom, Hoody surprises all with a song he wrote about Bianca.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
With the help of Isabel Medoza, Bianca and Hoody exit the blessing.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The court crosses N. 30th st.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Members of the court enter the park two-by-two.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
All of the bottles of wine were relabeled with Bianca's baby photo.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Mother Anastasia Velasquez presents the scepter.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Uncle Luis Juarez.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Kiara Louis and Nathan Cook bow to the quinceanera girl.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Surrounded by the court and godparents, the quinceanera girl is adorned with jewelry.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The quinceanera walks away from the throne with the 'last doll', assisted by Julianna Bateman.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
The court dances the Viennese waltz to Johann Strauss's 'Blue Danube'.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
-
Mom and everyone loosen up and dance into the night.
Bianca Natalia Velasquez Chivers of Tacoma turned fifteen years old with a 'Quinceanera' in the traditional Mexican style with a court in gowns, a blessing, music, a crowning, a doll presentation and dancing. Starting with hair and makeup at La Quinta Inn, the days' events took place in Old Town Tacoma: Jacob Carr Park, the waterfront, and Slavonian Hall. (PETER HALEY/THE NEWS TRIBUNE)
Buy this image
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.