A person in an emerald green ball gown stands in a lush garden setting with decorative tiles and greenery.

 

Bok Towers, bianca's quinceañera session

 

 

There are moments as a father that you just don’t forget. Your baby's first steps, the first day of school, the first time she calls you “Papi” with that sweet voice... But this? Watching my daughter Bianca celebrate her quinceañera? That hits different.


As a proud father of three amazing hijas and the husband of a strong, beautiful woman, moments like this aren’t just milestones. They’re the very reasons I fell in love with photography. It’s not just about snapping a picture — it’s about capturing a season of life that we’ll never get back.


And this time, it was personal.


We took Bianca’s quinceañera photos at the breathtaking Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. With its lush gardens, iconic Singing Tower, and endless scenic paths, it was the perfect backdrop to match the beauty, grace, and quiet strength of my daughter.

 

Bianca’s quinceañera session at Bok Towers – A Father's Lens of Love
Florida quinceañera-style Sweet 16 photoshoot at Bok Towers

Why Bok Tower Gardens Was the Perfect Location

the perfect garden

Bok Towers is more than just a spot on the map — it’s an experience. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, it’s a peaceful sanctuary filled with blooming flowers, hidden nooks, and elegant architecture that takes your breath away.


For Bianca, I wanted something timeless. Something that would reflect the woman she’s becoming — strong, graceful, kind, and confident. As soon as we arrived, I knew this was it. The breeze was soft, the sun peeked through the trees just right, and Bianca? She glowed.


Learn more about Bok Tower Gardens

A stunning emerald green ball gown with floral appliques sparkles on a sunlit forest path.
Woman in sparkly emerald green ball gown and tiara poses elegantly against outdoor railing in natural light.

quinceañera Photography – More Than Just a Dress

"It's your unique story captured"

Bianca wore for her session a formal green gown with delicate lace details, fit for a princesa. Beautiful crown with matching earrings.


As a photographer and as a father, I’ve seen how outfits set the tone. And let me tell you, this combo? Puro flow. It gave us both the elegance and the candid fun we wanted in her session.

Choose Two Outfits for Variety.

Having one formal and one casual outfit helps capture different aspects of your daughter’s personality. One says, “I’m stepping into womanhood.” The other says, “I’m still your niña, full of joy and dreams.”

Florida quinceañera-style Sweet 16 photoshoot

A Moment Between Father and Daughter

I’ve photographed hundreds of clients, but photographing your own daughter is something else. It’s emotional. It’s personal. You see everything — not just the pose, but the little habits, the gestures she’s had since she was small.


During one moment, Bianca turned and gave me that smile — the same one she gave me when she lost her first tooth. The same smile she flashes when she’s trying not to laugh. That one picture? I’ll hold onto that forever.

Behind the Lens: Tips for a Successful quinceañera Session


Whether you’re a fellow dad, a mamá getting your niña ready, or a photographer looking to level up your sessions, here are a few key tips from experience:

Tip #1:

 

Plan the Session Around a convenient time for you and the photographer

The lighting at Bok Towers differs at certain times Which is best early morning  The way it hit Bianca’s hair, the glow on her skin — flawless.

Tip #2:

 

Bring a Touch-Up Kit

This includes bobby pins, lip gloss, a comb, and blotting paper. A small bag with essentials makes all the difference.

Tip #3:

 

Walk, Talk, and Laugh

Some of the best photos came when Bianca was just being herself— walking through the garden, cracking jokes, twirling in her dress.

Tip #4:

 

Let Her Shine

This is her moment. Step back and let her voice come through in the photos. Let her pose. Let her laugh. Let her be goofy. That’s where the real magic lives.

A woman in a flowing emerald green ballgown walks along a sunlit wooded path with Spanish moss in the trees.
A elegant emerald green ball gown with sparkle details photographed in a lush garden setting with soft natural lighting.

Why quinceañera Photography Matters

 

A quinceañera isn’t just a party — it’s a rite of passage. In our culture, it means she’s not a little girl anymore. She’s growing, changing, becoming who God created her to be. As a dad, eso da miedo, pero también es un honor.

(It's scary but it is also an honor)


Photography gives us a chance to freeze that moment. And as a professional photographer, I want every family — every girl — to look back and say:

“Wow. That was me. And I was radiant.”

 

Bok Tower Gardens portrait session for teen birthday.
Bok Tower Gardens portrait session for teen birthday

For Parents Planning a quinceañera Session



Quinceañera Session Prep List:


  • Schedule your session at least 6 weeks before the big day


  • Choose 2-3 outfit options in advance


  • Bring a small mirror and makeup touch-up kit


  • Hydrate and eat beforehand — hunger = no smiles or pass out.


  • Choose a meaningful location (like Bok Towers or a place she loves)


  • Let her bring a best friend or sibling for fun and comfort


  • Trust your photographer (that’s me!)

Here’s a simple checklist for planning your daughter’s photoshoot:

Man in all black formal attire poses against grey backdrop in studio portrait.
Meet the Photographer

About Me – Your Photographer & Fellow Dad

I’m Ricky Serrano — a proud husband and father, and the photographer behind the lens. I’ve spent years capturing weddings, portraits, quinceañeras, family milestones, and moments just like this one. PMF: Passion, Mission, Faith — that’s what drives me.


Photography isn’t just a business — it’s personal. It’s my way of loving people through images that tell their story.


Whether I’m working with a bride, a graduating senior, or a birthday queen like Bianca, my goal is the same: to make you feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully captured.

Florida quinceañera-style Sweet 16 photoshoot
Don't Hesitate

Book Your quinceañera Session Today

Are you planning your daughter’s big milestone? Let’s make it unforgettable.


With my quinceañera photography package, you'll get:

  • A one-hour session
  • Two outfit changes
  • An online gallery of high-resolution edited photos
  • Full print rights
Professional studio portrait of a person in a black blazer and turtleneck against a brown background.

Bianca, if you ever read this — I love you more than you know. Your light, your laughter, your strength — it inspires me. I’m so proud to be your dad. Watching you grow into this beautiful young woman is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me.


To all the parents out there getting ready for your daughter’s special day: treasure it. Take photos. Celebrate her. Let her shine.


And if I can help capture that light through my lens, it would be an honor.



Ricky Serrano

Final Thoughts from a Proud Papa

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