A Sweet 16

Set in the heat of July with the sound of humming fans and a chorus of cicadas, girls walk carefully in fun shoes and beautiful dresses.  They walk past the house, down the driveway, and into the backyard.  They great each other with squeals and hugs and kind compliments.  They pour drinks in glass goblets and try to stay cool.  The homemade card stock fans covered with old sewing patterns play an important role.    

I'm only a neighbor who is there taking pictures, but I get to see a little bit of the night unfold.  Proud parents, helpful friends, and handmade beauty have come together to create a special celebration for a Sweet 16 birthday.  Behind the camera, I observe the party.  Even though I love a well celebrated birthday, that's not what I love most about this night.  The thing that I loved most was the teenage girls' enjoyment of beauty.  Every girl wore a dress, put special effort into getting ready, and crossed their legs when they talked with friends.  As they arrived and sunk deeper into the evening, the girls responded to a setting that was as beautiful as they were.  It was a fancy night to remember.