When we learned about Aurora Health Care and Marcus Theater's 2nd Annual CineLatino Film Festival, we were MUY EXCITED!! It actually is not only a family fun event that embraces and celebrates Latino culture, but also a fundraiser to give back to those who need it most- those in need of medical care and education. THIS. This is what we need more of!! We were so inspired by this work, that we wanted to be a part of it. We wanted in. So when Marcus said, "yes", I literally swelled with joy, pride, and felt so grateful at the opportunity to be a part of this event that is no doubt going to impact so many people in so many ways. 

I immediately started working on props. They said- "Selena-Theme props". Hmmmmm, I know Selena, I know photo booth, I know props. This HAD to be ESPECIAL! I couldn't just come in with any old props. I looked high and low for props. Selena- ok- glamorous, bedazzled, beautiful, fashionable- all those things!! I had challenges finding exactly what I needed. Lucky for me, I know some wonderful artists who helped me execute my vision!!! 

Do you like my hat?? It was pretty easy to make! I also bought some FLORES, of course!!

Thanks so much to Phil Johnson at Designs By Phil, he created a CUSTOM SELENA SIGN!!! I asked quite a few of my talented friends (and don't get me wrong- they are quite talented)- but no one could come up with a way to create the Selena logo that I could use! Phil literally did it in minutes. Maybe even seconds. AMAZING!

Red Glitter Lipstick would be messy, but creative designer Kellie was able to whip them up in no time flat! We were going to do T-Shirts as well, but I decided I wanted to dress like Selena (at least a little bit). Next year I will have a shirt though!!! I should start designing that soon......

The BIG DAY arrived and it was raining and gloomy and we pulled up to Marcus South Shore Cinema, wet and cold. We opened the doors to a beautifully decorated lobby!!! Purple and Silver and colors everywhere!!

And this cake tho......... 

There was cake for all guests, which was DELICIOUS. Wonder where it was from..... If you know, let me know!! Yum.

We set up our booth and were so happy to work with Marcus as they were such gracious hosts!  

Here are some of the pics! Visit our gallery to see them all!

La Gran D 104.7fm was there for the fun, along with Azteca!! The Doble Selena contest was great- so many great look a likes and SUPER cute little ones!!

And the winner.... So beautiful! 

Danceworks MKE was there giving Salsa lessons also! Would love to see pics of that!

Selena Quintanilla-Perez. When you hear the name, it can evoke so many different emotions: joy, happiness, Latino pride, hope, sadness, devastation, grief..... I think the one thing we can all agree on is that Selena had music that resonated with so many. One of my favorite things about Selena was energy on stage and her performance that was so full of life. She made you want to get up and bailar!!! I love her music, and although I am sad that my children will never know her as a person, but a legend, I know that her music will be played in our house. They will know her beautiful voice, her upbeat songs, and how much fun it is to dance to her music. We had so much fun, got to meet so many wonderful Selena fans, beautiful families and just community in general supporting this great event and the donating to the many causes. 

We can't wait for next year!!!

XOXO
Amber