VAN HORN, Texas (KFOX14) — A Texas teen celebrated her quinceanera by transforming into a Zombie more popularly known as a 'Walker' from the 'Walking Dead', her favorite show.
Traditionally a quinceanera is paired with a big dress, colorful theme, decorations to match, a court and family to celebrate what's considered a very significant moment in a teen girls life as she turns 15.
Isela Bermudez is not your average teen girl and her parents Jessica and Florencio Bermudez told KFOX14 she did not want to have the traditional quinceanera unless there was a compromise.
"She's not like other kids or girls. She doesn't like dresses and is a tomboy. She's pretty quiet and said she didn't want a big party or puffy dress," said Jessica.
Isela was coming around to the idea of a party as her parents continued to try and convince her to celebrate this milestone. She'd give into a party and wear a puffy dress is only if it was shredded, covered in blood and she got to transform into a walker.
" I really like the show and have been watching it since season 1. I like out of the ordinary things and don't mind gruesome stuff. I thought it would be cool to do this theme and didn't think my parents would give into the idea but they did," said Isela.
Her parents said they considered how family and friends may react as they agreed to break from tradition but everyone accepted it with open arms.
El Paso based photographer, Chris Jones, who owns New Hero Productions said he was told what the theme would be and prepared to capture the moment for the zombie teen. He traveled to Van Horn last weekend and shared some of his favorite photos and a video from the dance.
" I thought it was cool, something different. I've taken photos for years and done several different events and quinceaneras but never anything like this," he said.
The quinceanera was hosted Saturday, January 7th and included a court of 14 family and friends who were all transformed into walkers by two make-up artist one who happened to be Isela's aunt and made sure to help capture the look she wanted.
The hall was decorated to match the gruesome theme and included pop ups of the cast of the 'Walking Dead."
"My favorite character is Carl Grimes because he is a fighter and even after he was shot in the face he didn't give up," said Isela.
A famous zombie dance song was performed, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and it was mashed up with a Carl Poppa song and the teen acted out different scenes from 'Walking Dead'.
"Isela is shy but transforming into a walker helped her break out of that shell and I was surprised but she really wanted to choreograph a dance and act out scenes from the show," said Jessica.
The family said they're happy they compromised and helped bring the theme to life or death? Although Isela's parents aren't 'Walking Dead' fanatics like they said they like some of the underlying values they see in the show like survival, loyalty and perseverance through obstacles.
Isela has three other sisters and a brother;
Her parent said they're all unique like her and after this they're expecting to host out of the norm quinceanera's for their other daughters and parties for their sons.
Isela turns 15 on Friday, January 13th.
Happy birthday to the Texas teen 'Walker!'
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