This past Saturday Lauri (of Lalee Photography) and I had the pleasure of photographing a very special little boy, Nicky. Nicky’s parents got in touch with me through the American Child Photographer’s Charity Guild, a volunteer based organization of photographers devoted to helping children in need and their families. I can’t really put into words how wonderful and inspirational Nicky and his parents are. They are just such warm, caring, genuine people.

Nicky was diagnosed with MLD when he was two years old. MLD is a rare genetic disorder that currently doesn’t have a cure. Even faced with this diagnosis, Nicky’s parents have continued to live their lives and to fill Nicky’s life with hope, happiness and positive spirits. They will tell you that even though Nicky cannot walk or talk, he is still a very special boy who is here to fulfill God’s purpose for him. There are no accidents and the gifts which Nicky can offer the world are unique and important.

Here are some of my favorite photos of Nicky and his family.

Doesn’t he look handsome in his sunglasses?

Nicky’s dad made his room which is incredible and filled with a race car theme…complete with a race car bed. Check out that checker board pattern on the wall!

Sitting on top of the fish tank in the living room was this frame, with the spanish words for “I love you very much.” I think this really captures the feeling in their home and lives. Thank you so much Nicky, Sandra and Carlos for welcoming us into your home. I hope you enjoy your photos.

Here are is a slideshow of a few more photos from Nicky’s session.

Please visit Nicky’s webpage to read more about this inspirational family and how you can help researchers to someday find a cure for MLD.

I was a second shooter for Kelly and Chris’ wedding with Lauri Carbone of Lalee Photography. You can see more photos of their beautiful wedding, which was held at Loews Hotel, on her blog.

It was fun to get to hang out with the guys before the ceremony. Guys tend to have a much more relaxed getting ready routine than the girls, to say the least. Outside of a little shirt drama, these guys were no exception.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Kelly and Chris decided to do a wonderful thing and see each other before the ceremony. When you have a night wedding, in winter, seeing each other before the ceremony is ALWAYS the best idea for photos.

Lucky second flash catching the kiss. This was the end of a six minute ceremony, which might be some sort of record.

I love, love, love this moment. The groom’s grandparents spent the entire night on the dance floor. They can party with the best of them. Here they are encouraging Chris and Kelly to join them. So sweet.

I think my favorite thing about Chris and Kelly, is the history that they and all of their friends share. I don’t think it would have been possible to spend the night with them and not feel it. They went to the same high school along with a large group that they are still friends with…and boy do they know how to have a good time. :-)

So I have to say that I am just having a blast doing these sessions with Josie and I just enjoy it more and more every single time. It’s really incredible how fast babies grow! Who knew? Ha ha. And it’s not even just how fast they grow, but in three months time the things that they are able to do changes drastically. It’s really awesome to get to be able to see that and capture it.

So I did this session Sunday and unlike the ill fated session with Lauri and Mikey, it went just according to plan. I only got to shoot for about 45 minutes, but Josie is such a happy baby it was easy to get some great stuff.

Here are my favs. :-)

The family.

What a little lady!!!

Haha…This is right before she rips the glasses off her face and refuses to allow them to be put back on. But I think it kind of works…she’s like a diva.

Okay, the above photo is maybe my favorite that I’ve ever taken and it’s definitely my favorite baby photo. She’s so cute!!!

Haha…flying dog!

Okay, so that is it for 6 month old Josie. :-) I can honestly say that I cannot wait until our next session to see how much she’s grown and how much more she can do!

Well I’m in the airport now waiting for my flight to Vegas. I had coffee this morning and nothing else and I think I’m having a caffeine shakey attack. So I am off to find food!

Check back for Vegas goodness. ;-)