The 1st annual ‘STEP it out against MS’ charity golf tournament was held over the weekend, and I was honored to be there to document the action.

The tournament was made possible by the hardwork of Ben Stepowany, an amazing supporter/advocate/organizer/passionate member of the MS Society and its events.  He’s also the driving force behind the success of the STEP it out against MS Walk team in Charlotte – a top fundraising team each year.  His story as it relates to MS is a personal one, and with his permission, I’ve included a few of his words from the Charlotte Walk MS website:

My mom was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago. While it’s been a long and difficult time, my mom has remained positive throughout. Not once have I seen her let MS get the better of her. Sure, there have been the occassional accidents and broken bones, but even that hasn’t stopped my mom from living and loving life. She’s the strongest person I know and my hero.

I wish there was more I could do to show her how appreciative I am. By creating a team and raising money to fight this disease, I hope to show some appreciation. But having the biggest team or raising the most money still wouldn’t come close to express how much I love her and how thankful I am that she’s my mom.

I started walking for my mom, but now I walk to do something for everyone affected by this terrible disease. I want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed – and because I want to do everything to prevent more people from learning what it means to live with this disease. Today, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and with a diagnosis occurring most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50, many individuals face a lifetime filled with unpredictability.

Collectively, our family and our teams have raised over $250,000 through our involvement with Walk MS over the past 8 years.  This number is astonishing and we could not have done it without the help and support of all of you. Thanks for all those who have helped in the past and for all those helping this year.

Yesterday’s tournament had over 60 players and raised $4,110.00 for the National MS Society!

Congratulations, Ben — your dedication to helping find a cure is inspiring!  It was wonderful day.

Special thanks to the Hole Sponsors, and all those who donated raffle prizes!

If you’re interested in donating to the Charlotte Walk MS team, you can do so here!

In case you were wondering… yes, everyone made it to the rehearsal (almost) right on time, and in one piece!

Just because.

Hope you had a great weekend!

A couple years later, on a sunny Saturday in May, they were engaged in the place where they met.  They celebrated with Blue Moons, and a party that went into the early hours of the morning.  And it was another sunny Saturday, this time in April, that they were married.  A chic city wedding with an Irish influence.

These two could not be more perfect for each other:  sweet Sarah, with her soft voice and Southern accent… and Sean, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever be lucky enough to meet.   Their wedding day was beautiful… not only because of the cloudless sky and snow-topped Rockies in the distance, but because of the insane amount of love that filled it.

Sarah & Sean:  your wedding was INCREDIBLE, and your love for each other is something others should aspire to.  I hope you carry ‘Hey Jude’ with you for the rest of your lives, and forever feel the love that was circled tightly around you in those last moments of your day.  xo.

A small milestone, easily measured from the minute she entered this world.

The amount of love & joy she has brought in that same length of time?

Numbers, nor words, could measure.

Take a peek at this beautiful family:

Once upon a time, there were two girls who were best friends.

Years later, they each had daughter’s, who also became best friends.

Those daughter’s had their own daughter’s, and they too, are now best friends.

In the simplest of terms, these two ladies are TIGHT… besties, who call themselves sisters.

Starting their own families, and hoping to continue the circle of friendship with their two little girls.

They reached out to me  a few weeks ago, wanting to do a dual family session… and I was all for it!

We found the biggest balloons around, and let the kids loose in a grassy field on a perfect Charlotte evening.

A few from their fun session:

So did EVERYONE ELSE IN NH.

A massive line out of the door of Brown’s… forced us across the street to the less crowded, but still delicious, Markey’s.

Lobster for Easter was a perfect choice.

Time at the beach was even better.

…..And yes, we said sooo many times throughout the meal that this amount of food was sinful.  But then we agreed, actually EATING ALL OF IT would be the real sinful part, so we finished the lobsters and took most of the rest home, heh!

Why?

Because these kids can do CART WHEELS!

And compete against each other in JUMPING CONTESTS!

In all seriousness, I had a blast with this family.  It was just about freezing, but they were up for anything… and that’s why I love them, and all those who trust my vision.  (And yes, I allow time for practice cart wheels before you get in front of the camera… just ask Grace!)

Like I said, it was coooold… so I figured we’d start off with a little running:

check out the previous mini sessions:  Rylan, Hunter, Leighton & Stella