On a crisp autumn evening at the rustic and warmly lit Sweeney Barn in Manassas, the Divine Mercy Care Gala brought together families, supporters, physicians, clergy, and community members united by one mission: to uphold the dignity of human life through compassionate, life-affirming healthcare.

Downstairs, guests gathered for cocktails and beautifully prepared appetizers, enjoying the cozy hum of conversation that filled the timber-framed space. Just beyond the main hall, I had the joy of photographing guests against a warm portrait backdrop—complete with a playful “Strike a Pose!” wheel that invited couples to spin, laugh, and recreate whatever pose the needle landed on. Already, the evening carried the spirit of joy, community, and generosity.

Its mission is lived most visibly in its long-standing partnership with Tepeyac OB/GYN, a pro-life, Christ-centered practice that welcomes every patient with the dignity and compassion of Christ Himself. Whether providing prenatal care, fertility support, perinatal hospice, or specialized services for women with medical or financial hardships, DMC makes it possible for families to receive care that honors both mother and child.

Dr. John Bruchalski, founder of Tepeyac, delivered a heartfelt talk reminding the audience why DMC’s mission matters now more than ever. He spoke of a future where Divine Mercy Care expands its reach while remaining steadfast in its Catholic convictions—offering authentic, merciful care in a culture that too often forgets the sacredness of life.

Then, the night turned toward testimony — the lived experiences that give Divine Mercy Care its deeper meaning. I was invited to share my family’s journey and the reason I chose to intertwine my photography with DMC’s mission. Our story includes not only the joyful adoption of our son Lucas, but also the profound love and loss of our children Mateo and the little one we miscarried. Their brief but beautiful lives have shaped our family’s faith in ways that words often fail to capture. It is through them that I learned how sacred every moment of life is, and how deeply families need compassionate support during their most vulnerable seasons.

Earlier this year, through my “You Are My Sunshine Sunflower Sessions“, families joined me among blooming fields at Great Country Farms to create joyful portraits in support of a life-affirming cause. The event was more than a photo session — it became a gathering of families who understood the beauty and fragility of life. Parents shared stories, children laughed among the flowers, and the golden-hour light felt like a reminder that even in grief, God gives us moments of grace. Through those sessions, and through the generosity of the families who participated, we raised $1,700 for Divine Mercy Care prior to the gala.