Oh Happy Day: Nigel’s Adoption

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing momentous occasions, like weddings and baptisms and birthdays, as well as ordinary days in the life of a family.  Both momentous and ordinary occasions deserve to be documented in equal measure, both being beautiful in their own way.  But what about an occasion that is both??  It all depends on perspective.  On a Friday in February, two incredible people gave a baby boy something extraordinary: a name.  This boy was chosen, loved, and adored through his birth, his journey through foster care, the completion of that journey through adoption, and wearing a new last name.  For Nigel, it was a day spent with his older brother and four sisters, being adored by his parents, smiling at family and friends (who came from far and wide to celebrate) and playing with his Elmo toy.  For his family, it was the official ceremony to welcome this baby into their family as their son.  

If I could sum up this day in one word, it would be this: JOY.  There were hugs, kisses, tears of joy, and laughter all wrapped up in this incredibly significant moment, only because of the love and work put into raising this child since he was born.  What an incredible honor it was to see this village come together to celebrate this family and honor this special boy who brought them all here, on this sunny February day.