My Gala Night

The stained glass vaulted ceiling at the Jefferson Hotel.

A few months ago, I entered my first photo contest. It was called the "colors of life" and it was an international photo competition. I was so excited to learn that I had 2 of my photos in the top 50 that would be auctioned off at a silent auction to benefit Children's Hospital of Richmond. Last night Simon and I went to the "colors of life" gala at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Let me just say that the Jefferson Hotel is one of the most magnificent places I've ever seen. We were both all dressed up, but I still felt a little out of place in such a fancy place. We got there a little early since we had planned to be in traffic, but ended up making a quick trip of it. I'm so glad that we were one of the first people there because I got to go up to the room where all the photographs were on display. They all looked amazing, and it was such an honor to have 2 of my photos in there with all the other talented artists.

The night got started off with a cocktail hour. They had people walking around with glasses of champagne on silver trays and the fanciest finger foods that I'd ever seen. All of this while everyone was chatting, looking & placing bids on the photos. It was so cool to see everyone's reaction to my photos! The baby feet one was the biggest hit...I think it even was the high seller going for over $500. I had one lady come up to me after the event and tell me how much she loved that photo because she had been a neonatal nurse for over 20 years and that my photo just spoke to her heart. The evening soon moved into the Grand Ball Room where we were treated to a piano concert....really beautiful music! Then, they started serving our 5 course meal. Wow...this was really a treat. At first it was kind of comical because everything was so small and frilly looking....but WOW!! it was amazing! They even had caviar...and it was good!! After the meal, it was time for the awards ceremony. I was the first one called because my baby feet photo won honorable mention!! For me just starting out into the world of photography, this was such an accomplishment!

This was the photo that got Honorable Mention!

This is the other photo that was a finalist...it's my daughter Hannah.

There' s my photos!

Last one....there they are again!

Oh...and a big THANK YOU to Liz for watching the kids for us! You're the best!