You are loved.

You are valuable.

You are crafted with beauty and purpose.

I treasure you and this world needs you.

There is no one like you.

You don’t need to look like the rest

or talk like the rest

or be like the rest

There is no truth in the lie that you don’t matter.

The world needs you as you are. 

You were put here for a reason.

You are loved.

You were not an accident. 

You are not a mistake.

                          ~curt mega

On Friday April 24, 2015, I walked into the Woodland Community Church ready to photograph an event.

I was excited to be there, but honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. What happened next was magical. 

Night With the Stars Prom is a totally free prom for special needs residents 16 and older in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Absolutely everything for this annual event is donated.

The food, the formal wear for the attendees, the music, the decorations, the photos. An army of volunteers takes on this labor of love.

I think all would agree that the payout comes in the form of the smiles and the hugs and the laughter. 

You can visit Night With the Stars Prom online at www.nightwiththestarsprom.com and pop on over to their Facebook page to show them some love. 

I walked in that evening unsure what to expect. 

I walked out full of love and hope and inspiration. 

Thank you, Night With the Stars, for the humble honor of 

capturing your joy.  

be joyful,

Michaela

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posted by Michaela Ristaino