Recently I was invited to photograph my very first public book signing.  This was a big deal for me!  I excitedly packed all of my gear the night before, went to my day job, and waited patiently for 5pm when I would trek out to Clarence, NY where the shoot was to take place.  This was a children’s play place called Sweet Charlottes. 

This little gem is located on the end of a beautiful little boardwalk themed strip mall on Main street in Clarence, NY.  The store itself is colorful and welcoming.  It is themed toward kids under 10 and full of exciting things for young minds.  The business is welcoming to all, but stands out by accommodating families with children who have special needs as well as their siblings.  Owner of Sweet Charlottes, Molly Pitman, has taken great pride in picking activities and toys that focus on sensory play for children with autism to hold their interest.

Special Event Photography

Children's Photography

 Molly offers birthday party planning for every budget, a drop-off service for busy moms, a beautiful selection of hand crafted goods from people in the local community, and a sweet shop!!  What’s more is that a portion of all proceeds go to Autism Awareness!    

http://www.sweetcharlottes.org/

Special Event Photography

Special Event Photography

On the night I was asked to visit, Sweet Charlottes was packed with people waiting to hear what author Carrie Cariello had to say about her book “What Color is Monday?”

http://carriecariello.com/what-color-is-monday/

Before the signing, refreshments were served and Carrie was chatting with all the families that showed up for the event.  Some she knew from when she and her family had lived in Buffalo and some were new faces.  While the adults talked amongst themselves, kids were encouraged to play and pick out gummy candy from the sweet shop wall. 

Special Event Photography

Special Event Photography

Special Event Photography

When the time had come for the main event, owner of Sweet Charlottes, Molly Pitman, stood and introduced Carrie to the audience.  Molly explained that she and Carrie had just met, but had such similarities in their stories about living with Autism, that they could speak to each other for hours. 

Special Event Photography When Carrie stood and read from her book, she had brought tears to the eyes of everyone in the room.  Almost everyone who was in attendance that night, had a direct connection with Autism and through her words, their stories were brought to life. 

Special Event Photography

The Q&A session at the end of the reading was what I found most enlightening. 

So many Moms seemed to be getting answers to the questions that none but another mother in their situation could answer.  It was a truly amazing experience.  My eyes were opened to a world I had not had very much exposure to in the past.  I feel that Carrie’s story is something everyone who has been touched by autism should read.

Special Event Photography

More information on Sweet Charlottes can be found on their website: http://www.sweetcharlottes.org/

More information about “What Color is Monday?” can be found on Carrie Cariello’s website: http://carriecariello.com/what-color-is-monday/