Christy & Nick Tie the Knot | El Paso, Texas Wedding Photographer | Doubletree Hotel

I had the honor of capturing Christy & Nick’s beautiful wedding in El Paso, Tx. It took place in the lovely Doubletree Hotel in downtown on June 19th, 2015.

The day started in the bride’s hotel room. Being able to capture her getting ready with the help of her beautiful brides maids was full of emotion, there was laughter, silence and happy tears! Her sister, grandmother, and mother helped her get into her wedding dress. After, most of the bridesmaids were in tears! “You look GORGEOUS!” “OMG! I’m crying!” Some of them yelled! They all came together so say a little prayer for the future bride. A prayer was said in spanish by Grandma.

I then proceeded to the nervous yet anxious groom. As he went up to the altar he was all smiles. Smiling at family and guests. Once, it was time for his gorgeous bride to enter the room he took a deep breath and the look on his face when he saw her was priceless! Immediate tears were streaming down his face! I will admit I was bawling my eyes out too! I’m a sucker for the groom’s first look!

The ceremony was lovely! They shared their vows and the bride couldn’t contain her tears!

The night ended with John Legend’s song “All of me”. The bride and groom were adorable! They sang to each other while dancing the first dance!

I wish both Christy & Nick a lifetime full of happiness! I cannot thank you both enough for allowing me to capture your special day! It was truly an honor!

Vendors:

Valerie Makes Stuff – Cake

Blossom Shop Florist- Flowers

Men’s Wearhouse- Tuxedo

David’s Bridal- Wedding Dress

Bridals by Lori

Blow a Blow Dry Bar

Wedding, El Paso, Texas

Beautiful YOU 2015 | Laura Gordillo Photography | Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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Breast Cancer Awarenes, El Paso

Meet BEAUTIFUL Shy 🙂 When Dez contacted Shy about participating in Beautiful YOU, she told her she would wanted to include your sister in a few pics. She wanted these images captured because since being diagnosed her sister has been her caregiver! When Dez asked me if that would be ok, I told her OF COURSE! I loved that she wanted to include her sister! This lady right here is fighting a tough battle! She’s been diagnosed with several different types of rare cancers and is trying to make her way to Texas to be seen at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is hoping and praying for answers. Sadly her insurance does not cover this and needs help! PLEASE click on this link: GoFundMe

To read more of Shy’s story please read below:

Hair:TheBoyz DoHair Make Up:Chik A’ la mode Make Up: Redafied Beauty

MY NAME IS CHEYENNE WROTEN A 28 YEAR OLD SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO BOYS, ANTHONY (9) IZAYAH (8)… IM ABOUT TO TELL YOU MY STORY AND HOW IT BEGAN… IT WAS A MONTH AFTER MY 27TH BIRTHDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2013, TO BE EXACT… I FELT A LUMP IN MY LEFT BREAST… NEVER DID I IMAGINE IT WOULD EVER COME BACK CANCEROUS… IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 I FOUND OUT THAT IN FACT THE MASS I FELT WAS MALIGNANT, I WAS IN SO MUCH DENIAL I THOUGHT I WAS FINE… IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 I ALSO HAD TO HAVE A ULTRASOUND OF MY THROAT BECAUSE WHEN I WENT IN FOR MY CONSILTATION WITH THE SURGEON SHE TOLD ME MY THROAT WAS SWOLLEN AS WELL… RESULTS FROM THE ULTRASOUND CAME BACK AND THEIR WAS THREE MASSES IN MY THROAT… I COULDNT GET INTO A ENDOCRONOLOGIST UNTIL FEBRUARY 27TH, 2014… DECEMBER OF 2013 COMES AND I HAVE MY SECOND SURGERY ON MY LEFT BREAST TO DO A COMPLETE LUMPECTOMY… MONTHS GO BY AND ITS FINALLY TIME FOR MY FIRST ENDOCRINOLOGIST APPOINTMENT. .. SHE TELLS ME JUST BY THE ULTRASOUND WITHOUT HAVING THE RESULTS FROM THE NEEDLE BIOPSY THAT SHES CERTAIN ITS PAPILLARY THYROID CANCER… THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH COMES AND I GET THE PHONE CALL RIGHT AFTER WORK THAT THE THYROID CANCER IS STAGE 3 AND THEY NEED TO PERFORM SURGERY IMMEDIATELY… MARCH 13TH, 2014 I HAVE A COMPLETE THYROIDECTOMY… AFTER THIS SURGERY MY DREAMS OF EVER BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL SINGER, ARE GONE BECAUSE I HAVE SUCH NERVE DAMAGE I CANT EVEN HOLD A NOTE ANYMORE… AFTER THIS SURGERY I BEGAN TO HAVE A FEAR OF PEOPLE AND COULD NO LONGER LEAVE MY HOUSE, I COULDN’T GO TO WORK, I COULDN’T GO TO THE GROCERY STORE, NOTHING… AT THE END APRIL I HAD RADIATION FOR THYROID CANCER, AND DUE TO A CT SCAN FINDING A MASS ABOVE MY RIGHT KIDNEY, THE WEEK AFTER THE RADIATION I WAS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ANOTHER IMMEDIATE SURGERY… IN JUNE WE FOUND OUT THE THYROID CANCER WAS BACK… IT IS NOW METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID CANCER STAGE 3… THE BEGINNING OF JULY OF 2014 I WAS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ANOTHER 2 SURGERIES FOR MY PORT TO BE PLACED AND FOR MY SECOND NECK DISECTION… IN OCTOBER OF 2014 I HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY TO REPLACE MY PORT AND I ALSO HAD MY 2ND DOSAGE OF RADIATION FOR THYROID CANCER… IN DEC OF 2014 WE THOUGHT THINGS WERE STARTING TO CLEAR UP AND GO AWAY WHEN ANOTHER SCAN PROVED OTHERWISE… THE PAPILLARY THROID CANCER IS BACK FOR A 3RD TIME… AS WELL AS NEW MASSES… I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT I WILL NEVER RID THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE, ILLNESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO CLASSIFY IT AS BECAUSE I MAY HAVE WHAT THEY CALL LI-FRAUMENI SYNDROME… AS OF MAY 2015 MY BREAST CANCER IS THE ONLY CANCER IN REMISSION AND I AM STILL FIGHTING THIS BATTLE WITH EVERYTHING IVE GOT..

Beautiful YOU | Laura Gordillo Photography | Phoenix Arizona Photographer

Meet BEAUTIFUL Sasha!! Taking her pictures was such a GREAT experience! She was so shy at first, then BAM! She worked the camera beautifully! My camera loved her! I showed her a few back of the camera pics and she was THRILLED! She couldn’t believe the person in the pic was her! She told me she hardly ever wears makeup and gets dolled up and she was so thankful for the experience! This amazing survivor has ended her cancer treatment and is now on remission! Isn’t that the greatest news EVER!!? Please keep this wonderful mother of 3 in your prayers! Please read more of her story below :

Hair:TheBoyz DoHair Make Up:Chik A’ la mode Make Up: Redafied Beauty

Prior to cancer I was a normal single mother to three very spirited children (by spirited I mean highly active) trying to provide the best life and atmosphere for my children. Teaching my children values about God was on top of that list. Finding out that I had cervical cancer surfaced a lot of feelings and demons I thought I had already dealt with. When my pap smear came back abnormal the doctor wanted to wait to do a colposcopy, but since I had a scare 5 years prior, I told her to schedule a colposcopy right away! After the call back informing me to come in ASAP I was told I had cervical cancer. I felt as though the walk from the back to the car were the longest moments of my life. I had this fake smile to appear as though everything was okay, but as soon as I sat in the car I cried like a baby. I thought, “why me!, Haven’t I been through enough”. & “What could I have possibly done to deserve this?” To be honest, that pity party lasted a couple of days. Towards my friends I “faked”this positive attitude because I didn’t want anyone to see how worried, sad or how angry I was. I was angry with myself, anyone who ever hurt me and so much more. By the end of the second week I really had to take a good look at myself, read my bible and just really be “real“with God. Talk to him about my fears and just really vent to him. I cried, screamed, shouted….and after all the complaining, I realized that I had so much to be thankful for. PSALM 3:1-8 , James 1:3-4 My children were alive and healthy. I still had a beating heart, a job, a car, a roof over my head and so much more. I had to remember that I had storms prior to cancer. And in that moment when I thought that nothing good could come out of my storm he made a way! And blessed me ten times over! Cancer is just a little hiccup compared to all what my God has done for me. Since then I have never had to “fake” it (although I’ve had to check myself a couple of times and get out of my own feelings) I know there is a reason for all this and as twisted as his sounds, I am grateful for these storms because 1) I know there is a light and the end of this & 2) I can bring awareness to others. So to everyone going through their own storm, know it’s going to work out for your good. And although your journey may not be done yet, please let this comfort you. 1 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Beautiful YOU 2015 | Laura Gordillo Photography |Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet Beautiful Janet! What can I say about this wonderful woman! She is a TRUE fighter!  She’s suffered so much, life has dealt her a bad hand. You’d think she’d question her faith and God. But she remains positive through it all! She does this for the immense love she has for her daughter! Being a single mother I can’t even imagine having cancer and trying to care for a child at the same time! BUT she manages! I am sure her daughter is proud to have such a warrior for a mother! She even had the courage to allow me to take pictures of her warrior scars! What a brave woman! Please read more of her amazing story below :

On July 27, 2012 at 1:27pm my world was turned upside down for that was when a nurse told me that I had Breast Cancer. I was a single mother of a beautiful 10 daughter living in Charlotte NC with no family close by. When I was diagnosed I was at Stage II but two weeks later when I saw my Oncologist for the first time my cancer had progressed and I was then at Stage IV. At the time I was diagnosed, I thought my life was so on track. I had just moved to Charlotte in 2010 after being recruited for a dream job in a male dominated field (I was a stock broker), we had moved into our condo, Arianna had finally gotten use to her new surrounding, my divorce was in the works……Arianna and I were really happy.

My diagnosis completely blindsided everyone in my family, Arianna and I had just returned from a family reunion where I had seen my mother and the rest of her extended family. My Cancer wasn’t found by discovering a lump in my Breast for my tumor was only 1cm large and was very deep within my breast tissue, however the cancer had broken through the tumor wall and gotten in my Lymph nodes and was spreading fast. I did monthly exams and got regular mammograms (it just wasn’t time for my 2012 exam). My cancer was discovered because my arm started swelling from my elbow to my wrist. I had seen my doctor at the time (which was a female) in April who dismissed my arm swelling as water weight. I felt that wasn’t right and changed doctors but didn’t push the arm swelling until it continued in July. My new doctor was very persistent about what he felt was wrong and even called me at home to push the mammogram……I owe him my life.

Once diagnosed my concerns turned to Arianna more than myself…..What was going to happen to my daughter? Who was going to care for her, HOW was I going to take care of her? I became a mother late, I was 39 when I had Arianna. It was the BEST blessing I could have received, I was 4 months when I found out I was pregnant after being told I could not have children and I am so proud to be a mother. My daughter is my number one priority, she is the reason I fight EVERYDAY, I will walk through fire for her.

Having cancer and being a single parent period is the hardest journey anyone can endure, it brings about soooo many challenges as well as concerns. I have been very honest with her from day one, as soon as I found out I came straight home and told her. Her first response was “Why us” and I responded “Why not us, God picked us to walk this road for a reason. I don’t know why yet but just know that not everyone can do this but we were picked.” She has never asked me why again. I heard her tell one of her friends one day when they asked her how she handled having a sick mom and she responded with such conviction “I don’t worry because God’s got this”…..talk about a “mommy proud” moment. I know it has been hard on her as far too many times she has been my caregiver instead of a child. And all I want is for her to have a normal life.

After a year of what I thought was COMPLETE HELL, chemo made me so sick I was in the hospital after my first three treatments (which brought about a whole new concern, “who was going to care for my daughter for a week while I was in the hospital?” Sometimes I had no one and I would leave after 2 or 3 days because I had no place for her to go). I would be so sick I was confined to my bed, I could not care for my daughter. The chemo was tearing my body apart so they would switch me to different chemo medication several times until I was placed on maintenance chemo in January 2013 which I currently still take. I had one treatment of the maintenance chemo, took a nap, woke up and I couldn’t feel my hands or my feet…..I had developed severe Neuropathy, I had such nerve damage that the nerves weren’t even firing anymore in my feet. It can be so bad at times that I’m confined to the bed before dusk everyday.

From the moment they told me I had Breast Cancer, I knew I wanted BOTH of my Breast removed even though my cancer was only on the right side. On April 14th, 2013 I received a double Mesectomy, on April 13th, 2014 I received my breast implants. In addition to my mesectomy, I have had tumors in my brain twice (the first being June 2013 and then again in December 2014) for which I received radiation for, I had to have surgery on my MCL as well as a partial knee replacement. I had to have emergency back surgery to have several disc fused and a mass removed that was pressing on a nerve in my back rendering my leg unusable.

I know that I will be on chemo for the rest of my life, if I stop chemo my tumors come back. The damage to the nerves in my hands and feet is suppose to repair itself a year or two after I stop chemo. Since that will NEVER happen, I will never regain that feeling, never wear REAL shoes, never walk normal or like a lady should. But regardless of how poor I feel my quality of life is one thing for sure…..I’M STILL HERE!!!!! STILL HERE to watch my daughter grow up, laugh with my mom and do my best to leave my mark on this world.

Hair:TheBoyz DoHair Make Up:Chik A’ la mode Make Up: Redafied Beauty

Beautiful YOU 2015 | Laura Gordillo Photography | Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet BEAUTIFUL Connie! It was a pleasure taking this amazing lady’s pictures! She was a bit insecure at first. She kept telling me how she didn’t like to take pictures because she didn’t think she looked nice in them. I told her she was CRAZY! I showed her a few back of the camera pics and she was so impressed! Just look at the images below! Isn’t she stunning! I kept telling her she had that model in her and worked the camera beautifully! I LOVED capturing her laugh and smile! It was contagious! I couldn’t help but laugh with her! We chatted about her son and all the obstacles she’s had to endure, since being diagnosed with cancer. She has a wonderful spirit and am I thrilled to know her treatment ends in July! PLEASE keep Connie and her son in your prayers!! Read more about her story below:

Hair:TheBoyz DoHair  Make Up:Chik A’ la mode  Make Up: Redafied Beauty

Last November, my life changed in ways I couldn’t even begin to imagine. I had been really tired and not thinking clearly for a few months and it was determined that I was severely iron deficient. After being on 1000 mg of iron per day, my levels increased but then severely dropped. I was let go from my job at the end of October because I wasn’t performing up to par. I called my doctor and said let’s figure this out before I get a new job. She recommended a colonoscopy as I had just turned 50 that February. On November 13, 2014, I had a colonoscopy and the dr didn’t even have to wait for the biopsy – he knew that the tumor he had seen was cancerous. My world collapsed and all I could think about was my 12 year old son. How would I tell him? What would happen to him if I died? So many thoughts swirled through my head! My out-patient surgery that day turned into a day long ordeal with me sobbing most of the day. I had to have lots of blood work, a CT scan and other tests. It was all so surreal. The next few weeks consisted of dr appts and testing. Time to process all of this was non-existent and I was putting on the happy positive face for my son while I inwardly suffered with the knowledge that I had cancer and nothing more at that time. I never had time to think before I was in surgery 4 short weeks after the colonoscopy and diagnosed with Stage IIIC colon cancer. Four short weeks after that I was starting chemo. 

>>
>> Life had been turned upside down with no job and having to go through treatment but not fighting was never an option. Figuring out life, treatment and finances became a priority. Singleton Moms has helped alleviate a lot of that. They provided support, friendship and basics that I didn’t even know I needed. The other moms have given me perspective on my situation and I feel truly blessed to know them and to know I am not alone. Having cancer has made me cherish each day with my son, I no longer sweat the small stuff, I say I love you more to more people, and I thank God that my cancer is curable and that it is possible that I will see my son grow up to be an amazing man. My treatment will be done in July. Six months ago I thought that was a lifetime. Now I look at it as the beginning of a new life – one in which I will take nothing for granted because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet BEAUTIFUL Amelia! This lady is truly amazing! Our fabulous hairstylists had suggest to her to take some pics without her wig. To embrace the length she had her hair at the moment. She was VERY hesitant. She did not feel comfortable at all doing that. She absolutely LOVES her wig! But somehow we all persuaded her to just try it out for a few shots. She was a great sport and did it for us. I am soooo happy she did! She looked fabulous! Both wig and without definitely suited her so well! This lady has been through so much in her short 27 years of life! She brought along her two wonderful boys! I was so happy to meet them! You could tell they absolutely LOVE their mommy!  I commend this amazing woman for being such a strong fighter! Please read her story below!

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When you go through so much in life you become “numb” to certain things, my diagnosis was definitely one of those times where I didn’t know what, let alone how to feel, or accept what was going on. I had just gotten back from Tennessee, where my now, 11 year old son was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a brain tumor. I had been back at work only 3 months, still working on getting back to “normal”. Now I was being told I too had that disease that threatened to take my son only 6 months prior. Within a week of my wellness checkup, I had already had an ultrasound, a mammogram, a biopsy, was diagnosed and a mastectomy in that order. After my surgery is when it all hit me, I was not ME anymore! No breast, a huge scar, I would have 4 more surgeries besides the mastectomy, I would need a port for the chemo, I would be starting chemo, I would be losing my hair, so many changes and I was only 26!

The worst thing in my life was not my diagnosis; it was having to see my son go through 2 brain surgeries and radiation. Having to be apart from my other son, those were the worst 6 months of my life. Being a single mother isn’t easy, I’ve never been one to complain about that, but add work, treatment and worrying for your kid’s health and it becomes sometimes unbearable. From Juan’s diagnosis, to being in Tennessee away from Javier, I thought I couldn’t handle anything else. Little did I know I had a long, frustrating fight of my own coming my way. Not only did I have cancer; I was fired from my job that I had been at for almost 6 years. They no longer needed someone that was taking as much time off as I was, due to my sons and my treatment. Harsh being that I worked with all doctors, you would think they would understand a little more than any other employer. Even with that I managed to get by, yes I cried, I was mad, I was sad, frustrated, but I was also happy that I was getting to enjoy moments with my boys that became much much more precious and priceless then before. My boys are my motivation, my strength, what get me through my darkest days.

Funny how throughout all of this, I never feared death, but what did terrify me was the thought of my kids having to grow up without me. That’s when I decided I would FIGHT! This was not going to take me away from them. Yeah I had my moments of weakness, of being on the verge of giving up, but looking back now I’m proud of myself for getting through it all. I am now 8 months post chemo, a week post radiation, on my 8th month of Herceptin (5 more months to go), on my 2nd month at my new job, and looking forward to my future. I’m not your average 27 year old, I never have been, but I can now say I accept and am happy with the new me… scars and all!
–
Amelia
http://www.tg.stjude.org/juan

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet beautiful Amber! This lady had such a wonderful personality!! She brought her mom along and they were both such a delight to have around! They actually stayed about 2 hrs after the event and we all just hung out and chatted! Amber opened up and shared with us her story, her struggles, and about her amazing family the support system God has blessed her with! She is a beautiful person, inside and out! Please scroll down to read her story!

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Amber Childers : Courage is my strength and I believe living is something very special to be thankful for

I live and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. In my short life of 33 years I have a 16 year old son and had breast cancer twice. Although my Grandfather passed away of cancer a few years back, I’ve never known anyone to have breast cancer and thought it only happened to older woman. I led a normal busy life of work, a mother, a daughter, a sister and took pretty good care of myself. Never in a million years would I think I would be telling you this story.

The First Year
It was the summer of 2010 taking a cold shower I felt a lump in my right breast. Not a large lump but large enough to make me pay attention. Days & months past it continued to grow as did my worries. Not having health benefits or knowing there’s organizations that educate and help fund mammograms I waited. Finally in June of 2011 I was approved for health insurance through my employer. The very next day appointments were made and physical exam scheduled. During my physical exam the doctor immediately scheduled right breast coral biopsy and then advised my specialist would be in contact with me. Three long days later the breast specialist called me while I was at work and momembaled “you have breast cancer” and he needed to see me later that day. I was blind sided, devastated, and hoping this was a mistake. It all happened so fast, next I remember laying in a PET scanner having no idea what its for, just going through the motions and doing as doctors said. Its like the world exploded and I was in space being pulled, pushed in every way with no time for clarity.
Through the blur of the following months chemo started July 22, 2011. At stage 3 my team of doctors set me up with chemo every 3 weeks first to shrink the tumors than surgery. My hair thinned out after the first treatment so I had one of my good friends a hair stylist shave it off. I didn’t want to cry over hair falling out daily when I could go shopping for hats, wigs, and scarvs. Always looking to find the positive. My last chemo treatment was November 4, 2011 and I celebrated gaining life back, at least my reality and being okay it. Not showing the buckets of tears shed but the courage and strength to continue on. About a month later on Dec 18, 2011 had my double mastectomy followed with weekly radiation ending March 3, 2012. Woo I was cancer free and seeing the light at the end of this dark tunnel I continued to work. Months passed and reconstructive surgery begun.
Headed in the path of remission hair flowing and growing, skin bright and shining and andromison the meds in the past. Things continued to get better not only for me but for my son as well. Chemo, radiation or cancer wasn’t going to stop me from cheering him on in school sports but now I was able to play basketball, racquetball, catch and ride a bike with him. I could go shopping, be in public, have real conversations that didn’t include doctors, meds, or cancer. Take a long drive see earth, listen to music blaring and best of all feel the wind in my hair.

Round 2
June 13, 2013 my worst nightmare returned. I had a surgical biopsy and re diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Not till October of the same year did treatment begin. My Oncologist said I will be on chemo for the rest of my life but I pray that it will end soon. This time it took a tole on my family especially my son “Michael”. He was starting football his sophomore year and his coaches wanted him to play on the varsity team. He didn’t want to hear the bad news from me so he found out on Facebook. The minute I seen he “liked” my comment I felt he was ready and we were able to have the conversation. A week passed and he told me he quit football, said he just was not into it and all he can think about is losing his mommy. I didn’t like his decision and wanted to ensure he knew what he was doing; giving up his first year of High School football. He reassured me he wanted to be there for me and make sure I get through this tough battle. It broke my heart, all I can do is cry. I didn’t expect anything like that from him. He’s still a kid and wished he could’ve enjoyed his childhood. It has brought me and my son closer than ever. Experiencingthe stages of breast cancer and everything that comes along with it.. being sick, having no appetite, losing my hair, and losing my breasts. Then being put back together with wigs, fake ones to feel like a lady, the out pour of encouragement, love and support from family, friends, and organizations. We both learned a lot together. Michael is so happy he sees me getting better day by day, and just seeing him makes me stronger and wants to fight more. My PET scans keep getting better, so far I have my hair and going to the center 3 times a month is helping. I will not give up!
With the removal of 17 lymph nodes on my right side I developed lymphedema and my right arm is hard to move so I have to see a therapist to help the fluids flow to the right spot so my arm doesn’t swell up any more. It is so painful that it’s hard to sleep or even go out to have a good time. Another challenge, but with the grace of God I power through the pain and get through the day the best I can.

Courage is my strength and I believe living is something very special to be thankful for. As a younger woman being diagnosed with Breast Cancer has been overwhelming but over all able to impact others in a positive way. Struggling with any type of cancer is shattering and with all I’ve been through I find ways to be a good supportive friend, able make others feel good inside as well the outside, and have a happy heart when I see them smile. I have strong faith and love for God he has truly been really good to me and has helped me get out of my tough times. “Romans 10:13”

I want to thank my dad Kelly, mom Maria, brother Jason, sister Jasie, and son Michael for all their help and support without them I would be lost in the wild. Also my awesome Brother for buying a bigger house so we can be together. Will never forget Singleton Moms for being a part of my family and my sister girls for their support and friendship I can not ask for anything more, you all are there when we need a shoulder to relief stress, or just cry. You all make me smile when it hurts, thank you for being you.

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

Tags

arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet beautiful Tiffany! I was so glad she was able to attend our Beautiful YOU event because she was hurting pretty bad ! You see she suffers from stage 4 breast cancer and poor thing was not feeling well at all! But she made it and enjoyed the event very much! She was so grateful and appreciated everyone who participated in the event! I had the pleasure to meet her daughter Ezri. She is as beautiful as her mama! She made her mom a beautiful heart necklace and Tiffany wore it for a few of the images I took! We also took a few mother & daughter pics and I LOVE how they turned out! Please scroll down to read more of this gorgeous lady’s story! The true definition of a WARRIOR!

Hair by: TheBoyz DoHair

Makeup by : Adriana Garcia

Beautiful YOU 2014, phoenix, AZ, photographer, cancer survivor,

Tiffany was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2004, at the age of 37, after a routine doctor’s visit found a lump. She was scheduled for surgery on July 5th 2004 and discovered the week before her scheduled surgery that she was pregnant with her daughter Ezri. She had to proceed with the surgery to remove the cancer for her own health, but the doctors were very concerned about doing surgery while she was so newly pregnant. She opted not to go through Chemotherapy during her pregnancy because she did not want to risk exposure to her unborn daughter. Doctors told her chemo can be done in the second trimester safely, but it wasn’t worth the risk in Tiffany’s mind. She and her partner had been trying for several years to get pregnant and Tiffany was just told a week before she found out she was pregnant that she would never be able to have a child due to the cancer’s dependence on estrogen and progesterone to survive.

Ezri was born in February 2005 and was a healthy baby! Ezri has had no health issues!! Tiffany was able to breast feed for 3 months and then had to take an estrogen blocking medication for 5 years to help prevent the cancer from re-occurring.

Tiffany celebrated her 5 year “cancer free” mark in July 2009 when she was told by her doctor that after 5 years with no signs of cancer that she was considered “cured”. Little did she or her family know that the cancer was likely already making a home in her bones. Her oncologist at the time failed to mention to her that the tumor markers, which were still technically in a “normal” range, had increased from the previous year.

In the fall of 2010, she saw her oncologist and got a clean bill of health, even though the oncologist did not run any tests at that appointment. Tiffany had also learned in the fall that her partner of 10 years had been cheating on her. He left her for the other woman after a few months of appearing to try to work things out. Tiffany scheduled an appointment with her PCP for check-up due to all the stress she had been under. She asked her PCP to run the cancer marker blood tests since her oncologist had not done them. The news was not good. Her cancer markers were very elevated. She was scheduled for a PET/CT scan in February 2011 only to find out the cancer was back and was in multiple locations throughout her bones. Her oncologist gave her a very poor prognosis after seeing the PET scan results. She fired her oncologist and turned to her family to help her find another oncologist. Tiffany’s brother, Tom, located the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and her parents immediately rushed over to talk about her cancer care. Tiffany started a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen with her doctor’s at CTCA to try to put the metastatic breast cancer into remission. The doctors say there is no such thing as a “cure” when talking about stage 4 cancer, only remission. Her bones are more brittle from the cancer & chemotherapy’s, so Tiffany has to limit her physical activities and be cautious with even normal activities. She almost reached complete remission, but then the mediations stopped working and she tried a new medication in October 2013. She had radiation in November of 2013 as well. As of her last scan, these medications are not working and she will have to try another medication regimen and perhaps more radiation. The medications and treatments cause fatigue, extreme joint pain, and other symptoms which have limited her ability to care for herself, her home, and her daughter. She has been unable to work since her diagnosis in 2011. Her family & Singleton Mom’s have been there the whole time to support her and help with her needs.

Premier Phoenix Arizona Wedding Photographer| Laura Gordillo Photography| *A* & *I* Engagement Session

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I had the honor of photographing this gorgeous couple’s engagement pictures recently and I absolutely LOVE how they turned out! They have such great chemistry! Their connection is like no other! Throughout the session I kept showing them pictures from the back of the camera and they kept telling each other “I can’t believe that’s US!” It was adorable! They totally rocked their engagement session and I am so excited to capture their wedding in Tempe next month 🙂

With LOVE, to my Daughter on your 4th Birthday!

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arizona, avondale, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

As I am sitting here looking through pictures of you as I have done each and every year. I can’t help but think about the day you were born and feeling so worried and wondering if I was going to be a good mom? I remember driving to the hospital and holding your daddy’s hand, I was so nervous/scared! I recall being in the delivery room and trembling so much because it was so cold in there, or was it nerves? The doctors and nurses kept telling me to relax because today was the big day; I was going to be a MOMMY!!

Your daddy wanted to play it cool but I knew he was freaking out as well! Daddy tends to do that because he wants to keep me calm, he knows I tend to panic! 🙂 I had to have a C-section because the doctor mentioned since I was about 5 months along that you were weighing above the average weight! Your daddy and I were in denial! We kept thinking there is NO way little me 4 ” 11, 104 lbs. me would be able to have a huge baby! But at 7 months along the doctor insisted we definitely do a C-section because you were already weighing 7 lbs.! I am SO glad we listened to him, because you came out weighing 9 lbs. 10.5 oz.!! No wonder mommy was soooo big! LOL!

The clock strikes 8:30 a.m. and God blessed us with the most perfect, beautiful, BIG girl! The moment I laid eyes on you I learned the true meaning of love at first site! It was a feeling like no other, it was indescribable, you were only in this world for a few seconds and already I felt like I had loved you my entire 27 years of life! How could that be possible?

Tomorrow we will celebrate your 4th birthday! Four years does not seem like a long time but I need to let you know that in these short 4 years of you have been in this world you have made the GREATEST impact in my life! It is because of I am the woman that I am today. THANK YOU for being YOU my vivacious, outgoing, talkative, hyper, crazy, polite, kind hearted, free spirited, happy, moody at times, outspoken, clumsy, adventurous little girl! You have kept me on my toes for 4 years but I wouldn’t change them for anything in this world! We have both learned A LOT from each other and our relationship, as mother and daughter will continue to evolve through the years. I know some won’t be pretty but I am ready to embark in our journey together! No matter what happens you must know I will LOVE you unconditionally no matter what!

Here are a few images of the passed 4 years of your life 🙂 Enjoy ❤ FYI My photography skills weren’t as great at the beginning! Keep scrolling down, you’ll see the difference! LOL 🙂 THANK YOU for being my inspiration and my little model!

Your first pictures! You were quite the model, even inside mommy’s tummy!

This is mommy at only 7 months! People thought mommy had a basketball under her shirt! 🙂

Photo credit Stacia Lynn Photography

 

The moment I laid eyes on you I fell in love!  Our beautiful little family we were not complete!

 

Newborn pics 2 weeks old look at you! So perfect! 🙂 Photo credit Stacia Lynn Photography

2 & 3 months old 🙂 We skipped 1 month pics cause mommy was very scared to pose you!

4 months 🙂 My little fatty! ALL smiles! Starting to have a little personality here!

5 months old 🙂 YES mommy put you in a well! Sorry don’t know what I was thinking! 😉 BUT you didn’t seem to mind!

Had some fun shoots in between! You got some new boots here so thought we’d take some pics of you wearing them 🙂

7 months here 🙂 These were for daddy! GO LAKERS!

Christmas pics @7 months!

9 & 10 months here 🙂 Already trying to stand 🙂 Happy baby! 🙂 YOU LOVED being outside looking at the sky and birds!

Your baptism @ 10 months! Nani & nino bought you the prettiest dress!

Your first Easter at 11 months! Nani made you your very first basket!

Aunt mickie (as you call her ) sent you a cute swim suit! So we took your 11 month pics with it! YOU LOVED it! Didn’t want to take it off!

Boy where has time gone! You are already 1! My little diva! Your tia Gabby cousins and nani had to go crazy behind me to make you smile and laugh!

Your first time at the pumpkin patch! YOU LOvED it and I think you love it even more every year we’ve taken you! You love to pick out your own pumpkin!

Photo credit Serene Images by Stephani Morss       Our first family pics since you were born! LOVE them!

Your first Valentine’s,  Nani and I decided to take you out to a field to take your pics! Your tio Luis made you a cute kissing booth! You were ready for some smooches!!

Second Easter! Nani and I took you out again for some fun pics!

Your great grandma Elena brought you this cute outfit from Guadalajara, Jalisco so we thought we’d incorporate it with you Easter pics 🙂

Now you are 2!! You were obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba! You would dream about them and even sing their songs while you slept! haha! So That was your theme! Nani and I blew up balloons forever! But it was so worth it ! You were soooo happy and your pics turned out so cute!

We were home and you were there just being you! Crazy hair messy and all so I decided to snap some shots!

Having fun at the park! LOVE this pic! Swings are your favorite! You always tell daddy to swing you higher!

Took some father’s day pics for daddy 2013 🙂 Nani took these pics and you made her work for these shots! haha! She was so tired after the shoot!

You modeling some headbands and coat for some vendors in 2013 🙂

You and I were in El Paso for daddy’s b day in 2013 but before we left Nani and I took you to a basketball court to take some cool shots of you with Laker gear! My friend Jackie then delivered a canvas and cookies to his office 🙂 He LOVED it! He says you are a future basketball star!

Like Mother like daughter! You are such a GREAT assistant 🙂

Father daughter dance 2013

2014- You and daddy have a date night and he takes you to a father daughter dance! You have gone two years in a row! He says you LOVE it but you don’t dance with him cause you ditch him for your friends! haha ! So it begins!

We went to visit family in the bay in July 2013! We had been to a beach before but we didn’t really go down to the sand water area. This was one of your first encounters with the beach! You LOVED it! You kept saying you wanted to go back after we came home to AZ! Grandpa Art took these awesome pics of us! He did a GREAT job 🙂

Boy have you grown! Look at the difference!

We took the one the purple outfit the day you turned 3! The one in blue we took back in March 2014 and the Doc Mcstuffins we took in April 2014 🙂

Here are 4 years of your beautiful life, documented in pictures! What a incredible 4 years we’ve had!

Happy Birthday my princess Solei! Words cannot express the joy you have not only brought into daddy and mommy’s life but the lives of others! You brighten the room with your smile and you have a personality like no other! I love you with all of my heart (and right now you respond by saying  “I love you with all of my diamonds” OR the other day you responded by “I love you with all of my birthday parties” Crazy girl!) May God bless you with many many more my love!

Love you always and forever,

Mommy