The Saint Timothy Annual Auction Gala was a joyful evening of celebration, community, and generosity, held once again at the Barn at Brambleton. This year’s event carried special meaning as the school celebrated its 45th anniversary, bringing together families, friends, and supporters for a night filled with laughter, connection, and lively auction moments.

A Korean doljanchi, or dol, is a traditional birthday celebration that honors a child’s first year of life and features the symbolic doljabi ceremony, where the baby chooses an item that represents their future. As a family photographer, I documented Elena in her beautiful hanbok, the carefully styled dol table, and the unforgettable doljabi moment. If you’re planning a Korean doljanchi and searching for a photographer to capture authentic, timeless images of your child’s first birthday celebration, this post highlights how special and culturally significant this milestone truly is.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of experiencing Saint Timothy’s Annual Auction Gala for the first time. What made the night even more meaningful for me was experiencing it not just through my lens, but as a parent. I saw the same joy, generosity, and faith that drew my family to Saint Timothy’s shining through every smile and interaction. I’m grateful I could capture these moments — both as a photographer and as someone who calls this community home.