I had the chance to photograph ChildServe’s 15th Annual Bubble Ball this past weekend, and I can honestly say—it’s one of my all-time favorite events to capture.

This is the second year I’ve photographed the event, and I was absolutely not disappointed. You can see images from last year’s event HERE. It’s one of those rare nights that brings together incredible creativity, an amazing community, and a cause that really matters. This year marked a big milestone, with over $1 million raised to support ChildServe’s mission of helping kids with special healthcare needs live a great life.

The Bubble Ball is part gala, part runway show—with every outfit on the runway made from bubble wrap and other unexpected materials. It’s just as wild as it sounds, and the creativity behind it is incredible. The amount of talent, time, and vision that goes into each look is impressive, and the end result is unlike anything else.

This year’s theme was Wild Wonders: Adventure into the Animal Kingdom! From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed into an immersive and wildly creative world. The Blank Park Zoo even brought some reptilian friends for guests to meet and snap photos with—such a fun and memorable touch!

Cocktail hour gave everyone a chance to settle in, grab a drink, and take it all in. Guests could visit with reptiles brought in by Blank Park Zoo, stop for a portrait at the step and repeat with Chris Maharry, or just catch up with familiar faces. It was the perfect lead-in to the rest of the night—easygoing, warm, and full of little moments worth remembering.

When it was time to kick off the program, Jackie Schmillen took the stage and, as always, did an incredible job guiding the evening. She was joined by ChildServe CEO Dr. Teri Wahlig, who welcomed one of the amazing kids ChildServe serves to the stage—she proudly showed off how she can now steer her own chair and even race. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone exactly why they were there. Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Tom Nucaro and Susan Hatten also shared a few words, rounding out a program that was heartfelt, inspiring, and full of purpose.

The runway show is always a standout, and this year’s lineup was next level. Every design was built from bubble wrap and other unconventional materials, and the creativity behind each look was unbelievable. From high fashion to full-on storytelling, the designers brought it all. Midway through the show, the B2Wins made an appearance—adding their signature energy to the runway and taking the vibe up a notch. The crowd was all in from start to finish.

After the show, the after-party kicked off—and the B2Wins kept things moving with a full set. The energy stayed high, the dance floor filled up fast, and people were clearly having a great time.

There’s something really special about this event. It’s fun, yes—but it’s also full of heart. You can feel the impact in the room, and being able to document that is something I don’t take lightly. I’m so grateful to have been a small part of this night.

You can view the full gallery of my images from the event HERE.
To see the rest of the event coverage—including step and repeat shots and more by the incomparable Chris Maharry, portraits by the incredibly talented Paige Peterson, and additional moments captured by the ChildServe team—head to the separate gallery link HERE.