Piscitelli Family Blog at WRAL Azalea gardens

I had the honor of photographing this beautiful family this month at the Azalea Gardens in Raleigh. The Piscitelli family is a family who has faced many challenges on their journey, yet they radiate joy and love. I could sense in them a celebration of life, and an appreciation for the little moments. In our short time together, I could see their choice to embody hope.

Their daughter Joy was born a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Between her first and second birthdays, Joy began to miss milestones and lose skills. They tirelessly searched for answers. When Joy was three and a half years old, they received the news that the genetic testing results were positive for Rett Syndrome. 

Rett Syndrome is a rare, genetic neurological disorder associated with is involuntary, repetitive hand movements, and a loss of functional hand use. It is also associated with loss of speech, loss of mobility, and sometimes breathing complications. Rett Syndrome impacts every aspect of life.

It has been a little over a year since Joy’s diagnosis and they shared that it’s sometimes hard to remember life before parenting a child with a disability. While there have been many challenges on this path, they remain hopeful. They work hard to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome, and continue to advocate for their Joy.


Location: WRAL Azalea Gardens

Address: 2619 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606

Quiet azalea garden on TV-studio site, with winding paths, shaded benches & manicured lawns


Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!


Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family. 

Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here

Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

katrina williams