Thanks for all your responses! It helps to hear others with the same problem.
My FI took it to the apple store on Monday, then, they sent it to an outside computer company. The guy said he's seen this a lot with my version of macbook. He said I could send it to another high-end company, but, it will cost at least $1700! I'm willing to try anything and even spend a little $$ just to get those pics back, but, that seems a little outrageous. I feel so helpless when it comes to computers! (oh, btw, i'm on my work computer right now