Military homecomings have my heart. They are always special, unique, and emotional. It’s even more special when I get to document a homecoming for a friend, especially someone I admire and look up to as a mother and military spouse.
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This was such a special day to document. As Heather rolled into the hanger (looking flawless) with not one but two babies, you could instantly see how happy she was. This was going to be a GOOD day. Because not only was she getting her amazing husband home, but there was also going to be another set of hands around! Ha! As an Auntie to twins, watching my sister with her kiddos has given me the greatest respect in the world for parents of twins.
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I can honestly say that I will never forget this day. It was one of a kind, for sure. You see, I was scheduled to shoot two homecomings on the same day (Easter, to be exact). Both families (who are also friends) had loved ones returning from different places in the world and landing at different times. But the day got pretty interesting when both planes landed within five minutes of each other.
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I am never fully prepared for the moment of impact. When the planes buzz overhead, and the families realize that FINALLY. Today is the day. The excitement is overwhelming. Once the okay is given, kids' feet fly as fast as they can to reach him - their dad. Because even though mom has done everything and been there for every practice, game, skinned knee, and dance party - they've missed sharing it with their dad too.
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Raising three amazing, rambunctious young boys is no easy task. Three bright boys who love as hard as they play. Three sensitive boys who miss hugging their daddy goodnight. And yet, my sweet friend Arielle rose to the occasion each and every day while her husband Dustin did his job for his country halfway around the world.
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Homecomings will always be one of my favorite events to document. Seeing loved ones reunited after months of being apart - there's seriously nothing like that joy and relief. And seeing Katie and Brad's first homecoming reunion brought back all the butterflies that I remember from seeing Ryan walk off that plane and back into my arms during our first deployment. It's like your first date and wedding day all rolled into one beautiful moment.
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Every time I shoot a homecoming, I know three things are going to happen. First, I know that this session will be one-of-a-kind - as unique and special as the family I'm documenting. Second, I know that everything about the session (day, time, weather, location) are completely out of my control. And finally, I know that I am going to walk away from the session a different person.
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The older kids saw him first. Peering across the flight line, trying to pick him out amongst a mass of similar flight suits. As he moved out from the crowd gathered under the plane, Luke and Drew bolted for him. Their adrenaline taking over, the boys raced to catch him first, nearly tackling him to the ground. Keira squealed in delight and quickly ran behind her brothers straight towards him. Daddy.
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I am not a morning person. So when my alarm went off the morning of April 1st two hours before the scheduled homecoming I was supposed to shoot, and I quickly realized after scrolling through numerous texts and and messages that the plane was arriving in just 30 minutes... well let's say I've never moved faster before sunrise.
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Can you imagine leaving behind your baby girl – your first-born – just a few months after her birth to go halfway across the world and do your job? That’s just what Jeff did – what thousands of brave men and women do every year. But last week Jeff came home. Home to his loving, caring wife Ashley. Home to his beautiful, not-so-little baby girl.
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This beautiful, amazing family had so much to celebrate this week. Not only was daddy coming home after a lengthy deployment, but this was also the end of their time in Whidbey before starting a new tour. A shore tour. A few years at home. A chance to be there for all the moments that matter. Like the birth of baby sister Olivia, due in December.
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