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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreRaising 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.
Read MoreHomecomings 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.
Read MoreEvery 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.
Read MoreThe 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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