Military Homecoming

Zarzecki: Deployment Homecoming

Being able to spend a few hours with this family is one of the hugest blessings that I could think of. Anything you can imagine facing during a deployment, they faced, and they prevailed. 

I met Jessica the day of the Homecoming and I could immediately see all over her face how excited she was. This was it. The day she has, literally, been waiting months for. 

And she wasnt the only one. This was Cpt. Z's 4th Homecoming and I have never seen a bigger grin than the one he wore as he walked by his family on the tarmac. 

One of the most rewarding feelings in the world? Seeing two people in love be reunited, and being able to capture that for them. Thank you so much Cpt. Z and Jessica for letting me be a part of this! 

(Extra special thanks to Miss Stella for getting me in touch with this amazing family!) 

I love that even as he walks away to turn in his weapon, he cant turn his back. This is what pure joy looks like. 

Welcome Home Cpt. Zarzecki!

XOXO

Military Homecoming

Kelly: Deployment Homecoming

Hands down, one of the best experiences Ive ever had the opportunity to shoot. The energy and emotions are so high, all leading up to one moment. The moment she has been waiting 10 long months for. 

Nate left for Afghanistan in September of last year, he left the same exact day as my husband and spent almost every day fighting along side of him. Making this experience all the more surreal. 

But there is a little more to this story. In April Nate came home for R&R for 2 weeks. Personally I know how R&R feels. The absolute best 14 days of your life, but every single day you are reminded that its only temporary. Its such a bitter sweet, but as a army wife, you seek the positive and you march forth.

The day after Nate left back to Afghanistan, Amber found out some pretty shocking news. Nate left her more than a full heart. He left her with a life.. or as we call him/her now, Baby Godzilla. After years of trying Amber and Nate are expecting their first little one in January. 

When the butterflies begin..

 Calling out for Nate

 As the men turn in their weapons, we wait a little more.. 

 Then she hears what she has be waiting for, the bang on the door. Signaling the soldiers are about to come in. 

 The moment she locked eyes with Nate

Welcome Home Spc. Kelly! 

XOXO

Redlands Portrait Photographer

Orange Grove Portraits

The two littlest loves of my life.. days before leaving California there was one thing that absolutely needed to happen. A photo shoot with my daughter and niece, the cutest best friends you ever did see. Something about watching them together is amazing. The bond they share is like they're twins. Even with Zoe not talking full words, Laela understands her perfectly. 

They play. They fight. They share. They laugh. They cry. And they cuddle. Seeing them together is an out of body experience. Its like watching my sister and myself playing when we were younger.
 If Laela does it, you know Zoe is going to attempt it. If Zoe has it, you know Laela is going to want it. 

The game plan was to take the girls out and let them play.. to capture exactly how they are together.. minus the messy playroom and play clothes. 

I think we captured it spot on. 

A few bloopers... I crack up at Zoes protective face. She absolutely adores her big cousin. 

A rare moment of yours truly and my little girl.. 

XOXO