The day was beautiful. Bright, blue sky with big, fluffy, white clouds. The air was thick with anticipation. Thousands of people were waiting to welcome home their loved ones. Seven…. long… lonely months were finally coming to an end. 220 days. It was almost surreal.

Being separated from the one you love is one of the toughest things a person can experience. Choosing to be separated for a great cause… such are the lives of the ones who sign up to serve our country (and the loved ones that are left behind to endure each day as normal as possible.) Each day is a bittersweet, brave choice. You’re proud to serve this beautiful country we live in, yet you miss your loved ones so very much… and you know your loved ones are missing you and worried about you, yet PROUD of your service.

I’ve been blessed to witness the amazing story of Brittany and Andrew. I’ve know Andrew for awhile now, but I met Brittany a couple years ago when she asked me to be the photographer for her wedding… little did I know that I would not only capture their beautiful union, but that I was going to experience a little life journey with them.

It all started with The Happiest Place on Earth…. followed by the union of a Princess and Prince… a little Love in the Rain never hurt anyone… and now this… homecoming!

It was so hard to keep my emotions at bay being all sensitive-like that I am. To witness the pure elation of families reuniting, hugs, kisses, more hugs… makes me appreciate each day with my loved ones (and the sacrifice of the men and women choosing to serve and protect our freedom) so much more. I am so proud of every single service member (and their families!)

I love this couple so much! Brittany has been an inspiration; a true, brave soul that anyone that has the privilege to call her “friend”, is lucky beyond all stars. hehe…

If you have the time, (and a box of tissue handy), check out Brittany’s deployment blog. To be honest, there were times that I had to stop reading because it is so raw, so emotional… but such an inspiration!!

I’m looking forward to capturing more of their beautiful life journey…

WELCOME HOME, ANDREW!!!!!

(click on each thumbnail to view image in full view/resolution…)

Thanks for visiting today! Have a very blessed and beautiful day! (Make sure you squeeze the ones you love extra tight tonight!)
~Marsha

I first photographed this young beauty back in 2008 for high school graduation… fast forward 3 years and now she’s graduated college!  I am so proud of her and blessed to have been able to watch her grow…

Congratulations, Elena!  May all your dreams and wishes come true…..

Enjoy!  (click on each image to view in full resolution)

Thanks for visiting! Be blessed!
~Marsha

When I first met Tina, I have to say that I was impressed!  Here was this beautiful, vibrant young woman taking charge of wedding plans while her fiancee was stationed  1000 miles away in Washington.  So mature, calm and fun all at the same time!

Fast forward to the engagement session…. as soon as I met Eli, I knew that we were all going to have fun!  Eli and Tina were down to do whatever it took to get the shot!  Getting up at 5am, braving the foggy drive, walking around in freezing cold temps (well, at least to us So.Cali people), smelling horse breath, dealing with creepers… you name it!  SUCH a fun couple!  (To reacquaint yourself with their e-session, click on the link.)

And then… here comes the big day… Eli and Tina chose to do a first look.  Such a special, intimate moment without the pressure of a crowd watching you.  No pressure to “hurry up and get the pictures over with so everyone can eat”…  We had a couple of hours to do a special portrait session without distractions.  Although it was a hot day, they did FABULOUSLY well.  :)

Congratulations, Eli & Tina!!  Thank you for allowing us to capture your big day and share this moment with you… May you have a long, beautiful life with one another (and maybe a few kiddos)… hehe.

Enjoy!!

ps: Take a moment to view this video… played at the reception during the best man’s speech, we were all in tears laughing!

The Man Song

CLICK ON EACH THUMBNAIL TO VIEW IN FULL RESOLUTION….

BIG thank you to JIMMY PEREZ for second shooting!

Thanks for stopping by today!  BE BLESSED!
~Marsha