About 3 months ago one of my best friend’s husband was about to return from a deployment… Naturally, I asked her if she had a photographer, and when she told me she didn’t I made it my mission to find her one half way across the country. 😉

An AMAZING woman name Melyna, of Melyna Fang Portriats, responded to my cry for help 😉 She donated a homecoming session to my dear friend, and drove a couple hours away to capture those special moments for their family. INCREDIBLE, right? She didn’t even KNOW me… or my friend… She is just that amazing. She blew me away with her kindness, and I PROMISED I’d pay it forward.

The other night, Marie posted in a local photog group that we are a part of, and was searching for a photographer to cover her husband’s homecoming. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, since my husband just left himself and I have the munchkins. But, with my mom’s help, we MADE IT HAPPEN! Grammy stayed the night with us, and I got up at the CRACK O’ DAWN to head to the pier 😉

When I arrived I was SO nervous. Like super nervous. lol… I’ve never done a Navy homecoming, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Marie is also a photographer, and she photographs homecomings, so after chatting with her a bit and seeing how friendly and amazing she is my nerves chilled out and I was ready to party! 😉

And BOY, let me tell you what. The Navy knows how to welcome our men & women home!! I HAD GOOSEBUMPS pretty much the ENTIRE time I was there. HAHA! That and watery eyes! It just hit close so home and I was SOOOO EXCITED for all these families and friends to be reunited with their loved ones… especially the sweet family I was there to capture <3

Marie, THANK YOU for allowing me to take part in this amazing day. I am SOOO thankful for this experience. You and your hubs are to die for adorable… and I am SO glad you two are together again after those long 9 months. And I am so glad his mom & dad were there to see their boy come home!!!!

Ian, THANK YOU for your service. My family is very thankful for all that you and your beautiful wife sacrifice for us. <3

 

<3 xoxoxo