Sarah of Sarah Elle Photography  (she’s really good… Check her out!!) and I met through the Amanda Hedgepeth Q+A group, and became online buddies. We have our differences; I like to call my iced coffee with milk an “Iced coffee with milk” and she wishes I’d just call it a “latte” (whatevs ;))… But over some of the summer and fall, we found we had more than photography in common: Both of our husbands were deployed. During this time we bonded over wine, fun Facebook icons and the craziness that you become when you’re a part from your spouse. 😉

So, when she asked if I would be interested in documenting her homecoming the answer was a no-brainer: Uuuh duuuh!!

The morning of John’s arrival, Sarah had two of her very close friends Markia (of Marikia Nicole MUA) and Carly (of Makeup by Vega) over to glam her up for her honey bunches! *By the way, those gals rocked it! She was beautiful before, but hot damn she looked amazing after!! Check them out!!*

We drank coffee (my ICED coffee is not pictured ;)), laughed and listened to music. Sarah’s phone was even confiscated midway to keep her from texting her husband… we wanted to keep the suspense ALIVE! hahah! (Please read the text message photo, I spelled the word “confiscated” so wrong and didn’t realize it until I was editing. hahahah) It was a great way to start what was going to be an amazing day!

When we got to the airport I could feel Sarah’s heart racing. I’ve been there… the moment is so close, but can’t come soon enough, and you are just overwhelmed with SO many emotions. It’s something I just can’t even describe. Sarah said the only thing she could compare it to was their wedding day.

I watched her watch the check point…  I was just WAITING for the face (you’ll see the face below ;)). And when I saw it, I got goose bumps.

The rest was magic… I mean look how HAPPY they are!! <3

There are many things that bring me joy when it comes to being a photographer, and being able to capture moments like the ones you are about to see is definitely on the list! To be able to witness a homecoming is such an amazing experience. To be able to give a family moments like these, frozen, just makes me so happy. As much as our men & women and their families do for our country, this is the LEAST I can do to show my appreciation. Thank you for having me along for this moment in your lives. It means so much to me that you trusted me to be there to capture it for you.

Welcome home, John. Thank you for serving our country. And Sarah, thank you for serving here at home.