HMLA-269 Homecoming at MCAS New River

More often than not (or maybe it's just my good luck) homecomings take place in the wee hours of the morning.  This one was no exception.  We arrived around 3:30am to prepare for the Marines' arrival, and it was a pretty chilly November morning in the hanger!  

Stephanie contacted me the month prior because her original photographer was relocating and would have to miss it.  Sadly, such is military life!  You can only plan to be spontaneous.  Lucky for us, HMLA-269 stayed pretty close to schedule.  Buses rolled up around 5am and we watched as all the newly grounded Marines lined up in formation, anxiously awaiting that first hug from their loved ones.  When they were released it was like a stampede!  So glad I was able to catch their first embrace over the tall shoulders of dozens of unformed Marines running by.  

And even happier yet, this was the last deployment for The G Family.  <3

Couples Session Giveaway: Jessica & Michael

Meet Jessica & Michael, one of the couples selected for my free session giveaway!

A few weeks ago I drove around to scope out the piers on base.  After finding this one, I had the urge to photograph a couple there ASAP!  I posted a model call on a local Facebook site asking for people to post a picture of themselves and their significant other and got an overwhelming response!  Over 75 people commented and messaged me about the session.  It was so hard to choose!  Instead of picking just one couple, I picked two!  (Stay tuned for Addie & Caleb's blog!)

These two are so sweet.  She's from Alabama and he's from Florida, and they ended up in North Carolina stationed at Camp Lejeune.  I, a native North Carolinian, learned that Florida is not considered to be in "the South," but still think they are an adorable Southern couple!!  We did this shoot at two locations on base, and I am so glad I was able to get him in his dessert cammies.