Personal: D is for Faith. 

The D word. Deployment. For months we knew it was coming, but you push it to the back of your mind. And refer to it as the D word. Unspoken of. Completely ignored. But when it comes. And it WILL come, it slaps you. Hard. 

Monday morning I woke up at 2 am and put my strong face on. For my husband, and my daughter. Everything we needed was in the car waiting and we just needed to go. David got Zoe from her crib and talked to her as he got her dressed. This is the last time he would she her the just way she was in that point in time. 11 months, innocent, beautiful, and confused why the heck she was up at 2 am.

We went to where he works while he drew his weapon and finished putting last minute things together. I immediately found the other wives. The wives I know best and know me best. The ones who are about to go through the exact same thing as me. We talked, let the babies play, and watched our husbands from a distance like it was the first time we laid eyes on them. This morning was going to be a long one, and we all knew it. 

Even while we were there, it didnt hit me. The reality of the situation. And to be honest, it still hasn't. Its hard to grasp and accept. Your best friend, your complete other half is going to fight for this country in what seems like a world away. In the next year, there are no promises, no set dates or time, no knowing what will happen tomorrow. Words cant express how proud I am to be his wife. He joined the Army with this in mind. As something he wanted, and needed to do. Its the men like him that amaze me. That sense of patriotism and loyalty to his brothers. I thank all the men and women that joined in a time of war. Its people like you that make this country proud. 

Now it has been a few days since they have left and it doesnt get any easier. But Im learning the D word stands for so much more than Deployment. It stands for faithfulness, trust, patience, and love. Watching the buses leave was one of the hardest things Ive ever had to do in my life. Watching my better half disappear down the road. But the thought of watching the buses come back to me is what makes it so sweet. One day this will all be behind us and we can look back stronger and smile. 

Yes, they talk to eachother. Its sickeningly cute.

Last minute 'I love you's 

Beware and be kind! This is just what our wild family looks like at 6am!

Come home safe, each and every one of you. 

<3

 Couples: Nate + Amber

I absolutely love shooting close friends of mine. This is why Im so incredibly blessed to call this my job. Amber and Nate Kelly are definitely one of a kind, and I will never meet another couple quite like them. 

I met Amber almost a year ago as her husband is in the same platoon as mine. Us and a close few other girls are the wives that ban together every time the husbands leave for training, or worse, deployment. I can never call it boring. Amber knows the know on everything! This may just be why I love her so much, well, and her sarcastic sense of humor. She has helped me with more things this past year then I could ever thank her for. And Nate, he's a goof ball. And a die hard Steelers fans. But one thing he loves more than his team, is his wife. The connection these two share is all their own. With Nate now being a world away from Amber Im honored to be the one she trusted to take their pre-deployment photos. 

Come home safe, Nate. 

We're all praying for you guys and incredibly thankful for your service.  

Amber's pride and joy! Definitely ring shot worthy

Personal: Comic Con 2011

So Im not a Star Trekker, I know nothing about the galaxy, and I can barely remember Star Wars... or even how many Star Wars were made? But when I saw El Paso was having its own Comic Con I knew my husband would absolutely die over it. This is right up his alley. Yes, I married a total inner nerd. Zombies, comics, art.. all of it.

I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun. This was by far one of those things I wanted to check off my bucket list. From the makeup to the costumes, I absolutely loved it! I love seeing different passions and people together bonded by one thing. We walked from different booths in awe. And then I saw her, in person, THE PINK POWER RANGER! Now this is my kind of party. Just then my long lost goober within was found! Then just as the day couldn't get any more random, I was stopped by a stranger. 

Him: "Who are you? Like who are you supposed to be?? I can recognize you, I just cant remember where its from"

Me: "Um, Im just myself I think..."

Him: **total look of confusion and disappointment**

I dont know if I should be flatter or offended that my cute outfit looked like a costume at Comic Con... Either way! Ill consider it a compliment! 

Heres just a few photos from the day. And of course, Zoe is totally rockin' her Star Wars onesie. 

"Mom... Dont look now, but I think there is someone behind you..."

This is my husbands best attempt at looking calm, even though we both know, he's doing his happy dance on the inside. 

Maternity: Joseph + Amanda

This couple was an absolute blast to work with. We decided on an early morning session and met down town at 8:30 am. From the minute we started shooting I knew we would have fun. Ive met Joe a handful of times, but only as Sergeant Joseph Littleton. I was so excited to do their maternity session, as this is my first one. EEEKKK! Amanda isnt right at popping point yet (though she will be soon enough!) but with Joe's impending deployment around the corner, we decided now was the perfect chance. Pre-deployment photos and maternity? Is that multitasking? Why yes. Yes, it is! 

Shooting this for them was an absolute honor. Amanda's personality is laid back and went with the flow of everything! She was a dream to work with. And Amanda plus Joe? It doesn't get much cuter! They laughed and snuck kisses the entire shoot. I loved the sincere affection Joe wasn't afraid to show his wife. After this session they both went and got her belly casted by my friend Ari. (give her a look!) I absolutely love this idea and am just a tad jealous!

Family: Johnson 

This is a continuation of a heartbreaking yet so inspiring story. This week I was given the honor to shoot a family session with one of the strongest families I know. 

Months ago a woman named Jeni contacted me and said she had won a free photo session at a local fundraiser. The twist in all of this was the fact the fundraiser happened to be for her. Or more specifically, her daughter, Caralynn. I couldn't have picked a more deserving family for this! I was completely ecstatic on how it all unfolded. We chatted a little bit and decided since she was a few states away receiving care for her little girl that we could postpone the shoot. We decided a family session for them once Caralynn was home was well in order. Well I say this with my most sincere condolences. That day never came. Sweet Caralynn escaped all of her pain and quietly passed on August 14th 2011. (More of Caralynn)

The hurdles didnt stop there. A few days after their baby girl had passed away Jeni's husband Chris was handed deployment orders. With this quickly approaching Jeni contacted me again for the family photos we had once discussed. 

I am beyond honored to be able to capture this amazing family. I cannot say it enough. I am completely amazed at the compassion and complete lightheartedness of this family! Their daughter immediately took my hand and decided I was cool enough to hang out with her for a while. Throughout the entire session the kids laughed and played around us. Then while wrapping up the session both kids asked me if I was coming home with them. I usually dont offer slumber parties in my session packages, but for these two? I just might! With Jeni also being a photographer she chose the location and I couldn't be any happier with it! We shot that afternoon and I could LIVE in that sun light! Completely amazing. Here are just a few that sum up our evening together. I couldn't cut it down anymore than this, I love all of these! I was half way tempted to just post the entire session. kidding!.. well sort of. 

Seriously, I dont think they could look anymore alike!

Absolutely in love with this necklace!

I dont think girls come any cuter than this!

Finished the session with some Michigan love!

And of course, Caralynn as well

xoxo