{The P Family} A Homecoming Story| Killeen Fort Hood Homecoming Photographer

One of my favorite things to do tell stories. I am honored each time a client comes back and trusts me to tell theirs, again, and again.

I have been photographing this sweet family over the past year or so. It's always so fun to watch clients' sweet babies in their first year and as they grow up.

As y'all know, one of my favorite stories to tell is a homecoming story. I patiently waited to get the date and time (which was supposed to be while I was on vacation), but it just happened that it was pushed to right after I got home.

I'm not a morning person, and rarely am I ever excited about getting up at 3:30am, but when I have a homecoming scheduled, I roll right out of bed. We did misjudge the weather a little bit- although it was 45 degrees, it was a cold and wet morning. Everyone was bundled up. The thing I've learned about homecomings is, most of the time they are "hurry up and wait." And so it started.

We both arrived early, around 4:30. Once we got there, we were told it was going to be 6:00. 6:00 turned into 6:15, 6:20. For the waiting families, each moment seemed to be passing slower and slower.

Finally we heard the approaching sirens of the police cards that lead the buses in. The smiles that are captured when you see those red and blue lights are so full of relief and genuine happiness. Only a few more, excruciating moments until they are in their soldier's arms again.

  The crowd was screaming with excitement. I love being able to see the feet under the buses and just a few of the soldiers through the middle of the buses.

So. close. But so far. Prayer. Commendation. and finally, they were released. The crowd made a mad dash toward the guys, Julie was smart to stay back so her husband could find her right away.

Moments later he appeared out of the crowd and their family was reunited.

Thank you SO much for allowing me to shoot this special time for you.

{Abigail & Cody} A Homecoming Story

I should be editing. But instead, I'm taking my break to go eat a big bowl of ice cream blog this sweet homecoming for you!

Y'all know how much I love homecomings. Like, LOVE. Day, night, whatever, I'll be there. When Abigail messaged me to let me know that she was SURPRISING her fiance at his own homecoming- I was just so excited!

Well, lucky us, her homecoming happened to be at night. Outside. On Cooper Field. Normally these are my absolute favorite homecomings to shoot but tonight was different. There was an forecast for an icy 30 degrees, with rain & possibly snow as well.

Sweet clients of mine, if you didn't know- I am a Floridian and I am a BABY when it comes to the cold. Like, ugg boots and coat in 65 degree weather. Which shows, again, how much I love homecomings.

So, the night of Miss Abigail's homecoming, I packed up gear (covered in various plastic bags to try to avoid rain getting on it, put on my goose down coat, gloves, hat, long johns (yes I sure did) and went out to wait!

Fellow photography Lindsey (of Lindsey McAlpine Photography) and I met our sweet clients about an hour before the guys were supposed to arrive. The last hour has to be the slowest, most dragging hour of these girls lives.

Some of the best expressions I have the privilege of capturing happen at homecomings. There is so much laughter. Anxiety. Fear. Love. Happiness. Relief.--- so many emotions all wrapped into a few moments.

 After waiting close to an hour, we finally received news that they were on their way,

 Look at her smile as she saw the buses for the first time- knowing that her soldier was getting into formation just behind them.

 The crowd shouts to move the buses and they quickly drive away. I love night homecomings because they seem to almost come out of the darkness into the lights onto the field. She could not keep her eyes off the soldiers walking towards her. She didn't need to see her soldier, it was enough to just know he was in there, somewhere.

 A quick prayer is said over a screaming crowd. At this point, all cold is forgotten and all Abigail is waiting for is her soldier to be dismissed.

 The seconds tick by and finally they are released to their families. We quickly began the search. No words are needed to explain the moments they are reunited <3 Needless to say I think he was surprised.

These are the moments I live to capture. Freezing, snowing, hot, cold, if I can be at a client's homecoming, I will be. These moments make everything worth it.

Welcome Home Soldier!

{The K Family} A Homecoming Story

Friends, it is a SMALL world. Katie and I met in high school- we were in the same class. Our senior class happened to have about 50 people in it-- and somehow, we both winded up married and stationed here at the good ol' Great Place.

I was THRILLED when she contacted me to shoot her and her husband's homecoming. This is something that's been on my books for awhile now :) It's been great to catch up a little with Katie over the few months leading up to her hubby's homecoming.

Monday afternoon was a gross, rainy day, but you couldn't wipe the smiles off the crowd slowly forming at the West Fort Hood Gym! As y'all know, one of my favorite things to do for homecomings is get there early to experience the anticipation! I love the smiles, nervous laughter, tears shed--- all the emotions around you.

 

Katie and I sat for about an hour before it was announced that the soldiers were on the buses on the way to the gym! The crowd screamed with joy.

Before we knew it (probably the longest minutes of Katie's life!),  the soldiers filed into the gym- Katie waited anxiously for the first glimpse of Thomas! He certainly was easy to spot! He's the guy up there at the VERY front! :)

After a short welcome and prayer is said, the crowd was quickly dismissed to their soldiers. I LOVE the shot below where their eyes meet for the first time!

 

Katie and Thomas- thanks so much for letting me be a part of your special day!