I haven’t done wedding photography in a few years, but when I did, my favorite part was the emotion. The tears, the joy, the love, all of it, and sharing it with people that are so excited in that moment. Whenever I get the opportunity for that, I take it {but no weddings for this lady}! So, when this client contacted me about her husbands Jacksonville Florida Military homecoming, I was so excited. Who doesn’t love happy, emotional tears and adorable kids!?

As we planned this, we were not sure when dad was coming home, or what time of day it would be, so when we found out it would be LATE at night, and at the airport {ugh, with masks}, we were so sad. But, have no fear, with a military momma, they always have a back up plan! So, we decided to make everyone wait till the next morning, when all were refreshed, and we did not have to wear masks, and did this homecoming at a park! Well, luckily for us, her husband is amazing, and was game for her idea! And ya’ll, it was MEMORIAL DAY! Do you have any idea the honor of photographing a military homecoming on such a patriotic day? It was perfection!

So, we planned this homecoming, and of course Mom knew he was already at the park with us, but the kids didn’t. So, as this starts they are watching the parking lot so intently waiting for dad to pull in… and well mom is too, because she thinks he is behind a tree in front of us…but we had a better idea! Just watch, it’s such an emotional heartwarming moment and the surprise….

Ya’ll, the kids, seeing there dad, and momma watching the kids cry in his arms- I just can’t! Ash and I were in tears! Poor girl never assists me, and the one I drag her to, has her crying big ol’ tears! But, as I said, it was Memorial Day, and I felt it was so wonderful for her to experience this sacrifice that these kids make, and mom makes for our freedom. And, of course, this dad! What you give of your own life, so that all of us here, have the life we do, well, honestly, there are no words! Welcome Home to Lieutenant Commander Bell! I hope that this brings a smile to your face, your family’s love is so beautiful!

And well, because youtube is not kind with their playback quality, some of their photos: