Jacksonville NC Military Homecoming Photographer | Camp Lejeune | Jones Homecoming

Every military homecoming is an amazingly special happening…but this one on Camp Lejeune really struck a chord close to my heart.  And no, it wasn’t just because her name is Julie, too!

You see at only 3 months old, their little Ariana had to say, “See you later,” to Daddy.  I remember how hard it was with Ian when Matt deployed…and it was difficult to keep all those emotions at bay, and the flooded memories of how hard it is to be separated during the first year with your first baby!  SO much changes.

I can see the inner strength and devotion that Julie has for her husband and daughter wrapped up in those moments of anticipation.

Ariana knew every time I was going to take her picture!  She has the most intent and beautiful stare!  I knew Daddy would be lost immediately when he saw them again!

And she was so excited and happy.  Every time another text came in, it was almost like she knew exactly what was going on.  Daddy was one mile closer!

In reality, it was so quick, but at the moment, it felt like hours…days…months…until the bus pulled up slowly in front of us.

And then it was like no time had ever passed.  They were complete once again.

There just are not words for the happiness of Julie at having the other half of her heart, Aaron, in her arms once again.  Nothing short of perfectly wonderful.

And how amazing it was to watch Ariana study her Daddy’s face up close.

Ariana was great at supervising every detail…right down to making sure that Daddy had the right bags.

My heart goes out to the Jones family for their amazing sacrifice.  This was Aaron’s 3rd deployment, and thank you does not even begin to cover what I know is an amazing dedication to our country and everything for which it stands.

And to see them reunited again is an amazing blessing!!  I’m so thankful for God’s protection over this family!

All I could think as I was watching them walk away together as a family is that I was truly watching a hero riding off into the sunset with his princesses.  Only this “happily ever after” is just about to begin again.

I pray that every moment draws this beautiful family even closer together than ever before.  Welcome home and God bless America!

*Julie

My passion is capturing beautiful portraits that tell a story.  From newborn portraits, maternity portraits, family portraits, and military homecoming and family events, I am a family photographer that captures memories on-location wherever they may happen.  Contact me for more information about booking a session in the Jacksonville NC area.

Jacksonville NC Military Homecoming Photographer | Camp Lejeune | Cunningham Homecoming

This past week, I had the special privilege of photographing a special military homecoming on Camp Lejeune.  Rob deployed exactly one month after their precious baby girl was born, and she and 3 fun boys have kept Sheena busy…203 nights alone, and she stayed amazingly strong!

These 4 smiling faces were ready to see their Daddy again!

The boys told me that Sheena had pulled off an amazing surprise.  She told them they were going to the doctor’s office and to get ready.  Once they were in the car, in the words of her oldest, “This is definitely not even close to the doctor’s office…that is like 3 miles away!”

Their signs say it all.

While we waited, the boys enjoyed running around and inventing games, and oh yes…playing football.  They were so excited that Daddy was going to be able to make their last football game of the season!

And they waited, and waited…

It seemed like forever…

Then the amazing text that he was boarding the bus transformed the anxious waiting to excitement once again…

And just as it seemed like the buses would never arrive…they appeared down the street.  Amazing to me that the boys just somehow *knew* he was on that 3rd bus.

In the blink of an eye, it was as if he had never left.  In that moment I was overwhelmed by this family’s love and strength…and beyond thankful for the sacrifices they have made for my freedom!  Reunited at long last.

I am so thankful that God has brought him back to him family…and I pray this is a time of growing together even closer than ever before as they enjoy this precious time together. You can tell they are already prepared for jumping right back into the hang of things!

Thank you again to this amazing family for letting me share in these wonderful moments of reunion at this blessed military homecoming.  And thank you, Cunningham family for your service to our country!  God bless America!

*Julie

I am a natural light photographer in Jacksonville NC.  My passion and specialty is to capture family moments that you will treasure for years to come.  If you are interested in booking a session for newborn portraits, maternity portraits, family portraits, children’s portraits, family events or your military homecoming, please contact me for more information.