It all started with an email from my fellow homecoming photographer friend, Tricia of Teal Tree Studios. As homecoming photographer, we all know that the date we're initially provided at first contact with a client is not set in stone. Dates in the military are NEVER set in stone! Well, Tricia emailed me asking if I could take on her homecoming client due to the new time and date conflicting with a personal matter. As I have been shooting homecomings for the past six years, I absolutely LOVE shooting them, so I couldn't say no! I then received an email from Sarah to touch bases about the date and tentative time. And of course, as expected, the time changed. Again. But let me tell you, I am glad the time changed! The warmth of the sun setting as the friends and families of the sailors aboard the USS Mitscher provided the perfect backdrop.

Sarah mentioned that this is the first time in 16 years that she will have a photographer present at a homecoming. But this was a special occasion. Baby Mia was born while daddy was deployed. The first meeting between daddy and baby NEEDED to be documented! And boy, the feels. Seeing daddy holding his baby girl for the first time gave me goosebumps. And yes, teary eyes. Thank you Sarah and family for allowing me to capture your special day.

Welcome home to Randy and his fellow Mitscher crew!

Sarah and her family hold a special place in my heart. They came into my life in the beginning of 2013, just before Jake went on deployment. We had their Pre Deployment OpLove session at Fort Monroe, and Sarah had on some FABULOUS sparkly heels that I drooled over. Then while Jake was deployed, we had a Doctor Who themed session for the boys at the Adam Thoroughgood House. I must say the boys were dashing! It was quite eventful since during the session, they were beating the wisteria with their light sabers (yes, it totally happened!) and caused my allergies to go haywire. To this day, Sarah and I joke about how the boys almost put me in the hospital that day. On the day that Jake returned from deployment, I was fortunate to be there as well. As emotional as homecomings already are, seeing Jake reunite with Sarah and the boys melted me heart.

Fast forward to this year, I get a message from Sarah that Jake was retiring, and she asked me to be their photographer. Of course I said yes, they were like family to me! The day finally came, and boy, was it a wonderful day. There were many tears and laughter, needless to say, there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house. Jake, Sarah, Liam, and Maddox, I love you guys so much! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and special memories. In this crazy military life, I am thankful to have found awesome friends like you that have turned into family.

Fair Winds & Following Seas!

THE BLOG