Little Man

Does this little guy not look just like a tiny little man all decked out in his shirt and tie?! He was so smiley and funny. I couldn't get over how happy he was. He didn't care that we had him propped up like he could sit. That was just fine with him! He's almost 3 months old, and is the best baby. His mom is a lucky lady. :)

{Mike and Johna: MARRIED!}

It looked like the weather was finally going to be Spring-like here in Utah. It really did. Then the weather forecast said RAIN!!! I crossed my fingers that maybe they'd be wrong, but I wasn't surprised when the morning of Mike and Johna's wedding came with dark, heavy clouds and pouring rain. So then... I crossed my fingers that it would atleast let up a little so we could take some pictures around the temple. It didn't!

It sure didn't seem to bother the bride and groom, however, who came out of the Temple GLOWING, with huge smiles on their faces! They were so happy, and no amount of rain was going to dampen their spirits.

We did manage some group shots underneath an overhang, so we could atleast document who was there on this cold, wet day!

And then Johna's dad leans over to me and says: "We HAVE to get ONE picture in the rain!" And look how brave they were! You can see the rain streaking across the image. It was POURING!!

That evening, they had a sweet little ring ceremony. It was really lovely.

Their reception was held at the Bella Vista Reception Center in Lindon.

We were so thankful that we had done formals with both the Bride and the Groom before the wedding day. But you know what they say, or atleast what I heard on my own rainy wedding day 16 years ago... It's GOOD LUCK to have rain on the day of your wedding! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Simkins!

Coming Home

I had the wonderful opportunity and honor to photograph a military homecoming this past Saturday. I had never been to one before, and I was so excited to be a part of it. I pulled into the base and parked my car, and soon I found myself walking behind a little family. As soon as I saw their "Welcome Home Daddy" signs, my eyes started filling with tears. I wondered how I would even be able to see through my camera's viewfinder when the REAL reunions started!

The hangar was full of families waiting for their soldiers. I looked around and wondered how many times each family had said goodbye, and then anxiously awaited their soldier's return. I could not imagine the sacrifice each of them had made by supporting these amazing men and women who, themselves, sacrifice so much to keep our country free. Between the balloons, the flags, and the Army band playing, it was a festive and exciting atmosphere.

I saw these men enter the hangar carrying flags, and again tears began to well up in my eyes. They spread out across the open doorway and I could feel the love they have for their fellow veterans.

I photographed this awesome little family last fall, before this sweet little one's daddy deployed. She was a brand new, teeny tiny baby. She's grown up so much over all these months!

I'm can only imagine how excited he must have been to see BOTH his girls!!

When the plane was finally in sight, the crowd surged forward. Everyone could hardly wait to catch a glimpse of their soldier.

We weren't sure which direction he would be coming from, but soon we saw him making his way through the crowd.

I'm so glad they are finally back together!

Meanwhile, another little family waited for their soldier. I was so happy to be able to document a little bit of their wait as well.

When things got a little chaotic as the plane came into view, I lost her in the crowd, but what a wonderful reunion it was for this little family.

...and what fantastic support from a whole bunch of people who love these men and missed them so much.

 I'm so happy for all these families and soldiers who've been reunited after months of separation. I'm grateful for the sacrifices they make in order for our country to be safe and free. I love the men and women of the military. Thank you to all the armed forces of our beautiful USA!

Soon to be Mr. and Mrs...

Oh, how I LOVED this session. I LOVE Bridal sessions. It's all about the dress, people. And this Bride had a GORGEOUS one!! She decided to go against tradition (which a lot more couples are doing these days) and turn it into a "Groomal" session. The great thing about doing it this way, is that we get to capture some beautiful shots of the Bride and Groom without the rush and stress of the wedding day... and we REALLY got some great ones. I can't wait for their wedding next week!!