Not So Hectic Homecoming | Military Homecoming | Fort Bragg, NC Photographer

This couple's homecoming was the smoothest homecoming I've ever shot. Nothing changed once she was given a date, the time got a tad later but not significantly. It was easy peasy. Minus how crowded it was!

  

Once she found him in the crowd (she had some of his buddies hunt him down), she ran straight into his arms. <3

 

 

The reunion was short lived as he wanted to make sure he was one of the first to be prepared to load up the troops on the buses to turn in equipment and set the example. But it was sweet. And thank you to both for their patience as I brought both my boys with me during the homecoming due to time and lack of babysitters! :)

After the couple saw their gallery and received their custom USB, she wrote these kinds words to me and I couldn't have been any more thankful to have clients like these two!

"I want to thank you for being there with me to capture photographs of that memorable day. It was comforting to me to know that you were familiar with how the whole ceremony would go from both a professional photographer and military spouse point of view. I know that the ceremony was really long and the reunion really short, but you made the whole process feel so easy and stress free. You were flexible with me and I definitely appreciated your knowledgeable voice of reason directing me in that very large and hectic crowd. Thank you for doing what you do to help other military families preserve these precious memories.
I also want to give a huge shout out to your kiddos. They were both so calm and understanding of the situation, and you wore (your littlest) like a champ! I mean, you were basically maneuvering through the crowd like a photography ninja WITH a baby strapped to you. But in all seriousness, I was really impressed with how they just rolled with it and I want to thank them too for doing their part in making the whole process a success."

Learn more about booking a military homecoming with me HERE!

Not to mention I'm super stoked about my new custom USBs for homecomings!!! Thank you  PhotoFlashCrive.com for excellent quality and service!

 ** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. *** 

Miss Me, Miss Me, Now You Gotta Kiss Me | Military Homecoming | Fort Bragg, NC Photographer

Y'all know how much I love homecomings! I mean, I honestly don't care where they are or what time of the day they are. I love photographing these special moments for my clients to cherish forever! And, I'll repeat myself, each family's story is incredibly different and I love sharing with you.

Like all homecomings, it seems, five billion units were coming home around the same time. And of course, the families don't really get to be told a hard time until it's a day or so out. This family wasn't any different. Because his final homecoming was in the middle of the night, momma decided to leave their little one at home so she could sleep. But she did bring a sign with baby's picture on it and dang! It was super cute!

 

I love the emotion that comes along with homecomings. She looked and looked for her hubby in the crowd of maroon berets and to her right he snuck up on her. But not too sneaky as she jumped down from her platform and ran into his arms. <3

I'm telling ya, photographing and experiencing it myself, there is no better feeling than having him back in your arms. (Children cuddles aside that is) ;)

She showed him the sign she made for him of their little girl. He joked that she didn't look as happy in his picture than she did on the picture momma made for a friend who also came home who didn't have nearby family.

These two. <3 passionate!

You can see the love they have for each other in every picture. This is just too cute and reminds me of two teenaged kids. <3

Welcome home soldier!

** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. *** 

A Marine's Welcome | Military Homecoming | Camp Lejune, NC Photographer

As I always say, when speaking of military homecomings, each one has a different and unique story to tell. And that's why I'm there. To tell it not only in pictures but to explain to y'all the emotions that each person goes through when they're awaiting the arrival of their heroes.

This was my first Marine homecoming. I headed to Camp Lejune, NC to capture this moment for an adorable couple that couldn't wait to see each other. Not only did I speak with the girlfriend before the homecoming, the Marine himself made sure everything was in order since he too wanted this special moment caught on camera.

Everything started out well. Good communication, I was there early, she showed up just before the first busses arrived and the family members made it as the Marines were walking off the bus. Close calls, but everyone was where they needed to me ... except the Marine. The busses emptied one by one ... but no sign of her Marine.

His brothers and nephews tried to find his bag in the sea of tan backpacks.

His momma searched the crowd of happy family members reunited with their Marines ... but still no sign of THIER Marine. Then a huge crowd of Marines came out of the ammo room, they searched and searched. But still no familiar faces. Lemme tell you, they had their hopes raised THREE times, holding up signs, smiling into the crowd, and THREE times they were once again waiting for their hero.

Then finally, a big semi pulled out of the parking lot revealing a small formation. He HAD to be in there right? Girlfriend wasn't so sure, but momma had a feeling. She was right there when they were released and got his first hug and kiss. <3 She had her son home. Safe and Sound.

Finally after what seemed like forever, girlfriend and Marine embraced in the tightest most loving hug. You could feel the stress and worry just melt away at that very moment.

 

Dad got to welcome his son home with laughter and a bear hug.

Then came sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces ... the whole family!

But best of all, she had her love home at last.

 

Oh and get this! I am now doing video for an additional "add on" price if you also want to catch live action the second you guys see each other! Homecomings are $200 but for just $65 more, you'll get a short video of the whole experience! :) Don't forget to inquire about the video when you book!

*** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. ***

Waiting on Daddy | Military Homecoming | Fort Bragg, NC Photographer

Had the pleasure of photographing this family's reunion a few days ago. The boys were super excited for daddy's return ... too bad the Army's "hurry up and wait" motto rang all too well for this family. Two hours later ... Daddy was home and in their arms.

In the meantime though, they did what boys do. They played video games, chased each other, ate snacks and jumped around.

Finally the plane arrived and for what seemed like forever, the formation of soldiers marched into the hanger!

The boys could hardly contain their excitement as the National Anthem played and the commander spoke. But luckily, the commander took pity on the family members waiting and only said a few short sentences before releasing the soldiers to their loved ones.

And here he was! Mommy pointed him out in the crowd!

Big brother couldn't hold back his emotions. He was so happy that daddy was home that he may have teared up a little ... I mean, it was probably his allergies. ;)

 

His brother-in-law and niece and nephew were able to be at the reunion too. But they held back as the boys and momma got all their hugs and kisses outta the way.

 The hard part is always the fact that the soldiers only get about 15 minutes with their families before they yet again have to form up and get on buses to turn in equipment and gear. Adults and older children understand, the young ones? Not so much. Little man was a tad worried that daddy was leaving again. "Daddy, you're not coming home with us?" He asked.

Daddy leaned in and said, "Of course I am. I just need to do a little more work and then we can go home together."

 *** Please remember that all images are copyrighted to Sharilyn Wells Photography, LLC. Please do not copy or alter any images without SWP, LLC consent. ***