It’s a small world was never a truer statement. I am on a few photography pages on Facebook and one day someone posted asking for photographers who shoot welcome home ceremonies. I commented, along with several others, and waited to see if she if I would be contacted. I received a message and we quickly realized that we are both from the Rio Grande Valley. For those who don’t know, that is South Texas. When we say South we don’t mean San Antonio be mean 4 hours south of San Antonio. Few people know where that is so we immediately had a connection.
It turns out that this was their first deployment since getting married and she was beyond excited. Like all things military, the date changed a few times and a few days before it looked like the newest date was going to stick. I just had to wait for confirmation of the time.
The big day arrived and I headed over to the ADAG. I arrived and received a call from Claudia that her little one had a wardrobe malfunction so she was running behind. Luckily, it takes a while for the whole process to unfold so I was pretty sure she would make it in time. I headed outside with the other families while I waited.
They arrived with time to spare before the plane arrived. The anticipation was brewing and I could see how nervous she was while we watched the plane taxi down the runway.
Calling me.
Waiting for them to get off the plane.
Checking out the camera.
The screams are louder as the anticipation builds.
Her sign says it all.
Eye contact was made.
Once they go by it’s time to go back inside and wait as the soldiers go through their final steps so that they can be released to their families. It’s so hard to see them walk by and not be able to touch them or speak to them immediately. Claudia had to try and keep Penelope entertained while waiting. They had a bouncy house for the kids but she wanted Mommy to go in with her.
She was still unsure about the lady with the camera.
5 more minutes.
We heard them talking to the families with directions and an explanation of how it all would happen. I’m pretty sure all anyone heard was “They will come through there in a few minutes.” Claudia found her spot and was back to waiting.
Here they come!!
Trying to find him in the sea of green.
He found them!!
Penelope didn’t know what to think.
Sharing.
One more.
Love the way she looks at him.
They gave the word that their bags were about to get dropped off for pick up so we headed to get the stroller and he had a present for his little one.
Up close view of the signs.
I think she likes it.
That look…
Time to get the bags and head on home to start their new normal.
Thank you for your trust in me to capture this special moment in your family. I hope you are enjoying your time back together. I’m sure that Penelope and her daddy are inseparable now.
