I received an email from Adam, a soldier stationed in Afghanistan, a couple months ago. He heard about Operation Love Reunited volunteer photographers and wanted to surprise his wife by capturing their family’s Homecoming. Adam and his wife, Debbie, have four children. He had left two days after his daughter Natalie’s third birthday and was returning on the exact day of her fourth birthday. I can’t imagine a better birthday gift!
BWI’s International Arrival gate is beautifully decorated with posters welcoming home our troops.
Local volunteers help assemble goody bags for the troops.
Debbie and the kids arrive at the airport with Adam’s mom, Kathy. Debbie didn’t know I would be photographing the reunion but Mama Kathy did and was my go-to person that day. She secretly sent me text messages throughout the day to keep me updated on Adam’s flight schedule.
There was a crowd of people waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. Everyone starred anxiously at the double doors. Each time the doors slid open, those who waited held their breaths in anticipation…there was a quiet feeling of excitement in the air…
Adam was one of the last ones to come out of the door. The kids rushed to hug him. I couldn’t help but tear up as the kids squealed “Daddy!” What a beautiful reunion!
Mom Kathy video taped the homecoming.
Debbie’s friend made these cute little buttons and bows for the kids.
Adam sharing a moment with his daughter. Happy Birthday Natalie!
Welcome Home Adam! Thank-you again for your service and sacrifice for keeping our country free.
OpLove disclaimer: “The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply and endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.”
I love doing OpLove sessions. It’s a great way to meet and give back to the men and women who serve our country and the families who love and support them. Not too long ago, I meet Laura and her son Nicholas at Fort Meade for some photographs. Laura wanted to have some photos with military items in the background so I suggested checking out the Fort George G. Meade Museum on the Ft. Meade base. If you haven’t been, check it out. It’s a cool little museum with tanks and even a helicopter! Great place to take the little ones to explore. There’s also a beautiful lake on base filled with fish, ducks, and the many many geese (very scary hissing geese!)…
Laura’s husband is a pilot in the National Guard and is currently deployed. The photos from our OpLove session will be printed in an album and sent directly to him! I also like to send a care package with the album full of snacks and goodies. It’s a nice little surprise in the mail for our service men/women who are fighting for our freedom and who are so far from their families and friends.
Here’s a sneak peek at some photos from our session!
OpLove Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.
Had a great session with the L Family yesterday. We lucked out with beautiful weather! Here’s a sneak peek of yesterday’s OpLove pre-deployment session.
As some of you may already know, I am a huge supporter of our US Military service men & women. My husband was former US Army, my brother-in-law US Navy, and my three cousins – current/ former US Army & US Navy. (I seriously need to get to a Army/Navy football game to see both branches battle it out on the field!) Oh and let’s not forget my father, father-in-law, uncles, and aunts who also served in the military 
I am so proud to be associated with these brave men and women. When I discovered the organization, Operation Love Reunited, I knew I wanted to get involved and give back to our military families in one form or another. It was a perfect fit. OpLove enabled me to give back through my photography work.
I met Jessica and Dan a few months ago through OpLove. Dan’s Homecoming was an emotional one and I was honored that Jessica contacted me to help capture that intimate moment in time. You can see photos from their emotional reunion here.
For those who know me, you know I have a hell of a sweet tooth. A few weeks ago I received a DELICIOUS surprise from Dan & Jessica! My stomach is grumbling just looking at the photos! These were hand delivered fresh and straight from Charm City Cupcakes located in Baltimore! Yes- these delicious morsels were from THE “ACE” of Cakes! Mmmmmm….
I couldn’t help but tear up when I saw the little note that came with the package.
Thank-you so much Dan & Jessica for the heart-warming and deliciously SWEET gift! Wishing you both all the best!
Both Becky and Mary’s husbands are enlisted in the US Navy and currently deployed. Here’s a sneak peek at today’s OpLove Photo Session!
Becky’s children, Jonathan and Conner.
Mary’s cute little baby Joseph!
Ofcourse Mary’s dog, Ruby, had to get in on the photo op as well!
Go Navy!
** OPLOVE DOD Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.**
Teresa called me a few weeks back excited that her husband was coming home! Shawn had been stationed in South Africa for the past 4 months and was finally coming home to see his family…and what a big welcome home he received! Teresa had called all of their friends and family to greet him at the airport. It was such a heart warming homecoming, especially seeing the kids so happy to finally see their dad. Thank-you Shawn for your service and welcome home!
** OPLOVE DOD Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.**
I am apart of a wonderful non-profit organization called Operation: Love Reunited. Operation: Love Reunited is a group made up of photographers who donate sessions and albums to Warfighters – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines – who are deploying for an overseas tour of duty, already deployed overseas, or returning home from an overseas deployment.
Jessica flew all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to BWI to welcome home her husband Dan, who was deployed in Afghanistan. The couple were practically newlyweds when Dan received his deployment papers. Jessica and I arrived at the airport and were greeted by another great local organization, Operation Welcome Home Maryland.
I stood at the gate with Jessica nervously watching the doors. A steady stream of soldiers finally began to walk out of Customs. I’ve never met Dan (nor Jessica) until today but as soon as I saw Jessica jump and make a mad dash towards the doors I knew Dan was the next soldier exiting.
Congratulations on your reunion Dan & Jessica! May you both have a long and happy life together. Thank-you Dan for serving our country proud!
Important Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.
