Absence makes the heart grow fonder…{army engagement photos, military engagement photos, sonoma engagement photos}

I met Willow along with her whole “posse” of family and friends at the Sonoma Bridal Show.  It was love at first sight!  She then asked me if I’d be able to do an engagement session only 10 days before the wedding.  To her I replied, “uh sure! but why? any particular reason you want to do it so close to the wedding? (assuming it was because of the desired weather or something along those lines)” That is when she tugged at my heartstrings a little.  She told me her fiance is out on deployment and will not return until 10 days before the wedding.  Then he was set to leave 10 days after the wedding for another deployment for 3 years!

Needless to say I’ve been anticipating meeting this fine Gentleman, not only to thank him for his service but to capture the love between him and Willow (that I could already just see through the eyes of Willow when she talked about him).  Perhaps it was also his loving family and her’s all standing there beside her in support, helping her plan this wedding.

It’s funny I mentioned thanking him for his service, I don’t think I actually even did that (although that was my intent) I jumped out of the car and gave him a big hug though, LOL. Then introduced myself.  I think I was under the assumption he felt like he already knew me like I felt that about him since I had heard so much about him.  Matt was thanked several times for his service just as we walked through town taking photos.  It was so surreal to watch.  I think it was this way for two reasons one, even though they can’t possibly be THAT much younger than me (I’m in denial that I’m almost 30 so just humor me) but for some reason I just kept picturing my own Son and imagining the mixed emotions I’d feel of fear and incredible pride.  The second reason was while I was photographing them they were like most couples in love, just happy, totally focused on each other, and well just overjoyed but as the surreal part was when someone would come up to him he would perk up his body language and start in with the “Yes Sir, Army Sir” stuff as each Patron walked by, shook his hand and paid their respects.  And then once they’d walk away he’d return to his normal posture and return his focus right back to Willow.  You can just see how much he’s missed her and how much he loves her and vice verse.

I feel so honored to be the photographer they chose to capture this special engagement session and the very wonderful wedding day.

Here are a few of my favorites from last night’s session, stay tuned for their wedding images in early June!

A very special thank you to the amazing Jacqueline Ramirez (707) 480-7157 jacqueliner@me.com for doing Willow’s make up!  Such an amazing job!  Willow doesn’t often wear make up so she kept her natural looking enough so she was very comfortable and yet just enough to really make her eyes pop in the camera!  Great job Jax thanks!

 

I feel like I should really take this opportunity to thank the Men and Women in my life who have served this Country, I won’t even attempt to name off ranks or branches of Military since I’m certain I will screw it up!  But my Grandpa Chapman, my Cousin Bradley David Chapman who is currently out on a ship (that means Navy right? jk I figure I can’t mess that one up) my Father, my Uncle Ken, my Uncle Bob, my Cousins Page Small, Steve Hughes, Sean, Lena, and Brianna (who is also out on a ship currently), my Brother in Law Kirby who is currently at ATI? did I get that right?  An old friend (old as in long time ago not old since he is my age) Danny Bruno, Mark Williams, and Matt Clark.  I’m sure I’ve missed someone and if I did I’m sorry!!  I’m thinking on the fly right now with 2 kids in my office playing (loudly) angry birds on iphones behind me.  But thank you to my family and friend for their sacrifices and their service to this Country and thank you to all the Service Men and Women out there!