Be fairly warned that you’ll need a tissue box on hand while viewing the following photos! It was challenging to stifle the flood that welled up in our eyes as we were preparing the pictures for this post.

Staff Sergeant Mike Oliver is a long-time and dearly treasured friend of Dustin’s. We had been asked to do another marine’s homecoming (whose slideshow you can see by clicking here) and by God’s grace, we found out Mike was arriving home about 30 minutes before him! We were so excited to shoot Mike and his darling (and growing!) family again since our first time shooting his return from Afghanistan was in the dark.

Mike and Jennifer, a million thanks are due to the both of you for the service that you render to our country. It is an unspeakable joy to have the privilege of sharing these photos with you. May the Lord bless your wonderful family!

We also want to wish a Happy 4th of July to all those who have served our country, are serving our country, and the families who love and support them!

Sometimes even the photographer gets a little anxious and needs to release some energy! Please leave some words of thanks and appreciation for this man in uniform and his family!

Just a few teaser photos from this morning’s Marine homecoming at Camp Pendleton…

Just a few teaser photos from this morning’s Marine homecoming at Camp Pendleton…

As you are celebrating Christmas with you friends and family this year, please keep in mind those in and married to the military. Many husbands and wives are separated by thousands of miles as we unwrap the gifts underneath our trees at home.
Ashley and Jordan are one such couple. Ashley doesn’t know where her love is this Christmas season. Keep them both in your thoughts and prayers this season!
Photography by: Smetona Photo
Styling by: Brier Rose Design
Hair and Make-up by: Riley Hagel      Keep this face in your prayers!

Here’s a teaser for little Ms. Ashley! Be on the lookout for more photos from Ashley and Jordan’s Session.
I just love the black and white one. Don’t you?