DelaLane Photography

When newlyweds Teija and Trevor contacted me about a session to make up for their lack of wedding photos, we had a lot of ideas about what the session might look like. I think we went through about 6 or 7 different scenarios, trying to decide what was the best fit for them. They wanted to capture their desert experience here, the beginning of their lives together as husband and wife (although not the beginning of their relationship, since they’re another couple of high school sweethearts! <3) and also to create some photos that they would be able to keep with them during an upcoming separation. We fit these photos in the week before Trevor ended up deploying to Afghanistan.

It turned out that most of our planning was for naught, since the weather was extremely uncooperative – first rainy, then cold, and very windy. We just weren’t sure if the weather was going to hold up and, because we had a deadline due to the impending deployment, rescheduling wasn’t an option. So I suggested doing an at-home Date Night. Much to my surprise and glee, Teija loved the idea. So even though the weather ended up being not quite as terrible as we had anticipated, we stayed in… in their first home. They made spaghetti, lit a candle, and had a romantic meal on their dining room floor – the place where their dining room table isn’t. And it was one of the sweetest things I have ever witnessed. This is what I’m always trying to convey to my clients when I encourage At Home sessions. The details of your home aren’t the most important aspect of your photo session. No matter where or what it is, even if you’ve only lived there a couple of months, haven’t had time to move in all your furniture, even if it’s a temporary home you had little choice in, it’s your home and there is something about At Home sessions that can’t be beat – at least from a perspective of sentimental value and emotional significance. And this home was perfection. And this night was romantic and fun and funny and so, so sweet. It’s probably my favorite session of the year so far. And that’s saying something, because I love what I do and I have a lot of awesome clients.

There’s just something really bittersweet about pre-deployment photos. It’s hard to beat that, especially when you’re dealing with young, nice, in-love newlyweds and it’s as close to the heart as this session was.

We spent a few minutes making up for their lack of wedding photos too, heading outside in the formals they said their vows in.

Teija told me a couple of days ago that she’s loading up Trevor’s first care package with these photos. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, in a bittersweet kind of way. I hope you two find some comfort in having these photos to enjoy during the next months. I hope and pray that God keeps you safe, and that the time passes quickly until you guys are reunited and get to pick up where you left off. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. All the best!