Not Another Second Apart!, originally uploaded by Sharon @ lovely bud.

A couple of days ago, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, set up a special “Coming Home” photography assignment in honor of Memorial Day weekend.

I have to admit – it’s been difficult sifting through all of the photos that have been submitted. The love and devotion has just been pouring out of my screen. My grandfather was in World War II and I have many friends in the Seattle area (and now beyond) who are Navy wives. Their daily sacrifice amazes me.

I couldn’t imagine what it feels like to stand there, waiting for your husband to come running to you – after nine months, 14 months, or 18 months. It makes my heart hurt. And it makes it hurt even more for those that never make it home.

There must have been at least a thousand photos submitted and was inspired to create a Flickr Gallery of my favorite, most poignant captures from the pool – those can be viewed here. I can’t go through that gallery without tears streaming down my face. And it made me realize that there’s something I can do to give back.

If you’re in the Seattle area and have a family member deployed, I will come photograph their homecoming for free. A CD of the images will be included.

A least a month’s notice is needed, for the proper clearance.

Every family should have that moment captured – and you should be focused on the reuniting of your family instead of grabbing for your camera.

From my family to yours – thank you. Thank you for everything you do, every single day for us.

Please contact me at stephanie at stephaniehaller dot com for more details. It’s the least I can do.

It was hosted at a sister’s gorgeous home – beautiful wood. Reminded me of Tahoe!

I love photographing the love at weddings – not just the bride and groom, but also the family and friends. :) Here, she snagged a kiss from him.

Rena was a gorgeous bride! Ever since seeing her dress, I’ve wanted to find something simple and elegant like that for my own wedding.

After the ceremony, we did some family portraits. I love her son here, front and center!

Isn’t her wedding set gorgeous? Rodger’s ring really accents her rings. I love the depth!

The kids had a blast on the trampoline while the adults conversed and relaxed under the tent.

Love this one :)

Congratulations again, Rena & Rodger! I’m sure your honeymoon will be amazing. :)

I wish you both the utmost happiness and peace.

Congratulations!

I loved how family-friendly the wedding was – the kids ran around, having a great time with bubbles and a trampoline, which allowed the adults some much-needed grownup time.

Congratulations, Rena and Rodger! You’re going to have a blast in France and Spain!

Here’s April’s wallpaper. Taken in Woodinville. Spring is definitely here!

Click to download. :)

Yesterday was magical. Maybe it was the mix of sun and rain, or the chirping of the birds in the trees around the gazebo in the woods.

Or maybe it was Erica and Christian. I felt so unbelievably blessed to be given the honor of capturing their intimate ceremony. They are such an amazing couple – I don’t know if I’ve ever met two people more in love.

I wish you both the utmost happiness and peace. Congratulations!

It’s Dramatic B&W week at i heart faces. We always see photographs of brothers and sisters as children, sharing a tender moment. Sometimes we forget those moments as we grow older. But not these two.

I believe it captures a brother’s love so..well, dramatically. It’s a tender moment and one of the reasons I love being a photographer.

Happy Monday!

To kick it all off…

April Special

Book the Little Ones or Family Fun session for April and receive 50% off the session fee!

A limited number of week day & weekend sessions are available, so please contact us soon to take advantage of this offer – stephanie@stephaniehaller.com

(Does not include weddings or baby 369. Session has to take place between April 1st & April 30th.)

I don’t have very many jumping shots. But this one came to mind. It’s a little unconventional for a submission to I Heart Faces’ Week 10 – “Jump For Joy!” Photo Challenge, but the back story explains it, I think!

This was taken in 2008 during the Perilous Plunge in Eureka, CA. Community members dress up in teams and JUMP into the freezing Humboldt Bay to raise money for the Discovery Museum, which is a great marine educational resource for local children.

The Perilous Plunge is their yearly fundraiser – and a HUGE hit.

Be sure to head on over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!