Best Friends

I remember sitting across from her at the Marine Corps Ball in 2008. Not knowing a single soul, and having the boys up and about, we kind of just looked at each other awkwardly and smiled, "uhh hii." I asked her if her name was Martha, or Bertha, or something along those lines... She looked at me with horror written across her face, "Ummm, NO! My name is Jess." And that was the start of a beautiful friendship. We didn't get to see each other much after that, once or twice here or there at a USMC Family Day. But on a cold and rainy day in May, the day before the boys were sent off from Red Bank, Jess and I got lost all over New Jersey, and bonded on a whole new level.

The next day we clung to each other and sobbed in each other's arms. Even though we were slightly strangers to each other, we understood each other in a way that words will never be able to describe. We could look at each other and understand the fear and pain without a single question. The next nine months we went through some really really hard times. But we managed to go through it together. The ups and the downs will never be forgotten, the laughs and tears will always be unexplainable. The bond that we formed through the deployment will never be broken. ‎"Military wives start out as friends at the beginning of a deployment and turn into sisters by the end."

On the other side of the world, Jess's Fiance Brian and Zack were building a closer friendship as well. Being roommates in Iraq, they were able to help each other through times that I cannot imagine. We have managed to only grow closer, even after the boys returned.

They are currently in the process of planning an amazing wedding :) And I had the privilege of documenting their love on a GORGEOUS August afternoon, where the light was absolutely perfect.

Brian & Jess:: We love you guys so much. You guys are like family to us. We are SO excited to be a part of your wedding, and the rest of your lives!!

1 LOVE you, Jessica :)

AND - while in the Spirit of Looove today, I want to wish my parents a VERY happy 30 year Wedding Anniversary today!! Best parents ever right here.... :) Love you guys!