Sometimes...

Sometimes when you look at two people their expressions scream happiness. Sometimes when you witness events you know that they're happening for a reason. Sometimes things happen that you can't explain. Sometimes a day can seem manic, where you experience extreme joy and unparalleled grief all within a 24 hour period. But sometimes, you just know.

When I met Jamie and Jonathan a few weeks ago I knew that they were a couple that would be fun to work with. They're smart, they have a great future, and they're both just so danged cute! What I didn't realize was that we would end up connecting on a level above just that of a client and a photographer.

We met this weekend to have a day of shooting, skipping around Milton and Pensacola grabbing some amazing shots of Jamie and Jonathan as we went. We had some emotional moments, viewing Jonathan's grandfather's section of the veteran's memorial and reenacting a first picture at a local park. We had some hilarious moments, watching Jamie scale a tree in a dress and high heels! We laughed, we played and we enjoyed ourselves.

We ended the day at a favorite beach spot of the couple. Rain came and went, leaving beautiful blue skies and puffy, white clouds to set the perfect backdrop to document just a few more pictures of the love that this couple very obviously has for each other. We took a break, making sure that we had everything. Then the day took a dramatic turn.

A group of people were swimming in the gulf and they went out just a little too far. What started as a day of family fun ended up with cries for help as a mother and father struggled to keep their children afloat, desperately attempting to drag themselves out of the current and back to safety. Not even thinking, Jonathan jumped in after them, pulling three kids out of the water. Other onlookers jumped into action, getting the parents safely to shore, but not everyone that tried to help made it back that day. Five people made it out of the water, one hero did not.

Tragedies often happen when you least expect them. Heroes come out of the woodwork in a time of need when you would never expect them to. What started as a day of fun ended with a heartbreaking and bittersweet experience. All in one day friendships were formed, bonds were made, lives were saved and families were torn apart.

Jamie and Jonathan, I can't tell you how grateful I am to have met such amazing people as the two of you. Your kindness, your love for each other, and your joy in your life has touched me deeply. I couldn't stop smiling as I went through your pictures, not only because they're fantastic, but because the sheer passion that you two have jumped off of my screen at me, shouting to the world how much you love each other. I hope you enjoy your pictures as much as I've enjoyed having the two of you allow me into your lives. Blessings to you both!