I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

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February 27, 2018

Weekend Recap | Alex Homecoming!

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

This past weekend was an exciting one!! Which explains why this blog post is happening on a Tuesday and not yesterday. πŸ˜‰ About a month ago, I wrote about Alex departing for a month-longΒ medical missionary trip to Africa. After counting down the days and hours, he came back to Virginia Sunday morning!!! Talk about anticipation! I missed him terribly over the past four weeks, but I was grateful we had pretty consistent communication thanks to Whatsapp! πŸ™‚

It was so fun anticipating Alex and Ollie meeting for the first time!!! I knew Ollie would “WOOF HIM!” And boy, did he!!! It was so precious seeing them together. πŸ™‚ I know their bond will only strengthen over time! I brought Ollie into the airport β€” Still not 100% sure I was really allowed to bring him inside, but I wasn’t stopped. πŸ˜‰ Ollie and I patiently waited for his arrival, especially after someone told me it could take an hour or two for them to get through customs. I was just excited to see him, no matter how much time we had to wait! Although, Ollie was crying a little bit for being out of place. I guess he was surrounded by a bunch of people who didn’t make him feel welcomed as they avoided touching him. Poor guy… It was okay, though, because I knew Alex would give him the love and attention! πŸ™‚ As soon as Alex turned the corner, Ollie and I leaped from our seats to hug him! I can only imagine what it will be like in the future when he has to go away for deployment… Fortunately, that’s not for a long time!! πŸ™‚

So what Alex didn’t know was I gathered his family at my house to surprise him! πŸ™‚ He walked into my house having no idea they were hiding β€” It was awesome!!! After the hugs and kisses, everyone helped put together a beautiful and delicious breakfast to celebrate his homecoming. πŸ™‚ We filled up our tummies and move to the living room to check out his photos and hear all about his travels. The things he witnessed/experienced over there were incredible/impactful stories. I absolutely love that the Zimbabweans didn’t just impact Alex and his missionary team, but they also impacted the community by getting involved. From their medical knowledge and serving the Africans to church services to hiking and playing basketball tournaments with the kids, there was not a moment wasted! I’m so incredibly proud of him and the influence/leadership skills he acquires. With his graduation just a couple months away, I have no doubt he’s going to be an incredible Doctor!!!

Weekend Recap

I know a lot of my posts talk about Ollie, but I want to remind everyone that Pixie is still a part of the clan!!! πŸ™‚ She’s just a little Miss Independent and isn’t so sure about the pup right now. I’m hoping things will get better over time! In the meantime, I’m working on Ollie’s social skills with all ages. Variety in age, atmospheres, animals, noises, etc. It’s definitely a lot of work, but also SO much fun!!! I’m still working with him on his biting craze. If anyone has suggestions how to eliminate biting sooner rather than later (because I know persistence and time will relieve this temptation), I would love to hear! πŸ™‚

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Ollie LOVES visiting wineries and meeting my friends!! πŸ™‚

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Especially when Lauren brings him sweet potato/carrot puppy treats!!!! Fortunately for him, we sat right next to a Girl Scout booth … Eventually, he was drunk on cookies and wine (jk) β€” But PTL for the moment he was finally asleep because he was the BIGGEST social butterfly and kept me running all over the place while trying to enjoy a glass of wine with Lauren. A total new mom moment. πŸ˜‰

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Then, it was just HOURS before Alex arrived!!!! I cannot believe I didn’t take photos of everyone who came out for his surprise party!!! I’m the worst photographer. πŸ˜‰ HAHA!

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Ollie and I waited patiently in the airport for his arrival. πŸ™‚ This was Ollie’s first time meeting him and heΒ “WOOFED HIM” by attacking him with kisses!!!! Seriously the most precious moment! If I ever have a bad day, I’m referring to the video on Ollie’s Instagram page because it makes me smile every time!!! πŸ™‚Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

I loved seeing these two together!! And, of course, we had to sneak in a family photo (minus Pixie because she was hiding)! πŸ˜‰ Well, I guess she has been hiding out since the day I brought Ollie home… HA! Poor thing…Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Alex had a super busy day traveling back from Africa, a surprise welcome party, and meeting Ollie … Definitely a well-deserved nap! Plus, seven hoursΒ time difference is no joke!

Weekend Recap | Alex homecoming!

Coming to the blog this week!

Zac & Emma | Wintergreen Resort Engagement

Weekend Recap | Sneak Peek

Zac & Emma | King Family Vineyards Wedding

Weekend Recap | Sneak Peek

Happy Monday!!!

Xoxo!

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