Shari DeAngelo | Fine Art Wedding Photographer | Lifestyles» military

OpLove | Lifestyles Photography | Haddonfield, NJ

Shari DeAngelo — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:37:34 +0000

Crazy weather we’ve been having this winter. We had a couple days in the 60′s and then yesterday we got 7 or 8 inches of snow. This is from one of those 60 degree days. I had the distinct honor of meeting this family as the snow of the previous storm had been melting away and it was the first sunny day for a good long week. So, what to do with 5 kids with cabin fever…. Hmmm.. Go outside and play of course!! And that we did. Everyone of us came home good and dirty and flushed with fresh air. We found ice to break, places to hide and a hill to roll on. Among other things.

The image toward the bottom of the young man carrying his sister on his back deserves a note. She was rolling and having a great time with the others but suddenly she had a tough time breathing. Without missing a beat, this amazing kid swept up his little sister on his back and ran her all the way home so she could get her treatment. He’s 13.

Have I mentioned yet that I just love this family? I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed them and our day together. The next time I’ll see them will be when the missing member of this family returns home from Iraq. He’s serving as an Army Combat Medic. Can’t wait!!

Shari DeAngelo | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer | Lifestyles Photography | Fine Art, Fashion, Lifestyles and Wedding Photographer located in Haddonfield, NJ and Philadelphia PA. Local and Destination services available.

Jason Comes Home

Shari DeAngelo — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:13:49 +0000

Every so often I get to be a part of something that moves me to tears. For instance watching a soldier come home for leave and seeing him embrace his wife and children after far too long away. The babies he left are now toddlers, able to run to him. The little girls who anxiously awaited their father’s arrival with home made signs. The passers-by who couldn’t look away and smile to themselves. His beautiful wife, now pregnant with their fifth. I got to watch as the long distance phone calls could at last become embraces. Then I watched as this soldier became so overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment that his own eyes welled up. But he is home and he is safe and sound. Thank God.

It’s these moments that remind me of what is important in my own life and just how much each of these families sacrifice for us. I am in awe of their strength and deeply honored to be a part of their lives.

Here’s a select few….

Dear Dad, While You Were Away…

Shari DeAngelo — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:16:40 +0000

I’ve been a bit bad about blogging this past couple weeks. You’ll have to forgive me… It’s Santa’s fault, you see. Seems he needed a bit of extra help this year and his requests went to my spam folder by accident.

In an effort to keep up and honor my OpLove Families, I wanted to share with you a few images from a session I did last week. Admittedly I have a soft spot for kids but man… these kids… They do funky fun like no one’s business! Seriously cute kids and a wonderful family.

Many thanks to Kim, Emma, Hanna, Joshua and Caleb for the delicious candy and fabulous time! I really cannot wait until we all meet again… Yay! Homecomings!!!!

Photographs, Memories and Missing You: A Military Family Story

Shari DeAngelo — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:23:43 +0000

“Saying Goodbye….
Being apart….
It’s hard.”

About a year ago I volunteered to be a part of Operation: Love Reunited. Photographers from all over the country participate by offering services to families of deployed or deploying soldiers. It’s our little way of making the years and the miles just a little closer together.

Last weekend I met a family who made me both cry a little and laugh a lot. I cannot begin to tell you how touched I am by their story or by how they allowed me to be a part of it for a day.

A soldier, a husband and father of 4 said “goodbye” again last summer to his family as he went back to Iraq to serve for the NJ National Guard for another tour. He won’t see them until next summer. “Maybe June.” The oldest daughter is 21 and she’ll be shipping out to yet another war zone, herself, very soon. This is a tender time in this family’s life: A balancing act of humor, honor, good will and courage. They do it with such grace but they do not hide themselves behind pretense. This is tough times and they’ve each learned to get through it together.

The images are a selection from our session together. I feel truly blessed for getting to know them.

My favorite part will be when they come home though.