Theres no place like HOME.

HOME, being, where the heart is. My Mom always kept a framed picture of the saying "Home is where the Marine Corps sends you" laying around. Considering we lived in approximately 8? different places since I was born, I'de say the saying is pretty true. And since I grew up military and have ended up promising forever and always with a military man, this means, I GET IT. And I get everything good and bad that comes with it. Health care, GOOD! Deployments, BAD. Skype? AWESOME. At the end of the day it doesnt matter what that special person in your life does for a living. When its all said and done, every time they go away, it's worth the wait, and when they come home, you are lucky enough to spend another day with the person who makes your soul sing. Whenever I question if its all worth it (because its HARD, and yes I have questions), I kick myself in the ass, tell myself to stop being such an idiot, and remember how fucking happy I am when that man comes home, holds me, and tells me loves me.

Here are some recent Deployment Homecoming photos, and even though a Navy Seal comes home much more quietly than some, without big banners or dressed up in uniform, their homecomings are just as happy, just as heartfelt, just as big a GIFT, and just as celebrated.

Kiss your loved ones today and remember how lucky you are to have them.

-Tatum

LOVE is in the air...

or at least thats how I always feel when fall rolls around. Fall is my favorite of all the seasons. I love the smell. I love the feeling. I LOOOOOVE the shopping. and I'm quite fond of pumpkin carving as well :)

But speaking of LOVE, some friends of ours were recently engaged and what better gift to give than an engagement session with Tatum Kathleen Photography! I know, best present ever. Try not to be completely overwhelmed by the cuddling, kissing, and smiling. These two were so amazing, lasting through multiple locations and wardrobe changes. My favorite assistant was in tow and with a makeup artist on set it felt more like a fashion shoot than anything else. Enjoy!

Photographer's ( if I had to pick two ) FAVORITES!!!

Congratulations Quinn & Ashley.

We love you guys... like, A LOT!!!

-Tatum

America all over their asses!

When I'm not spending time taking pictures I'm usually assisting other photographers with their shoots or doing hair and makeup for different concepts. I love being involved in all the different aspects of what makes up a photo shoot, but my first love is being in front of the camera. SO! Since I'm always getting you ladies out there to take your clothes off and do boudoir sessions, I figured I would share with you when I go out and do it myself! Plus its not everyday you get body painted and it looks like America threw up all over you :)

Before ( arrive makeup free and moisturized! )

Stefanie from A Style Concierge did the hair and makeup for the shoot. They have a great salon in downtown San Diego so call and book with her! I loved her work and it helped that she was an awesome Yogi vegetarian. We had lots to chat about.

*Disclaimer*

I'm wearing pasties and underwear. So don't be scared folks. No nudity involved.

:)

The body painting company is Skin Tight Body Art. They do a lot of events around San Diego and even go out to private parties where they "tattoo" people. They are also the masterminds behind the Body Painting and Henna tattoo booth that we have all seen at the Del Mar Fair.

The most surprising thing about the shoot was the TIME it takes to get the paint design on and how much they are constantly touching up. Paint on the body means cracking with every movement. It is a very very long process. Skin Tight Body Art was so fun to work with. They kept my tea cup full to warm me up, and fend off the chills that the cold airbrush paint gives you.

Tom Yip was the photographer for the shoot. I LOVE behind the scene pics so I was really happy when he was taking pics while we were getting our paint on.

I loved my hair and makeup....

and then... then the "Star eye" came into play. I get a good laugh whenever I see these.

For your viewing pleasure :)

Keep your eyes peeled for next years Fourth of July publications ;)

-Tatum