Military life is all too often an exercise in goodbyes—but there is beauty that comes with every blissful reunion! In a marriage where your heart walks the many reaching corners of the Earth each homecoming, each anniversary, deserves the loveliest of celebrations!

A word from photographer, Alexis Ralston:

“A peaceful way to breathe in a season of marriage amidst the chaos of military life and a deployment on the horizon. I just admire the way Aaron & Corinn love each other so effortlessly. These two wanted to celebrate love and life and graciously invited me to capture it through my lens. It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun chatting and walking around in the Joshua Tree desert. Come to find out, we’re neighbors and didn’t even know it! A funny way to end our time together and walking away with new friends. Military life is an adventure for sure!”

Love notes from the couple, Aaron & Corinn:

How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?

Corinn: “Its actually kind of a crazy story on how Aaron and I met. It was all because my older sister Kelly (from Wisconsin), met Aaron’s best friend David (from Florida) while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. I need to point out though that neither I nor Aaron were on this vacation. The reason we met (making a very long story short) was because after the trip to Mexico, Kelly and David planned a ‘reunion’ trip to Milwaukee, WI for a Brewers vs Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. . Aaron had heard how much fun Cancun was so he made sure not to miss this trip.. (Mexico and Milwaukee.. same thing, right? hah) I was home on my summer break from college so Kelly invited me along to all the activities. I had an instant crush on Aaron so I obviously accepted the invite.

I actually felt that ‘love at first sight’ phrase everybody dreams about become my reality. I was attracted to Aaron from the second I met him. After spending a long weekend together, when I dropped him off at the airport I remember thinking as I drove away ‘I don’t ever want to say goodbye to him.'”

Aaron: “As a visitor of Kelly and her parents, David and I treated Kelly’s family as our own, with dignity and respect. We had been hearing stories about Corinn from Kelly, Connor (her brother), and Mom over catchphrase all day. She had just finished work at her summer job at the local golf course, The Bog. Her smile made me feel at home, like I’ve known her my whole life.”

Tell us a funny story relating to your relationship!

Corinn: “Aaron actually met my entire family before he met me! I had been working all day and came home to Aaron sitting at my families kitchen table eating dinner and having cocktails. He tells me he went into the weekend with the mindset that I was “off-limits” and he’s going to treat it like its his own family. Because of our instant connection, I was able to get Aaron to push the limits.”

Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship.

Corinn: “Aaron is a US Marine who is away from home often. I think the greatest hurdle we have faced in our relationship is learning how to work together even when we’re apart. Realizing that its not like a switch you flip rather something to continually work at.”

What is the most important thing in your marriage?

Corinn: “Hands down, the most important thing in our marriage is communication along with understanding that were in this together! Lean on each other through the difficult times. Communicate what your feeling and why your feeling that way. I may sound like a broken record here but remembering were on the same team is extremely important!”

What is your favorite thing about each other?

Corinn: “Aaron is infectiously positive and has a drive for success like no other. He’s encouraging in ways I didn’t know existed and reminds me not to take life too seriously. Most of all, he’s my best friend and has shown me a whole new meaning of unconditional love.”

Aaron: “Corinn is stunningly gorgeous. She’s grounded in maturity and responsibility. The voice of reason. Nothing is beneath her. She cares for the world and has an unmatched drive for productivity.”

What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?

Corinn: “Aaron has really taught me to live in the moment. He supports my every hope and dream and helps me find ways to achieve my goals. He reminds me to look at the big picture and not get bogged down by little things that get in the way.”

Aaron: “Corinn has taught me to grow together as a team (it’s a we thing, not a me thing), to accept responsibility and take to action for a positive change, to cope and to aid the coping of life stressors, and different communication techniques have different applications.”

If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?

Corinn: “Technology, media, drama, and interruptions are all types of distractions, which detract from progress. It’s impossible to live without them. Make time for distraction-free conversations. In that time, when we’re honest and committed to each other, we achieve a sense of awareness and clarity. I wish I could live in that time. Nothing is out of reach in that time. Drive and purpose are fostered and sustained in that time. Advice: Use that time to assess where you are, where you want to be, and what you both must do to get there.”

What is the most honest thing you can say about love?

“Love is not always easy but it is always worth it. The facets of emotions associated with love are ever-changing. It’s something you must continually work at to keep the flame burning.”

photographer: Alexis Ralston Photography / location: Joshua Tree National Park / dress: Akira / film lab: Photovision Prints