Hey, I’m Dana! A military wife who is also a super cool wedding and military photographer based out of Monterey, California. My business actually started in Hawaii and most of my first main events were military events. I am talking homecomings, change of commands, and retirement ceremonies. I was only in business full-time for a year in Hawaii and in that time, I had a total of almost three dozen military events. Getting to photograph these is what brings me joy. Shooting weddings is what I love to do, but there is always a place in my heart for the military. My husband is in the Navy, after all, and will be for the rest of his working career. This blog here is all about this Air Force Retirement Ceremony in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. It’s special because it is also a promotion in rank for the spouse who is retiring. It’s all about Shannon and Jared and I am excited to share their story with you today.
Air Force Retirement Ceremony in Pearl Harbor Hawaii
I had mentioned to you that back in Hawaii, I got to photograph some incredible events for military families. This family here is one of them. I met Shannon when she reached out to me in 2018. Her husband, now a Chief. Master Sergeant, was coming home from deployment and Shannon wanted to me capture this special homecoming. First, at the airport where he would reunite with his sons on surprise (they thought they were picking up a family friend). Then, off to this children’s homecoming event the MWR was hosting.
Needless to say, both sets of kids were totally surprised over this homecoming and it had everyone at the event in tears.
Then, I got to reunite with them again since they were my couple for my first ever styled shoot, Dr. Who theme!
Flash Forward, after I moved to Virginia, and then to California, I kept in touch with them via facebook. I loved getting to see them grow as a family. Prepare to adopt another child into their home, and deal with the lifestyle as a dual military family. So, getting to be their event photographer was a huge honor! They trusted me to fly all the way to Hawaii to capture some of the biggest moments of their career! Held on the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor
Chief Master Sergeant Ceremony
On this day, there were two events! Chief Master Sergeant Jared Roman was promoting to this rank. His wife Shannon Roman, swore his promotion in right before your retirement ceremony. He got his updated jacket and ranks, had his family punch on the patches, and of course, the Chief Jeep! Jared is such a loving and supporting husband who loves his kids, his wife, and his family with all his heart.
AirForce Retirement
After Jared Promoting, it was time for Shannon to retire! Family members from all over the country got their negative covid tests and arrived on Island for this special day! Shannon is such a kind, loving, and important person in the AirForce. She does one of the hardest jobs, a Clinical Social Worker. She is there to call and help others when they loose their mental focus and even their love of live. It’s a very hard job to do, yet she does it every day with a smile. I would to knowing I had a job that made such a huge different!
After the ceremony, came the party! We all drove onto the Pearl Harbor, Hickam base for a lovely catering picnic with some delicious Chinese food! I loved getting to hang out with some guest, talk with them about all things military and life, and see this beautiful family come together for such a memorable event.
Thank you so much, Shannon and Jared for hiring me to be your event photographer! And thank you, Erin, for coming out with me and exploring Hawaii for a few days!
Looking to hire me for your next military event? I would cross oceans for you! Reach out to me here and let’s talk about your big day!
And… if you need outfit inspiration, click here!
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