Aubrey; Photo by Infinite Journeys
A Love Story Worth Sharing
I recently had a newborn session with a beautiful baby girl named Aubrey. One of the highlights of her session was chatting with her parents Wyatt and Jayna Taylor. The Taylor's are a sweet and genuine couple with a beautiful love story. I'm going to share some snippets of the story they shared with me simply because its a story worth sharing. It's the story of fate, strength, and the unwavering love of two people.
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
A Love Story Years In The Making
Both Jayna and Wyatt grew up in a small southern Missouri town, the town is so small that everyone from the area attends the same small school. It's the type of town where everyone knows you by name and you cant drive to the gas station without seeing someone you know. Since both Jayna and Wyatt lived here they both attended the same high school and have known each other for many years. Jayna fondly remembers that the two of them were the best of friends even back then. Jayna is one year older than Wyatt so she graduated a year before him. After this the two fell out of contact, Wyatt was finishing his senior year and Jayna was off to start her college journey. Around four years later Jayna found herself working in a local restaurant when she ran into Wyatt's father Matt. Jayna's mom and Matt had always secretly hoped the duo would end up together. Matt struck up a conversation with Jayna, asking her how she had been and most importantly was she seeing anyone. After hearing that Jayna wasn't seeing anyone Matt's wheels started turning and he headed home to send Wyatt on a mission. Back at home Matt shared the news with Wyatt and told him he had better make time to see Jayna and instructed him to "not mess this up". Wyatt despite his shy nature took his dad's advice threw on his shoes and headed to the local restaurant to reconnect with Jayna. Jayna remembers Wyatt shyly trying to think of something to say to her and choosing to just mutter hello. The two exchanged numbers which led to conversations that would span hours and a new found connection between the two that would make them inseparable.
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
Forever Begins
Wyatt had finally worked up the nerve to ask Jayna on a date to dinner and a movie. This was the mere beginning for the duo who would grow even more inseparable as time passed. Time passed and the love between the two had only grown stronger. This all came to a head one night on a routine trip to JC Penny. Jayna's eye was wandering towards the jewelry counter and Wyatt took notice. He instructed her to pick out a ring she liked and bought it right then and there. He got down on one knee and popped the question, Jayna of course said yes, and plans were made for the future. Fast forward a short time and the couple got some exciting news. They were expecting!
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
Big Decisions
After they got the news that they were expecting a little one of their own Wyatt's mind began wandering back to a plan he had all the way back in high school. Wyatt had always had plans to join the military, in particular the U.S Army. Up to this point he just hadn't come up with a solid reason to enlist. After hearing that he was going to be a dad this all changed for him. He wanted to ensure that he could always provide for Jayna and their baby, he dreamed of the possibility of giving them good life no matter what. Wyatt brought this up to Jayna it was a massive decision after all, enlisting now would mean Wyatt would be gone for a huge portion of Jayna's pregnancy and possibly even the birth of their baby. Jayna credits Wyatt as being her biggest supporter while she finished her college degree, she felt it was her turn to be supportive of Wyatt chasing his dreams and agreed that this was the best decision for their growing family. The couple married in October of last year and Wyatt enlisted that same month. Big changes were coming for this little family.
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
A Mothers Strength
Jayna stayed remarkably strong throughout her pregnancy despite the huge challenges she found herself faced with. A very pregnant Jayna was many miles away from her husband and biggest supporter at a time when she undoubtedly needed him. Jayna admits it was very hard being separated from Wyatt and leaned heavily on her mother for the support she needed to soldier through it, she would spend countless hours on the phone with her mother. The hardest part for Jayna was not being able to physically touch Wyatt, at times she found herself yearning for his embrace or the touch of his hand. Despite the many challenges Jayna remained steadfast and strong, she knew Wyatt and their baby were both depending on her strength, she did her very best to stay strong for Wyatt never even letting him see her cry. She was able to stay in constant communication with Wyatt due to her pregnancy and this communication gave Jayna something to look forward to and hold onto throughout her pregnancy.
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
The Big Day is Here
On March 27th Aubrey Rose Taylor came full force into the world at 6lbs 5ozs and 19" long. Wyatt was still away completing his training for the Army so Jayna delivered without Wyatt being physically present. Despite Wyatt's physical absence, he was able to facetime Jayna during her labor and delivery and Jayna describes it as if it was just like he was actually there. She recalls hearing Wyatt coaching her through her final pushes which helped her cope with his absence. They describe Aubrey's birth as a beautiful and amazing moment between the three of them. Jayna and Wyatt now had a beautiful little girl, the love story that had begun so many years ago had finally came full circle. All of the events of Wyatt's and Jayna's lives had converged to bring them to this place, in this moment, welcoming a new human being into the world. A piece of both of their hearts that now exist outside of their bodies.
Aubrey; Photo By Infinite Journeys
A Family Reunited
Nearly seven weeks after Aubrey's birth Wyatt finally was able to meet his beautiful baby girl and reunite with Jayna. Jayna describes the moment they saw Wyatt and Wyatt saw them as heartwarming, emotional, and breathtaking. Aubrey instantly melted into her daddy's arms as Jayna and Wyatt shed tears of joy. As soon as Wyatt was home he began trying to take some of the pressure off of Jayna. He didn't hesitate to get up at two in the morning for a feeding or just holding his little one. He has been a huge source of support for Jayna which I witnessed in my studio. I was instantly drawn to them as a couple because of how they treated each other, with kindness and affection, a young couple very obviously deeply in love. They were both overcome with emotion when they saw the photos of Aubrey especially the ones where she is posed with her daddy's dog tags, boots, and patches. I didn't know their story until the day they came for their session so at the last minute we came up with a setup to reflect Wyatt's career and the family's sacrifice. As I'm writing this Jayna, Wyatt, and Aubrey are on their way to a new home in a new state, they are both excited for this new chapter and determined to give Aubrey the life she deserves. They want to both comfort and guide her as she grows and experiences this new chapter of military life with them. I knew of Wyatt and Jayna being that it's such a small town but I didn't know their story or their love. Now that I do, I have to say I feel honored to have met them and photographed Aubrey for them. They are beautiful people with a beautiful future awaiting them. I wish them all the love, security, and happiness on this Infinite Journey.