Marine Dad Meeting Newborn for the FIRST TIME | Marinaccio Family | VMM-163 Fly-in from Africa | San Diego Airport Military Homecoming |
This deployed Marine dad returns home to his beautiful wife and baby girl for the first time. The anticipation of this moment and importance of this first meeting was so important we decided to do video, too.
Check out photos and a video of this Cpl meeting his newborn for the first time after being deployed in Africa with VMM-163 at the San Diego International Airport.
Lost in the moment.
Lets be real, this sweet family of three are clearly lost in the moment enjoying their firsts. Cpl seems to have a good handle on fatherhood already because it doesn’t take long for him to embrace his girls and enjoy his first (adorable!) father/daughter bonding moment.
Milestones, like these, are so important to capture.
I was so honored to be trusted in capturing this sweet reunion at the San Diego Airport. Welcome home VMM-163.
Bonus Note about Airport Homecomings.
Good things come to those who wait. After months at sea, your loved one will be thrilled to see you at the airport when they land. But no matter how special their homecoming is, it can’t compare with a professional airport photo session that captures the magic of this moment in time.
If you want an airport homecoming session, let me know right HERE!
All Recent Blogs
Searching for a San Diego Change of Command Ceremony photographer who has base access? Learn the history behind Naval Special Warfare Groups 3 and 10, the creation of NSW Group 8, and see behind the scenes of a Navy Change of Command ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, CA.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
&
Servant Leadership
Photographing military homecomings is one of the most rewarding and wonderful types of shoots there are. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often.
Dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can.
If YOU need any help planning your airport homecoming session, let me know right here!
Instagram Journey
Recent Military Blog Posts
Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
Searching for a San Diego Change of Command Ceremony photographer who has base access? Learn the history behind Naval Special Warfare Groups 3 and 10, the creation of NSW Group 8, and see behind the scenes of a Navy Change of Command ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, CA.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
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Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.