Tanesha + Travis

As a photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories throughout my career. But there are some stories that stand out and warm my heart, and the story of Tanesha and Travis is one of them. Their journey began in the halls of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where two young souls with dreams and aspirations first crossed paths.

Tanesha and Travis, both fresh-faced freshmen, found themselves on the same path during a PT test for the military. Travis couldn't resist poking fun at Tanesha when she expressed her disdain for running. Little did they know that this chance encounter would be the start of an enduring bond.

As fate would have it, they ended up in the same ROTC class and formed a close-knit group of friends. They were drawn to each other's wit, charm, and shared ambitions.

It was during the spring semester that their friendship blossomed into romance. The college campus became the backdrop for their love story. They embarked on a journey of self-discovery and young love that would shape their futures in ways they couldn't have imagined.

Their relationship thrived throughout their college years, but during their senior year, they decided to take a break. As their academic pursuits and military training became increasingly demanding, they chose to focus on their individual growth. But love has its own way of finding its path.

After graduating and commissioning as lieutenants, Tanesha pursued her career in Military Police (MP) school, while Travis embarked on flight school. Fate brought them back together when they both returned to Charlotte for a friend's New Year's party. Sparks flew once again, reigniting the connection they had shared during their college days.

With a heart full of hope, Travis took a leap of faith and asked Tanesha to join him at Fort Campbell, his first duty station. Tanesha, who had moved with the support of her family, agreed to take this life-altering journey with Travis.

In June 2013, Travis proposed to Tanesha at the Chattanooga Aquarium with her favorite animal, a sea turtle. After having to ask her two times to ensure he got the answer he wanted, her heartfelt "yes" set the stage for the next chapter in their love story. They decided to tie the knot at the courthouse in October of the same year, surrounded by their closest family members.

Their love continued to grow stronger, even as Travis deployed in December 2013. Distance couldn't dampen the flame that burned between them, and when he returned, they celebrated their official wedding on their anniversary, exactly one year after their courthouse ceremony.

Their love story didn't end with marriage; it was just the beginning. They welcomed their firstborn, Liam, the following year, followed by the arrival of Jackson and Willa. Parenthood brought new challenges and joys, strengthening their bond further.

For their 10th anniversary, Tanesha and Travis decided to revisit the place where it all began – UNC Charlotte. With their three beautiful children in tow, they recreated their college experience, reliving precious memories. They strolled through the campus, visited familiar haunts, and even stopped at the Flying Saucer, a restaurant where Travis had achieved a remarkable feat - trying over 200 different beers and earning a gold plate on the ceiling with his name and information for his efforts.

Tanesha and Travis's love story is a testament to the enduring power of love and destiny. From their chance meeting on a college campus to the joys of parenthood and the revisiting of cherished memories, their journey has been filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for each other.

As a photographer, it's an honor to capture the milestones of their love story. Tanesha and Travis remind us that love, when nurtured with care and commitment, can withstand the test of time, distance, and life's challenges. Their story serves as a beautiful reminder that love takes flight when two hearts are truly meant to be together.