Bold Boho Wedding for Veteran Marine

Photographer’s Remarks: “Chris and Samantha’s love story is one that has tragedy, love and generosity.

“Chris is a United States Marine veteran who lost both of his legs after stepping on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. It was a long and dark road for him from that moment through surgery and recovery and learning how to go on with this new life. He decided to start going to the gym to help with his recovery and it was there that resulted in him being chosen as a Jockey underwear model for their “Show ’Em What’s Underneath” campaign, which focuses on sharing inspirational stories.

“It’s also where he found the love of his life. Samantha was working as a trainer and saw Chris doing pull ups with his prosthetic legs. She mentioned to a friend that he was going to be her boyfriend someday. And someday was right.

“The two began dating and about a year later they were engaged and then on April 1st, 2017 were married. Their ‘Dog of Honor’ Miss Harley Van Etten was Chris’s bomb dog when he was stationed in Afghanistan.

“After he was sent back to the States, Harley continued to serve our country as a bomb sniffing dog. She was retired as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and eventually reunited with Chris.

“Chris and Samantha were able to have the wedding of their dreams through a non-profit charity called Vows for Vets that a retired Marine colonel and his wife started to give back to the brave men and women who have served. The entire wedding was generously gifted by the colonel and his wife, and from all the vendors from the flowers, food, cake, music, tables and chairs, everything.

“Chris and Samantha’s story is one of strength, bravery, kindness, generosity and unconditional love.”