This beautiful bride-to-be will soon become a military wife so we asked her to tell us what it’s like to be in love with a soldier. We are so proud to feature service men and women who sacrifice so much so we can enjoy our freedom. Thank you Barett Henry for sharing this engagement session with us.What is it like to date a soldier? Dating a soldier is not easy, but Dylan and I got engaged about two and a half months before he left for the army. It was extremely difficult transitioning from seeing him every day to not being able to talk to him or see him at all for weeks. Since Dylan was training to be a Ranger, I knew ahead of time all of the risks, challenges and hard work he would face to reach his goal. Basic training was the most difficult. I wasn’t able to talk to him for about ten weeks. That feeling was dreadful. We were able to speak on the telephone a few times and write to each other towards the end of training. I tried to hold back my tears for the whole five minutes we were allowed to speak. That was tough.

The timing of the phone calls was never the same, so we mainly wrote about our day and how much we missed each other, sending along with a few poems too. I saved every letter in a binder with sheet protectors, and to this day, I have all 35 letters. The training after that was a bit easier. With the exception of what’s known as R.A.S.P., we were speaking more often. It became easier with time as I kept busy with school and work. Also, spending time with his family and staying close to them, sometimes made it feel like he never left.

The hardest part about dating and marrying a soldier is being separated for extended periods of time. You will be without your spouse more than you will be with him/her. Remaining positive at all times is key. Understand that when they are deployed, they may be at risk of danger and accept that that comes with being a military wife. You have to be strong, supportive and have the highest faith in God and each other.What’s it like to be in love with a soldier? It’s the most incredible feeling on earth. Although he is physically far, and there are times when we cannot speak, it has made our love for each other so much stronger. It’s a commitment far beyond any other. Your trust becomes stronger, your desire for each other lengthens, the sound of their voice becomes sweeter, and your emotions deepen. There is no better feeling in the world. Being able to run into his arms after months apart is overwhelming. We are grateful for every moment we have together.

From time to I come across people who feel that loving a soldier may not be a good idea. They try to warn me that you can’t trust army guys or tell me how hard it is to stay loyal with him being gone for so long. Well, I have to say that although it may be true for some army relationships, that is not my relationship. Dylan and I trust each other and have a great relationship not only with each other, but also with God. We both come from very Christian families and understand what marriage means. Therefore, we never doubt each. I am immensely proud of my soldier and have great respect for every branch of service. Now, instead of cheering for him on the football field, I can now support him on the battlefield. Our wedding is in May of 2016, and I am more than ready to be my soldier’s bride. Photographer:  CivicPhotos | Transportation: Baywatch Dolphin Tours | Other Location: Beachtown | Makeup Artist: | Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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