If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, than this picture that has gone viral speaks volumes of love, loss, faith and everything in between.

Having lost both legs in Afghanistan after stepping on an Improvised explosive device, former Marine and war vet Jesse Cottle was in the midst of recovery when he met Kelly at a swim meet in San Diego, California.

Kelly says of her Jesse, “I just remember being very intrigued by him. He was just very different, and not just because of his legs, just who he was.”

Through the good days and the bad, Kelly was constantly by his side through the traumas left behind of not only the loss of his legs in 2009 but two prior stints in Iraq since joining the Marines in 2003.

They were married in August of 2012 and they had their first dance together on his prosthetic legs.

During a recent family trip to visit Kelly’s family in Idaho, the family decided on an unplanned family photo shoot with Sarah Ledford of ShutterHappy Photography and this is where the beautiful pics were taken. Some of the pictures were to be taken in the water so just like she has done many times before, Kelly lifted Jesse onto her back and carried him. Ms. Ledford saw something special and suggested she take a few pictures as they were.

What she captured was a couple just like any other but one that especially symbolized love, hope, service, sacrifice and courage.

Cheers to Jesse and Kelly Cottle and here’s to a lifetime of happiness where love is carried throughout.