Late last month, we got a call from Terri, an architect & photographer from Boston. She was interested in getting some information for her son, Ryan, who was getting married, although he hadn’t actually popped the question yet. The family was coming to the Cape, as part of their annual July 4th pilgrimage to the Wequassett Inn in Chatham.

Ryan, Terri told us, would be asking his girlfriend, Anette, to marry him while here on the Cape. In anticipation of a “yes” and since the couple lives in San Francisco and would only be here a short time, we had arranged to meet. Terri thought it would be fun to do a family portrait session while the whole family was together. Ryan’s two sister, Leigh & Randi, were also down on the Cape to celebrate the holiday and, fingers crossed, the engagement of their brother.

We checked in with Terri the day after the family arrived to see what happened with Ryan’s proposal, and….happy news….Anette said, “Yes.”

So, we got together at the Wequassett, where the family was staying, and where Anette & Ryan will say, “I do,” next summer. It was a perfect day….the sun was shining. It was hot, but not too hot…and everything fell into place perfectly. Terri, her husband, Alan, Ryan, Anette, Leigh and Randi were all so warm and welcoming and definitely up for some fun. We started slow, with some shots down on the beach to get everyone warmed up and then things got jumping. Here are some of our favorites from our time together:

One big happy family…

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Happy feet…(Alan was the only party pooper who didn’t want to take off his shoes…but we still love him!)

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A family that laughs together, stays together…

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Sisterly love…

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Alan & Terri share a giggle…We asked them to take a moment and just look at each other…normally this makes people smile. In Terri & Alan’s case, it made them crack up. Love it!

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And here’s the happy couple. Say hello to Ryan & Anette. Do you think we’re going to have any trouble photographing these two? Uhhhh….NO! Gorgeous! And so sweet!!! We’re so excited for them and can’t wait till their wedding next September. Yeah!!!

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We’ll hopefully be doing an engagement session with Anette & Ryan during their next visit back East, but we thought we’d grab a few photos of the happy couple basking in the glory of their very new engagement. If our few minutes with them during the family session are any indication…we’re going to have a lot of fun with these two!

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One of the secrets to a good marriage is laughter…looks like these two are off to a good start:

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Who would have thought a little friendly chicken fight could result in such a great portrait?

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More family time…

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Hmmm…think Anette is happy about her engagement? What a beautiful smile!!!

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And to cap off a wonderful afternoon we asked the family to try something a little different and jump for joy….They didn’t hold back….Brilliant!!!

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A different perspective….love it!!!

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Thank you so much Terri, Alan, Ryan, Anette, Leigh and Randi for being so much fun and for making us feel instantly comfortable (as soon as Alan came out of the shower in just a towel, we knew we were going to have some fun with your family!)

Ryan & Anette a big congratulations to you both. We can’t wait to get to know you both better over the coming year and to be there with you when you pledge your love & your lives to one another with all of the people who care for you most, there supporting you and cheering you on! Savor every moment…this is a wonderful time!

With hugs and warmest wishes, Chris & Andy xo