Weddings are our thing, for sure. There is just something incredible about being there with a couple and their families when two worlds collide in love. The day itself is almost always guaranteed to be filled with good food, hoppin’ music, lots of laughter and oodles of love. And to think we call this work!

Well, after almost six years of photographing amazing couples on an amazing day, many of our Bello family members are now returning, asking us to photograph the next amazing stage in their lives….babies. Or in the case of our dear friends Tracy & Will….that intimate, vulnerable stage right before babies….pregnancy.

If ever there was a poster child for what a perfect pregnant woman looks like, Tracy is it! Being an aerobics instructor certainly hasn’t hurt things, but Tracy is just one of those women men can’t help but look at and women wish they could be. She is gorgeous. And pregnant….well, she is like motherhood personified. With hottie Will at her side, these two are a smokin’ hot mommy- & daddy-to-be couple for sure!

With this being our first real pregnancy session, we decided it would be best to shoot Tracy & Will where they are most comfortable…in their home. So, we drove up to Boston with a trunk full of gear to set up a mini studio in their adorable Boston apartment. Our very good friend Sue Asaro (who does amazing portraits by the way) was kind enough to lend us a bunch of studio lighting so we could create some pretty fierce photos…our favorites are a bit more exposed than we felt comfortable sharing, but take our word for it, they are killer!!!

Oh, and just for the record…we did one pregnancy session several years back with our very FIRST wedding couple….Keira & Cory. They were our first…and you know what they say…you never forget your first. But, fast forward six years and we have a lot more experience to bring to such a sensitive session. (Keira & Cory now have 3 little lovebugs~Brogan, Jack and the newest edition to the family, baby James! We love you guys!!!)

So, without further ado….here are a few of our favorites from Tracy & Will’s session:

“Opportunity Knocks” - We thought this was kind of funny! The article was actually talking about the current housing market, but it works!

Snuggling up on the couch…is there a better way to spend a Sunday morning?

A couple of buns in the oven….again, we thought this was kind of funny. They’re actually banana bread loaves and Tracy isn’t having twins as far as she knows, but still…it works. And again….Sunday morning, cuddled on the couch with the delicious smell of banana bread baking in the oven….this day just keeps getting better! They even broke out their finest Tiffany’s china for us. We love these two!!!…almost three!

We decided to really get cozy and move into the bedroom for some more snuggling shots. Before starting Bello, when we had A LOT more free time, Andy & I spent quite a few lazy Sunday mornings snuggling in bed for hours. I really think there is no better place in the world than under a down comforter, enveloped in the arms of the one you love. I imagine that place becomes even sweeter when there is a baby snuggled up inside you, sharing that moment.

More snuggling…

We tried something a little different with this next shot. We superimposed Tracy’s ultrasound photo over the image. It’s really subtle, but kind of a cool effect, don’t you think?

A little silhouette shot of Tracy by her back door. I love the contrast of Tracy’s curves and the lines of the blinds in this one! I told you she’s GORGEOUS!!!

Next, we turned their bedroom into a studio. Their apartment fortunately has really high ceilings, and it was still a tight squeeze. But, you’d never know looking at this image. How cute are they? Seriously!

After getting a few more shots with the black background, we moved the studio into the livingroom for a lighter perspective…

1+1=3 to be

Dad’s-to-be don’t often get as much attention as their mommy counterparts, so we thought we would wrap things up by turning the attention to Will….Looking into his eyes can’t you just feel the love he feels for Tracy and his unborn baby? Love it!!!

Thank you again Sue, for helping make this session happen for us. You Rock!!! And, a great big heart-felt thank you Tracy & Will for inviting us to share in such a special and intimate time in your lives. We knew from the moment we met you both that we wanted to be a part of your lives long after you said, “I do!” So, thank you for keeping us a part of your family! We hope to be there watching and recording your little lovebug(s) as they quickly grow and change and become what we are sure will be incredible little people.

You two are amazing together and we have no doubt that you will be incredibly loving, attentive parents. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy journey. We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of this special time long after your children are grown! With big love, Christine & Andy xoxoxo

We are incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing people in our Bello Family ~ past, present, and future clients (and even a few honorary clients), who for whatever reason are among the most incredibly loyal and supportive people ever! It was thanks to them that we won this year’s award for Best Photographers on Cape Cod. And it is because of these wonderful people that our business is as successful as it is in just 5 short years!

Our Bello Family stretches across several states and even a few countries. The other day, we added one more country to our family map ~ South Africa.

It started out a day like any other….a glass of orange juice and straight into e-mail. Buried in among loads of spam was this incredible message that immediately put smiles on our faces and caused us to reflect on how very small the world has become thanks to the Internet. To think that people can find us from half way across the world with just a click of their mouse and our family expands….AWESOME!

The e-mail was from Candice in South Africa who wrote:

“Hi there,

My name is Candice, I work for an Ad agency in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
One of our ladies just had a beautiful little girl and I was given the fun job of
making her a congratulations card. While searching the web for “cute/newbaby/girl”
or something similar for images on the front of the card, I came across your stunning
photo of the little girl crying at the wedding service and her new cousins gently patting her better!
It was darling! And as a result I have just spent the entire day looking at, ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’
and showing everyone in the office all of your stunning photos, especially the wedding ones!

So I thought I just had to email you to tell that I think your photos
are absolutely breathtaking!

You’re blog is amazing, it not only shares a little bit about both of you, but it’s a good way
to show off your collection of the best of the best! (As soon as I got home I jumped on the computer
to show my parents your blog, and there were lots of *gasps* and oooh’s as well!). My favorites are the candid shots, you capture what fairytales are made of!

Thank you so much…for starting MY day on a happy note!
Keep well and keep the photos coming! I’ll be glued to your blog!

Warmest Regards,

Candice Gribben”

Okay, we’re totally patting ourselves on the back by posting that. But, we couldn’t resist. It’s just so cool!!! We immediately wrote back to Candice to thank her for giving us a much-appreciated ego boost before a long day of editing…exactly what the doctor ordered! We asked her if she wouldn’t mind sending us a photo so we could share her and her lovely e-mail with you. She happily agreed.

Meet Candice…

Is she adorable or what? Welcome to the family Candice! And thank you VERY MUCH for making our day! We look forward to reading your comments in our blog. And remember, if you ever find yourself on Cape Cod…you must come visit!!! Warmest wishes, Christine & Andy

On the way home from a wedding late the other night we came upon an unexpected sight….the Hood blimp parked in an air strip along Route 130 in Marstons Mills.

It had been a very long day and we were completely exhausted. So, the impulse was to keep going, straight to our beds. But, the sight was too hard to pass up. We stopped, got out our tripod and camera and tried to capture what we had seen.

With it’s lights still on, the blimp lit up the night sky and with an end-of-summer fog hanging above the warm ground, the scene was at once arresting and ethereal in the most surprising kind of way. Check it out…

We got home about 45 minutes later than we would have. But, it was worth it…don’t you think?

Kevin & Stacey live just outside Dallas, TX, where the city motto is “Live Large, Think Big.” We put the Bello spin on things, dubbing Dallas the city where people, “Live Large and Love Big,” because after spending an evening with Kevin & Stacey we got the feeling that that’s how they roll. These two couldn’t stop laughing or touching each other throughout our entire session. We instantly hit it off with them and didn’t want the sun to set so we could hang out a little longer.

Stacey is a former model and well, let’s just say she made our job a cinch. And, Kevin, with his dreamy blue eyes and killer smile, he isn’t too hard on the eyes either! But, what really made these two so easy and fun to photograph is their obvious affection for each other. There is nothing more beautiful than love…pure, uninhibited love…and these two have it by the bucket load.

Kevin grew up just outside of Boston and has a home here on the Cape, where he & Stacey spent a few weeks this summer. The Cape holds a special place in their hearts, so what better a setting to pop the question. Kevin did and Stacey said, “Yes!” They haven’t decided yet where they’ll tie the knot, but we’re hoping they want us there with them wherever they say, “I do,” as we just know their special day will be a total love fest!

Here are a few of our favorite photos from our time together last Tuesday night:

Are they cute or what?

They were so playful with each other and so obviously in love…it was hard not to feel giddy around them!

Oh the joy…

I love the way Stacy is looking at Kevin in this one…too sweet!

Stacy was on her tiptoes a lot. There is just something about a woman on her tiptoes that screams…I’m crazy about you! I’m guessing the guy’s version of that is the foot lean! LOL!

Is she gorgeous or what? And if that isn’t the face of a man in love, I don’t know what is!

The sky was incredible toward the end of our session as storm clouds rolled in…kindly providing a killer backdrop…

Using the classic Cape beach fence to frame the happy couple…

I just love this one. I love the light created by the overcast sky, the colors, the composition, and the glassy quality of the water. But, mostly, I just love the way Kevin is so delicately leading his sweetie across the rocky beach bottom. Awwww…

And finally, just a few playful shots at last light…

Thank you Kevin & Stacy for allowing us to capture such a special time in your lives. We hope your time here on the Cape provided lasting memories and that these photos help capture the love you so obviously feel for one another! We’d love to be there with you when you tie the knot! Thank you again! You guys rock! Big hugs, Christine & Andy xo

And a special thank you to our dear friend and photographer extraordinaire Amy Rader for sending you lovebirds our way!! Thanks Amy…get better soon! We love you! xo

We first met Andrea & Will last Thanksgiving. Like me and Andy, Andrea is American, originally from San Francisco, and Will is English (although unlike Andy he is also Scottish, on his mom’s side).

They had initially contacted us last year to see about doing a family portrait session here on the Cape. Andrea’s family has an amazing house on the beach in Woods Hole and they were all coming together to celebrate the holidays.

It was a bittersweet session for us. We instantly fell in love with Andrea & Will, who are as perfect a match as they come. And Andrea’s family is some of the warmest people you could ever hope to meet ~ her mom, Joan; dad, Ed; brother, Jamie and his wife, Monica, along with their adorable son, Maslen (he seemed to love the camera almost as much as the camera loved him!). Sadly, Joan was battling cancer, and this time, it appeared the cancer was winning. We immediately understood the importance of the photos for her family.

It was a cold day, but that didn’t stop everyone from bundling up and heading out to enjoy the beach that they had enjoyed together for so many years. The house, which has been in Ed’s family since 1926, had always been a haven for the family and was Joan’s favorite spot.

Sadly, Joan’s battle with cancer ended in January. Having lost my mom before my wedding I could relate to what Andrea must have been going through. My mom died a few years before Andy & I were married, but her absence on such a special day in our life was surely felt. And it was clear at Andrea’s wedding that her mom was never far from her thoughts.

Andrea wore the veil her mom wore when she married Ed some 30 years prior. The favors for guests were some of Joan’s favorite things…needlepoint and coconut haystacks. A beautiful needlepoint pillow with Andrea’s & Will’s initials that Joan had made in anticipation of the wedding was carried by Andrew, the ring bearer.

The day itself was perfect…warm and sunny. The ceremony took place at the quaint old stone Church of the Messiah in Woods Hole. And the reception was appropriately held at the family’s beautiful home.

Andrea worked closely with wedding planner Allison Liset of Elegant Engagements to create an elegant and playful setting for the party, and what a party it was!

There were lots of funny and moving speeches during dinner, along with a very funny song written for the happy couple by two of their friends. They also had a Scottish dance band that led the guests through some romping line dances.

The day was the perfect reflection of Andrea & Will and the love they share, both with each other and with the people closest to them. I admit, I got weepy more than once. It was an incredible day and I have no doubt, Joan was there enjoying every second.

Here are a few of our favorites from Andrea & Will’s amazing day:

Andrea’s gorgeous Jimmy Choo Shoes…simple, elegant, understated…totally droolable!

These beautiful earrings feature Andrea’s mom’s favorite stone….lovely!

I can’t say I’ve seen many men look so good wearing a skirt, but Will pulls it off and then some! Total hottie!

After their, “I do’s,” Andrea & Will enjoyed a quick car ride back to the house. We just love stealing these private moments.

When we did Andrea’s family portrait session back in November, there was a shot we got of Ed gently leading Joan through the bramble down to the beach. It was one of our favorites from the session, and Andrea’s too. This series is very reminiscent of that for us. The joy on their faces just makes my heart smile!

I just love how serene Andrea & Will look in this one. It’s like nothing else in the world matters, just being in each others arms!

A few more shots from the beach, including a couple of fun ones capitalizing on Joan’s beautiful veil Andrea wore in honor of her mom…I love these!

Bling, bling… Kind of a funny juxtaposition of these gorgeous rings (and all they symbolize) resting on a prickly beach rose bush.

Introducing the happy couple…

Andrea’s dad gave one of the most beautiful, and heart-felt speeches we’ve heard in a long time. It moved most people to tears, including yours truly…along with half of the catering staff. Ed spoke of his relationship with his lovely wife and how he wished the same for Andrea & Will. He got a standing ovation when he was done….

A little Scottish step dancing..

The perfect summer evening…

Ends with a kiss…

And here are just a few details from the day:

A great big thank you to Andrea & Will for entrusting us to capture such a special day in your lives and for being so much fun to work with. We have had such a great time getting to know you both over the past year, from that first family photo session through our engagement session in NYC to your incredible wedding day back here where it all began for us. We wish you much love and laughter as you continue to build your life together.

We’d also like to thank Andrea’s family and also Will’s family for welcoming us with such open arms. It has been both an honor and a privilege to get to know all of you. Watching you all together has been really special. You epitomize the word family and make it look effortless! With love and hugs to you all, Christine & Andy xo

Melisa & Tony have been there with us almost since the beginning. We photographed their amazing Ocean Edge wedding in September of 2004, just one year and 18 wedding after first starting Bello. So, when they asked us to take some photos of their 1-year old son Rocco, we were so excited! We hadn’t seen our friends in a couple of years and were really looking forward to meeting their little lovebug. And, oooh, was he a lovebug. Even with remnants of a cold and lingering ear infection, he was still a bundle of joy!

When we arrived Rocco was still napping, which gave us some time to catch up with Melisa & Tony and get a tour of their very cool new house. We weren’t surprised the house was hip and had loads of character, since Tony is an architect and Melissa works in textiles.

We snuck into Rocco’s totally adorable room to grab a couple of quick photos of sleeping beauty…check him out! He sleeps like my dad says I used to…butt straight up in the air. Seriously? Does it get any cuter?

A close up of little Rocco’s sweet face…

Love this colorful mobile above Rocco’s crib….

Rocco wakes up and wonders who all the people are in his room. Hey Dad? What’s going on? (I love his sleep face, rosy little cheeks! That’s the side he was lying on. Too cute!)

Well, since you’re here…let’s play…(I think he might be a photographer in waiting….he loved playing with the lens caps)

Time to get dressed…How amazing are those eyes? And whenever I see baby skin I just want to nibble somewhere! They are just so delicious!!! And so perfect!

Kisses for Dada…

Playing with flowers outside…The curiosity of children at life’s simplest things just makes my heart smile.

Here I come…

Is he yummy or what?

I love this shot. You can just feel the pride Melisa & Tony have for their little lovebug, and the joy he brings to their life. And, even though Rocco was sick, you still get a feeling for the little Mr. Independent that he is…

1+1=3

I just love the way the light is streaming over Rocco’s face in this one. And the purity in his eyes. Love it!!

This is kind of a funny series. If you’ve ever owned a pet and then had a baby, you know, as does your pet, that when baby comes home, the ranking of your pet in the family hierarchy suddenly changes. And sadly for poor kitty, the change is not in his favor. Can’t you just see what he’s thinking?

A little snuggle time to end the session…

Thanks Melisa & Tony for inviting us into your lovely home. We had such a great time reconnecting; we were just sorry Rocco wasn’t feeling in top form…poor little guy!! We love you guys and thank you so much for being such amazing supporters and cheerleaders for us. You two really have been there with us since the start and you will always hold a special place in our hearts! We love you and can’t wait to watch Rocco become the cool little person we know he will be! xoxo C&A