I know the heading for this post is, at first glance, odd. But, if you follow this blog, you might remember our super fun love session with Kara & Jamie, which was entitled “Love in a Wooden Structure”. Having had such a great time in our wooden structure, we decided we had to find something equally as funky to take photos for Kara & Jamie’s amazing New Hampshire wedding…and we did! We found THE perfect place in an old abandoned fort on the Jackson seashore.

We drove up to NH the day before their wedding to check out some spots. The sun was shining and it was a glorious day. We knew this spot would be perfect. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was feeling a tad crabby the follow day and it rained pretty heavily for most of Kara & Jamie’s wedding.

But, a little rain wasn’t going to dampen spirits and spoil all the fun! Heck, no! After their ceremony at the stunning Immaculate Conception Parish in Newburyport, MA, we had a couple of hours to get back to the Wentworth By The Sea Country Club. We were debating whether to just head back to the club and do photos inside or around the tent. But, Kara, Jamie & their bridal party were all game for getting a little wet in the name of fabulous photos.  So we stuck to the original plan and headed for the fort. How much do we love when couples give us that kind of creative freedom? Totally LOVE LOVE LOVE that!!!

It was still a little drizzly at the fort, but we were able to get some great shots and hopefully they think it was worth a battered pair of Jimmy Choos!

The entire day was an incredible celebration of the beautiful love Kara & Jamie share, both with each other, with their families and with their amazing friends. Getting to be there with them on such a special day was truly an honor and a pleasure! Yes, they are beautiful outside for sure, but it is their inner beauty that really lit up the day with magic!

Here are some of our favorite moments from the day! Enjoy!

The sacrificial Jimmy Choos and some other fabulous wedding details….

Getting a little help from good friend, Bridget, Kara puts on her earrings after having her hair & make up done by the very talented Ashely & Candice at Daryl Christopher Salon in Waltham….she’s so beautiful it just takes your breath away, doesn’t it!? And I absolutely LOVE her hair down! GaGaGorgeous!!!

With a little help from her friends, Kara slips in to her crazy beautiful Anne Barge gown from L’Elite Boston. So different and the neckline on her was fabulous!!! And can we talk about her hair and the rose/feather accent? LOVE IT!!!

Two little rings symbolize a commitment packed with such love & meaning…

Jamie putting on the finishing touches….isn’t he handsome?

I love this next shot of Jamie getting in the Hummer limo….talk about riding in style.

Our handsome groom at the church. It was raining, but that didn’t stop Andy & Jamie from getting outside to get a couple of quick shots by this very cool door!

This photo is going to come as quite a surprise to Kara & Jamie! And we can’t wait to hear their reactions! Apparently, Jamie’s groomsmen were a bit hungry so they had a quick pizza delivered to the back of the church without anyone knowing. Here the guys shove their faces in the rain. Love it!!!

Swedish Invasion! Relatives of Kara’s dad, who sadly passed away when Kara was just 19, made the long trip from Sweden to see Kara say, “I do!” I just love this perspective.

Not even pouring rain could dampen Kara’s excitement as she heads into the church to marry the man of her dreams! Love it!!!

It was an emotional moment as Kara’s mom, Anne, walked her daughter down the aisle.

Immaculate Conception is a beautiful parish and the alter provided a stunning backdrop to Kara & Jamie’s exchanging of vows.

During communion, Kara gives her mom and good friend, Bridget, a quick smile….this is one of my favorite times of the Catholic wedding ceremonies because it gives couples a chance to take it all in and look around and see all of the people there to love & support them.

Jamie & his friends made a quick stop to pick up beer for the trolley ride back to New Hampshire and as a little gift for his friends, Jamie bought everyone a Mega Millions ticket. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t the winning ticket. Shucks!

Jamie bought all of his groomsmen these super fly chocolate brown & white kicks to match their very stylish beige Seersucker suits.

Kara’s beautiful sister, Kristen, and her hubby, Marc (left) with Best Man Fill-In Extraordinaire, Marshall. Marshall wins huge points for being a last minute fill in for Jamie’s friend, Ryan, who couldn’t make the wedding because he & his wife were due to have their first baby. Marshall’s speech was AMAZING…apparently he’d been preparing for the fact that he might have to fill in. Way to go Marshall! BTW…Kristen & Mark also recently had a baby, little Taylor, who is a total lovebug!

Love in a cement (looks like some brick too) structure! Ducking out of the rain for a bit, we took Jamie & Kara in part of the fort that looked like it might have housed munitions. There’s something so fun to me about taking beautiful people in beautiful clothes and putting them in a really rough and tumble location. I just love the polarity of the situation. I also like the symbolism of an old building…you could say marriage, if you’re lucky and work hard at it, is like this cement structure. It’s worn and some spots are battered, while others still appear new. And yet through it all, it has stood the test of time.

Having a moment…bello style

I LOVE this next one! The joy on Kara’s face makes my heart smile! Another great example of the benefits of having two photographers. While I was inside the structure getting the above shot, Andy was outside capturing this fabulous moment!

Again, two photographers…two unique perspectives (mine is on the left and Andy’s is on the right)

This is where Kara’s shoes took the biggest beating….but what a cool shot, no?

Love is…..this moment!

The lovely Kara….

The day before the wedding, while scouting out the area for photos, I found this very cool heart-shaped rock and gave it to Kara & Jamie as a little good luck charm. I think a few of the guys thought I just carried heart-shaped rocks around with me for cool photos. Not a bad idea, but I didn’t….this one was all thanks to serendipity!

Braving the rain and seriously slippery rocks, Kara’s friends rallied to get this cool portrait! Thanks guys…you totally ROCK!!!

I love this next shot! I always prefer those in between moments either right before or right after a kiss. For me, there is just such a feeling of anticipation…love it!

Some of the amazing details of Kara & Jamie’s day…

Their first dance was as sweet, fun and playful as Kara & Jamie are themselves.

They say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day. Perhaps that is true, but something tells me these two don’t need much luck. They’ve already got all the key ingredients for a happy, lasting marriage!

Okay, so Jamie’s family apparently has a strange tradition of doing somersaults at every wedding. It was pretty tricky business capturing this fast moving chaos, but talk about fun!!! Even Kara went for it with Jamie’s sister, Nicole. And, that’s Jamie’s mom in the middle, with I think one of the cousins. I’m not exactly sure what they’re doing, but it looked like some sort of surfing move, with the cousin shimmying backwards across the dance floor…talk about hysterical!!! BRILLIANT!

Thank you Kara & Jamie for instantly welcoming us into your lives with such open hearts! We had a blast being there with you at the rehearsal dinner, getting to meet some of your friends and family and then again, at your wonderful, love-filled wedding celebration! You two are such warm, happy, genuine, loveable people and our lives are richer for knowing you! We hope these photos bring you as much joy as being around you both has brought us! And like our cement structure, we know your love will stand the test of time. Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Last month, Andy’s mom…or mum as they say in England…came over for a much-anticipated visit. Things have been so ridiculously busy for Andy & I that we haven’t managed to get back to England in nearly five years….crazy, I know. And, it’s been nearly four years since Andy’s mom was last here to visit us. So, we were very excited when the plans were arranged and we knew she was coming.

We were able to take a few days off to do some sightseeing and toured a good chunk of the mid-Cape and lower-Cape, including a stop at Pirate’s Cove in Yarmouth for a rather competitive 36-holes of mini golf, and trip to the Wellfleet Drive-In theater…something not to be missed during a trip to the Cape!

We didn’t take as many photos as we should have…something we’re quite guilty of when it comes to family, especially during the busy season when we and our cameras get worked overtime. But, here are a few photos on mum’s last day. We couldn’t let her leave without some photos of her and her oldest son…

Meet Pauline…aka Mum…Isn’t she beautiful!!?

I just love her blue eyes. They’re a slightly different color and shape than Andy’s, but I thought it would be fun to get a close up of their beautiful peepers!

Aww…momma & her boy! Love it!

And outside for a few more pics…

I LOVE this next one. Mum reached up to gently touch Andy’s face and it was kind of a cheesy moment, which caused them both to absolutely crack up! We kept laughing about that one all the one to the airport.

Mum….it was sooo great having you here! We’re sorry it took as long as it did and promise to come home soon! We love you & miss you and thank you for making the long trip to come be with us!!!

Big BIG love, Chris & Andy xoxoxo

It was quite a long time ago now, but I clearly remember the awkwardness of my early teenage years. Hormones were flying, my body wasn’t changing at quite the same pace of my friends/classmates, and all my friends & I could think about was boys and how much better life would be when we were older.

Like most things in life, you don’t realize how good you’ve got it until it’s gone. Perhaps this was lingering in the back of Laura & Brian’s minds when life…and love…gave them a second chance.

This super sweet pair first met in at Andover Academy, where they went to high school. While in the same freshman triad, they quickly became friends; running in similar circles and sharing common interests. But, their friendship never blossomed into anything more and after graduation, they went their separate ways.

After college, Brian went on to Boston University’s medical school and Laura ended up at rivaling Boston College for grad school. But, it wasn’t until a Christmas party thrown by a mutual friend that their paths crossed again. And, this time, they saw something different in each other….some spark that wasn’t there before, drawing them to one another.

“We instantly reconnected…I was hooked,” Laura told us. “I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought about him in that way before.  It was so easy and comfortable – there was just always this feeling that it was meant to be.”

Flash forward five years and Laura & Brian are now planning their wedding. They will say, “I do,” surrounded by family & friends next summer at the Wychmere Harbor Club.

We met up with Laura & Brian two weeks ago for their super fun love session. Here are a few of our favorite moments from our time together. Enjoy!

Right from the start of our session, Laura & Brian seemed completely comfortable in front of our cameras  and the love they share came shinning through!

Trying a new perspective on a classic shot…

I just love their expressions in this next one, especially framed by the changing leaf colors in the background.

Laura has the sweetest nervous giggle and I just love this series of her & Brian “having a moment.”

We’ve never eaten at Five Bays Bistro, but we hear it’s a great restaurant….we just love the facade.

You really can tell a lot about the way someone feels about you in the way they look at you…..Brian wears his feelings well!

Where to next?….

Awww….

The look of love…

Fall really is a great time for photography. I just love the fall colors and the crispness in the air….plus it seems to encourage more snuggling….

Laura is so beautiful and she knows how to smile with her eyes! Tara would be so proud!

If you follow this blog at all, you’re probably sick of hearing me say it, but here I go again….There truly is no better place in the world than in the arms of the one you love. And these next two photos just say it all!

I love their expressions in this next one…

Taking in the setting sun…

A late blooming rosa rugosa …

These next two are some of my favorites from our session. They both just look so relaxed and at peace…if only life could feel this way ALL the time!

Love is….this!

We were pretty much done with our session at this point, but Andy captured this photo and I just think it’s such a cool shot. I love the light and the perspective.

Laura & Brian thank you so much for being so much fun and for trusting us so completely! You guys did AMAZING and made us even more excited about getting to be there with you when you say, “I do!” next summer. We have no doubt it’s going to be a love-filled celebration and we’re excited to document all that love & laughter for you! Until then, we hope you enjoy these photos and that they serve as a happy reminder of all the fun still to come! Big hugs & love, Christine & Andy xo

I LOVE this time of year. The air has a freshness to it that makes me just want to snuggle in with Andy and watch the world go by. The changing leaves move me with their beauty, even though I’ve seen the same symphony year after year. I love the taste of freshly picked apples. I love carving pumpkins and getting my favorite sweaters out of winter storage. This is a time for sitting by the fire and reading a good book. Soon, we will gather with family & friends for a bountiful feast. And though the leaves will wither and die, love blossoms on as this is our busiest time of year for shooting love sessions for our fabulous couples getting married next summer.

Two weeks ago, we got together with college sweethearts Meg & Brian for their fall love session. We met them at Bourne Farm, one of our favorite local spots that just oozes so many of the things I love best about fall. It’s actually where Andy & I said “I do,” eight years ago…hard to believe it’s been that long already and yet, I can barely remember my life before him.

Meg & Brian are getting married next June at the Winslow Estate in Orleans. We haven’t shot a wedding there yet, but the property looks AMAZING, and Meg & Brian are super sweet, so we’re very excited!

Brian let us know right away that he is not a big fan of having his picture taken, which we found ironic, since he’s easy on the eyes. But, I get it. I admit, I am also camera shy. I am WAAAAY happier on this side of the lens.

One of the main reasons we offer complimentary engagement sessions with all of our album packages is exactly for people like Brian and me. Being photographed by someone you don’t really know can be intimidating and uncomfortable. For me, I become super aware of myself and feel self conscious. And, I’m sure I’m not alone. As photographers, Andy & I like to put those feelings on the table right away and work through them with our couples before their big day.

Our sessions are really low key and hopefully a lot of fun. Generally, by the end of our time together, everyone is feeling more relaxed and comfortable, both with Andy & me and with the idea of being photographed. And, if you’re feeling comfortable and trust the person (or in our case, persons) taking your picture, you’re going to be more relaxed and that always means better, more natural photos.

While Brian may have been a bit nervous about our session, Meg, was completely the opposite. A total ham and as the subject of much of her sister’s photography, she was instantly at ease in front of our lenses, which I, personally admire, and I think it also helped put Brian at ease.

I gotta say, photographing couples is really my favorite thing to do. I just love watching the dynamics between two people who really care about each other. At the start of the session, we watch as they hold tightly to one another and look to the other for comfort and support. And, if we’ve done our job well, by the end of the session, they are having fun and enjoying the experience.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our afternoon with Meg & Brian….Enjoy!

We’re always looking for interesting ways of looking at a scene, finding a new perspective or angle that tells a new story. It keeps it fun for us and gives our couples something they may not have seen before.

But always, my favorite photos are ones like this next one, where you can just feel the bond between our subjects. To me, this next photo perfectly conveys the relationship Meg & Brian have and I love it!

Another fun perspective courtesy of my very talented and always-willing-to-lay-on-the-wet-ground-for-a-good-shot husband, Andy!

Love their expressions in this next one….happy & relaxed!

Taking advantage of local scenery…

In honor of the pumpkin festival being held at the farm the day after our session, a sad looking scarecrow guarded the pumpkin patch. We asked Meg & Brian to go hang out with the scarecrow for a bit and it seemed to make them crack up, which is always a good thing for us!

I love this perspective and the way the light seems to be spotlighting them.

Miles of rock walls surround Bourne Farm’s property and while Andy was getting some great photos of our happy couple, I thought it might be fun to shoot through the wall for an interesting composition. What do you think?

This is a pretty classic portrait shot, but I just love it! And something tells me their moms will too!

I got your back……

The town of Falmouth recently completed an extension of their Shining Sea Bike path, which initially was about 3.3 miles, but now extends over 10 miles into North Falmouth, crossing through a portion of Bourne Farm’s property. I wanted to try something different and have Meg & Brian lay down in the middle of the path and play with the lines of the path. It just so happened that a rollerblader came rushing past as we were preparing for the shot and well, the result was even better than my original idea. I LOVE when that happens!

The day of our session was very overcast and it ended up spitting rain a couple of times, but Meg & Brian were in town from Maryland very briefly so it was our only chance to get together. As it happens, it was a great session and the rough weather churned up this starfish at Woodneck Beach. I’ve never seen starfish at this beach before…so cool!

Lovely…

Fun fun fun!

It wouldn’t be a bello session without a butt shot! That’s not entirely true, but I do love my butt shots!

I really like this next one. I love how Meg’s hair is blowing in the wind, how they’re both looking in different directions and their happy expressions. So fun!

The look of love…

The best place to be….in the arms of the one you love!!!

Meg & Brian, you two were AWESOME!! We had such a great time hanging out with you both, dodging raindrops, hanging out with a scarecrow, and walking on seashells! We were already looking forward to your wedding next summer, and now, even more so! Thank you so much for letting down your guard and for giving us a personal glimpse into your lovely relationship. Thank you too for taking time out of your quick & busy visit home to be with us! We really appreciate it and hope these photos serve as a happy reminder of all the fun still to come! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Okay, so I’m waaay late on this post, mostly because it’s a personal post and a long one, which feels a little indulgent. But, I’m hoping you’ll humor me.

My grandfather, Ugly, as he is affectionately known by us grandkids, celebrated his….wait for it…..100th birthday on August 25. Yup, 1-0-0 years…talk about a milestone!

He has experienced much in his life and has seen incredible changes, inventions, discoveries, births and death. So much has happened in our world over the past 100 years and he was there to witness all of it.

I wrote him a little poem/tribute in honor of his birthday a couple of years ago that seems appropriate to share on this momentous occasion. But first, I’ll share some photos, since that’s probably what you come here to see.

The assisted living facility that Gramps now calls home threw a big party, complete with a giant cake, balloons, and some seriously giggle-inducing entertainment by a former Vegas lounge singer who seemed smitten with my aunt. At one point, they performed a duet that caused one of the residents sitting behind me to say, “I thought he was going to kiss her.” (I gotta be honest, I did too!) It was brilliant!

The cafeteria was packed, with all of the residents (and several family members) there to celebrate Gramp’s 100 years…or maybe they were just there for the free cake. Either way, it was a great afternoon! Here are a few of my favorite moments from the party…

The man of the hour….UGLY (aka Michael Ferullo)

The staff at the residence baked a huge strawberry shortcake for Ugly and the great grandkids helped him blow out the candles.

The Mayor of Revere even came to the party to present Gramps with a citation. My grandfather’s face when he saw the Mayor was priceless!

Look at him just beaming with pride. I just love him!!! After he left, Gramps said that he thought that the mayor had come to his party because he heard what a nice guy he was and how he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. If you know my grandfather, you’re laughing right now. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE my grandfather and hold him on the highest of pedestals. But, he is by no means perfect and certainly isn’t the most accepting, open-minded person. He’s an old dog and very set in his ways. If you agree with him, you’re in good standing, but if you don’t…look out…he bites!

Ugly with my sister, Kimmy, and her delicious daughter, Sadie.

My aunts and the singer coaxed Gramps to get up and sing a Frank Sinatra number. I love his face…he’s like, “Will  someone get me the hell outta here!” Priceless!

My cousin’s son, Andrew, boogies on down! I love this little munchkin. (PS…his dad, my cousin, Andy, made it out of ICU this summer and is now home from the hospital, after receiving a bone marrow transplant. It’s been a long, hard battle and the fight marches on…please keep him in your prayers!)

A few days later, our family got together again to celebrate Ugly’s birthday with a party at my aunt’s house. It was a great day and here are a few of my favorite moments from our afternoon together….

We made a special present for Gramps, a canvas wrap print featuring 100 reasons why we all love him. I read them outloud to Gramps, who seemed bored after the fifth reason. But, I kept torturing the grumpy old coot!

This is him before he got bored….

Sadie looks on curiously while shoving a chocolate cupcake in (and on) her face.

Mr. Popularity takes a call from my cousin, Jason, who recently moved to California and couldn’t make it home for the party. I love the shades over his glasses….classic Hollywood!

Sadie hangs out with her favorite Uncle Andy.

While her brother, Calvin, enjoys some good times on the slip & slide with his second cousins…

Time for cake…again…

Andy with his favorite girl, Sadie. Check out Andy rockin’ out Grandpa’s shades. Sexxxy….

In this next photo, I’m snuggling up with Sadie & my cousin, Carla’s little boy, Cole. I just love how Cole is giving Sadie a suspicious look. He & I bonded that day and I like to think he’s wondering how to push her out of the way so he can get snag all of my attention for himself.

Lovely Sadie…

With her best friend, Douglas the monkey.

Cole & his mommy share some snuggle time.

Uncle Andy is like the Pied Piper of little kids. They just LOVE him and he loves them. It’s one of the things that made me fall in love with him. How can you resist a man who children love? You just know he is good through and through.

Cal, relishes the attention and playtime with his favorite Uncle and is the first to jump on the pig pile.

Nap time for Sadie…I just love the light skimming off her crazy cute pigtails!

My cousin, Monica, and her super sweet son, Jan Williams, share a moment.

It was a great time with family. As we get older, we don’t all get together as much as we used to, so having the chance to get together and celebrate such a wonderful occasion was truly a blessing! We love you Ugly and treasure your presence in our lives! xoxo

And, if you’re interested in some sub-par poetry (actually, I’m not sure it qualifies as poetry per se, but I enjoyed writing it), here’s the tribute I wrote for my Gramps in celebration of his birthday. I actually wrote it a few years ago, but revised it slightly for this post. My grandfather was always THE BEST storyteller. He loved to tell a story almost as much as we grandkids loved hearing him talk about the good ole days. His memory isn’t quite what it used to be anymore, and today’s stories have more to do with who’s bugging him this week at the assisted living facility than they do with memories from his past. But, I will forever think of my grandfather as the man who loved big and lived to share the stories of his life.

1909

1909—what a marvelous year!
It was the year you came into this world.
I would not know you for almost 60 years,
But in that time you would experience many things,
Creating memories you would one day share with me.

Although I never knew what life was like growing up on a farm in Arlington,
Or what it was like to wake at 4 Am, drive a wind-up old pick up truck into Fanieul Hall,
And deliver the family’s produce.
Tho’ I know nothing of cutting glass or of making leather shoes.
And while I have never seen a Great Depression, a war of the world, or the birth of rock n’ roll,
I feel as though I have experienced all of these things (because of you).
I can smell the air as it was in 1909—thick with the promise of an industrial revolution,
Yet as pure and sweet as a garden tomato.

And woven with these stories of bygone days are memories of my own:
Summer afternoons spent frolicking in a flower-covered plastic pool,
Eating potato salad like only Grandma can make.
Christmases where children could drink red wine with ginger ale,
Where presents were abundant,
But none so precious as the love you lavished on us.

Yours was a place where nickels and quarters seemed to grow under a worn-out old recliner;
Where I learned to appreciate the joy of working with my hands,
And where I often marveled at how the skin on your still nimble hands held its shape
Long after I stopped pinching.

And though I left you after each visit, my arms packed full of leftovers,
Old lamps you re-wired, mismatched dish towels,
Or refinished treasures you saved for me,
Nothing could compare with the fullness of my heart.

Oh, how my cup runneth over with all you have given me.

Never will I forget the exuberant youthfulness of your face that day at Fenway,
When you and Dad fought over a foul ball.
Never will I forget the smell of mothballs on hand-knitted wool blankets,
Or the taste of fresh mint picked from your backyard.
All these precious gifts you have given me Grandpa are impossible to repay,
So today, on this day—August 25, 2009,
I give you only this…three words spoken with more feeling than they could ever express—
I love you.
I love you for all you are, for all you have ever been, and for all you have given to me!
I am truly a better person for having you in my life!

Forever yours,
Chrissy