Friends….what would we do without our friends?

Our friends are the ones we go to when life calls for celebration. And, they are the ones we lean on when times are tough. They give us truthful answers to hard questions and build us up when we’re feeling down. Our friends know us and lovingly accept us, despite our imperfections. And, sometimes, they enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

Pam & Geoff owe much to their friends, including their upcoming wedding next spring. In the fall of 2006, Pam & Geoff’s friends set them up on a blind date. If it hadn’t been for that date, they might never have met….or fallen in love.

Yeaaaay for good friends!!!

As it happens, we also owe much to Pam & Geoff’s friends. In the summer of 2007, just a few months after their friends steered Pam & Geoff to each other, we were invited to photograph the amazing Cape Cod wedding of Allison & Greg.

Pam was Allison’s maid of honor. Right from the start, we immediately hit it off with Allison & Greg, with their families and their friends. They all welcomed us into their lives with incredibly warm, open hearts. We’re still in touch with Allison & Greg, their parents and a few of their friends. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, but theirs was that kind of wedding and we feel truly grateful for the connections we formed.

So, of course, we were super stoked when Pam contacted us a couple of months ago to announce that she was getting married and wanted us to come to New York City to photograph her wedding. Budget, understandably, was a concern, since having us come to New York meant added expenses. But, Pam told us, she & Geoff REALLY wanted us there. I can’t really explain how amazing and humbling it is to hear couples tell us that. Knowing they make sacrifices and move budgets around because they feel so strongly about wanting us to be a part of their day is overwhelming in the best kind of way!

As Pam & Geoff worked their numbers, we got e-mails from Allison & her friend Rachel (also a friend of Pam’s) saying they planned to boycott the wedding if we weren’t there. I mean, come on…does it get any more flattering than that? I don’t think so! I’m sure they were kidding. But, still, it was nice to hear.

A couple of weeks ago, we met up with Pam & Geoff at the Cutler Park Reservation in Needham for their fabulous fall love session. The weather was amazing. The leaves were at their colorful peak and the park offered lots of great nooks for photos.

Here are just a few of our favorite moments from our time together.

The happy couple…

Pam & Geoff are so cute together. Pam’s laugh is infection, her smile contagious and Geoff just seems to instantly relax being near her. Gotta love that!

We actually hopped off the boardwalk into the marshy reeds for this cool perspective. Pam was such a trooper, even willing to get her super cute orange Tory Burch flats wet for the shot. Gotta love that dedication to art!

Normally, our sessions are later in the day, when the sun is lower, but I gotta say, the bright fall light really had such a cool quality about it, particularly with the fall colors in the background…

Knowing our penchant for cute butt shots, Pam admitted that she bought a new pair of Hudson jeans (my personal favorites) that she was hoping we would highlight with one of our classic shots. I love how she’s standing on her tippy toes to give Geoff a smooch.  Way to rock the butt shot guys!

I absolutely adore the perspective Andy was working for this shot. And, the way Pam is looking off taking in the scenery is so cute!

A little tickle time…

One of my personal favorites from the day…the tree colors are just gorgeous and their expressions…perfect!

Another lovely moment…

Something a bit more serious and serene…

We had to hike quite a way into the park to find this hidden tunnel that ran under the commuter rail. It looks like it is a popular spot with spray paint artists. I have to admit, I love me a little graffiti!

One of the tags on the tunnel wall included a heart that made a perfect backdrop for our love session…awww it’s like they knew we were coming!

More giggles and gorgeous fall foliage…love it!

The boardwalk that stretched through the reed-filled marsh was so cool and the reeds themselves were just beautiful. I really like the way the trees frame the shot as Pam & Geoff walk away.

And at the entrance to the park was this cool little rock structure. Not sure what it was once used for, but it made a cute backdrop for a few more shots of our lovebirds…

I really like this next one of Geoff…he looks so comfortable in the arms of his sweetie!

Framed by the window…

Another favorite moment of the day. Geoff was being particularly patient with us, letting us grab a few more shots, even though the Pats game had started and he was eager to get back to his folk’s for the second half. Thanks Geoff!! We hope you love these last few as much as we do and feel they were worth missing part of the game.

Pam & Geoff, thank you soooo much for inviting us to be a part of this exciting time in your lives. We had such a blast hanging out with you at our love session. And, Pam, we know you’re not exactly a nature girl, so we appreciate you hiking through the woods and sacrificing your super cute flats for some great photos.

We’re so excited about coming to NYC for your wedding in the spring. We just know it’s going to be a total love fest and it’ll be so great to see Allison & Greg and Rachel & Glen again! We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of our fun afternoon and get you just as excited as we are about seeing you again in May!!!! With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

They say it’s good luck if a bird poops on you. Do you think that same good fortune also applies if you accidentally put your hand in wet bird poop? I’m thinking…No. So, it’s probably a good thing that Virginia-based sweeties Amy & Ryan don’t need any luck when it comes to their inspiring relationship.

You’ll soon see why I had bird poop on the brain when I started this post, but just so it all makes sense…Amy accidentally stuck her hand in some poop while climbing rocks during our love session with her & Ryan a couple of weeks ago in Cotuit, Amy’s old stomping ground.  Way to take one for the team, Amy!!!!

Amy & Ryan’s story began on a chilly March day in Washington DC. Amy was walking her dog with her sister when a tall, handsome man stopped to introduce himself. Amy was wearing one of her old Suffolk Law sweatshirts and Ryan, the friendly stranger, shared that he, too, went to Suffolk Law. In fact, they graduated in the same class, but had never met.

As they would soon discover, their lives shared many parallels. Although they were both living in Virginia when they met, they both grew up in Massachusetts. Both of their fathers are builders, both of their mothers are nurses and both have family houses on Cape Cod that they live for.

So, it seemed fitting that our love session with them would take place here on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, in one of Amy’s favorite secret spots.

Before our session began, Amy & Ryan let us know that they are a “schmoopy couple.” “We can’t help it. We’re madly in love,” Amy told us. As it happens, schmoopy, totally head-over-heels-in-love couples happen to be our specialty, so ours was a match made in heaven.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our chilly, but super fun love session….

Amy & Ryan have a sweet easiness about them that makes getting great photos a cinch! It doesn’t hurt that they’re both totally adorable…in a sexy Ralph-Lauren-we’ve-got-your-models kind of way!

Love this next one…Ryan is probably one of the the nicest guys on the planet…totally down to Earth, kind, smart, confident, and humble. And in this next photo, he shows us he’s got a sexy side too! I also love Amy’s hottie stance and the way she’s looking at Ryan with a look that says, “I’m so proud of my honey.” Love Love Love it!

And then we see their goofier side….equally as delicious!

Here’s the moment that inspired my heading for this post. Amy was such a trooper and carried on without missing a beat…thank goodness the ocean was nearby for a quick rinse! You rock Amy!

Oh the joy…

Amy & Ryan are the kind of people who can just get lost in each other and forget anyone else is around. This next photo is a perfect example of that. Rockin’ the schmoopy!!!

I love this shot of Amy…few things in life are more beautiful than a women in love…

Another favorite moment of the day….

Watching 3 fishermen who also knew about the secret spot.

If the word contentment had a picture next to it in the dictionary, this might very well be it.

Da bling…

One of Ryan’s favorites from our session….we like to share shots we’re excited about during the session as it lets our couples see what we’re doing and hopefully helps them to relax a little more knowing we’re capturing some great moments.

Having a little fun….

Sexy & serious…..

Amy & her beautiful blue eyes radiate as she snuggles with her sweetie!

Peek-a-boo we see you!

cashmere + classic 501s + a crisp fall day in your favorite place with the one you love = HEAVEN!

I’ve said it before, but I really do love those in between moments, right before or right after a kiss. The joy & anticipation is just palpable! Love it!

Generally, we’re all about natural light, but sometimes it’s fun to play with a little off camera flash when the sun is on a fast decent toward the horizon…

Super sweet schmoopy moment…

And, after the sun (which was hiding throughout our session) called it a day, we did too, but not without one last off camera flash shot….

Amy & Ryan thank you so much for sharing your secret spot with us. Thank you for taking time out of your quick visit home to hang out with us. And thank you for being so much fun to photograph! But, most especially thank you for trusting us to capture this special time in your lives for you. You two are so great together and we just know that your wedding next July at CBI is going to be a total love fest! Looking forward to seeing you both again soon! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

Then comes Isabelle in a baby carriage!

Two years ago, we had the pleasure of photographing the super fun Willowbend wedding of Molly & Guy. Molly comes from a large Irish family & Guy from a large Italian family. Their wedding was a merging of two proud cultures that, among other things, shared one very important commonality…the importance of family. Their wedding was a celebration of the coming together of two incredible families, each of whom knows how to love and love BIG!

So, we were over-the-moon happy when Molly contacted us recently to ask us to photograph her & Guy’s  crazy-beautiful daughter, Isabelle. Getting to be there with our couples when they embark on the journey of marriage and then, following them through their lives as marriage turns to family is not only an honor and a privilege, but it is also a joyous celebration of the circle of life. And, the significance of that warms our hearts and leaves us feeling so grateful.

Because Isabelle is still such a peanut….just 4 months old…we decided to go to Molly & Guy’s lovely home for the session, so we could photograph Isabelle where she is most comfortable. We spent a couple of hours with our dear friends and we are super excited to share this collection of images with you. Isabelle is as sweet as she is beautiful. Meet baby Isabelle…

Our first shot of the session….Gotta love when the magic happens right away! I love Isabelle’s expression and those eyes…seriously?!!!

I could just eat her up…

Getting up close & personal with our little miss sunshine….

Who’s a happy girl…

Baby sessions are so fun because babies generally don’t have the apprehension about being photographed that adults sometimes have. And, it is soooooo fun to get in close and document all of those precious little bits, like Isabelle’s sweet curled little toes and her super delicious perfect little bubble-blowing lips!

I love this next one. The sun was pouring through the window acting almost like a spotlight and Isabelle seemed to be enjoying all of the attention. Is she the perfect little Gerber baby or what?

A moment later from a different perspective and with a slightly more curious expression…

These super cool Bumbo seats allow little ones to sit straight up without any help. And they also make a great prop for a portrait! Isabelle’s expression in this one totally reminds me of the talking Quizno baby. Doesn’t she look like she’s got a lot to say! So funny!

A couple of detail shots from Isabelle’s super cute bedroom and the little cupcake herself…

Dadda’s home…yeaaay!!

After over an hour of being photographed, our little model was exhausted and instantly fell asleep in her daddy’s big strong arms. Life is good!

Sleeping beauty…

I just love the contrast of Isabelle’s tiny little hands holding tightly to her mommy & daddy….

After waking from her quick catnap, Isabelle was ready to head outside for some fresh air and some pics with her mommy & daddy….

The leaves made a perfect background. And, I’m pretty sure expressions don’t get much cuter than this next one…

Our happy family…

Giggles with mommy…

Life’s simple pleasures…

Isabelle loves her Daddy…

After a little nap & some fresh air, it was time for a snack. I just LOVE the view of Isabelle’s eye lashes from this perspective.

She really does have the most incredible eyes!!! And how about those cheeks…I had to hold myself back from totally nibbling on them!

One of my favorite shots of the day…

Molly & Guy, thank you both soooo much for welcoming us into your lives 3 years ago with such open arms & open hearts. And, bigger thanks still for keeping us in your lives and for wanting us to document Isabelle’s first year of life. Things change so quickly when they’re little and we hope these photos help keep her little for a while longer! We love you guys and loved spending the afternoon with you and Isabelle! Thanks for the delicious Sicilian pizza…Guy you’re the best! Can’t wait to hang out with you all again…next time lunch is on us! With big love and hugs, Christine & Andy xoxoxo

After a couple decides they trust us enough to want us to photograph their wedding, we push that trust a little further and send them a survey that asks a series of somewhat personal questions. Their answers help us get a better feeling for who they are and what is important to them. And, if all goes well, that personal connection makes them feel more relaxed with us, which, in turn, paves the way for fabulous photos!

When we asked college sweethearts, MaryHelen and Kurt what their favorite things to do together were, they replied, “Dancing, anything that involves the ocean, and eating.” This was a good sign, since Andy & I also love dancing, anything that involves the ocean and eating….though not necessarily in that order. And when their answer to the question, “What would be unique about your wedding,” was, “The quantity of dance offs at the reception,” we knew for certain that we were going to have some fun with these two.

Still, MaryHelen & Kurt caught us off guard when they glided onto the dance floor for their first dance and then proceeded to boogie on down to Huey Lewis’s 80s classic, “The Power of Love.”

This wasn’t your typical first dance. There were no rehearsed steps, no holding tightly to one another in an emotional embrace. Instead, it was as if there was no one else in the room…just two people who know how to completely strip themselves of inhibitions and really have a good time. It was as if we were getting a private glimpse into what a Sunday morning might be like in their house….dancing in the kitchen in their pajamas as their favorite song unexpectedly plays on the radio.

It was wonderful and their family & friends ate it up, especially when Kurt pulled back his jacket and slid across the floor to MaryHelen’s feet.

We really are so very fortunate to get to see how differently love manifests in different couples. There is no right or wrong way to love, but when you love without limits and trust that your heart is safe in the hands of the one you give it to, well, I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in the world than that.

And, so was the feeling of MaryHelen’s & Kurt’s wedding a few weeks ago at the lovely Hyannisport Club. The sun was shining, the air was warm but crisp, and happiness danced on the falling leaves and in everything around them!

Here are just a few of our favorite moments from MaryHelen & Kurt’s amazing wedding…

MaryHelen in her super sweet Priscilla of Boston eyelet gown….she was radiant!!

I love the way MaryHelen’s niece and flowergirl, Katherine, watches with wide-eyed wonder as her aunt checks her make up, looking very much like the perfect princess.

This next one feels very Grace Kelly to me…

Sugar and spice and everything nice…

Riding in the limo with the girls on the way to the church, I looked down the long stretch of lovely ladies and saw MaryHelen gazing out the window and my heart stopped for a second, captivated by the beauty of the moment and by the sweet sentiment as I imagined what her thoughts must have been in that moment.

Meanwhile, a little while earlier and across town, Kurt enjoys some time with his friends as he gets ready for one of the biggest days of his life…

Kurt & his mates! I love this shot and how cool is that old Colony Park? Super sweet ride boys!!!

Outside  Our Lady of Victory Church, MaryHelen’s sister, JoHanna, has a moment with her son and ring bearer, Thomas, before they both head down the aisle.

I absolutely love this kiss….I love the way MaryHelen is holding onto Kurt and the absolutely beaming look on her face! It’s moments like this that make life so sweet!

The new Mr. & Mrs….

This could be one of my favorite shots of the day…I absolutely love the expressions on both MaryHelen’s and Kurt’s faces as they get ready to drive away from the church with friends and family happily gathered in the background! Love it!!

YeeeeeHawwwww!!!

We stopped for photos at MaryHelen’s mom’s house, where we first photographed the happy couple for their super fun love session one year ago almost to the day.

Kurt & his dad are big into building boats and houses and fixing up antique cars, like this super sexy Rambler…

I love the light in this next one and how about that super cool moss that covered the pathway to the marsh? It’s so Enchanted Forest!

The boat on the left is Kurt’s. It’s the first one he ever built, thanks to a little help from his dad.

Having two amazing sisters myself, whom I adore more than words could ever express, this next photo of MaryHelen and her sister, JoHannah, makes my heart smile BIG!

Grrrrrrrrrr….sexy!

This is also a contender for favorite photo of the day. These two love each other with hearts wide open and it’s a beautiful thing to be around!

We had such fun photographing these two with this very cool car!

I absolutely love the easy breezy feeling in this next one as the Just Married signs blow in the wind & MaryHelen hangs her arm out catching the breeze and taking in all the happiness of the day!

A girl and a boy + a cool car and a ton of love = PERFECTION!

Add a little sun flare and perfection just got a little bit better!

Some amazing details by the ridiculously talented Shama Klee.

Some more fabulous details from the day, including the nautical inspired cake by Delicious Desserts.

This post wouldn’t be complete without a quick look at the promised (and certainly delivered) hilarious dance offs that carried through much of the night’s party. Here, Kurt & his mates do a little move I call the Boys’ Joy Ride. I don’t know what they actually call it, but Kurt starts out and his mates quickly jump in as if they’re all getting in a car and going for a ride…it ends with them on the floor…hysterical!!!!

We’d like to thank Tasha Bracken of The Simple Details for helping make sure MaryHelen & Kurt’s day went off without a hitch…great finally working with you Tasha! Thanks to Shama Klee for giving us some seriously delicious eye candy at the reception. Shama, the designs you & MaryHelen put together for the tables were absolutely GORGEOUS. Even the smell of the honeycomb candles added to the perfect ambiance! I’ve never seen the Hyannisport Club look so elegant!!! Amazing job! Thanks to Scott & Roseann at the Hyannisport Club for always making our jobs so easy! You guys rock! Thanks too to the talented Night Rhythm for keeping everyone dancing so we could get some amazing pictures! Thanks to all the amazing vendors who helped make MaryHelen & Kurt’s wedding perfect!

But our biggest thanks go out to the families of MaryHelen & Kurt and to the happy couple themselves for trusting us to capture such an important time in all of your lives. MH & Kurt…you two are wonderful! The easiness of your love is so sweet to be around. It is obvious that you two are best friends first and foremost and that truly is a gift! We LOVED being a part of your incredible wedding and we hope these photos (and the others very soon to follow) will forever keep the memories of your day alive in your hearts for many happy years to come! With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo