It was 2003, and Claire was celebrating her birthday with friends when an unfamiliar face walked through the door.

“When Dave walked in I was like, ‘Who is that?’” Claire told us. The connection was immediate and the two stayed up talking late into the night.

Two weeks after Dave crashed Claire’s party, he explained that he was taking a job in Hawaii. Claire was crushed and the two parted ways.

Over the next two years, life changed a lot for Claire. She took some time off from her teaching job and moved to New York to be closer to family, mainly her mom, who was battling cancer. Toward the end of the battle, at her mom’s request, Claire took her youngest sister, Mary, on a trip that was to take them through New Zealand, Australia & South Africa. But, before they could make it through the last leg of their journey, the sisters were called home. Their mom was dying and didn’t have much time left.

Claire & Mary made it home to their mother’s bedside, where they were joined by their other 3 siblings for a tearful goodbye.

At the end of the following year, Dave returned to the Boston area and as fate would have it, he had applied for a teaching job at the same school where Claire was teaching. Slowly, their relationship began again.

Over the next few years, love dug hold and their relationship blossomed. This fall, surrounded by family & friends, these warm, loving, passionate teachers & lovers of the outdoors will embark on the ultimate adventure - marriage. We couldn’t be happier to be sharing the start of this journey with them.

Earlier this month, we got together with Claire & Dave for their love session in Barnstable. Right from our initial meeting with Claire & Dave, we knew we were going to like them. Some of that was because they are good friends with a dear friend of ours….Ronnie, who is one of the sweetest, most caring, funny, genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She also happens to be mother to another Bello bride getting married this summer. Ronnie recommended us to Claire & Dave and we’re so happy she did! Thanks Ronnie! You’re the best! xo

But, part of the connection we had with Claire & Dave was also based on the fact that like Claire, my mom also passed away before she could see me marry my love. I’ve often heard women speak of the motherless daughters’ club. It’s a club you never want to join. But, with membership comes a common understanding. And, if you happen to be someone who loves a club member you also share a certain understanding of the unique helplessness that comes from not being able to take away the pain of the one you love.

I could see the same look in Dave’s eyes that I often see in Andy’s whenever I talk about my mom. So much love! And, I knew right away that Dave was a good man.

My heart aches for Claire…for her loss and for the way that kind of loss changes how you see the world. It sounds strange, but for me at least, my mom’s death changed me for the better. I feel everything more…the bad, but also the good. Life is beautiful and complex. It is painful and joyful. And we need both because without the pain we wouldn’t fully appreciate the blessings of the joy, and most especially the blessings of love!

One of the things that really struck me about Claire & Dave’s session was the purity of their love. At one point during our session Claire became overwhelmed by it. And so did I. I could sense how much she was missing her mom and I imagined she was thinking about how proud her mom would have been, knowing that her daughter found such a wonderful person with whom to share her life.

In Dave’s arms, I could see how safe and loved Claire felt and I remember very clearly how much I, too, needed that from Andy in those first fragile years. I remember how willingly Andy gave it to me and how incredibly lucky I felt to have found the perfect person for me. And, I could see this playing out in Claire & Dave and even now, just thinking about it, moves me to silent tears.

It really is so humbling to watch people slowly open themselves up to us. They let down their guard and let us see the real them, their vulnerabilities and all. It’s such a beautiful process. Being trusted to capture the essence of who someone is is easily the thing I love most about being a photographer.

Meet Claire & Dave…in all their wonderfulness!

I love this next one. Can’t you just feel how comfortable they are together and how much love & joy they share? Sooo nice!

This is my FAVORITE of the day…I think. I just love the sun flare and the way the setting feels like an enchanted forest. But, mostly, I love Claire & Dave’s expressions and how intertwined their arms are. I’ll never grow tired of saying that the best place in the world is in the arms of the one you love!

Bright colors and quiet kisses….ahhhhhh life is good!

Fun, fun, fun!

And more fun…

How cute is Claire’s Anthropologie Secret Treasure dress? Me loooove!!

Dave is so super attentive of Claire. He’s sweet & funny and makes Claire smile right down to her toes!

I love the sweetness of this next one…

The look of love…

This is another runner up for favorite of the day. This was such a nice exchange for us with Claire & Dave. Photography really is a give and take between photographer and subject. When the exchange involves sincerity and genuine affection….well, it’s a beautiful thing! Moments after this shot was taken, we all got a little emotional. We saved those shots for Claire & Dave, but this one ought to be shared.

overgrown brush, wildflowers and a couple in love = the perfect combination!

Joy…

Love…

If only every moment could be just like this…

I used to see my mom in birds a lot after she first died. That sounds weird, but what I mean is that I felt her presence around me whenever birds would come curiously close to me, especially sea birds, because my mom loved the sea. This pretty butterfly was around us for part of the session and I like to think maybe it was a sign that Claire’s mom was there with us, enjoying the show.

Que bella!

I love this one of Claire because she looks so beautiful and so utterly content! And, there is such a sweet, nurturing feel about Dave’s face as he holds Claire.

Dave holds Claire a lot…and tightly. We love that about him!

lovely…

Claire & Dave….Thank you both so much for welcoming us into your lives with such open arms and open hearts! Your love is a beautiful thing and we’re so honored that you’ve chosen us to document your love during this special time! We had so much fun with you both and can’t wait to do it all over again in October! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxoxoxoxo

We first had the pleasure of photographing long-distance sweethearts Laura & Jonathan when they both visited the Cape back in June. Laura & Jonathan have been together since they met in college, their freshman year, but, school & work have temporarily separated them. Laura is in her second year of getting her PhD in Miami, while Jonathan is living & working in DC. So, they look forward to the weekends they can together a few times each month.

There is something to be said about distance and how it makes the heart grown fonder. Watching Laura & Jonathan together at their wedding a few weeks ago at the elegant Wequassett Inn in Chatham, it was easy to see that while there many be many miles between them right now there is no shortage of love!

Here are a few of our favorite moments from their picture perfect wedding! Enjoy!

Some fabulous details of the day, including Laura’s gorgeous Badgley Mishka shoes and flowers by the uber talented Karen Taddei of Lilacs Florals.

Laura is gorgeous and her unique beauty is accented by her different colored eyes. One is sea blue and the other has bits of blue mixed with brown…soooo cool!

Simply a vision….what more is there to say?

Love this one of Laura & her girls, especially Laura with her little sister, Courtney, who is just about the cutest thing ever! These sisters were so sweet together all day. Courtney read a really lovely quote from Dr. Seuss during the ceremony that had her big sis in tears, as did her MOH speech at the reception. Having 2 sisters whom I love more than words can say, I could totally relate to what they were both feeling and it warmed my heart! It didn’t hurt that all the girls were just so sweet and a total blast to be around!

Jonathan was so cute leading up to and during the ceremony. Overcome with emotion and love for his soon-to-be wife, Jonathan was really struggling to hold it together. I admit, I have a soft spot for grooms who get chocked up during the ceremony.

The guys….so cool!

Here comes the bride. See what I mean about Jonathan? LOOOVE this photo of him watching Laura & her dad, Doug (aka DOUGGGIEEE) walk down the aisle. Minutes before walking his lovely daughter down the aisle, Doug also had a hard time keeping it together. Oh, the love how it did flow!!

I really like this perspective and love the look on the girls’ faces as they look on….

This next one of Laura’s gorgeous mom, Marjorie, really gets me. I can just feel the love & pride pooling in her eyes and I well up a little myself looking at this photo. Seeing my sisters become moms and witnessing the limitless love they have for their sweet children has given me a new appreciation for the sheer force of love that comes with motherhood. Moms everywhere…my hat is off to you!

I really like this fun perspective during the ceremony.

But, I LOOOVE this next series as Laura & Jonathan exchange their vows. There were more than a few happy tears flowing from those witnessing this exchange.

Part of what made it such an emotional day was that Jonathan’s father had passed away when Jonathan was just 16. Losing a parent is something that affects your life long after the immediate loss, and that loss is felt most strongly during these milestone moments. I have no doubt Jonathan…and his beautiful mom, Michele, seen here with her partner, Barry, were feeling his absence in this moment. I just love the way Barry is touching Michele. You just know he senses what she is feeling and is there for her. Such a beautiful thing!

Immediately following the ceremony, Laura & Jonathan gathered before photos for congratulatory hugs. Here they look at their rings and take in the magnitude of what just happened. It’s that moment, when it hits you….”We really did it!” Such a cool moment!

Laura & Jonathan’s ceremony was performed in part, the legal part, by Laura’s dad, which added a super personal and even more poignant aspect to the day. Here, Doug signs the marriage certificate, making it official. Love their reactions!

A semi-casual portrait of Laura & Jonathan, with Jonathan’s family, from left to right, brother, Aaron, his wife, Elise, and on the far right, mom, Michele.

After family photos, we headed to the beach for some alone time with Laura & Jonathan. I love this next shot. They both look so happy!

A fun perspective as we head to the dock for photos…

Jonathan & his groomsmen wore these super cute pink & blue argyle socks. A fun match to Laura’s super cute shoes…

This next one could be my favorite from the day…just love their completely joyful expressions!

And, I love how tender this next one feels. Plus, how killer is Laura’s dress and her totally toned back? Love it!!!

Hey cuties… Laura’s gorgeous hair was done by the very talented James Pruett of Studio 9. It’s perfectly beachy with a healthy dose of elegant! Love it!

Another contender for favorite photo of the day….so sweet!

This little girl saw us taking photos and came on to the beach to get a closer look at the “beautiful bride.” Too freaking cute!!

bleached starfish place cards + some serious bling = ….

After Courtney’s toast, she & big sis share a heart-felt embrace.

If Doug & Marjorie’s marriage is an example of things to come for Laura & Jonathan, something tells us they are in for a long & happy life. Check it out as our happy parents of the bride get down and boogie…

As a happy surprise, Doug grabbed a guitar and sang a little ditty for the newly married couple. Needless to say, the crowd went crazy!

Laura & her dad’s first dance was wonderful to watch. Their obvious love for one another was deliciously infectious!

Gotta love when a first dance turns into a sing-a-long!

A perfect day ended with a perfect send off, as Laura & Jonathan drive away in the family’s British convertible.

Thank you to Wequassett coordinator, Kalson Pang, and all of the other fabulous vendors who made our job not only easy, but super fun, including the talented band Flipside that kept folks having a blast and gave us lots of great dancing moments to capture.  Thank you too to Laura & Jonathan’s families and friends for their patience and happy dispositions as we worked through the requested portraits. But, our biggest thanks goes to Laura & Jonathan. Thank you both so much for opening your lives to us in such a personal way, for inviting us to document your incredible wedding and for being soooo much fun not only to photograph, but just to be around. We loved every minute of your wedding and hope these photos…and the others soon to follow…will forever be happy reminders of this special time in your life!

With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Every year for the past three years, we have had the pleasure of photographing our former bride & groom-turned-friends, Michelle & Dan, as their family has grown & changed. The first year after their wedding, we got to photograph them with their new daughter, Mackenzie. The following year, Mackenzie brought her baby sister, Cameron. And this year, this sweet family of four was a year older, and though we didn’t think it was possible, they were also a year cuter.

To add to the fun this year, Dan’s parents and three siblings also came along. Last year, Michelle’s family joined the portrait party, so it was only fair that Dan’s family’s had a turn.

It was so great to see everyone again, as we hadn’t seen them since Dan & Michelle said, “I do” at the Langham Hotel in Boston in April of 2007.

Like in years past, we met at our favorite beach, where we first photographed Dan & Michelle for their engagement session back in 2006.

We really love it when we get to continue on with our couples after the vows have been said. Getting to photograph new milestones, particularly the addition of children, is both a joy and a privilege. It’s a beautiful reminder of where love can take us and a heart-warming affirmation of the circle of life.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our evening together. Enjoy!

Dan with baby Cameron…

Dan’s brother-in-law, Dann, with his son Eamon.

Dan & Eamon share a tender moment….

Mackenzie and her cousin, Lilly, dig out hermit crab holes in their too-cute-for-words matching Lilly Pulitzer dresses.

Sweet, cheeky little Eamon….

Mackenzie & Lilly with their grandfather, Bill, who they affectionately (and much to our delight) call “Old Fella.” That has to be the cutest name for a Grandpa! Hearing their sweet little voices shouting out, “Hey old fella,” as they ran to him had us in stitches!

Lilly looks on timidly as Old Fella shows her a hermit crab. She might have been afraid of the crab at first, but man was she warm & welcoming when we first met. I got a very unexpected, but SUPER sweet, hug from Lilly that, I admit, I didn’t want to end. There is something about getting hugged by a child that warms the heart in a way nothing else can!! I think it’s because children are made of pure love!

Sweet, sweet Cameron in her momma’s arms looks as happy as a clam!

Lovely Lilly…

How about a little Eamon sandwich….Mmmmm, delicious!

This is one of my favorite family photos ever! The sheer joy on everyone’s face (save maybe Eamon, who was hungry and ready for a nap) just melts me! We’re huge fans of photographing people in a way that really highlights who they are and that which makes them uniquely them. And, I think this photo does this perfectly!

Mackenzie has changed a lot since we first met her, but in that sweet face, I can still recall her baby face, complete with her little snaggle teeth and I can’t help but smile. Oh, and, can we talk about sweet, pensive little Miss Cameron for a second? Seriously?!

Oh to be a child again….loved and safe and perfectly content!

Dan’s handsome brother, Mike and his gorgeous wife, Christina! Hi hotties….

Yeaaaay for siblings!!!!

And the proud parents to those super sweet siblings, Bill & Ginny!

The whole gang….(front left to right) Eamon, Dann, Lilly, Megan, Ginny, Bill, Kerry, Christina, Mike, Cameron, Michelle, Mackenzie & Dan.

Dan & Mackenzie…

Michelle gets a love bite from baby Cameron…too cute!

Seriously…are those munchable cheeks or what?

Megan gets a big smooch from Lilly!

As a reward for being so patient & cooperative for photos, the kids got some Twizzlers strawberry licorice. Mackenzie couldn’t wait to dig in…

Lilly digs in too…

Our time together was over, but not before Lilly gets in some sunset puddle splashing. Oh, the joy….

Mackenzie watches on, though slightly more interested in her licorice. Seriously? Does it get much cuter?

Thank you Michelle, Dan and the whole gang for coming down to spend the evening with us and allowing us to once again capture your beautiful family and all of the love & joy you so obviously share! You all are wonderful and we feel so lucky to get to capture these family moments that will hopefully become part of your fondest memories! Looking forward to hopefully seeing you all again next summer!!! With love & big hugs, Christine & Andy xoxoxo

I admit, I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. I’m just not a red hearts & pink carnations kind of girl. Andy is even less into Valentine’s Day than I am. But, were you to ask, “Are you hopeless romantics with insatiable appetites for chocolate and kisses?” The answer would be a resounding, “YES!”

I think it’s the expectation of Valentine’s Day that has always bothered me…particularly when I was single. I remember when February 14th  would roll around and I was without a sweetheart. I somehow felt less than. I hated feeling that way, and for a while, I grew to resent Valentine’s Day.

I can’t help but thinking that Carolyn & Brian were likely feeling significantly more optimistic about Valentine’s Day when, on February 14th, they decided to share a few drinks with friends after work. It was 2004, and both Carolyn & Brian were single. Carolyn’s new roommate insisted she join her at a Boston bar, where she was planning to meet some of her co-workers. Brian was among the group and he & Carolyn instantly hit it off.

Cupid’s arrow had hit it’s mark. Score one for Valentine’s Day!

The group had so much fun they all went out again the following night and Carolyn & Brian were once again drawn to one another. They talked about their shared love of the beach and Brian got up the nerve to ask the pretty Cape Cod native out on a date. One date led to another and two weeks ago, nearly 6 1/2 years after that chance Valentine’s Day meeting, this sweet, kind, smart, loving duo pledged their hearts to one another….for keeps!

The wedding took place at Carolyn’s mom’s gorgeous Harwich lavender farm. There were lots of sweet homemade touches, like lavender bouquets and family photos strung along the tent. Carolyn’s friends & fellow musicians/singers performed a beautiful song during the ceremony. All in all it was a wonderful celebration of a beautiful love. And much to my & Andy’s delight, there was an abundance of both chocolate and kisses!

Here are a few of our favorite moments from Carolyn & Brian’s picture perfect wedding…starting with some personalized chocolate bars that served as seating cards. So cute!

These bouquets, made with lavender picked from the farm, smelled soooo good!

Carolyn’s mom, Cynthia, puts a necklace made from Carolyn’s grandmother’s pendant on her seriously happy daughter.

This is one of my favorite moments of the day as Carolyn and her super sweet sister, Anna, share a moment before the ceremony begins.

Brian shares Andy’s taste for good scotch and gave his groomsmen each a bottle of his favorite label.

Purple & brown such a great combo…

Brian with his groomsmen sharing a laugh…including Brian’s brother, Michael (far left).

Carolyn & Brian decided to do some of their family photos before the ceremony, so we helped arrange a first look….

This way to a good time…

Carolyn’s adorable, big teddy bear of a dad, Rocky, walks his oldest daughter down the aisle to her awaiting hubby-to-be as friends and family look on. I just love this photo!

Brian looks pretty excited to say, “I do!” while Carolyn’s Uncle F.T. (Rocky’s twin brother and the officiant for the ceremony) looks proud as punch! So sweet!

Carolyn’s mom looks on with joy & pride…

I love this shot of Anna…she looks so serene and so beautiful.

We did it….always one of my favorite moments of the day!

Let the kisses begin…

Carolyn’s siblings, Anna, Tim & Keith, react to all the smooching….

Time for some photos in the lavender…

While I was catching this perspective….

Andy was catching this one…

Off to Merkel Beach for some alone time…and some more kisses!

My favorite photo of the day…

Sand, sea grass, a warm breeze and a couple in love….I can’t think of better combination

Carolyn’s bouquet…

Some details back at the farm…

Carolyn & Brian wanted to do a large group photo of all of their guests. While I went up to the second floor of the house to get the shot, Andy got this great shot. I just love how you can see Carolyn’s mom smiling brightly as she watches her daughter and new son-in-law make their way to the group.

First dance as hubby & wife…

Carolyn & Brian, Thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us into your lives with such open arms & open hearts. Watching you two together and with your family & friends was both an honor and a joy! The note you sent after your wedding was so warm & full of love…just like you! And, we feel so grateful that our paths have crossed! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter and an endless supply of chocolate and kisses! With love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxoxo