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