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

A few weeks ago, we heard from Jenn & Pete, who reached out to let us know that the month of May was full of blessings, as they welcomed the arrival of their baby girl, Julianna. And, they asked, could we come photographer her at their family’s new house in Harwich Port. Uhmmm, yes please!

We love, love, love it when our past brides & grooms invite us to document new milestones in their lives. It’s like coming full circle for us….it all starts with our love session (that’s Bello-speak for engagement session). Then, of course, there’s the wedding. And, well you know how the song goes, “First come love, then comes marriage, then comes….Julianna….in a baby carriage.”

Here are some sweet moments with Jenn, Pete, baby Julianna and the first “baby,” the couple’s English bulldog, Winston. Enjoy!

Meet Julianna….

Is there really anything cuter than a smiling baby? I think not!

Julianna loves her mobile. Would love to know what she’s thinking when she watches it….so sweet!

Okay, perhaps the only thing cuter than a smiling baby are a smiling baby’s itsy bitsy parts…..swoon!

Perhaps my favorite from the session!!!! LOOOOVEEE everything about this next one.

And this cute perspective is also a fave! So fun!

So serious….

Oh mommy!!!

Love Julianna’s dimple and her super cute expression in this next one.

And, now for the first baby in the family….meet Winston!

Hey Mr. Underbite lookin’ good representin’ the family!

Apparently, bulldogs don’t generally like the water because their bodies make it difficult to swim. Winston was an enthusiastic exception to the rule…

I love this one…

And laughed my butt off when I saw this series Andy captured…I’m not sure which is flying farther, Winston’s face or his drool. Priceless!

It is unquestionably a lot of work being new parents. There’s so much to adjust to, but moments like this next one somehow make you forget how hard it can be….

Ahhhhh….a peaceful summer afternoon on Cape Cod where all that matters is….this moment! Looove!

Thank you Jenn and Pete for thinking of us during this special time in your lives. It was so great to see you both (and your family, Jenn!) again and wonderful to meet Julianna. She’s a total doll and was a very patient, not to mention super delicious, model. We hope you guys love these photos as much as we loved spending the afternoon with you! Can’t wait to share the slideshow we’re putting together for you…I admit, even I’m getting a bit teary as we put the finishing touches on it. Be in touch soon! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Years before Bello was born, I used to work a corporate job in downtown Boston…..gasp! I know. Crazy, right? One of the few things I liked about working in Boston was my daily commute on the T. After a short walk and a 10  minute bus ride, I’d get on at the Oak Grove orange line station and off I’d go. That train ride used to afford me about 30 minutes each morning to either catch up on sleep or read a book.

One of my favorite reads from those days was Erma Bombeck’s “Family, The ties that bind…and gag.” Ms. Bombeck was a wonderful columnist who found humor in the everyday experiences of being a wife & mother and brilliantly shared it with her readers.

I remember catching myself laughing aloud as I read about her family and noticed parallels to my own.

She once wrote about family, “We’re a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.”

The older I get the more deeply I value my family and the more fortunate I feel to have such an amazing little band of characters with me on this journey.

An unexpected blessing that has resulted from the birth of Bello is the creation of our Bello Family. Although some of the couples and families we photograph come and go without a lasting relationship, there are many more who stay connected with us. We often get e-mails announcing the birth of a new baby, the death of a loved one or the engagement of a sibling. And, we are incredibly grateful for this wonderful extended family of ours. Although there is no locking each other out of rooms, there is love and loyalty the likes of which we never imagined.

For the past three years, Andy & I have been invited to document a very special little band of characters, who have become a cherished part of our Bello family. Terri, the matriarch of this wonderful, loving group, is a talented photographer in her own right. And, knowing she entrusts us to document some of the important milestones in the life of her family is not only super flattering, but it’s a huge honor and one we accept with happy hearts.

Last summer, we had the pleasure of photographing Terri’s son’s wedding. Click HERE to see Ryan & Anette’s gorgeous Wequassett wedding. And, this July 4th weekend, like the two before it, we had a reunion of sorts and once again captured some happy moments with Terri & her family. Our first session with the family was in celebration of Anette & Ryan’s engagement. And, for this latest one we celebrated the anticipated October arrival of Anette & Ryan’s first baby…..whooo hooo!

I admit, it’s challenging coming up with FUN & unique “poses” for the same family year after year. But, I think we were once again able to do so with a casual style that is befitting this sweet, loving, fun, silly, incredibly warm family. We hope you agree.

Meet Terri, Alan and their fabulous kids (from left to right) Leigh, Randi, Ryan & Anette. Randi, a budding fashion designer with ridiculous amounts of raw talent, styled the family’s session. Although we loved their look, apparently, they got more than a few stares (and comments) while out to dinner and ice cream following our session. Someone actually said they looked like an advertisement for picnic blankets. I admit, I cracked up when Terri told us that!

The kids….

I love the feel of this next one…like an album cover for the modern day Partridge Family.

Anette showing off her barely visible bump.

sweet, silly and full of love….

Hard to believe she’s due in October, right? Gorgeous!!!

I love this next one because of what they were talking about when the photo was taken. It’s an inside family joke, but let’s just say it involves….a camel. Say, what?

This was one of those in between moments, when we weren’t asking the family to do anything in particular and no one realized Andy was taking the photo, and I absolutely LOVE it!

Alan & Teri…..we adore you!

more silliness…

snuggle time…

This family laughs together…a lot! Wonderful!

We took a little break from shooting to wait for the sun to get a little lower in the sky and while we waited Alan took a moment to himself….so cool.

Then his merry clan joined him. Awww….

Love that blue sky….

Doesn’t Terri have such a warm smile? It’s hard not to feel happy just being around her!

Hello handsome papa-to-be!

I love this photo of Leigh…she has such gorgeous green eyes, just like her momma!

Ryan being a goofball and Anette reacting…so cute!

Love is…..a big bear hug from your mom!

….or the company of the people you love most.

Love is….family!

Thank you Terri, Alan, Leigh, Randi, Ryan & Anette for once again inviting us into your inner circle. We love spending time with you and photographing you all together. The love you share is beautiful and seeing how much you all care for, respect and enjoy each other is truly inspiring! You always bring out the best in us and in our photography and for that…and for another wonderful afternoon…we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Two years ago today, we welcomed our niece, Sadie, into the world. My sister had been admitted to the hospital the week before Sadie’s birth due to complications with her pregnancy. We had hoped, with heavy hearts, that she would spend the remaining 13 weeks of her pregnancy in the hospital to give the baby time to grow & develop. But, as fate…or Sadie…would have it, we wouldn’t be waiting that long.

Despite her tiny stature, at just 2 pounds 8 ounces, Sadie made her presence known, forcing her way into the world….feet first. It was obvious right from the beginning that this little girl had some spunk. And, now two years later, that spunk has served her well. Amazingly, Sadie has survived her early arrival without any complications. It is truly a blessing, especially given that some of the other preemies she shared the NIC unit with did not survive.

This morning, I read back to the first post I wrote about Sadie, just days after she was born, and it’s amazing to me that we already had a sense of who she would be before she was even able to breath on her own. She is strong-willed, determined, fiercely independent, funny, sweet, completely lovable and a total snuggle monkey.

It has been a joy and a privilege to watch Sadie grow and blossom. She has brought so much to my and Andy’s lives that words just don’t do justice. Two years has gone by quickly and Sadie has grown by leaps and bounds. She is perfect in every sense and when I think of her (and her sweet fiercely-protective older brother, Calvin) my heart spills over with love.

So, Happy Birthday Sadie! May the next year be filled with as much happiness & joy as you have brought to our lives in these past two years! Auntie & Uncle love you to bits! xoxo

Here’s Sadie after just waking up from her nap on Saturday. My sister & brother-in-law had a little family party for her. It was a great day!

Our little princess…She’s definitely a fighter, but she’s also all girl….a slightly sleepy girl in this next photo.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting and photographing super sweet sisters, Madison & Grace. The girls’ mom, Jenn, had contacted us because she was hoping to get some great shots of her girls and being the proud momma that she is, she thought she might try and use the photos to get the girls into modeling.

Madison & Grace are gorgeous with personalities as sweet as their beautiful faces. We had a blast photographing them and have no doubt they will make amazing models!

We drove down to Truro for our session and started with some shots of Gracie in her super cute room. It didn’t take long for Grace to warm up to us and we were instantly smitten. Check out this little cherub….

I think she’s ready for her modeling debut….what do you think? I mean, really? Too freaking cute!

Grace has such a sweet, inquisitive disposition. She is curious and friendly and obviously a happy little soul. Deeee-licious!

It took some doing to get her to sit still in the chair for a minute…the piggy finger puppet helped and I just love those gorgeous blue eyes of hers….

Getting her to safely sit still on her changing table was even more challenging….but the result is delightful!!! This is my favorite photo of the day!

We traded her green & pink tutu for this orange sweater, which really complimented Grace’s peaches & cream coloring.

I LOOOVE the expression in her eyes in this next one….beautiful!

Madison is a fabulous big sister and let Grace crawl around on her bed for these next couple of shots…

Peek-a-boo Andy I see you!!!

Next, it was Madison’s turn in the spotlight. Madison loves to ride horses, so we thought it would be fun to get some photos of her in her riding gear. We brought a couple of changes of clothes and headed to Woodsong Farm in Brewster, where Madison takes lessons.

Madison is a really cool kid. She’s incredible self assured, smart, super sweet and really comfortable in front of the camera…a great combination! Andy & I had as much fun hanging out with Madison as we did photographing her. Here are a few of our favorites from our session together:

A classic portrait, Madison knows how to work the camera and smile with her eyes…

Is she too cute or what?

Madison borrowed her mom’s cowboy hat to change up her look….howdy cowgirl!

Madison really has gorgeous features and some seriously killer blue eyes…

I love this next one in black & white…it just screams Ralph Lauren to me!

A pensive pose…

Working it…big time…

Does she have some crazy beautiful cheekbones or what?

I love her playful expression in this next one…

I’m not sure who was having more fun…Madison or her horse.

A great big thank you to Bette at Woodsong for giving us free range of the farm for our session. And, thanks to Jenn and Greg for producing and raising such beautiful little people for us to know & photograph. We hope you love these photos, and the others soon to follow, and find that they capture the wonderful spirits of your two beautiful girls! We’re so glad our paths have crossed and look forward to seeing you all again!! Big love & hugs, Christine & 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

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

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

After 7 years of photographing weddings, we’re starting to see a lot of our super sweet couples beginning families of their own. It’s such a joy to see that wonderful progression of life and even more joyful when we get to be included in marking the milestones with photographs.

Two years ago, we photographed the fabulous Boston wedding of super cuties Michelle and Dan. Last fall, we met up again with Michelle & Dan at one of our favorite beaches to photograph them with their crazy-beautiful little girl, Mackenzie. It was like coming full circle for us, since it was at that same beach that we first photographed their engagement session.

Well, the circle came around again a couple of weeks ago, when we met up with Michelle, Dan, Mackenzie and Mackenzie’s new little sister, Cameron…talk about yummy!! Michelle’s parents, John & Susan, and siblings, Holly & John, also joined the party this year….it was so great to see everyone again!

Here are just a few of our favorites from our little family reunion….Enjoy!

Michelle was trying to get Cameron dressed, but Mackenzie wanted to give her baby sister a little love first.

Snuggles with Daddy…

Although definitely more grown up since our last get together, Mackenzie still has those incredible eyes that really melt your heart! I just love this next photo of her in Dan’s arms, especially with Michelle & Cameron in the background…such a sweet family moment.

Playful, curious…lovely Mackenzie!

It was harder to get Mackenzie to sit still for this session…but we coaxed her down for a quick snap with the family.

Giggles & cuddles with Auntie Holly….

I love this next photo of Michelle’s dad, John. He looks so happy & relaxed….

Mackenzie discovered hermit crabs in the rising marsh water and was having such fun watching them crawl around…

Michelle’s gorgeous happy parents, John & Susan….are they a couple of hotties or what?!!! Way to work it you two!!!

The whole family (Holly, John, John, Susan, Mackenzie, Dan, Michelle & Cameron) Do they make them cute, or what?!

Siblings…Michelle ( with a bubble-blowing Cameron on her lap. LOL!), John and Holly.

I LOVE this next shot…Mackenzie is just too cute for words with her Nana & Papa!!!

The gang’s all here…

I love this perspective of Mackenzie clinging like a little monkey to her Nana’s hip….so sweet!!!

Baby Cameron (who was just weeks old) is checking us out….looks like she’s inherited those same incredible blue eyes her sister’s got!! Lucky girls!!!

Sunset on Cape Cod…

Great big thanks to Michelle & Dan for allowing us to document another wonderful year with your family. Thanks too to Susan, John, Holly & John for making the trip down to the Cape to join us this year!! It was so great seeing you all again and we hope to do it again soon!!! John & Susan, you should feel very proud of yourselves…you’ve done a wonderful job raising three amazing kids, who’ve all turned out to be equally amazing adults!!! You’ve got a wonderful, loving family and we thank you for trusting us to memorialize this happy time in your lives!!! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

It’s hard to believe it was over four years ago that we photographed the lovely backyard wedding of Rachel & Chris. Their Brewster wedding was an elegant, but casual, celebration of the love they share. They said, “I do,” under the family’s pear tree, with their closest friends & family members surrounding them. It was a beautiful day, filled with beautiful sentiment.

We’d kept in touch over the years and were thrilled to learn that last year they’d given birth to their daughter, Sabine. Earlier this summer, they contacted us about doing a Bello Life session, a candid documentary-style shoot to capture the love they share and the joy that Sabine has brought to their lives.

We met back where it all began for us…under the family’s pear tree. Sabine is a total lovebug, with a curious, happy spirit. It was nice to reconnect with our old friends and make a new one. Here are our favorite moments from our time together…

Seriously? LOVE this!! To me this photo just screams childhood and all the innocent joys that come along with that…like catching drops of water with your tongue….priceless!

Getting a push from mommy…

I really like this next moment with Sabine & her mommy, as they check out the coy in the fish pond…these were some seriously happy koi. You could actually pet them as you fed them…never seen anything like it.

The best moments in life are often the simplest ones…like this next one. Can’t you just feel the joy?!!!

These next few are some of my favorites…a naked baby on a hot summer day….just delicious!!

Does it get much cuter than this? I think not!

Okay, maybe it does….marching to her own tune! Love it!!!!!

Sabine gets a kiss from Daddy as she tries to figure out what to wear next….

When you love a child, you want to shower them with gifts, give them plenty of toys to play with. But, really, sometimes it’s the little things, like opening and closing a gate….dozens of times…that really captures their interest.

Little miss goofball decided it might be fun to put her skirt on her head. Hysterical!!!

I love this series of Sabine with her favorite mousy & lamby.

She had such fun smelling the roses…again, simple pleasures.

Is she munchable or what?

So sweet….

A quiet moment with mommy…

After 3 hours together, Sabine was starting to get a little tired of all of the attention and needed a snuggle from mommy.

Lovely….

I really liked this next one when I first saw it. Andy captured this really sweet moment of Rachel handing Sabine an apple she’d picked from the apple tree. I love the position of both of their hands. It feels very biblical to me, very Michelangelo and sistine chapel. There is just such a sweet innocence about it that I really like.

Getting Sabine to sit still wasn’t easy, but counting apples seemed to do the trick.

Our happy family under the family pear tree, where it all began…

Big thanks to Rachel, Chris and Sabine for being so much fun to be around and photograph. You guys did GREAT!!! And it was so wonderful to see you again and to finally meet your little lovebug! Thanks too to Susan (Rachel’s mom) for being a perfect hostess!!! It was so great to see you again too and we’re sending healing wishes your way!!! We hope you all have a fabulous end to your summer and that we get to do this again soon!!! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo