Today is the quintessential spring day. Flowers and trees are all getting soaked with rain, taking in nutrients and filling up before the dry hot days of summer set in. Outside our windows we hear the sounds of spring - hungry calls from baby birds, splashing tires on wet pavement and an overall bustling feeling that says life is renewing.

I love spring. Really, I love all of the seasons. But, there is something about spring that speaks to new beginnings. And, weddings are all about new beginnings…and well, you know how much we love weddings.

We’re working on posting a wedding and a couple of engagement sessions from last weekend. As we finish up those edits, I thought we’d share with you a taste of spring here at Camp Bello. First, a little background…

In the last couple of years, Andy has become very taken by birds. Not birds as in the English slang for “ladies,” but birds of the feather variety. He’s got a few bird books that he keeps handy so he can identify new species as they make an appearance in our yard. One of the books even allows you to play the bird’s call, to further help with identification. And, sometimes I catch him trying to mimic the calls. He’s so cute.

There are more than a few feeders scattered around our yard, some on polls, some on trees, some hanging from trees, not to mention nearly 100 pounds of seed in the shed. And, since he started caring for these feathery creatures, we’ve noticed that our yard has become a popular nesting ground for a whole host of species - robin, blue jay, tufted titmouse, various sparrows, Baltimore Orioles, grackles (of which, I admit, I’m not a huge fan. They’re noisy and like to gather in groups to squawk in the early morning hours. Not fun.) and others.

Last spring, we even had a visit from a couple of wild pheasants. They were beautiful…..though I don’t remember what kind they were. It’s not uncommon to see rabbits hopping across our lawn with the feeding birds. And last winter, we had porcupine tracks in the snow. Ironically, we live on a pretty busy street.

All of this wildlife provides a wonderful reminder of our role in a larger ecosystem, one that relies on us to make smart choices that ensure nature’s resources are protected so that we all might enjoy a longer stay here on this beautiful planet.

As we all take a collective gasp in horror at the disaster in the gulf, here are some small, but sweet, reminders of the joy that is Mother Nature.

These Robin eggs were from last spring. And, I’m happy to report that all 4 hatched and successfully left the nest.

These sweet little birds are song sparrows. You would not believe how tiny they are….no bigger than the size of your little finger. Their nest is in a low lying and super dense conifer tree in our backyard. You have to peel back branches to see it. And, when we did, all the little birds must have sensed the light (their eyes aren’t yet formed enough to open) as they lifted their necks in unison, with mouths wide open, hoping for food from their attentive parents, who were kicking up a stink from a nearby tree at our intrusion. Sorry momma & papa sparrow.

We hope these photos bring a little sunshine to your day today. Thanks for visiting!

Chris & Andy xoxo

This time of year, I really start feeling the winter blues. Trapped in the house/studio without enough fresh air; cold temps; the lack of sun….it all starts to get to me after a while. But, last week, Andy & I were surrounded by the colors and scents of spring, thanks to the very sweet Shama Klee.

Shama is a ridiculously-talented florist from Centerville. We had the pleasure of working with her back in October at MaryHelen & Kurt’s super fun Hyannisport wedding. (Check out the blog post for some samples of her amazing work.)

Recently, Shama asked about getting some photos of her flowers for her website. I happen to LOVE flowers. There’s something about them that just brings me a profound sense of joy & peace. I love picking them out when I go to the supermarket. And, a trip to home depot or IKEA is never complete without first checking their supply of orchids…my personal favorite, right up there with lilacs, which I love for their smell and their easy-breezy shape when grouped in a pretty vase.

I go into a bit of a trance when I’m cutting and arranging flowers…I guess it’s my inner crafty girl that comes out. (I can trace her beginnings back to the mini arrangements of violas I used to make after picking the wild weed-like flowers in my backyard when I was about 7 years old.) If I didn’t love photography so much, I’d love to be a florist.

Anyway, Shama & I talked about going into the Boston Flower Market together….oh to dream! But, things are still super busy for us with album designs and we’ve set a finish date that we’re working hard to meet. And, taking an afternoon off to play with flowers wasn’t going to be in the cards anytime soon. So, Shama had an idea that had me so excited, you would have thought I’d won the lottery.

She sent an e-mail that said, “Had an Idea. How about I bring you & Andy a different flower arrangement or two weekly or biweekly. You can enjoy them and photograph them at your leisure until we both have time to get together and spend a day? Love to know what you think? Shama”

What do I think? Uhhhh, yes please!

So, last Thursday, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Shama dropped off four…yup, FOUR…crazy beautiful arrangements that filled our house and studio….and me….with such joy. Everywhere I look, there are flowers. February just got a whole lot happier for Team Bello!

Equally as joyous as receiving the flowers was the fun I had photographing them. Here are some of my favorites. I hope they bring a little sunshine to your February too. Enjoy!

You may have noticed our new logo on these photos. As soon as we meet our album completion deadline, we’ll be moving on to revamping our website & blog with our new logo…hopefully in the next month or so. But, we thought we’d start the transition a little early. Hope you like it.

The lovely arrangement features pale pink garden roses with pink and white fresia, lime hydrangeas, white lisianthius and gorgeous pink ranuculus, accented with fern leaves…and I forget what the folded leaves are, but I dig those.

I love this next one. There’s something about those rising lisianthius reaching up toward the light that makes me happy. I’m also a big fan of ranuculus…which shows up a lot in wedding bouquets. I have to say, almost a week later and those are the flowers surviving the best in my bouquet. The tiny delicate petals have all bloomed and they’re gorgeous!

I decided to use the hanging capiz shells we have in our office as a backdrop for the next few photos and I just love the way these turned out. So fun & happy.

This next one features glorious yellow Gloriosa Lilies, which are amazing! This arrangement was huuuuge too. It’s a striking looking flower, with an Asian/alien feel about it.

And the leaves on this particular lily curl at the bottom in such a sweet way.

This next photo features a new blossom about just starting to open. I really like this photo, it feels very serene & spa-like to me.

Can’t you just feel spring?

When it’s fully bloomed, the petals spread out as if reaching with great exuberance. This is where it feels almost alien to me.

More curls…

And a traditional favorite, Romeo red roses. These beauties filled the studio with such a delicious aroma. Mmmmmm! I love the curly willow branches and trailing stems of ivy. Gorgeous!

Shama did two arrangements of the roses, a tall 2-dozen bouquet and another two dozen cut short in a super cute rectangular vase. The tall vase also featured kangaroo paw, which is a really cool, fuzzy red plant that accented the deep red rose color perfectly.

Mother Nature at her best…

I can’t wait till the ivy starts growing around here again! Bring on the green!

Love it….

I don’t think I’ve ever had so many roses at one time…lucky lucky me!!

perfection…

A great big thank you to Shama for bringing such happiness to my day, my week, my winter! Looking forward to doing this again! Your talent & generosity make the world a better place! xoxo Christine & Andy

For third & final installment from our photo shoot with Osterville wedding planner Desiree Spinner, we move on to the dessert table, which featured various shades of pink sweetness, including white chocolate raspberry cake truffles, mini cupcakes, pink sugar cookies and a rock candy-topped cake by Delicious Desserts. Deee-licious!

Pink Prosecco & mini cupcakes…does it get any better?

Almond candies, white gumdrops and pink lemonaid in a super cute recycled glass jug…

Peppermint sticks all tied up….

Rock candy…the stuff childhood memories are made of…

Pink thank you cards from Lady Slipper Stationary in South Yarmouth embossed with white seashells…Merci beau coup!

Cape Cod wouldn’t be the Cape without salt water taffy…

Cake truffles…MMMMMmmmm!

That wraps up our photo shoot with Desiree. Hope you enjoyed the photos and that they helped provide some cheer during this chilly winter! Desiree, thank you again for getting me out of the office and for inviting us to be a part of this exciting time for you! Andy & I can’t wait to see your new website! You really seem to have all the elements you need to lead Desiree Spinner Events to a successful future! Wishing you all the best! Big hugs & warmest wishes, Christine xo

There were so many incredible details from last week’s session with Osterville’s stylish new wedding planner, Desiree Spinner, that we thought we’d spread the eye candy out a little. Here’s installment two, featuring details from Desiree’s dinner table inspiration board. Enjoy!

Desiree picked the perfect corner to highlight her table. I have to admit, I’m partial to long family-style tables. We had them at our wedding and from a photographer’s standpoint, they offer some fabulous angles for photos.

Desiree got Centerville Pie Company (which has been mentioned on Oprah) to bake these super cute 6″ apple pies, which sit on aqua-colored beach glass plates from Be Our Guest, all tied up with a green & white striped grossgrain ribbon….quintessential Cape Cod!

Crystals sewn into the table cloth provided by Wildflower Linen add elegance to the clean beachy feel…

Even the food featured on the menu (stationary provided by Lady Slipper Stationary in Yarmouth) fit in with the color scheme…love it!

This could be my favorite perspective…just love the gooey 6″ of love-filled deliciousness!

Love these gorgeous flower-covered branches, which added height and drama to the table. All flowers provided by Patrice Milley.

Desiree, Sara & Kaleigh really did an amazing job of tying everything together…

Mmmmm….

I love white flowers….so clean & pure.

The white chiavari chairs by Rentals Unlimited fit this setting perfectly.

The mini daisy bouquets serve as place cards for guests….very sweet.

Check back again on Friday, when we’ll highlight the dessert table….pink perfection!

Over the years, Cape Cod has become a popular destination spot for beach-loving couples looking to say, “I do.” If you’ve ever had to plan a wedding from afar, you know….it ain’t easy. This is where employing the skilled experience of a wedding planner can be an invaluable resource and a huge stress saver.

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Desiree Spinner of Desiree Spinner Events in Osterville. Desiree had contacted us about photographing some table set ups for her new website, which she plans to launch in the spring.

Desiree was inspired to pursue wedding planning after planning her own Cape Cod wedding. “I put a lot of love and effort into my wedding and wanted to make everything perfect,” she told us. And, that’s exactly how she plans to approach her clients’ weddings.

In addition to offering her couples full production and partial production services, Desiree is also using her writing experience and killer design aesthetic to produce a custom-designed bridal agenda for her clients to use to plan their wedding.

Desiree is passionate about design and although she is constantly on top of the latest trends, her goal is to make sure the weddings she helps plan remain timeless and personal. “It’s important for me to really get to know a couple and find out what’s important to them to help make their wedding a personal reflection of who they are,” she said.

I met Desiree last Monday at the Chatham Bars Inn, where she and her amazing team (Sara &  Kaleigh…you girls rock!) put together an incredible display that any fan of finer details would surely fawn over.

Working off some very impressive inspiration boards, Desiree teamed up with Patrice Milley to create some stunning flower displays. She chose some gorgeous crystal-studded linens from Wildflower Linens, white bamboo chairs and other table fixings from Rentals Unlimited. And, she brought in some great recycled glasses from Viva Terra and seaglass plates from Be Our Guest, combined with some other little treasures to put together three different and equally fabulous table displays, which she plans to feature on her new website to be launched in the spring.

We’re only sharing the placecard table set up with you today, which married yellow, green & white for a clean, fresh, springtime look:

I love tulips and paired with the lemons and green yellow fabric swatch, Desiree created a wonderful color palette with stationary by Lady Slipper Stationary in Yarmouth.

The paper on the guest gifts worked perfectly with the color scheme.

More mellow yellow…

I dig the font she choose for the Table cards.

Even the wine bottle worked with the motif.

Check back on Wednesday for more fabulous eye candy!

Every now and then someone at a wedding will say to us, “So, it must be so great to only have to work summer weekends. What do you do all winter? Vacation somewhere?” I wish! Oh, how I wish!

I admit, things have been pretty quite on the blog front. And, yes, our cameras have been put on the proverbial shelf…temporarily. But, we are still very busy with all things Bello.

Every winter, I say to Andy, “Honey, I’m feeling really good! I think this will be the year we catch up.” I tell him with enthusiasm that I hope sounds convincing that this will be the year we get a business plan on paper, finalize our logo, and get an organization system that works for both of us.

Yet, somehow the winter months, as long as they sometimes feel, seem to go by at a surprising clip and as is often the case….vacation eludes us.

It would probably surprise many to know that our summers are typically filled with 80-hour weeks, spent photographing weddings, e-sessions and family portraits on the weekends, followed by endless editing on the weekdays to get our images looking picture perfect. It’s probably more surprising to learn that in the winter, our schedules lax to 40- to 50-hour weeks, with most of our time spent on album design and production, filling print orders and trying to find time to put together new sample albums, all the while holding to the hope that we’ll squeeze out more time for the behind the scenes stuff that always gets pushed to the back burner.

So, when we got a call from Desiree Spinner to do a photo shoot on Monday, it was like opening the winter windows and letting in some fresh air.

Desiree is the Cape’s newest wedding planner and owner/operator of Desiree Spinner Events in Osterville. She contacted us about coming down to the Chatham Bars Inn to photograph some table set ups for her new website, which she plans to launch this spring.

I LOVE photographing wedding details….not quite as much as I love photographing people and the love they share, but there is such wonderful art & architecture to be found in the details…and well, who doesn’t enjoy being around pretty things? Especially in February, when the landscape around us is dead, sleeping or covered in snow.

We haven’t really picked up our cameras in couple of months, so getting to be creative behind the lens again was a welcome break from album design and the recharge my batteries desperately needed. So, I have to thank you Desiree…for bringing flowers to my February!

Thank you too for trusting us to add the visuals to what will no doubt be a fabulous website. We are honored that you chose us and excited to work with you again! You’ve got a great eye for details, a killer sense of style and a sweet, laid-back personality that I’m sure will put your brides at ease. It was so fun getting to know you a little and see you doing your thing! Andy & I are both super excited to watch you & your new business take off! Wishing you much success! Christine & Andy xo

Above is a photo from our session with Desiree and a happy glimpse at things to come in our 2010 wedding season. We’ll be posting more photos from our session with Desiree Spinner Events tomorrow…stay tuned.

Rushing around last week trying to get ready for our trip to California to visit my sister, Deb, and her family we were treated to a lovely surprise in the form of holiday gift box from our friend and wedding planner extraordinaire Allison Liset.

Being children of the 70s, the contents of the gift box immediately sent the happy memories of our childhood rushing back….and they made for great snacks on the plane to LA. Here are a few photos of what Allison put together…so fun & creative! Thanks Allison! You’re the best!!! xoxo

I didn’t even know they still made Fruit Stripe gum. As you can see, I ate 3 pieces before I could even snap off a few quick photos.

Included in the box, was a really sween note about taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It was exactly what I had been thinking about myself and it’s one of my New Year’s resolutions for 2010.

With hundreds of weddings taking place here on the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, we’ve got plenty to keep us busy. But, a few times each summer, we are asked to cross the canal to photograph a beautiful off Cape wedding. Shooting in a new location and getting out of our comfort zone is always a fun challenge for us.

Although we like to think our style has a distinctive look, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to keep our images fresh, to try new things, and still provide our clients with the Bello experience and fun, emotional photos they’ve come to expect. That’s not always easy, particularly when we end up shooting at the same gorgeous locations. Don’t get me wrong….we’ve got it soooooo good here on the Cape! There is nowhere else we’d rather be. But, it can also be exciting for us when we get to shoot somewhere new. The creative juices really get flowing and we end up seeing things with new eyes. Such was the case at Stacia & Colin’s fabulous August 1st wedding.

Our happy couple said, “I do,” at the elegant and historic St. Gregory’s Parish in Dorchester. Built in 1844, St. Gregory’s is a fine example of Romanesque Revival. Its beautiful stained glass windows, arching columns, wooden ceiling and grand marble altar provided a stunning backdrop for Stacia & Colin to exchange their vows.

Equally as elegant was Stacia & Colin’s fabulous reception, which was held at the prestigious Country Club in Chestnut Hill. Founded in 1882, The Country Club is the oldest country club in the entire United States, and one that holds an important place in golf history.

The club was originally established as the country’s first private club formed exclusively for outdoor activities, with its primary focus on horseback-riding. The golf course itself was not built until 1893, starting with just six holes laid out by three club members. The course expanded to nine holes later that summer and to a full 18 holes the following year, after the acquisition of more land.

There have been 3 U.S Open tournaments held at The Country Club, including the first, held in 1913, just 7 years after the very first U.S. Open  was held in Newport, RI. The club has also played host to the Ryder Cup and to several national amateur championships, including three U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.

Walking into the beautiful old clubhouse, you can almost feel the history hanging from the walls. Overlooking the 18th hole, the clubhouse offers gorgeous views and I couldn’t help but think of the novel The Great Gatsby when the guests mingled on the lawn during cocktail hour.

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful celebration of Stacia & Colin’s love and commitment to one another. There were so many incredible details and wonderful moments captured that it was hard to choose just a few, but here are some of our favorites from the day:

Stacia’s hair & make up was done by the very talented ladies from Charles David Salon. Gorgeous!

Getting dressed with a little help from her sister, Amanda, and friends Courtney & Sarah. Lookin’ good ladies!

This next photo was taken right after Stacia’s veil was put on….she was just beaming! I love this shot!

With her AMAZING Vera Wang gown, Stacia takes a moment to soak it all in…

Va va va voom….

We love the details. Colin’s cufflinks and shoes….

Wanting to do something a little different, Colin decided to get a real bow tie for himself, while his groomsmen opted for the easier clip on. Unfortunately, Colin didn’t figure out how to tie it before his big day, so he & his groomsmen spent the better part of the morning researching how to tie a traditional bow tie online…hysterical!!!

Even a how to video didn’t seem to help much….

Colin certainly gets points for persistence!

Unfortunately, the bow tie won the battle and a defeated Colin was forced to go back to the shop to get a clip on. Note to grooms: Sort this stuff out before the big day, guys!!! Come on!!! Try on your suit, shoes, etc. and make sure you can tie your tie!! LOL!

With her blusher down, Stacia is escorted into the church by her dad, Dan, her gorgeous mom, Stephanie and stepdad, Norman.

First glance….It’s that special moment when you see your honey across the aisle. The butterflies zoom into overdrive and your heart beats to love’s special tune. Such a great feeling!!!

The grand inside of St. Gregory’s…

And two become one….

Colin’s niece, Fiona, enjoys the spotlight for a moment during the ceremony…..so cute!

The happy couple exits the church….

And jump into the antique limousine for a toast before heading to The Country Club.

Stacia & Colin wanted to open the top flap on the limo for a fun perspective outside the club….cute, no?

Colin gets a serious smooch from niece, Lily. I just love how her one arm is wrapped around her uncle, while the other hand gentle brings his face to hers. Kids are just the best!!! So sweet!!! (Lily nearly knocked over her sister cousin trying to get at her uncle….see the other set of feet, that’s Fiona)

Colin & his guys, including his brother, Kirk (second from right).

Stacia & her girls, including sis, Amanda (directly next to Stacia). Can we talk about how sassy the girl look in their Vera Wang Maids dresses from L’Elite? So sweet!

I love the perspective and sun flare in this next one as Stacia & Colin head off to join their cocktail hour.

Ahhhhh……

We just loved this funky corner where two sections of the club meet. The cool windows and the bright yellow exterior made for a cool backdrop for these two cuties!

Classic bello moment….

The whole party……..

We say goodnight with a quick photo on the terrace…(quick shout out to Jason at TPG Videography for using his video light to help us make this shot rock! Thanks Jason!)

Big thanks to Megan at Tangorra Wedding Planning and Scott at The Country Club for being so wonderful to work with and for making our jobs such a breeze! Thank you too to the super sweet Jenny of Jenny’s Wedding Cakes and the talented folks at Winston Flowers for giving us lots of fabulous eye candy to photograph!

But our biggest thanks go out to Stacia & Colin for inviting us to share such a special time in your lives with you. You two are so sweet and we had such fun with you both! Your families and friends are wonderful and everyone made us feel incredibly welcome. So thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We hope you had a blast in Bora Bora and we can’t wait to see you both again when you get back! Big hugs, Christine & Andy xo

With over 8 million views since first being posted on You Tube just two weeks ago, you’ve probably already seen this video. But, we love it so much, we had to share anyway. Who can’t use a little extra joy on Monday, right? Well, this video of Minnesota couple, Jill & Kevin, dancing their way down the aisle oozes love and joy, so sit back and enjoy the ride…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Every year, around this time, Chris and I leave the Bello homestead to meet with other married wedding photographers from all over the north east, to hang out, recharge the batteries, talk shop and, of course, have some serious fun.

This year’s venue for the this year’s We Click retreat was a 6 bedroom house near Killington, VT. A little skiing, a little hot tubing,  a lot of eating, tons of fun, some shop talk, and inevitably the cameras come out. This annual retreat - now in its 3rd year - is organized by our fabulous friends Matt & Enna of Grazier Photography. Thanks guys we had a blast! Here is this year’s cast of characters (Photo courtesy of the very talented John & Kim Sanderson of Sanderson Images):

Check out their blogs for more images from the retreat.

From left to right: John & Kim Sanderson of Sanderson Images, PA; Matt & Enna (& Jackson) of Grazier Photography, MA; Team Bello - that must be us! ; Justin & Mary of Justin Marantz Photography, CT; Paul & Laura Eaton of Laura Eaton Photography, PA; Paul & Crystal of Studiofoto, CT. Sadly, Larry & Tabitha Sherrell of Sherrell Photography, MA, were unable to make this year’s retreat, but they did stop by one day for a visit…unfortunately, just not this day.

On the last evening, all of the gear came out and the photo frenzy began!! Here, Matt takes a portrait of Crystal…hello close up!

Justin Photographing Paul & Crystal, with Laura & Paul getting in on the action

Laura showing off her one handed technique!! Don’t try this unless you’re a professional!

Paul chimping …

Chris chimping as Matt entertains Paul!

Crystal - with Chris & Mary - modeling the Eatons’ very sweet 50mm f/1.0 Canon lens. I’ll be asking Santa for that baby this year!

Matt finally got Chris in the spotlight for a portrait. Can you tell she’s not used to being the other side of the camera? It helped that Matt is a total clown!

Then i jumped in for a few. This is one of only a handful of photos we have of us together. Cheers Matt. It’s a keeper!

And thanks to the Sandersons, I have this cool shot of myself! I quite like it, if I do say so myself!!

All in all, it was another fun retreat. Cheers Matt & Enna for organizing everything! You guys rock! We had an awesome time and can’t wait for next year! Although, I think next year, I’ll be skipping the late-night dash out the hot tub climb up a snow-covered hill and race back down with a roll antics!!! You wouldn’t guess it, but icy snow will seriously cut up warm soft flesh. Ouch! It was fun though….and definitely funny to watch.

Check it out :

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video courtesy of Laura & Paul Eaton of Laura Eaton Photography & their cool 5D MkII

make sure the video players volume is on!