We shot our first wedding at the Cape Cod Museum of Art last month. What a fabulous place for a wedding, surrounded by all of that art it was hard not to feel inspired. Equally inspirational was the relationship of the couple whose wedding we were photographing. If ever two people were perfectly suited to one another Cathleen and Stephen are certainly those people. They are a fun, silly couple who seems to thrive on stirring things up and bucking tradition. A perfect example of this was Cathleen’s wedding dress with it’s come-hither red accents. Red, and the love it inspires, were certainly themes for this fall wedding, with gorgeous red and yellow floral arrangements featuring sunflowers and red lilies. There were votives filled with cranberries on the tables, and Cathleen hand-painted the table numbers using very art-inspired red and yellow designs…very impressive!

Catering was provided by Crazy Chef’s, which does a stunning job with displays. Art could be seen in everywhere, including on the passed hors d’oeuvre trays. It really was such a lovely venue for a reception. We snuck away for a bit to take the bridal party to the beach for some photos….wouldn’t you know it was an unseasonably warm October afternoon and Corporation Beach in Dennis was packed! It seriously looked like a July afternoon with people everywhere! We managed to find a little corner away from the crowds. Here are some photos from the day. Enjoy!

Here’s a shot of Cathleen & Stephen’s invitation with their wedding bands.

Heirlooms from Cathleen’s grandmother stayed close to her heart throughout the wedding.

Stephen gets a hug of encouragement from his dad just before the ceremony.

Here comes the bride.

Love this shot of one of the flower girls receiving communion. Too cute!

A tender touch during the vows. Cathleen got a little teary eyed during the vows and ring exchange. We just love weddings!!! So much love!!!

Looking ever so sassy down by the sea wall.

Cathleen and her bridesmaids react to a photo of Mario, Cathleen’s friend and one of her attendants. He was a total clown during our group shot. I like to give clients a peek when we get a good one. Andy’s more secretive…he likes to WOW later! I just can’t wait!

Love and art go hand in hand

A great big thank you to Cathleen & Stephen for being so much fun to work with. We feel truly honored to have been there with you on such an important day and hope these photos keep those feelings of love and joy on the surface for many years to come!!! With hugs, C&A

Molly & Guy’s wedding was one of those weddings for us when it was impossible to be there with them and not want to join the party! The ceremony was a full mass at Corpus Christie Parish in Sandwich. We’ve never been to the Parish before, but it was a big beautiful building with a grandness that perfectly suited this couple and their celebration! We stopped at Dowses Beach in Osterville for some alone time with Molly & Guy and then joined the party back at Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee where things really got going.

The high energy Boston-based band Beantown rocked the house and allowed guests to get in on the act. It was hysterical to watch and the energy was infectious. The temptation to grab an instrument and join the fun was hard to resist!!!

Thank you to Randy and the crew at Willowbend for providing an incredible backdrop on a perfect fall afternoon, for always taking care of us and making sure things run smoothly, and for making our job such a breeze.

Our biggest thank you goes out to Molly & Guy who are such fabulous people and a perfect match! You two were a blast at our engagement session last spring and we knew your wedding would be amazing. You certainly didn’t disappoint! You guys rock and we love you! Thank you for just being you!!! xoxoxo

Below are a few of our favorite photos from the day. ENJOY!!

Molly tries to tuck behind the door leading into the waiting room off the church’s grand entrance to hide from guests as they arrive before the ceremony begins.

And here, one of Guy’s nieces gets emotional during the ceremony as her new cousins comfort her….seriously, is that a cute photo or what?

Molly’s stunning Vera Wang dress from L’Elite Bridal Boutique in Boston was a show stopper! Here she & Guy leave the church after saying, “I do!”

A quick kiss and a toast before heading to the beach for photos. This Rolls Royce by Executive Transportation of West Falmouth is our favorite for the killer red fabric lining the roof’s interior and the sexy red leather seats! Request Chris as your driver…he’s sweet, low-key and as a Cape native he knows where he’s going and how long it takes to get there, which helps ensure you arrive on time!

If you’ve followed this blog at all, you’ve probably sensed I have a thing for shoes. Love these puppies by Kate Spade with the cutesy bows on the back to match the bow on the back of Molly’s dress.

Simply stunning….Is he a lucky Guy or what?

Back at Willowbend for photos with the rest of the gang.

Guy gets a little lift from his friends! Whooooaaaa!!!

Here they get a bit more serious….not to mention studly!

The girls show they know how to have a little fun too. I don’t know what it is, but we have the best looking couples and wedding parties. You all make us look good and make our job a piece of cake!!

Molly & Guy’s moms, Sheila & Sara, celebrate as M&G seal their new union with a kiss.

What do you think Molly’s niece is thinking as she checks out the cake??

A new Elvis is born…Guy’s nephew joins the band with some serious hip hop style!

Molly lets loose as she rocks out with Beantown.

Well, that’s just a glimpse into Molly & Guy’s special day. Thank you both again for being so wonderful and so much fun to be around!!! xoxoxo C&A

Maybe it’s because they both come from large families, Kaitlin with her brother and 2 sisters and Adam with his sister and 3 brothers, but whatever the reason Kaitlin & Adam are the kind of people you just want to have around you. They are sweet, optimistic, energetic, fun, and completely in love. We had the pleasure of being there with them as they said, “I do” a few weeks ago. The day started off cloudy and rain seemed to threaten their tented reception at the Asa Bushnell House in Centerville. There was a quick rain storm just as the ceremony started, but by the time Father Mark Hession of Our Lady of Victory in Centerville prompted the newly married couple to kiss, the rain had stopped. At Dowses beach for photos with family & their bridal party, the skies provided a dramatic backdrop and by the end of our time on the beach, the sun poked through for the most incredible light for portraits of Kaitlin & Adam. Here are some of our favorites from the day:

Kaitlin’s killer Christian Louboutin baby blue pumps. I was obsessed with these puppies and the way her legs looked in them all day! FABULOUS!!! Oh, and how about her gorgeous ring! Sweet!!!

Hopping on the trolley to head for the church…see what I mean about her legs!!!

And how about this handsome devil and his groomsmen? Not too shabby!

Adam showing off his new hardware.

We often recommend that brides keep it simple when it comes to make up on their wedding day and Kaitlin hit a homerun with her wedding day look. (Love the eyelashes!!! Don’t be afraid of fakies ladies…they can really add some serious wow factor!)

Adam didn’t do too bad with his wedding day look either….Eat your heart out 007!

The wind was a bit breezy down at the beach for our photos, but it came in handy for this shot.

Check out those cool storm clouds and how they contrast with the sun peeking through….love it!

Cocktail hour at Asa Bushnell House

And here’s the view the guests enjoyed…

I love this angle during the toasts. And Kaitlin just looks so beautiful listening to her dad’s heart-felt speech.

A big hug and thank you to Kaitlin & Adam for choosing us as your photographers. We loved getting to know you at our engagement session earlier this summer and were truly honored to be there with you on such a special day. You two are wonderful and we hope you keep us in your lives for a long, long time! xoxo Chris & Andy

We knew last year, after our engagement session with Allison & Greg, that their wedding was going to be a lot of fun. Not only did they immediately place their trust in us and let down their guard to have some fun, but their love and affection for each other were clearly visible. Nothing is a surer recipe for great photos than love, laughter and a pinch of faith!

Not only did their wedding measure up, but it far exceeded all of our expectations. Surrounded by 83 of their closest friends and family, Allison & Greg said, “I do,” on the deck of the Carriage House at the stunning Ocean Edge in Brewster. It was a gorgeous day, and an afternoon ceremony, which we love, since we favor using natural light whenever possible. The band Flipside provided the perfect soundtrack to the party, with everyone dancing the day away.

The best part of the afternoon for us was when we surprised Allison & Greg with a slideshow of images from the wedding day after dinner. We set up our laptop just outside the dining room and let it run, which is something new we’ve started doing for our clients. The reaction we got from everyone at the wedding was just amazing. We actually felt a little bad at one point when the dance floor suddenly cleared and a crowd formed around the laptop. Allison’s mom, Elaine, and Greg’s mom, Randye, couldn’t stop thanking us and made us feel like we were rock stars. I started wondering if we were going to be asked for autographs! (hee hee) Seriously though, we’ve never got so many hugs and kisses leaving a wedding! It was really such a treat for us! Randye had even told us she was inspired to write a song for Allison & Greg as a gift to them after watching the slideshow we had put together for them after our engagement session…we were honored and dumbstruck that she would find such inspiration in our work. We really do have the best job EVER!!!!

So, a big thank you to Allison & Greg and their wonderful families for allowing us to be a part of such a special time in their lives and for welcoming us with such love! We’re all about spreading the love, so thank you for sending some our way! Hope you feel us sending it right back to all of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! xoxoxo C&A

Now without further ado…here’s a sampling of things to come.

Here’s Allison getting her make done.

Check out how gorgeous her hair looked, thanks to Erin Keefe of Ten X Spa. Erin also did the hair of another Bello bride, Erin May (check out our City Chic blog to see Erin’s stunning tresses).

Allison gets her first look at Greg before their ceremony. We did family formals before the ceremony, which was more relaxing for everyone and allowed Greg & Allison to enjoy their cocktail hour. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to capture great moments like these:

Allison’s mom, Elaine, walks past as the happy couple takes a moment to enjoy each other.

Allison & Greg get a hug from Greg’s parents, Randye and Bob. Is that a happy family or what?

Best friends Matt & Pam share a giggle with the happy couple before they say, “I do.”

A moment alone (except of course, we’re there too!)

After the ceremony, we took Allison & Greg down to Ocean Edge’s private beach. Here are a few shots from our time together.

Here’s one of my favorites from the day…they just look so totally happy and into each other.

Thank you again Allison & Greg for everything….you guys rock! xoxo

What is it that makes American girls go crazy for English guys and vice versa? Whatever it is, it’s a combination that seems to work! Like Andy & me, Megan is American and Simon is English. Last month, the happy couple left London to say I do here on beautiful Cape Cod. Megan grew up in Centerville and was introduced to Simon by her friend Nora, who is also an American living in London. Nora is married to Simon’s brother, John.

Megan & Simon’s reception was held at the fabulous Willowbend Country Club. It was very much a celebration of love and family and we were honored to be a part of it! Thank you to Randy and the crew at Willowbend for taking care of us and most especially to Meg & Simon for inviting us to be a part of such an important day in your lives. We feel like kindred spirits; if only you two lived on this side of the pond! With much love! C&A xo

Here’s Megan & MOH Hillary getting ready in Meg’s childhood bedroom.

And then it just hits you….”I’m getting married today!” There are few moments in life that carry with them that much joy! Can’t you just see it on her face?

Meg heads out to say, “I do!”

Nora made the most amazing scrapbook documenting Megan & Simon’s relationship as a gift for her best friend. It was gorgeous and one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever seen! The time and detail that went into it were incredible! You rock Nora!!!

Simon flanked by his good friends and groomsmen, brother John (left) and Matt (right). You gotta love the English sense of humor!!!

Meg & Simon share a tender moment with their parents at the conclusion of their ceremony at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. The ceremony was performed by Father Mark Hession, who has a way of really drawing in those he speaks to and giving you something personal and meaningful to take away from his services. Neither Andy nor I is Catholic, but Father Hession’s words always seem to make us stop and take a moment to count our blessings and give thanks for our own relationship. Thank you Father Hession for sharing the love! The world can use more people like you!

Simon’s mom, Andrea, beams with pride as she glances a loving look toward Simon’s dad, Paul.

We did it!!!

Meg & Simon share a private moment by Willowbend’s iconic red barn overlooking the club’s cranberry bog.

Heading back to the party.

The guests’ favors were nostalgic gifts of Megan & Simon’s favorite childhood candies.

The incredible band Night Shift kept the crowd partying well into the night. These guys know how to bring the house down!

Thank you again Meg & Simon for inviting us into your lives with such open arms. You are amazing people and an inspirational couple and we feel truly blessed to have been entrusted to capture for you these and other beautiful moments on your wedding day!

Last Friday, Andy & I drove to Harwich Port for Kathy & Russell’s wedding. We had only met them once before, so it was great to get to spend some more time with them both. Kathy comes from a big family of 7 kids and it was important to her to involve her family in the wedding, including her 15 nieces and nephews, who were all in the bridal party. It was a large group and the Wychmere Harbor Club was the perfect venue for all their family and friends to celebrate. And this group knew how to celebrate!

Everybody gathered on the dock for a big group photo during cocktail hour.

The guys went semi-casual with tan suits, brown sandals and these great green shirts and matching Vineyard Vines ties that coordinated with the bridesmaids gorgeous green dresses.

Mission accomplished. Russell & Kathy celebrate after being announced hubby and wife.

Are they cute or what?

Russell’s brother Ray showing off the rings.

Apple martinis were the featured cocktail and matched the color theme perfectly.

Ring around the mum. No roses in Kathy’s stunning yellow, orange and green boquet by Clementine Floral Studio in Harwich.

A big thank you to Russell & Kathy for inviting us to share in such a special day. xo

A former wedding coordinator and now manager of Flair, the stylish Newbury Street bridesmaids’ boutique, Julianne Ward knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding to Mike Mahoney, and she didn’t miss a beat! Not only was it a perfect day, but the setting couldn’t have been more beautiful. The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville, and the reception followed at Julianne’s parents’ home overlooking West Bay in Osterville. The 250+ guests dined on an incredible spread laid out by Caterer Extraordinaire Olive Chase of Casual Gourmet, including fresh cut oysters on the half shell, ½ pound lobster tail salad, filet mignon and a dessert station to knock your socks off, including a beautiful ribbon cake by the incredibly talented Lisa Raffael of Delicious Desserts which mimicked the back of Julianne’s gorgeous dress from Priscilla of Boston. A family friend, Wayne of Purple Statice in Easton, reportedly came out of retirement to do the flowers for the wedding. It was a stunning display and we heard more than a few of the guests commenting, “Now, this is how to have a wedding.” But what really made the wedding special was all the love so clearly in the air. Julianne and Mike are like a match made in heaven. They’re sweet, fun, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! Thank you guys for allowing us to be part of such a special day!!! Being around you two makes us fall in love all over again! xo

And a special shout out to our friend Matt Grazier of Grazier Photography for coming out and spending the day with us. Matt & his wife Enna are another hubby & wife team who is producing some amazing work! We’re looking forward to coming along and shooting with you both later this summer!

For Julianne & Mike’s wedding, we thought we thought we’d mix it up a little and show you a slide show we put together from their day; there’s just too many great moments to pick just a few:

Generally most of our weddings keep us here on Cape Cod, but every now and then we venture over the bridge for a fabulous event. We had such an event a few weeks ago and have recently put their images online so we thought we’d share a few with you too.

Our California cuties, Erin & Patrick, are not only a GORGEOUS couple, but they’re also wonderful people and we feel really lucky to have been there with them on such a special day. Living in California, Erin & Patrick elicited the help of wedding planner Alexis O’Mara Eliolopous of Unique Weddings by Alexis who helped bring everything together.

Erin doesn’t need much help looking stunning, but Jessica Peacock from Katrina Hess Makeup Studios and Erin Keefe from Ten X Spa did an amazing job on Erin’s flawless look.

The camera just loves surfer dude Pat and so do we!

Erin & Patrick wanted to take family photos before the ceremony, so we set up a moment where they would see each other for the first time with family and friends gathered around.

Checking out the new hardware in the church

Able to relax after the ceremony, we jumped in the limo to head to Wellesley Center for some fun city shots. Don’t they look like they could be in a Lexus ad?

Erin & Pat opened their favorite bottle of champagne and took a minute to enjoy the moment.

We scouted out Wellesley Center before the wedding and found adorable Grove Street, with this fabulous red wall outside Truly Yogurt ice cream shop and the quaint Grove Street Barber Shop. A little further down was the beautiful wooden storefront of Amarin of Thailand restaurant. The quiet, tree-lined street was the perfect setting for just having some fun and letting loose.

Needless to say they turned some heads on the street!

A big fat thank you to Erin & Patrick for being so much fun and up for anything! You guys are rock stars! xo