Avery & Tommy were studying at Bates College when a soccer connection first brought them together. Avery, a freshman, was on the girls’ soccer team and Tommy, a junior, was good friends with the team’s goalie.

“I spent a lot of time with (the goalie) and my other teammates and would often hear them refer to this ‘Tommy’ guy. He sounded like a lot of fun,” Avery told us. But, the two had yet to meet, until the soccer team hosted a Halloween party.

Avery & some friends dressed as the Ninja Turltes and Tommy came to the party rocking a rather impressive Elton John costume. “He was the life of the party and caught my eye immediately,” Avery said.

But, it was Avery’s dance moves across the room that caught Tommy’s eye. “She had an awkward turtle dance she was doing that I thought was hilarious,” he told us. “I don’t think we spoke much that night, but I knew she was special.”

Smitten by his sweet dancing turtle, Tommy used his soccer connections to get Avery’s class schedule and started doing a little “white collar stalking.”

“I knew when I would have a chance of seeing her between classes and would often post up outside of buildings where I thought she would be heading,” he said.

Their accidentally-on-purpose meetings resulted in mutually enjoyable chats that turned to text messaging and eventually, with the help of a friend, they ended up hanging out together one night. Nervous, but determined, Tommy asked Avery out on a date.

Fast forward five years, and a new date has been set ~  for Avery & Tommy’s wedding. The pair will say, “I do!”  this summer here on beautiful Cape Cod.

We got to spend some time with Avery & Tommy last weekend, sans costumes, while they were on the Cape doing some wedding planning. And, it is obvious these two were meant to be together. They are sweet, funny, kind, caring people who obviously adore one another and we couldn’t be happier to get to share in this exciting time in their lives.

Here are a few of our favorite moments together:

Tommy, like most of the guys we meet, was nervous about being photographed. And, he giggled his way through the better part of the session, which, I must admit…I loved! His giggles were infectious…and I may have accidentally snorted once or twice myself.

Love Springs Eternal (I couldn’t resist)

Love is…cuddling up with your bestest turtle surrounded by daffodils.

you+ me = we

good stuff…

Swoon….

Wanna know what a woman in love looks like….here it is.

{i heart}

Avery & Tom have a way of making each other laugh…a lot. And, it’s exactly how it should be for best friends. Yaay for love!

hey fella…are you gonna kiss the girl? Mmmm, yup!

We ended our session where it first began, at Avery’s Aunt’s house in Woods Hole, where we’ll take family photos on the day of the wedding. We fell in love with this swing…can’t wait to use that on the wedding day! Weeeeeeee…

more giggles…

Not too high now…

Looks like turtles can fly….

REFLECTING on their life together…cheesy, I know, but I couldn’t resist. Sorry!

Awww….

Some solo portraits of our lovebirds…

And a final kiss at sunset….ain’t life grand?

Avery & Tommy thank you for such a fun afternoon! You guys are wonderful and we’re so happy you chose to share this exciting and very special time in your lives with us. Can’t wait to document all of the love & goodness we just know will surround you as you say, “I do!” PS…is there any way we can see that Elton John & Ninja Turtle get up before then?

Big hugs to you both, Chris & Andy xo

For what seemed like years before I met Andy, I wanted so badly to be in a relationship…to find the love of my life, someone with whom to share the journey. Friends would tell me, “It’ll happen when you least expect it.” And, while I believed there was some truth in those words, it was hard to not expect it, when all I wanted was to find it. So, I hit the road and shifted my focus to finding out more about me. Then…just as my friends had said…it happened, when I least expected it. And, in a place I never imagined….Spain.

Yes, I had to travel nearly 4000 miles to find my true love. Fortunately, for Liz & Craig, all they had to do was walk across the hall.

But, like Andy & me, Liz & Craig also started out half a world away from each other. Craig grew up in an Italian family in Rhode Island.  Liz spent her childhood in the Philippines before moving to the States. Happily, fate led them to an apartment complex in Providence, where they were neighbors. They would often see each other around the building, and exchanged pleasantries, but nothing much deeper than that.

One day, while outside with their dogs, Maris & Cookie, life threw something unexpected in their path, and their neighborly relationship shifted. Craig confided in his pretty neighbor that he recently broke up with his girlfriend and was now single.  Liz was struck that Craig felt so comfortable to open up to her in such a way.  From that exchange, a friendship quickly blossomed.

Living alone, but loving to cook, Liz would often prepare large meals and invited Craig over for dinner. Although Liz admits she was slow to realize how strong Craig’s affections had become, eventually, she, too, found a deeper connection with the handsome man across the hall.

“We spent a lot of time together, and I just realized that I cannot be without him. His love is my security; without it, I would be lost,” she said.

“I knew Liz was the one for me when I couldn’t get her out of my mind,” Craig told us.

In the end, Craig (& Maris) also won over Cookie, who Liz admits generally does not get along with others. All four now happily share a loft and Liz & Craig share dinner together every night. This May, they will say, “I do!” in an intimate ceremony on the beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Yaaay for happy endings and paths that lead us where we were always meant to be!

We got to meet these two sweethearts last week, when we photographed their love session in the city they call home…Providence, RI. Liz & Craig really wanted to do something at some of the spots that are important to them, and like me, Liz was hoping it might snow. Happily, Mother Nature  complied.

It was freezing, but pretty, romantic and the perfect atmosphere for snuggling with your sweetie. Here are a few of our favorite moments with this sweet, funny, warm & welcoming couple, who instantly felt like old friends.

Meet Liz & Craig…

We love how easily they make each other (and us) laugh!

Craig, like most of the guys who come before our cameras, was slightly apprehensive about being photographed. “I take a terrible picture,” he told us. Ummmmm, this next photo says otherwise, my friend!

Are they a cute couple, or what!!!?!

Love is…the city that stole your heart, softly falling snow, and taking cover with your best friend.

This next one melts my heart….

Fun, fun, fun!! Gotta love a girl who can work six inch heels in the snow…on cobblestone. Way to rock it, Tata!!

Work it you two…work it good!!

There is no better place, than in the arms of the one you love…especially when it’s twenty-nine degrees and snowing.

Hummuna. Hummuna!

There’s nowhere I’d rather be, than by your side!

Jumping for joy…or maybe just to get warm. Okay, I admit it…we asked them to.

Waterfront Park in Providence has a very cool exhibit that showcases tiles made by the city’s residents. Wish the Cape had more community art projects like that! So fun!

I see love!

Framed by winter berries hanging off a nearby tree…aaaaaah, so pretty!

Blowing snow and some serious ice!

The look of love! Doesn’t get much better than this!!!

What’s so fun about working with Andy is how we can see exactly the same thing in such different ways. Can you tell which is his and which is mine?

When talking about where to take photos, Liz mentioned Mama Kim’s Korean BBQ food truck, which is where she & Craig went one late night after their first date. She raved about the food and we loved the idea of incorporating a food truck in the city into the session. Plus, it was lunch time…and Andy gets grumpy if he’s not fed regularly. I love Liz’s expression in this next one…not sure if she’s excited about lunch or getting to be a star for the day, but it makes my heart smile just the same! Honestly, being with Liz is like carrying a hug in your pocket. She’s full of love and, like Craig, we’re smitten!

Yaaay for love & lunch and Mama Kim’s!

LOVE!!!

Deeeee-licious Beef Bulgogi sliders, made from shaved sirloin, sautéed onions, mushrooms in house marinade with wasabi-aioli sauce. They were ridiculous! We went back for seconds!  If you’re ever in Providence at lunch time, head to the Brown University campus and you’ll find Mama’s Kim’s truck. It’s not to be missed! We’re already planning our next trip to Providence just for a refill.

All in all…it was a most successful morning/afternoon! And, the smiles on our happy couple’s faces say it all!

Liz & Craig…thank you both sooooo much, for sharing your time & your hearts with us! It felt so comfortable and natural with you right from hello! We’re so glad you found us and we look forward to hanging out again in the city soon!! For now, we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of the beautiful love you share…with each other and with the city you call home! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxox

“We exchanged phone numbers and violated all of the rules of dating by seeing each other the next day,” they told us.

To heck with rules, Michaela & Wally continued to see each other for the rest of the summer, until Michaela went back to NYC to finish her senior year of college. Wally, the then sports editor for the Cape Cod Times, stayed on the Cape, but the two kept in touch until Michaela graduated and moved back home.

They’ve been inseparable ever since.

Although there have been ups and downs, they’ve endured them together and grown stronger and more committed to one another because of them.

One of the challenges included Michaela taking a job in Arizona. Realizing he couldn’t live without her, Wally left his job at the paper and followed her. And, this summer, the pair will return to the Cape, where their story began, to say, “I do!” at the beautiful seaside Wequassett Resort in Chatham.

We got together with these sweethearts just before Christmas, for their bello love session, at some of their old haunts in Cotuit. It was freeeezing, but as is so often the case when it’s cold….that just meant more snuggling, which is A-okay with us. Here are a few of our favorite moments with these warm, funny, serious sports fans and just all around good people, who obviously love & respect one another in a way that reinforces why we love our work!

Ladies & gentlemen,  Michaela & Wally…

Snuggling in some sea grass…

The light in the winter is different…cooler…than it is in the summer. And, on a fresh, somewhat overcast day like we had for our session, the color of the sky against the dried beach grass is a sweet contrast to the pop of green in Michaela’s shirt.

Same moment, different perspectives…

Hey cuties….

Nothing like a stroll on the beach on a chilly early winter day.

Love Michaela’s three monogrammed stacking rings that spell out her soon-to-be new initials.

love me some winterized beach grass…

As dreamy as winter beach grass is, I just love a quiet walk in the woods when the leaves and the Cape Cod crowds are gone…

happy, happy, happy…

Sweet, pretty Michaela and her adoring, cuddly mister.

a walk in the woods…

Love this next shot of Michaela and her gorgeous green eyes.

Nothing is better than being in the arms of the one you love…don’t you agree?

Love is….moments like this, when the only thing that matters is the one you love!

just love when our couples let their guard down as our sessions go on and give us a glimpse into who they are…like this next photo of Michaela. love her expression!

yaaaay for love!

And, at the end of the session, we headed to the place where it all began…The Kettle Ho, for a couple of cold ones, and some Pats’ supporting.

Thank you Michaela & Wally for making time for us during your brief and busy visit home. Thank you too for braving the chilly temps and most especially, for being so much fun to not only photograph…but also to be around. We can’t wait to be there with you, your families & friends this June when you say, “I do!”  Big hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

It was a decision that resulted in Bobby meeting his future wife, Lindsey.

Just a few days before classes started, Bobby and some fellow grad students went to a class event at Tommy Doyle’s bar. Lindsey was among his classmates and the two were introduced. “We both remember it perfectly,” Lindsey told us. “Something definitely clicked.”

They became fast friends. Bobby would often pick Lindsey up and drive her to school. They were study partners and spent much of their free time together. Many of their friends wondered why they weren’t dating.

Recognizing something special in their relationship, Bobby & Lindsey wanted to take it slow and, “get it right.”

And, get it right they have. Next summer, Lindsey & Bobby will say, “I do!” at the beautiful seaside Wequassett Inn in Chatham.

We first met this super sweet pair this past spring. They were joined by Bobby’s ridiculously adorable mom, Marsi, and we all hit it off right from hello.

We couldn’t be happier that they have chosen us to document this exciting time in their lives. And, after our love session with them a couple of weeks ago, we just know we’re going to have some serious fun.

They told us they were not comfortable having their photo taken and Bobby, in particular, seemed nervous…which you’d never believe once you see their photos. These two were so great together…sweet, silly, playful and quite visibly happy, which is all you need for great photos.

Here our a few of our favorite moments with these two sweethearts…

Yeah…you guys don’t look good in photos….RIIIIGGGHTTTTT!!!

Smile….

Nervous giggles work for us. Love it!

It was pretty cold on the day we met. Lindsey was such a trooper, going without her jacket for most of the session…but we gave her a little break to get warm…and snuggling with your sweetie is the fastest way to make that happen.

I love Bobby’s curl on his forehead in this next one…it’s so Clark Kent!

Snuggle up sweetie…

Cranberries + cuties on a perfect fall day = love

Hey baby…

It was so cold, Lindsey’s eyes were watering, but that didn’t keep these two from enjoying themselves. Yaaay for fun couples who will do anything for us! Love you guys!

Tunnel of love…

late afternoon rim lighting (thank you sun) + a stroll with your sweetie = a perfect day

Love Lindsey & Bobby’s expression, the way they’re holding on tightly for warmth and the lines of the grass steps. So fun!

sweetness…

love is….

Why are red barns so fun? I don’t know…but they are!

On the sunny side…

The sun was on its way down and the warm late afternoon glow was the perfect spotlight for these two cuties…

Swoon worthy moment…

There is no greater place to be than in the arms of the one you love….Ahhhhhh!

Although they’d be in the cold for nearly two hours, we weren’t ready to let Lindsey & Bobby go just yet…not after we saw the light coming through these trees. So, we told them…go play for a bit longer. You guys are the best!

What’s better than the fall…and falling in love?!

Not much!

Kiss me softly. Hold me tightly. And, love me like you do. I am yours….forever!

Lindsey & Bobby….thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for making time for us during your visit home for Thanksgiving. Thank you for braving the cold and not complaining once. Thank you for trusting us and having fun, even though we know our cameras made you nervous. Honestly…you two were fabulous and we really have no idea what you were worried about. You two are adorable and so, so much fun to photograph! Can’t wait to do it again in June! Until then, we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of the beautiful love you share and keep the excitement of this joyful time going strong! Big love & hugs, Christine xo

PS….A very special thank you to the staff at Willowbend Country Club for letting us run wild.

I remember talking with Christina during that session. The subject of babies came up…as it so often does with me. She shared that she & Mike had been trying to have a baby for four years. But so far, it just wasn’t happening for them. My heart ached for them, because like Dan & Michelle, Christina and Mike are wonderful, loving, fun, giving, kind, good people…the sort of people who were meant to have children.

This past April, Christina reached out to us about setting up a photo session for her & Mike and their two sweet pooches…Shelby & Zoey. We were excited about having some one-on-one time with them, and e-mailed back and forth to find a convenient date. We got busy and so did they. A couple of months passed before we heard from them again, but when the call finally came, it was better news than we had expected….

They were pregnant and due in February. Woooooo hooooo!!! Yippeeee! And, happy dances all around!!! Instead of a family session of 4, the session would now include their little love-nugget-in-the-making. Such joy!

We were so excited to see them when we got together for our session a few weeks ago. Hugs were exchanged and Andy & I were so happy to see them both looking so well and happy and excited about their baby.

It’s a boy….Liam! Insert happy sigh…

In planning this post, I asked Christina how she felt about sharing the story of her struggle to conceive. I tend to be an over-sharer, but realize not everyone is the same. Her response left me welled up with happy tears. She & her words are so full of love and hope and inspiration. So, I thought I would just let sweet Christina narrate this post.

Without further ado, say hello to two very happy soon-to-be parents Mike & Christina:

“I am usually pretty private, except with family & close friends, but this journey has really taught me that it’s OK and can even be a blessing to be really open and honest with others,” Christina told us. “In fact, I have had some of the best and most emotional conversations of my life with people (sometimes even strangers) that I would never have thought possible, because I took the time to open up.”

“I have met so many beautiful and brave women going through infertility and it’s absolutely heartbreaking…but then a miracle happens and it just changes everything. I believe in never giving up; there will always be a way. You will always find an answer; you just have to have patience.”

“Michael is in my humble opinion, the most amazing husband in the entire world and I could not imagine my life without him. He is my soul mate, my best friend, my other half. I truly thank God each day that this is the man I get to share life’s journey with.”

“He has held me up and kept me going in the moments where I just wanted to give up. He never once complained or got tired of all the doctor visits (we ended up seeing 5 different doctors over the years). ”

He never left my side for even a minute and has always told me, ‘Of course we are goign to have a baby.’ …’I promise it will happen; I just know it.’…’We are meant to be parents.’ He is always right there in the waiting rooms and in the doctors’ offices with me.”

Married for seven and a half years, Christina & Mike met in 1999 at Stonehill College and it was instant love. “I knew within the first week that this was the person I was going to marry,” Christina told us.

“We always talked about having children, even in college. I knew that this was the person I was meant to have children with. I have been dreaming about what our children would look like and who they would become since then.”

Christina & Mike have enjoyed many happy moments. Like their wedding day. They said, “I do!” in June 2005, at the same church where Mike’s parents got married. But, like every good love story, there have also been challenges.

A year into their marriage, they decided they were ready to start making the family they had dreamed about. But, it didn’t happen as they had hoped.

“It was all….timing my cycles, taking temperatures, fertility drugs and IUI’s…and then being told over and over again, ‘We can’t find anything wrong. We don’t know why it’s not happening.’” Then one day….everything changed.

“On just an average day, I was talking with one of the mothers at the school where I work and she asked me about my plans for a family. At first, I was a little hesitant to open up; I wasn’t sure it was appropriate. But, she started to tell me that her father is a doctor at Mass General and she personally knew many of the infertility doctors there and would give me a referral.”

“The conversation was just a simple quick moment that ended up changing our lives forever. I call Laurie my angel because she brought me one step closer to Liam.”

“Mike & I met the doctor she recommended, Dr. Shifren, who is my other angel here on Earth. And, literally, within just a few months, I was pregnant after our first IVF cycle.”  ***Can I get a hallelujah!?!!! Yipppeeee!!!****

“Mike & I have been on a cloud ever since and looking back on our journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. This was our journey. All of the conversations, the doctors and all of the special and incredibly brave women I met through this process have made our journey worth every single minute. The good, the bad and the ugly. All of it!”

“I also wouldn’t change a single moment because it brought us Liam…the light of our lives. ”

“He is so, so, so loved and already so funny all on his own. He lets me know what’s going on in there all of the time. For example, if I eat something too spicy (which I used to love) he immediately lets me know that it was not a good idea. In fact, I call him my little ninja. He’s all kick, kick, punch….spin, kick, kick, punch.”

“We can’t wait to meet this little guy and have so enjoyed dreaming about all of the things we will do together as a family very soon.”

Christina & Mike thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your story with us in such an open & heartfelt way. Thank you too for sharing this exciting time in your family’s life with us and entrusting us to document it for you. We know how important this pregnancy and Liam is to you both (and your families) and the honor of being able to record this happy time in photographs is not lost on us! We could not be happier for you both and for sweet Liam too. That is one very lucky little boy to have found his way into a life so rich with love! With big, big congratulations and hugs sized to match, Christine & Andy xoxo

All was right with the world as family & friends from near and far gathered to see two very special people come together in love and celebration. And, celebrate they did!

Julia & Scott have the kind of romance that seems ripped from the pages of a novel. Their connection is undeniable and made stronger by years of friendship; a friendship that grew and blossomed into love.

Although we had spoken on the phone, we had only just met the pair the week before their wedding, when we got together for their love session…emphasis on LOVE…at the house they rented for the wedding. Click HERE for a peek.

Because they live in Denver, Colorado and are busy with their band, The Raven and the Writing Desk, they weren’t able to make it back East before their wedding. But, as expected, we instantly clicked. I must admit, theirs was one of our favorite love sessions…mostly because they were as into it as we were. They let down their guard, savored the moment. And together, we made magic.

Inspired by our time with them, and also by their obvious love & devotion to one another and to their wonderful families and friends, we set off to document their wedding day with as much love, care, and creativity as they had so obviously poured into the day itself.

I like to think we succeeded…

A spritz and a smile…beautiful, soulful Julia gets ready for her big day, wearing a most infectious smile.

Scott gets some help with his cufflinks from his sweet (and dare I say sexy) brother-in-law, Jason, while his good friend, Jonathan (aka Canada) gets ready in the background.

Scott’s super sweet and crazy beautiful niece, Hayden, takes a photo of the girls hanging out while Julia was getting her hair done. I just love seeing kids take photos…I’m not sure if it’s seeing them be excited about the creative process or the apparent desire to preserve memories so early in their life….but it just makes me smile.

Meanwhile, in another room in the house, Hayden’s equally adorable brother, Jackson, gets some help with his tie from Dad…

Beautiful Julia, checking out her stunning hair (courtesy of the crazy talented Stacey Kuehn)…

Canada jokes with Scott’s brother & best man, Ryan, while Scott puts on his shoes….with a shoe horn! Love that! Shoe horns will forever remind me of watching my dad get ready for a big night out when I was a little girl.

Julia glows as she gets buttoned into her beautiful Pronovias gown…

I very much appreciated Scott & Julia’s penchant for vintage touches like this tie clip, which belonged to Julia’s grandfather. He had it made out of a piece of gold he found on a trip to South America….how cool is that? And, Scott’s beautiful momma, Judy, helps pin on Scott’s boutonniere.

Pouring some pre-wedding libations for his dad, Art, and the other special men in his life…

Julia’s proud papa, Mark, gets his first look at his gorgeous little girl, now all grown up.

Julia & Scott rented a stunning house in Barnstable for their wedding, and the long drive that led to the house was lined on one side with these beautiful trees and a carpet of ivy. As soon as we saw it, we knew this would be where Julia & Scott would have their “first look” before their ceremony. Talk about dreamy….

Hey you….

“Today is the day I marry best friend.” Ahhhhhhh

swoon…

The ivy that carpeted the ground, also vined up the trees, providing the perfect framing for our beautiful couple.

Julia has an old-soul quality about her beautiful face that feels like she could have been a movie star in the 40s. Photographing her and her handsome co-star is truly inspiring.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Oh, how this next photo makes my heart smile BIG!

Leaving their enchanted forest to meet family & friends for more photos…

Meanwhile, their dear friends (Dave, Kevin & Kris) of Chimney Choir provide music as guests start arriving for the ceremony…

Guests document the day with pictures of their own…

Do you think Scott is happy about marrying his best friend….Ummm, I think it is safe to say, “YES!”

Here comes the bride….

The feelings of excitement are clearly matched in Julia. Oh, and we loved that their friend, Kevin, performed the ceremony. So many wonderful personal touches!

Family & friends can’t get enough of the obvious display of love & adoration as Julia & Scott say, “I do!”

With this ring, I thee wed…

Sweet Hayden. Can we talk for a second about those curls? LOOOOVE!

And with a kiss, two become one….

Down to the water for some more photos. Love that Scott’s holding Julia’s gorgeous flowers by Meredith Fancy of Fancy Flowers. Talk about beautiful….

Can’t you just feel the love?

A slightly different perspective…and the kids get in on this one too.

Love & laughter…the best combination.

Taking a moment to take in the moment, with a quick toast and some sweet nuzzling.

We love these two….how can you not?

Not having my mom with me at our wedding was hard, and it makes moments like this next one so much more meaningful to me. Seeing the expression of joy & love on Julia’s face, in compliment to the expression of pride and “i can’t believe my baby is all grown up” happiness on her crazy-sweet momma, Ruth’s, face is the kind of moment I live for as a photographer.

The guys….from left to right: brother-in-law, Jason; brother & best man, Ryan; sweet Scott, and dear friend, Canada.

Flanked by her girls, Scott’s sweet sis, Michelle, and best friend, Megan.

Nothing says Cape Cod quite like a raw bar, as done by the fabulous staff at The Casual Gourmet.

Love the yellow, peach & green combination and the fabulous new sailcloth tent from Undercover Tent.

Did I mention that I love seeing kids with cameras?

More fabulous details provided by The Casual Gourmet, including a super cool salad bar that offered Asian-inspired dishes served in martini glasses. So fun and tasty!

As cocktail hour wrapped up, our talented bride & groom performed a very cool version of Doris Day’s “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” and Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” for their guests….who went crazy! Love this perspective as captured by my ridiculously talented hubby…a one and a two and a….

Peek-a-boo….we love you!

And, so do we….

Then, into their first dance….ahhhhhh!

In every way, it was a PERFECT day.

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who made our job such a pleasure. And, great big thanks to Ruth for coming to meet us when Julia & Scott couldn’t. Thank you too for being so wonderful, showing us around the property and just generally welcoming us in such a warm and genuine way. We adore you! And, a very special, love-filled thank you to Julia & Scott for letting down your guard so quickly and for inviting us in to your amazing love story! We absolutely loved being a part of your AHH-MAZING wedding. You two have a love that is inspiring to be around and as inspiring to photograph. We hope you love the photos as much as we love both of you. We hope too that they serve as happy reminders of not only this exciting time in your lives, but also of all of the love you have around you! With big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

“It took us a month to connect for our first date,” Ashley told us.” He was very witty and sweet on text. I was very sassy on our first date…the conversation was perfect and we ended up closing down the bar. As we walked out, I knew I had found something very special. I think Alex put it perfectly once when he said our souls connected long before we really got to know it’s other. It’s the truest thing – I knew from so early on that I never wanted to leave him.”

Although he says he doesn’t believe in love at first sight, Alex told us something in him clicked when he first met Ashley. “It was most definitely different than most casual meetings, more of a spark, curiosity, and no propensity to end our initial meeting early,” he said. “It felt natural, nothing was pressed or exaggerated; our conversation was smooth and fun…there wasn’t any pressure. I left feeling settled, not anxious or nervous. It was almost no question we would see each other again….sooner than later.”

Fast forward a year later and these two smitten souls are planning their wedding for next September at the Boston Public Library. And, Andy & I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this exciting time in their lives.

We first met Ashley a couple of years ago, when she was a bridesmaid in the AHH-MAZING Wychmere Harbor Club wedding of super cuties Laura & Brian. I got to spend a lot of time with the girls before the wedding and had so much fun, feeling more like I was hanging out with old friends than girls I’d just met. I’ve been secretly hoping that if Ashley or Bernadette (sweet Aynslie was already hitched to a super sweet guy) got engaged that they might give us a call. Same holds true for Brian’s single besties, James & Chris. We really had so much fun with all of them! And, we expect we’re going to have just as much fun with Ashley & Alex and their friends & family! These are some seriously good peeps.

We got to meet Alex’s dad, Jim, a couple of weeks ago, when we met our happy couple at Alex’s parent’s beautiful home/former farm in Concord. It was a perfect fall day and with so many beautiful backdrops to choose from, Andy & I were in hog heaven! See for yourself…

A tender touch, the kind that makes a grown man blush….be still my heart!

Loved the outfits Ashley & Alex choose. The colors matched perfectly with the fall setting and complimented their stylish personalities. Love me a good leg shot…

Happiness is…being in the arms of the one you love!

Getting to photograph two people who clearly adore one another is something that seriously makes me happy. The hours spent in front of the computer afterwards editing….not so much. But, capturing moments like these….love, love, love!

I’ve got you, babe!

A quick change into something a tad more casual and it’s off to play in the leaves…

When we first got to Alex’s parents’ house, the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous quintessential fall afternoon. Suddenly a sky full of clouds appeared. Sun is fun, but the beautiful soft light the clouds were offering was perfection.

You gotta love how looking into the eyes of the person you love most in the world can just light up a face….or in this case…two!

You + Me = We

Falling in love is so much fun…

We decided to stroll down to the old barn for a different perspective. Although there aren’t animals at the farm anymore, there’s still plenty of charm and beautiful pastures. It was a spectacular place to set two photographers loose!

Hiya…

Stealing a snog & a snuggle along one of the stone walls outlining the property….loooove Ashley’s expression in the photo on the left!

Gooooooood lovin’…..

I know the feeling Ashley is experiencing in this next photo and it’s THE best! Loved, safe, secure and totally adored. Life is good!

Dreamy…

Alex has a great senses of humor…he’s silly & goofy and if you haven’t noticed….Ashley is head-over-heels.

Hummuna, Hummuna!

Soft wispy grass and a couple in love…it doesn’t get much sweeter than that!

Fave of the day…

Ashley & Alex, Thank you both so much for choosing us as your photographers and for sharing this exciting time in your lives with us! You two are adorable and we can’t wait to be there with you, your families and friends when you say, “I do!” next September! We just know it is going to be a day filled with love & celebration, and no doubt oozing with lots of stylish details that will leave us (and your guests) wanting to do it all over again! Until then, we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of all of the goodness still to come!

With thanks & big hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

As is generally the case with new babies…they grow and change super fast, and so Aimee was hoping to get some newer photos for this year’s holiday card. Aimee asked if we ever did mini sessions. She was looking for just one recent awesome photo of her family for her cards.

This is something Andy & I have talked about a lot…like every year for the past few years. But, the holidays always seem to come & go in a blur and we’re always so busy, we haven’t had/made the time to put anything together.

This year we’re determined to try and make it happen and we’re considering holding mini sessions next weekend, on either Saturday Nov. 10 or Sunday, Nov. 11th here on Cape Cod. We realize this is last minute, but we’re hoping we can make it work. We’d like to pick one day, based on which day gets the most interest. So, if you’re interested, please let us know which day works best for you.

Generally, our sessions last about 1.5 to 2 hours and involve more creative play mixed with the traditional family group shots. But, these mini sessions would be just 20-30 minutes long, with the focus on getting a couple of great family photos for use on a holiday card…more tradition or more playful based on your taste.

The sessions would be $300 and would include one-week of online proofing & up to 3 high res files (depending on the card design) for use in a holiday card.

We’re just wondering if this is something that is of interest to folks. And, if it is, we ask that you please contact us at bello@bellophoto.com to schedule a time for the session. We need at least five bookings to make it work for us.

Thank you! Chris & Andy xo

Earlier this year, we were invited back into the family fold, when we were contacted by Liz, who had become engaged to John, Meghan’s cousin. Everyone was so happy with the photos we’d done for Meghan & Mike that they were hoping we were free to photograph their wedding too, which like Meghan & Mike’s wedding, will also take place at the Oyster Harbors Club.

Liz’s e-mail was the kind that instantly puts smiles on our faces and makes all of the long hours spent in front of our computers editing (and editing, and editing some more) worth it! We just love getting to be a part of a family’s life in a way that allows us to document such important milestones.

As soon as we met Liz & John, we knew we were going to have some fun with these two. And now, after having photographed these warm, kind, funny, loveable people, we can’t wait for their wedding, for it will surely be the stuff of fairy tales!

We got together with Liz & John a couple of weeks ago, at John’s parent’s Osterville home for a little fall backyard love session. And, here are some of the highlights of our super fun afternoon together…

Getting cozy on the front stoop…Hiya cuties!

These two smile a LOT and it’s obvious how much they adore one another…makes our job easy peasy!

See what I mean about the smiles…

And when Liz laughs, her whole face lights up. It’s something to behold! Just LOVE this next shot of these two cuties….

You’ve heard me say it before…but there really is no better place in the world than in the arms of the one you love.  This next photo says it so well…

Love how sweet John looks in this next one. I must admit, being photographed…particularly by two photographers…is not easy. It can be intimidating and uncomfortable. I, for one, am waaaaay happier on this side of the lens. But, there’s something we see a lot in our love sessions…this opening up, where our couples let down their guard and let us in…and it always starts with a little snuggling. There’s something about holding tightly to your best friend that has a way of making people relax. And getting to watch that happen brings me such joy! These love sessions really are about making a connection with our couples, forming a relationship, and building a foundation of trust that not only carries through the wedding, but we hope also carries through to a lifetime of documenting special milestones.

A smooch & a smile…

Fancy a little waterside stroll sweetheart? Why yes, I think I do…

How about a little twirl…

Snuggling up on the family’s dock…

Looks like this blue crab wants in on the fun…

Fun, fun, fun!

Sweet tootsies..

Can’t you just feel how tender John is with Liz in this next one? It’s so sweet watching them together!

Giggles, crinkled noses, and a little fall bling….sweet!

The look of love…

Hiya lova…

I don’t know what it is that I like so much about feet photos, but I just can’t help myself…

Of course, nothing is better than a smitten stare…

Except maybe sweet smooches…

Andy has this amazing eye for seeing through things…for layering elements in a photo that creates such wonderful visual interest. Just love how he captured this next shot…

Ready to set sail for an adventure in love & marriage…

A good sense of humor will help ride out any storms along the way…

Now this next photo isn’t a brilliant photo per se, but I love it, because of what was happening at the time it was taken. I am not very good at giving direction. Sometimes I get so excited and wrapped up in the moment that when I try and describe what I want a couple to do it’s not always completely understood and/or there are obstacles that make my request unattainable. Case in point with this next photo. I’d asked Liz to lean against the railing of the boat and I wanted John to lean in, in kind of a sexy way. What I didn’t realize was that the front of the boat was impeding him from getting in close. Plus, the way I asked him to lean in wasn’t very clear. But, John was so focused on following my crappy directions and getting a great photo that he leaned in, despite how uncomfortable it was for him. And, because he couldn’t quite get to her, he leaned in to Liz in a way that felt like he was going to eat her. Liz didn’t know what to make of this situation, and I’m sure John didn’t either. But, he still went for it. And, the ridiculousness of the situation just made us all start laughing hysterically. It was a moment to remember! John…you are wonderful! Thank you for being so in the moment and so up for anything! You, my friend,  rock!

Onto something a little easier…

And, a sexy lean that works….swooon!

This is one of my faves from the day…so sweet in every way!

And, can we talk about Liz’s crazy beautiful smile & gorgeous blue eyes? Love!

And, we end the session with a Romeo inspired moment on the second floor balcony….

Big thanks to Meghan & Mike and Meghan’s mom, Linda, for putting your trust in us once again by referring us to your super sweet sister, Betty!! Betty, thank you for opening your home to us! And Liz & John….you two are wonderful! Thank you for such a fabulous afternoon. It was so great getting to spend some quality time with you! Thank you for welcoming us with such open arms & open hearts! Thank you too for letting down your guard and letting us see the special bond you share! We can’t wait to be there with you when you say, “I do!” next summer and once again have your beautiful faces in front of our cameras!

With big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

And, I think that’s the case with Mauri & Chris’s wedding.

I will say, that this wedding meant a lot to us…not just because it was our first same sex wedding (which is saying something given this was our 10th year photographing weddings…not sure why it took us so long, but happy to finally be here). But, more than that, this wedding was special to us because in the many months of knowing Mauri & Chris, they have become so much more than a couple whose wedding we were invited to photograph. They are friends…warm, wonderful, sweet, kind, generous of heart & spirit, beautiful women who accepted us immediately and left such an indelible impression on us. And, being a part of this exciting time in their lives was such a gift.

After 17 years together, they were finally able to make their union legal here on Cape Cod. Surrounded by 60+ family members and dearest friends, their wedding was an intimate and richly substantive love-filled celebration, full of fabulous & thoughtful details, so obviously and thoroughly enjoyed by those in attendance…present company included.

So, without further ado…Mauri & Chris’ AHHH-MAZING Wequassett Wedding…

The cufflinks belonged to Mauri’s father. Sadly, both Chris & Mauri’s parents have passed (some more recently) so incorporating mementos like these were especially important to them. And, the lavender roses…a gift from Mauri to Chris in celebration of their wedding.

Normally, our couples dress for their big day separately. I typically go with the brides and Andy with the grooms. But, there was something so nice about watching Mauri & Chris excitedly get ready together. Below, Mauri, in her lovely cream Ralph Lauren suit, helps Chris into her stunning Maggie Sottero dress. Oh, the joy!

Chris helps Mauri with her dad’s cufflinks…

Chris & her super sweet daughter, Kate, share a moment….just love this photo.

Meanwhile, in another room at the resort, Mauri’s super funny & incredibly supportive brother, Ted, helps his crazy cute boys, Jack & Ben, get dressed. Mauri, like me, takes her role as Auntie very seriously and lavishes her boys with such love, care & attention. And, the boys played integral roles in the wedding celebration…including walking Mauri & Chris down the aisle.

Jack & Ben…showing off their grandfather’s cufflinks, which they proudly wore that day. Love these sweet little men.

Ted helps Ben put on his cufflinks…

Before the ceremony, family & friends gathered in Mauri & Chris’s suite as we prepared for photos. Just love this shot of Mauri’s gorgeous cousin, Katherine taking it all in.

We did the family photos, like this fun shot of Chris & Kate, just outside Mauri & Chris’s suite, which was so nice for a bunch of reason, not withstanding the ability to capture quiet moments like this next one of Mauri’s Aunt, Claire, taking in the view.

The bridal party consisted of just family, including Chris’s daughter, Kate, and Mauri’s fabulous sister-in-law, Megan (Ted’s wife). We had dinner last October when Mauri & Chris were visiting the Cape from Philly and Megan joined us. It was like getting together with old friends and like Mauri & Chris, we just adore Megan! These gals are a ton of fun!

The joy radiating from Mauri & Chris ALL DAY was infectious. We could not be happier for these two, special people!

Love is…getting to marry your best friend after already having shared a lifetime together…

This next one makes my heart smile BIG!

Fall on Cape Cod + a boat full of love = magic…

Swoon…

Kate & Ben look on as we take some photos of Mauri & Chris on the dock. Just love it!

John, Mauri’s cousin’s son, helped pass out and collect pieces of sea glass during the ceremony. Mauri & Chris asked their friends & family to infuse the glass with loving thoughts and well wishes during the ceremony. And at the conclusion, the glass was collected to be displayed in the couple’s home. Such sweet sentiment, we loved it!

Do you think they’re happy to be saying, ” I do?” I do!

The look of love….so easily recognizable and so wonderful to behold.

woooo hoooo….we did it!

Meredith Fancy outdid herself with the gorgeous fall flowers…

The super cute, beach inspired cake by Montilio’s Bakery.

Nothing says Cape Cod quite like a raw bar…

Welcome…the happy couple! Yippppeeeee!

These smiles were pretty much plastered on Chris & Mauri’s faces all day….

Half way through their first dance, Chris & Mauri invited their guests to join them. And, while Ted & Megan boogied on down, Jack & Ben took their turn with Chris & Mauri. It was so wonderful the way Mauri & Chris included the boys in so many aspects of their day. I couldn’t help but think that they were giving these boys such a gift, one that would be returned in the way they grow up and live their lives as loving, accepting, wonderful men. Just lovely!

Say cheese! Chris & Mauri take a break from the party to sneak into the photobooth with Jack & Ben…

Ted & Joe (Mauri’s cousin) both gave super sweet, inspired, love-filled toasts, which were capped off with a blessing by another of Mauri’s  cousins, Charlie, which was received with much joyful celebration. Just love it!!!

A perfect fall night for a party!

Mmmmm…cake!

Mauri & Ted enjoy a little brother/sister dance….

Although things didn’t “take off” quite as Chris & Mauri had expected with a paper lantern release…it was still a whole lot of fun to watch and document the process…

Like marriage, getting a paper lantern to soar takes time, dedication, commitment and some good teamwork…

Party goers having some fun, fun, fun…

And then it hits you….we’re married and I get to dance with you forever. Ahhhhhhhh…

Megan busting some serious moves…love this lady!

Party like it’s 1999….

A little brother dance off….

Ben boogies on down…

You spin me right round, baby, right round, like a record baby…

Mauri & Chris, what can we say? You two have a love that is something to behold. We adore you and absolutely loved getting to know you this past year. Being a part of your wedding was a highlight of our year and we look forward to many more years of friendship with you two fabulous women! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love, friendship, support and boundless generosity. Our world is brighter for having met you. With much love, Chris & Andy xoxo

Thank you too to these fabulous folks who helped make M&C’s day so special.

Kalson Pang – Wequassett Resort

Faith Lavender – Cape Cod Ceremonies

DJ Danny Walsh

Meredith Fancy – Flowers by Fancy

Bob Lassiter – Digital Imaging of Cape Cod

Intermezzo Players

Such was the case on Monday when we got together with Colorado cuties Julia & Scott, founders of The Raven and the Writing Desk, which in recent years has created quite a stir in the Denver Music scene, with a sound that critics say reverberates with imagination and theatricality. An appropriate description given that their band’s name comes from Lewis Carroll‘s classic book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Julia is the lead singer/songwriter and Scott plays guitar. The two met while attending Tufts University. Scott was a sophomore and Julia a freshman. During her first week at school, she serendipitously began hanging out with Scott and his friends.

“We made immediate connections as musicians, music lovers, English majors, writers,” Julia told us. “We would stay up until the sun came up, singing our favorite Bright Eyes, Neutral Milk Hotel, (and) Neil Young tunes.”

“I felt an immediate connection to Juls – absolutely love at first sight,” Scott said. “And, (I) always treasured every second that we spent together.”

The friendship grew over the years, but the timing never seemed right for romance, until five years later, when both Julia & Scott were single and “in our right heads.” Scott asked Julia to join him at a Chris Cornell concert on the Boston waterfront. And, the sparks flew like a July 4th fireworks spectacular.

“First kiss. Knee-buckling magic. Knowing it was right. Knowing each other so well. Knowing the people we had been, the people we were now, and the people we wanted to be together. We made music from that point on in every way with our lives,” said Julia.

And, on Saturday, these two creative, passionate, soulful, inspired, smitten people will pledge their lives and hearts to one another at a private, backyard ceremony here on Cape Cod.

Because they live in Colorado and don’t come back East very often, we hadn’t actually met them in person until their session this week in Barnstable. But, for us, at least, the connection was immediate and together we made music…

Just love the colorful shades…fun & quirky, just like Scott & Julia.

Love is…moments like this!

Although Scott typically plays electric guitar, and Julia the piano, they treated us and each other to some sweet sounds on Scott’s acoustic guitar. We can’t wait to hear them play for real at the wedding!

Love this next one. It’s one of my faves from the day….

So cool…

When your partner looks at you like this, you know you’re in for a good life!

Love this perspective…so serene.

What’s so cool about these two is that as happy as they are to be together, they still give each other room to be individuals. I love how that’s reflected in this next photo…and in a few more that follow later.

Whatcha playin’ pretty lady?

To the harbor for a change of scenery….do they look like rockstars or what? (Believe it or not, Andy used to have long blond hair, like Scott’s, but wavier. If he could, I think Andy would very much like to be in a band. And, his guitar is coming along quite nicely…what do you think Scott & Julia..room for one more? lol)

Serenade me sweetheart…

One of the things that was soooo fun about photographing Julia & Scott is how comfortable they both are…with each other, in their own skin, and in front of the camera. It was like we didn’t have to do anything, but sit back and enjoy the show…quite literally!

Footsteps…so symbolic, representing the years & experiences that lead us where we are now. And, for Scott & Julia that’s down the aisle! Yipppeeee!

Having some fun…

happy, playful, perfection!

Ahhhhh….

This next stop kind of happened by accident. I just love the tall reeds that grow by the water…we almost didn’t stop b/c everywhere else was just a big ugly parking lot, but sometimes all you need is a quiet corner and a cute couple and voila….magic!

Dreammmmmy….

Awwww…completely unprompted and picture perfect!

Sweet kisses & cuddles…

And hugs that scream, “You are my favorite thing!!”

Be still my heart…

Hummuna Hummuna.

LOOOVE Julia’s expression in this next one. She looks like some native princess to me…so serene, content, filled with love, and utterly feminine. Love!

Swwwoooooooon!! It’s amazing to me, as a photographer, the magic that can happen with subtle shifts & changes of body position. I admit, we asked them to sit like this and lean into one another, but then they took things further…really feeling the moment, settling into the exchange and that’s when magic happens..with just a slight tilt of the head that says, “I love you!” And that stuff makes me crazy happy! Getting not only to witness it, but to experience it and document it for them and future generations to treasure. It’s a gift that we get to do what we get to do. I just love it and am so grateful!

One last stop on our journey….

A play on the swag & bindle…

Play me something lover…

Couples who “play” together, stay together.

As I said before, these two seem to know how to give each other room to grow. It reminds me of an excerpt from a poem Andy & I had read at our own wedding.  “And stand together, yet not too near together. For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grown not in each other’s shadow.” I thought of that when I took this next photo, and it’s why this is another fave from the day…

As dusk was settling upon us, a flock of starlings descended upon the surprisingly large number of mosquitoes munching on us. Made for a dramatic addition to the sky.

My talented hubby and his silhouettes. He just loves them…I can see why!

Julia & Scott, thank you so much for trusting us to document this exciting time in your lives, without having yet met us. Thank you too for making time for us this busy week, before your wedding, but most importantly, for opening up to us in such a beautiful way. We had such a blast with both of you (great seeing you too Ruth, and meeting you Meg!). Can’t wait to be there documenting all of the love, fun & creative expression we just know will be all around you this weekend! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

Sarah & I both share an affinity for Spain, though mine started later in life. I had gone traveling to Europe two years after college, following a failed attempt at joining corporate America.

Quickly passing through countries in a week or less, I felt I was lacking a connection with the cultures I was experiencing, so I decided to stay in Spain for a while, settling in Marbella, where I lived for nearly a year. I was there for several months before I met Andy. But, once we met, I knew he was someone I wanted in my life long after the romance of my Spanish adventure had ended.

Similarly, Sarah was drawn to Spain, after having done an exchange program to Bilboa while in high school. During college, she decided to return, and enrolled in a program at Oviedo.

One night she & an American classmate  went out to a bar…it was early by Spanish standards (8PM), so there were only a handful of people there…6 American and just 2 Spaniards to be precise.

Sarah’s friend set her sights on one of the Spaniards, so they went up to chat & practice their budding Spanish skills. Ironically, it was Sarah & the other Spaniard, Marco, who felt a spark. Numbers were exchanged and the two kept in touch, even after Sarah returned to the States to finish her last year at school.

During winter break, Sarah returned to Spain for a month, and Marco visited Sarah at school. The long distance relationship was tested and they ended up breaking it off for a couple of years. But, in February of 2011, Sarah returned to Spain and the romance reignited. That May, Marco proposed and in December the two were married.

Not all of Sarah’s family & friends could make the Spain wedding, so they decided to renew their vows here on the Cape a couple of weeks ago…that’s where we come in.

The wedding took place in the backyard of Sarah’s grandfather’s historic Brewster home. The former sea captain’s house, with beautiful gardens & a sprawling lawn, was the perfect setting for the day. The sun was shining and love was most definitely in the air.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from their spectacular wedding No. 2.

Sarah on the phone squaring away some last minute details the morning of the wedding…

Love how she’s biting her lip as she takes in the magic of the moment, getting zipped into her stunning Vera Wang gown.

Meanwhile, across town, Sarah’s super sweet dad, Bruce, proudly stands watch as his son-in-law takes care of some finishing touches…

Marco…cool as a cucumber and ready to say, “I do!” once again.

Sarah’s good friend & MOH, Bonnie, helps tie the bow on Sarah’s dress.

Earrings in and off we go to see Marco, before the family photos begin…

Even though they were already married, there is still excitement to be found in the moment of seeing each other all dress up and ready to say, “I do!” Love that!

If a look could say “I love you, and I could marry you again, and again, and again,” this would surely be it!

Yay for love!

Sarah & her girls (from left to right, Vicky (Marco’s sis), Bonnie, Megan & Katie). Are they adorable, or what?

Sweet Sarah, with flowers by Bee and Blossoms in Hyannis.

Loved this little nook on her grandfather’s property…beach grass in the forest…does it get any dreamier than that?

A dreamy setting + A happy couple + fabulous light = two very excited photographers.

Love birds…

Sarah’s Grandfather’s house has so much charm & character….being inside is like going back in time.  Swoon….

Across the street to a nearby park, before jaunting off to the beach for a few photos. Love the easy, breezy, beautiful feeling of this next one…

While we’re always striving to put our couples in a beautiful setting for photos…the thing that really makes a photo great (in our eyes) is when you can feel real joy. Having fun & feeling the love is paramount to all else.

That said, great architectural lines are hard to resist.. Love this next one, for so many reasons!

Love, Love, glorious love!

Bellisima!

more fun & goodness…

Love Marco’s cheeky expression in this next one. ..

Back at the house, prior to the start of the ceremony, Sarah & Marco’s flower girl has some fun with her mommy!

Sarah & Marco look back at the community of family & friends supporting them as they commit their lives to one another. Such a joyful moment.

Sarah’s beautiful momma, Leslie, and proud papa, Bruce, give their blessings to the union.

The look of love…

Blending sand from Oviedo & Cape Cod, symbolizing the joining of their two lives.

Marco’s brother-in-law, Paulino, walks his lovely wife, Vicky (left), and fellow bridesmaid, Katie, down the aisle following the ceremony. Such cute expressions all around!

We just love receiving lines…they offer such unscripted moments of joyful celebration.

See what I mean? Precious!

One of Sarah & Marco’s friends treated guests to some Spanish music during cocktail hour.

Friends enjoying cocktail hour and the end of the summer sunshine…

Some of the sweet details of the day, including the picturesque Sperry Tent.

Sarah gave all of her girls necklaces & earrings, hand made with love by Sarah’s talented mom. So sweet. And next to each table’s centerpiece, were word/phrases in both Spanish & English. So fun!

Catching a stolen moment by two of Sarah & Marco’s friends/guests…

Salud…

You think Sarah’s dad is happy/proud? Ummmm…yup! In the background, Sarah’s mom dances with Marco’s adorable dad!

We did it…again!

When Sarah & Marco first reached out to us about photographing their wedding, they shared that the photographer who documented their Spanish wedding last winter, had reportedly been hospitalized and they hadn’t seen any of the photos. “Nor are we convinced that we will ever get them,” they told us. “We really are looking for a dependable photographer to capture photos of at least one of our weddings.” Heartbreaking!!!

Well, our sweets, we hope this sneak peak restores your confidence in photographers and gets you excited about things still to come. We’ll be putting ALL of the images online later this week and can’t wait to share all of the love & goodness with you!

Thank you both for putting such trust in us, for being so warm & welcoming and for being patient as we butchered your language, Marco! We had so much fun at your wedding and hope these photos serve as happy reminders of this exciting time in your lives. With much love, Chris & Andy xoxo

PS…special thanks too to Sarah from The Casual Gourmet, for always running such a seamless affair. You rock! xx

A couple of weeks ago, we got an inquiry for a family portrait session. It was one of those global requests sent to all members of the Professional Photographers of Cape Cod. I must admit, we don’t generally get too excited about those requests, feeling a bit too prideful that folks can’t be bothered to visit our website or reach out to us directly, but instead would rather just see who bites among a pool of 40 or so photographers. Shameful, me feeling that way…I know, particularly since you can never know what’s going on in someone’s life that might cause them to do what they do. But, we get so many emails every day that require an investment of our time, and having to respond to requests that very often don’t lead anywhere really is a bummer.

However, this particular inquiry stopped me dead in my tracks. Here’s what it said…

“My family will be visiting the Cape the last week of August and would love to get some family photos.  I imagine it would be a short ‘family session’ since my children are young 4, 3 and 4 months.  We are looking for wonderful photos of the family and children to capture this moment in time.  These are especially important to our family because I will be starting chemotherapy the following week.  We have no idea how expensive pictures are, but we are very interested. Laurie C.”

How do you not immediately want to respond to that?

Andy & I have been talking for a long time about wanting to use our business to somehow give back, pay it forward if you will….contribute in a way that makes the world a better place. We’re a small business…just the two of us, wearing many hats. We don’t shoot a lot of weddings or family sessions each year, so our contribution wouldn’t be anything monumental. But, I like to believe that every small gesture of love & kindness does make a difference and in some small, karmic way…does change the world for the better.

We still haven’t figured out a formalized way to give back or picked a specific cause to support, but when we read Laurie’s e-mail we both agreed that this was something we could very easily do…in the hopes that if even for just a brief moment…we might help make things a little brighter for a family in need of some TLC.

I immediately wrote Laurie back saying that if they liked our work and were up for it, we’d love to photograph her family and they didn’t have to worry about the cost…the session was on us.

Laurie wrote back the sweetest e-mail, sharing more about her & her family. She told us that when she was 35 weeks pregnant, she had an ultrasound, which detected something alarming, causing doctors to induce Laurie a week later. Baby Brylee spent the next two weeks in intensive care, while Laurie endured more tests.

At first, doctors thought Laurie had Stage IV breast cancer, but it turned out to be a very rare cancer that affects the liver. “It’s a cancer that has absolutely no symptoms until it is too late,” Laurie told us. “So, our little baby Brylee is our precious gift, because she has given me a chance to fight! I am one of only a few that has this chance.”

I can’t even begin to fathom what this experience must be like for Laurie, her husband, Ben, and their families. What was supposed to be a happy, joyous time was marred with scary unknowns and lots of painful tests…all with two young children and a brand new baby needing their care & attention.

On July 14, doctors successfully removed half of Laurie’s liver and today, she begins chemotherapy.

Laurie…we are thinking of you today and hoping these photos put a big smile on that beautiful face of yours…after what has no doubt been a very long day!

Without further ado, we are very proud to introduce Laurie & her beautiful family, including miracle baby Brylee….(left to right: Brynn, Laurie, Ben, Brylee & Bryce)

Ben, carries miracle baby Brylee, as he walks with their oldest daughter, Brynn, who looks back to see if her new friends are coming along too….up ahead is their oldest, Bryce.

It didn’t take long for Brynn & Bryce to warm up to us….one of the most enjoyable parts of our job is getting to meet sweet little people like these two, who make it hard to not toss aside our cameras  and just run around and play with them. Truthfully, it usually ends up being equal parts shooting and playing. And, that’s how we like it.

Fortunately, my sweet husband is really just a big kid himself…and the kids….well, you can see for yourself in this next one how they feel about him.

Love the expression in sweet Brynn’s face in this next one as she takes her big brother’s hand.

Run little boos…run. Love the light here under the docks…heavenly!

Sweet Brylee getting some kisses & snuggles from Daddy.

Beautiful momma…Laurie, as she watches her sweet babes playing…LOVE this photo and the tender man who captured it!

Still recovering from her surgery, this was probably more than she should have been doing, but Brynn was having too much fun to resist. And, Laurie was given the best kind of reward afterwards….swoon!

These next two fill me with such joy because I can see on Laurie’s face how much the moment means to her. {be still my heart}

Love this sweet family…

Momma and her baby boy & Daddy and his girls…sweetness!

Laurie & Ben’s three lovebugs…Brynn, Bylee & Bryce.

Laurie & Ben are high school sweethearts and recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. They are as cute as it gets!

All the best things in life can be found in the eyes of a child…and looking into them is like looking into a sea of hopeful possibility.

Family….where the people who love you most in the world are always there to catch you when you need it.

One of Laurie’s little rays of sunshine….

Like most little kids, Bryce loves to run. He also loves to watch the wake he leaves behind. Too cute! Meanwhile, Brynn explores some sea life with her main guy.

Love this next moment…for so many reasons.

My ridiculously talented husband has a way of capturing a moment from such a unique & creative perspective that leaves me…even after 10+ years of watching him do it…utterly speechless!

Making sandcastles with your favorite people is always fun…but knocking them down….even more fun!

The end of a really fun afternoon and what we hope is the beginning of a long & beautiful friendship with this amazing family!

Laurie & Ben, how do we properly thank you for sharing not only your beautiful family with us during this very pivotal time in your lives, but thank you for opening your lives to us in such a real, honest & loving way? You all are wonderful and inspiring and we are so humbled and grateful that you found your way onto our path. We hope these photos bring you with as much joy & happiness as you and your precious children brought to us that memorable afternoon. We’re thinking of you this week and are sending healing, love-filled thoughts your way. Special thanks too to Laurie’s mom, Paulette, for coming along during the session to help take care of Brylee. We know this has been a very hard several months for you too, and we send lots of love & healing thoughts your family’s way. With love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

Such was the case a couple of weeks ago, when we photographed a super sweet family who was vacationing here on the Cape.  Megan and her family had been referred to us by one of our past brides, another Meaghan, whose wedding we had photographed four years ago. The two Megs went to college together and when our Meg had heard our new Meg was looking for a photographer to document her family during a summer trip to the Cape our name came up. (Big big thanks, Meaghan, for sending your lovely friend our way. We miss you & Cracker and hope we get to see you guys and meet sweet baby Graeme soon! xo Click HERE for a look at Meaghan & Sean’s amazing Scituate wedding.)

It wasn’t until after our session, that Andy & I learned that Megan was friends with Meaghan and that that was how she & her husband, Wade, found us. But, we immediately liked them and their three lovebugs, Anna, Christopher and Jack, so it totally made sense that Megan & Meaghan were friends. Good people seem to have a way of finding each other.

Anyway, Megan had reached out to us at the start of the summer about scheduling a session with her family, plus Wade’s parents, Charlie & Renee, and his brother, Todd, and his wife, Vanessa, and their two sweet boos, Kiley & Jacob.

We arranged to meet in Falmouth a couple of weeks ago, at one of our favorite spots. And, as is often the case for us, we had a blast! The weather was perfect, the kids were up for some fun and everyone looked Cape Cod fabulous. Here are a few of our favorite moments from our time together with this sweet, loving and super warm family…

Where it all began for us, with Megan and her super sweet hubby, Wade, and their crazy cute kiddos, Anna, Christopher, & Jack…

Meet the whole gang (from left to right): Christopher, Megan, Jack, Anna, Wade, Charlie & Renee, Todd, Kiley, Jacob & Vanessa

Peek-a-boo, we see you!

Anna Banana, you, my sweet, are lovely in every way!

We asked Christopher what he loved to do and he said run…so we said, “Have at it little buddy!” Oh, the joy to be found in doing what you love (both for photographer & subject). And, for sweet Jack-O-Lantern…well, he doesn’t need to do much to be ridiculously delicious!

One of the things I really love about photographing larger families, is when we can break it down and pull folks away for a few moments of alone time…particularly for the heads of the family, because let’s face it, once kids come on the scene, it’s no longer about you, right? Parents pretty much dedicate their lives to making the lives of their children full of love & goodness. But, I LOOOVE giving mom & dad/grandma & grandpa some time to make it all about them. If you’ve spent 30+ years committed to your spouse & your family, you deserve a me, me, me moment or two. And, like a fine wine, love only gets better with time! So, let it shine….and steal a smooch to show the kids how it’s really done.

Vanessa & Jacob steal a little alone time…

Beautiful ladies and smooches that make you smile!

Poor Kiley wasn’t feeling very well, so she & Todd (aka Daddy) snuck off to chill on the rocks. Moments like these take my breath away, because when you’re 3 and not feeling well, the only thing that can make it better is some lovin’ & attention from Daddy…

Be still my heart!

After a while, they saw me skulking off in the distance and decided to give me a wave & a smile…aaaahhhh!

I’m pretty sure Jacob would have went all the way in were it not for a gentle catch by Momma! Beautiful….

This one on the left, as caught by my gorgeous & crazy-talented husband, makes me giddy. A good man playing with his beautiful children, while another good man recognizes the beauty in the moment and captures it perfectly….I mean really….does it get any sexier? I think not! Meanwhile, I was at a different angle, catching the perspective on the right. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Life and it’s in between moment…oh, how they bring such delight!

Love, Love, Love…

Time with Grandma & Grandpa….

The gang…

Pretty Anna…

I don’t know what it is about this next one I love so, but I remember the moment. We’d finished up the group shot above and as Wade was getting ready to bring Christopher down off the railing, something about their feet stopped me. Just love the contrast of their big/little feet and the lines of the railing. I was so excited when I caught the moment before it was gone.

These kids are so sweet and we had such fun together….

A little one on one time with a most adoring photographer….couldn’t you just eat up these sweet little faces.

Running in circles….life’s simple pleasures.

Taking it all in….LOOOOOVE these next moments!!!

“Hey you….guy with the camera, check me out!” (as seen from my perspective).

As seen from Andy’s….

A little waterside wrestling with Dad! Yup….love!

Sweetness highlighted by the setting sun…Be still my heart!

Cuties & crabs….Mmmmmm good!

Seaside stroll…

Digging for treasure…

Great big thanks to Meaghan C. for singing our praises and sending this lovely family our way! Much love Meg! And, big thanks to Megan, Wade and the rest of the gang for being so warm & welcoming and sharing your wonderful family with us in such a lovely way! We hope you had as much fun as we did and that these photos serve as happy reminders of your time together here on beautiful Cape Cod! We hope too you come back soon and see us again! Big love, Chris & Andy xoxo

Not only did we get to meet singer/songwriter Justin James as he passed through Cape Cod on his 2012 A Beautiful Life tour, we also got to photograph him. I guess this makes us legit “rockstar photographers” now, eh? Ha! (That was a little inside joke for our photographer friends who know how we feel about “rockstar photographers.”) But, in all seriousness, it was a somewhat surreal experience for us.

Although he may not yet have the notoriety of James Morrison or John Mayer, Justin James’ is every bit a star to us. His music is sunny, sweet and immensely likeable, just like the man himself!

As if the excitement of meeting and photographing JJ (as he likes his friends to call him) wasn’t enough, he also played us a few of his brand new, not-yet-released songs during the shoot.

To quote Bravo fashionista Rachel Zoe, “I die!”

Andy has been, most dedicatedly, teaching himself to play guitar for the past year and a half, and I think the experience of meeting/photographing JJ was particularly inspiring for him. He’s been playing the Beautiful Life album non-stop…for two weeks! No joke.

We first heard JJ last summer, while in the car on our way to photograph a wedding. I like to listen to music to inspire me before a wedding, while Andy prefers quiet to collect his thoughts. But, before my mister had the chance to turn off the radio, JJ’s 2009 release “Perfect Sometimes” came on a local station and the catchy, upbeat tune hooked us both in, and left us feeling injected with a healthy dose of happy.  It was the perfect soundtrack for a day of documenting love.

Listen for yourself…

After the wedding, we found JJ’s website and became friends on facebook. He is one of those rare artists who is EXTREMELY accessible to his fans. He was once signed to a major record label, but preferred to have more control over his music/marketing and started his own independent label, where he sells his music directly to his fans. It’s kind of crazy how accessible he is for such a talented musician. But, this was one of the things that we found so appealing about him.

Check out his website HERE to listen to/purchase more music from this crazy talented and super sweet artist. On his website he also shares a pretty cool story about how he got into music. I won’t give away too much, but let me just say it involves a shark.

Needless to say, we were both super excited when we learned that JJ was coming to the Cape this summer. I had reached out to him on facebook and asked if he minded if we photographed him during his show.

“That would be great,” he said. “I was actually thinking about you guys the other day and was wondering if you had time maybe I can hire you for a shoot. ”

Ummmm…what?

I don’t know what was more flattering, that he was thinking about us or that he wanted us to photograph him. Around this same time, we also learned that we’d been chosen to have our kitchen remodeled for a new HGTV show (long story for another time, but in the end we decided the latter wasn’t the right fit for us). But having two such exciting opportunities arise at the same time was a bit dizzying…in the best kind of way.

Our afternoon with JJ was, as Andy & I expected, super fun! After 10 years of photographing primarily weddings, shooting a musician required adjusting our approach somewhat. But, as always, our photography came straight from the heart and the session was as much a labor of love as any we’d ever done.

Here are some of our favorite moments highlighting this sweet, sentimental, extremely talented music man.

Ladies & gentleman, please welcome for the first time to the Bello stage, the incredibly talented Mr. Justin James…

These next couple of shots are of JJ playing one of his new songs for us. Seriously awesome!

Up close & personal.

Sing it baby, sing it!

Talented and foxy. Nice!

We were both super excited to photograph JJ, but once he started playing, I just wanted to kick back and soak it all in. It’s not often we get serenaded by a superstar during a photo session. I could get used to this!

During the session, JJ said he was hoping one of the photos from our session might be his next album cover. Yeah….no pressure or anything. Eeeeeek! But, I do think we got some cool perspectives that might just fit the bill.

Bow chicka wow wow…

sunny & happy, just like his music…

Lookin’ good, JJ!

LOOOVE this super cool perspective Andy got  while I was getting the one above (right). Awesome, honey! You rock!

Getting to hear another new song….so cool!

Because his music is more beachy, we decided to head to the water. Love this candid moment as Andy made JJ laugh. So fun!

Turning up the heat…

Freedom is…doing the thing you love most in the world. Hip, Hip, Hooray for that!

We were quickly losing the light, but didn’t want the session to end.

Someone from our facebook page shared this photo yesterday on her wall with this caption “A man+ a guitar + Cape Cod = {heart}” Love that and couldn’t agree more!

These next two shots are from the same moment, two different perspectives. Can you tell whose is whose?

In this next one, Andy was really trying to emphasize the movement of JJ’s hands as he played. Very cool, no?

While I went for something more dreamy…choosing instead to focus on the sea grass in the foreground.

Again, Andy wanted to try something showing movement. Love this next one! He did a similar shot of me on our trip to Nicaragua a few years ago, as I walked passed a series of brightly colored buildings. I like that it subtly conveys the idea of our lives being constantly in flux and how even THIS moment is here and gone in the blink of an eye. Deeeeeep.

For this tour, JJ has been traveling cross country in a van he lovingly named L’Coche. He wanted to do a couple of photos of him chilling in his 70s inspired digs. Way cool, man.

And, in what felt like a blink of an eye (though it was really 3 hours) our session was over and JJ had to dash off to meet some fans who’d driven several hours to come see him before the show.  We met up with him later and after putting our cameras down and picking a couple of cold ones up, we had a night out like we haven’t enjoyed in some time. It was most definitely PERFECT SOMETIMES!

Thank you so much JJ! You are wonderful and it was so much fun to finally meet and get to work with you. You are as fabulous in front of the camera as you are behind the guitar…and that’s saying something! Thank you so much for letting down your guard and trusting us to photograph you here on Cape Cod. We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of your visit to our beautiful little island (it’s not the Dominican or even Brazil, but it’s special all the same). And, although you said, “No worries if it doesn’t work out,” we hope that somewhere in these photos is an album cover waiting to be born. Can’t wait for the next album to come out!

With big love & hugs, Chris & Andy  xoxo

As always, our time with them was filled with happy chatter, laughter and lots of love. As we were saying goodbye, they were commenting on all the good stuff on our blog lately. They were struck by how many of our couples come back to us years later to document their next happy life milestones.

“You really ought to market yourselves as photographers for life,” they told us. I admit, Andy & I LOVE this idea!

Although most of our couples do not live on the Cape, and many are not even based in Massachusetts, we really hope our relationships with them do not end when the music stops playing. Sure, the wedding is over, but life as a married couple is just beginning and we hope they see this as the beginning of a new chapter, both in their lives and in their relationships with us. We hope they feel as Mauri & Chris do…that we are to be their photographers for life….documenting all of the wonderful milestones that make life worth living…babies, family, birthday & anniversary celebrations, etc.

We love our bello couples, families & babies and truly see this incredible network we have as much, much more than our clients. They are our bello family. And, we cherish them, the faith they put in us, and the richness their presence has brought to our lives. Even if several years pass between our reunions, the warmth & friendship remains and makes our work so much more rewarding!

Such was the case a couple of weeks ago when we got together with Lauren & Garrison, whose AMAZING Wequassett wedding we photographed five years ago (pre blog). A lot has changed for them over the years, namely that they now have two beautiful, sweet, happy children ~ Julia & Oliver. We had photographed them two summers ago, when Julia was just a tadpole and without her baby brother. But, earlier this year, they welcomed sweet Oliver to the family and asked us back to the family’s summer home in Chatham to document this next happy milestone.

We, of course, accepted….with pleasure! And, our time together was much like reuniting with family….hugs & hellos and even a few tears. Oliver took a while to warm up to us…to me in particular. I won’t lie…it hurt a little. Babies usually love me…that sounds braggish, I know, but it’s true. But, before long, I’d won him over….and in return he stole a little piece of my heart.

Here are some highlights from our super fun, super relaxing time together…

Clinging tightly to his Mr. Elmo, Oliver checks us out with a bit of wonder and, dare I say, trepidation. Can we talk about those big beautiful brown eyes? Mmmmm good!

Beautiful, happy, fun Julia. She’s a big girl now and though she didn’t remember us, we were instant friends! Yay!

Mr. Happy is all warmed up now….gummy deliciousness!

Julia playing with her daddy! fun, fun, fun!

Pig pile on mommy….be still my heart! I imagine these moments are the ones parents live for!

And these too….can we talk about that baby chub and those crazy beautiful eyelashes on happy Mr. Oliver.

Julia is lucky to have got her mom’s gorgeous curls and her beautiful smile…which she wears on her beautiful face often.

Happiness on the face of a child….does it get much better than that? I think not!

Higher Daddy!!! Weeeeeeeeee

Love the joy & feeling of motion in this next one! Those curls….aahhhhh!

Beautiful babes….

I love the serenity I feel coming from Julia in this next one as she sits on the beach grass and checks out her surroundings…such a lovely, quiet moment.

Telling us a story as she speaks with her sweet little hands. Too cute!

Our happy family…LOVEEEE!

Oliver was getting a bit hungry (translation…bored of photos) so Garrison took his little man up to Grandpa for a bit of a break.

While Lauren & Julia checked out the local fauna…including a sweet little grasshopper with whom Julia became smitten.

Without hesitation, she picked up him, studied him for a bit, then gave him a sweet (and completely unprompted) kiss and gentle stroke, before sending him on his way. Be still my fragile heart! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! these two pics of her.

Two more faves….

Little miss independent struts off to search out some more beach grass to snack on (i tried it too…salty, but not bad) while we had a minute with our very cute and very happy mommy & daddy….

We have a photo almost exactly like this of these two at their love session (pre wedding) nearly 6 years ago. You two look as fabulous as ever! xo

“I’mmmmm hungrrrryyyy noooowwwwww! This photo session is interrupting my dinner time and I’m not happy with you lady,” I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what Oliver was thinking in this moment.

“Okay, food’s here…we’re friends again.” Yup, I’m a funny lady…babies love me. lol!

And, I looove them and all their precious little bits. I mean, can we talk about Oliver’s eyelashes….to die for!

A momma’s loving look into the eyes of her sweet babe. Yup, that’s love in its finest form!

Grampa Tony…we love him.

So does Julia….swooooooooon.

Grampa you’re funny….

Hey momma…let’s play.

And, then I’ll eat your face off….Mmmmm delicious!

These photos really make me happy and we hope they do the same for you! Lauren & Garrison…thank you both again so much for once again entrusting your beautiful family to us. We adore all of you and had such a fun afternoon/evening reconnecting and playing with the kids. You really do make ‘em sweet and oh so beautiful! We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of this exciting time in your life as your family grows and adds even more love & light to the world!

With big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Let’s face it, no one wants rain for their special day, particularly if you’re coming to Cape Cod as a destination wedding. Sun-drenched sand dunes, silvered cedar shingles, sailboats, and summer fun are what come to mind when most people think about Cape Cod.

We do, however, get our fair share of rain here, and so it’s good to have a back up plan, particularly when planning an outdoor ceremony & tented reception. But, even with rain, it will still be one of the best days of your life, we tell them.

Betsy & Josh’s wedding was the perfect example of this. They were supposed to have an outdoor ceremony, on a bluff in Chatham, with a tented reception to follow.  And, though it doesn’t happen often, theirs was one of those days when the rain came fast & hard and lasted all day. I mean, there was no break in the weather. To make matters worse, when Betsy & her bridesmaids showed up to the salon the morning of the wedding to have their hair & make up done the doors were locked and all of the lights were out.

Yet through it all, Betsy remained cool as a cucumber. We’d seen lesser brides crack under the stress of the wrong color lilies. But, there was Betsy, facing the storm of the summer and no salon….yet, through it all,  she was happy.

“All I care about is I get to marry Josh today. He’s the man of my dreams,” she said.

Perhaps their family & friends were reacting to Betsy & Josh’s upbeat attitudes, or maybe because they are such wonderful, loving, super sweet people, they attract equally fabulous people to them, or maybe it was just the rain….whatever the reason,  their wedding remains one of my all time favorites.

People really had a blast. The love in the air was almost palpable and though folks had to dodge heavy rain to get to the bathrooms, no one complained. Quite the contrary…it was a celebration of epic proportion.

Here’s a look back at our very happy bride….love the sheer joy on Betsy’s face. Makes me happy!

Unfortunately, we hadn’t seen Betsy & Josh after their wedding until a couple of weeks ago, when we got together with Betsy’s whole family for a reunion and bello family session. It was so great to see everyone again, and to meet Betsy & Josh’s son, Kyle, who is a total love bug, and a little ball of energy.

Here are just a couple of photos of our dear friends Betsy, Josh & Kyle. We love you guys and hope you love these photos as much as we loved spending some quality time together again after all these years.

Our happy family…

A momma’s hug…there are few things better in life than this!

Except maybe some one on one time with Daddy…

There are those expressions of utter delight so often found on the faces of these two exceptional people. Run, Kyle. Run!!

Mmmmmm good…

Catch me if you can, Daddy!

Love is…moments like these!

Thank you Betsy, Josh, Kyle and the whole family for welcoming us back into your lives with the same warm smiles & heart-felt embraces. We adore you all and feel blessed to have you in our bello family! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxoxo

“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”

I love this idea because what I love so much about photography is the way it allows me to document the one thing I respond to most in the world…{LOVE}. Love between two people romantically drawn to one another. Love between a mother and her newborn baby. Love between a man and his aging father. Love between strangers drawn together in joy or tragedy.

Pure. Simple. Unfettered. Glorious, Love.

Sometimes, I have such strong feelings of love for the people in my life I feel certain my heart will grow too large. But, in this feeling comes incredible joy and immense gratitude. And, intensifying those feelings is the idea that what we see, what we capture in the couples & families we photograph, is somehow a reflection of what we are. Truly, it’s just the coolest thing I’ve ever heard.

Trends in photography will come and go, and sometimes I wonder if we ought to infuse more of them in our work. But, Haas’s idea is more appealing to me. And, without realizing it, I think it’s been the foundation on which Andy & I have built bello….we shoot from the heart and, in so doing, we are able to show our couples and families, through images of stolen moments, that they are what we all most desire to be…LOVED.

Such was the case a couple of weeks ago, when we got together with one of our favorite couples, Dan & Michelle!

Last year was the first time in four years that we didn’t get to spend time with these two sweeties and their gorgeous girls: Mackenzie & Cameron. Mother nature seemed determined to keep us apart. Every day we’d scheduled to get together for their annual portrait ended up raining. And, in the end, the stars just didn’t align to bring us together.

Happily, luck was on our side this year, and a couple of weeks ago we reunited for our annual family photo session at Woodneck Beach in Falmouth, a place we had been going with them since we shot their engagement session back in 2006.

It’s so fun to see the changes each year brings to their family, and the two year break left me feeling a tad old, as the girls, Mackenzie & Cameron (who we’ve know since they were babes) seem all grown up. They are delightful, energetic, crazy sweet, funny, wonderful little people and we all agreed that we need to schedule another get together just to play and leave our cameras behind.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from another joyful love-filled afternoon with this wonderful family who knows how to love BIG!

A little hermit crab hunting to start our photo adventure…

Hola famalia. And, can we talk about how cute Little Miss Mackenzie is with her adorable specs. This is one girl who enjoys being photographed, almost as much as she enjoys playing with her doting photographers.

These girls have the most crazy beautiful eyes. Cammie you are simply mesmerizing!

Time for a little sister snuggle before they’re off…

The pride on Michelle’s face in this next one makes my heart sing. She & Dan are truly blessed!

Mackie writes her name in the sand…

Coy Cam, oh how the camera does love you.

Best hug…EVER!

Mmmmm good!

This next one could be my all time fave of these two little rays of sunshine. Their personalities are just shining through. Love, Love, Love!

Another fave…

And from a different perspective…can you tell which one is mine and which one is Andy’s?

Some momma lovin’. That there is some good stuff!

“If I could save time in a bottle. The first thing that I’d like to do, Is to save every day, Till Eternity passes away…Just to spend them with you.” Jim Croce

Mackenzie breakin’ it down, beach style, in her sporty new sweatshirt from Nana! Way to rock it out, Mackie!

A fun perspective of Cam in her new sweatshirt from Nana. Too cute!

Wrapping up the family fun with a big yellow bow!

Thank you Dan, Michelle, Mackie & Cam for a super fun afternoon! We love getting together with you guys and so very much appreciate the faith you put in us, year after year. Although we may be helping preserve important memories for you & your families, you, and all of our other wonderful couples/families are helping us become better versions of ourselves….reminding us where it all starts & ends…with LOVE. With big hugs & kisses, Christine & Andy xoxo

At the wedding, Ronnie came up to us and was so kind and complimentary. I can’t remember what it was that so impressed her about us. I guess she liked the engagement photos we’d done for Beth & Jeff. But, without having yet seen their wedding photos, she already wanted to hire us to photograph her daughter, Kim’s, wedding. And, well, it’s hard to say no to Ronnie.

She is a little firecracker of a woman. What she lacks in stature, she more than makes up for in personality. And, though blood may run through her veins like the rest of us, it’s love & laughter that really make Ronnie go. And, go she does….a mile a minute.

She’s a teacher by trade and it is THE perfect job for her. No…it’s not her job, it’s her calling. Besides being a big kid herself, Ronnie has the patience of a saint. She is one of the kindest, most sincere, generous, kind-hearted people you could hope to meet. I have no doubt she is that teacher, the one all the kids love and come back to years after leaving her class.

Like anyone who meets her, we immediately loved Ronnie. And, were happy to have been welcomed into her family fold. We’ve photographed both of her daughters now. Click HERE for a link at the latest wedding of Lauren & TL, back in 2010, at the Wequassett Inn in Chatham. And, that same year, we also photographed the wedding of Ronnie’s dear friend & fellow teacher, Claire, whom we also love & adore. For a look at Claire & Dave’s fabulous Boston wedding click HERE. And, for a look at nuptials number two on Cape Cod, click HERE.

Earlier this summer Ronnie reached out to us again to photograph the whole family, who was getting together at their house in Truro. With Kim & Lauren married and living in different states, it’s not often they all get together. So, for Ronnie and her very sweet, funny and incredibly doting husband, Frank, it was a reason to celebrate. And, they wanted to document the occasion with photos.

Andy & I, of course, were more than happy to oblige. Forming these kind of deep & lasting relationships with our “clients” (so not the right word for so many of the families we photograph) is the thing we love most about our work…mainly because it makes it feel a whole lot less like work.

We took the hour long drive to Truro to meet up with the gang a couple of weeks ago and were immediately greeted by lots of hugs and kisses…how many people can say that’s how they start their work day? Okay, I admit, most work days don’t start anything like that…it’s usually just us in sweats and untamed hair, staring at computer screens editing images for hours on end. But, when the day involves hugs & kisses from our old friends you almost forget about the other days.

After reuniting and getting to meet Kim & Mark’s super sweet lovebugs, Hadley & Wake, we headed out to the family garden to get folks warmed up again in front of our cameras. Then, off to the local beach for some fun in the setting sun. Here are a few of our favorite love-filled moments from our time together.

A big hug for daddy. Mark just soaks up the lovin…

Our beautiful family…from left to right (TL, Lauren, Frank, Ronnie, Hadley, Kim, Mark & Wake) Love you guys! (oh, and happy news…Lauren & TL are expecting their first baby. Yay! for the circle of life!!!)

Sisters and their growing families. These two just make my heart smile…getting to see our couples lives grow & expand with more love & goodness. It’s just so heart-warming and so fun to document!

The baby bump…sweetness!

Getting young kids to smile AND look at the camera is no easy task, but having Ronnie & Frank dancing & singing in the background sure does help…not to mention make Andy & me smile…big! You two are the best!

Love is….a lifetime beside your best friend and a wonderful family you created together. { Swoon }

In the dunes of the Cape….you’re the (family) I’ve looked for. Come with me…and escape! (If you know this song you’re old, like me.)

Strutting their stuff…

Can we talk about sweet Hadley for a minute? Too precious!

Hadley running to Nonnie! Be still my heart!

Playing in the sand….sweetness!

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you, sweet Wake! Couldn’t you just eat up this little man? Delightful!

Happy days…

I absolutely love the way children make the most out of life’s simplest pleasures. We could learn a lot from them! Go Hadley, go!

I LOVE these next photos of Hadley. The one on the left in particular just pulls at my heart-strings, mainly because I sometimes feel that way about Andy. Like the harder I squeeze him, the more he’ll know much I can’t live without him. Mmmmm good!

A little fun time with Auntie & Uncle! Lauren & TL…you’re going to be fabulous parents! Can’t wait to meet the little people you create!

Aunties are the best! More tickles, Auntie…more!!!

We captured a very similar photo of Lauren & TL at their wedding. They got a boat to speed them away from their reception and TL got in the water and carried Lauren to the boat. It was waaaay romantic! Love you two!

Parenting is the hardest, most rewarding job there is…and the rewards are moments like this.

“Where there is love, there is life.” Mahatma Ghandi    AMEN to that!

Life’s greatest moments are the ones in between the seemingly most significant ones. Like these…

Look guys, a hermit crab! Cool!

Beautiful Lauren in all her momma-to-be glory. (completely unposed moment)

Ronnie & Frank….and a love to be admired.

This next one is my favorite and makes me think of this quote: “Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to describe that tiny instant of all eternity when you put your arms around me and I put my arms around you.” ~Jacques Prévert

Ronnie…in all her wonderful, lovable, uber fun glory!

Thank you guys for an incredible afternoon of laughter and celebration! It was so great seeing you all again and watching you together. We adore you and thank you for always making us feel like part of the family! We hope you love these photos as much as we love you! Chris & Andy xoxo

Theirs has been a love story over 5 years in the making. They met through Adam’s brother, Derick, and Dani’s best friend, Aundie, and if you see them together you can tell they were meant to be. Adam is Dani’s yin and she his yang. Adam is quiet, thoughtful, and chooses his words carefully, using them sparingly…I can only imagine what he thought when he first met me….eeek! And, Danielle, she is super sweet, incredibly kind, thoughtful and vivacious. She’s the kind of person who when she hugs you, you know she means it. She’s a great hugger.

On the morning of the wedding, I walked into her mom’s house in Dennis, where the girls were getting ready and Dani gave me one of her hugs. It was instantly reassuring and made me even more excited to be a part of her & Adam’s special day. And, what a day it was. The weather had started off questionable, but as I had believed would be the case, the clouds parted and the sun shone through with a brightness that only Dani’s Dad, Ted, could have provided.

Tragically, Ted passed away last year and he was on everyone’s mind on the wedding day. I like to think that when our loved ones pass, they are still with us in spirit and that somehow, during pivotal moments in our life (and sometimes insignificant ones, too) they provide clear signs that they are here. The sun…and perhaps even the crazy storm that passed through later that evening, felt like gifts from Ted…love that thought!

All in all it was an amazing celebration of Dani & Adam’s beautiful love, shared with those closest to them. The ceremony took place at Holy Trinity Church in Harwich, with the reception following at the beautiful harborside Wychmere Beach Club in Harwichport. Here are some of the highlights from their love-dipped day!

Danielle loves details and I just love how she added a little fun & sparkle to her already killer blue Manolo Blahnik shoes. Sweet!! And, how about her beautiful Paloma Blanca dress. Looove!

Ted watching over the day…and the bling!

Dani’s super sweet Momma, Joyce, with flower girl extraordinaire, Georgia, who is the ridiculously adorable daughter of Dani’s cousin, the lovely Maegan, who was kind enough to refer Danielle & Adam to us! Thanks Maegan…you rock!! xo

Taaaa daaaaa!

Danielle carried rosary beads made from the flowers used at her dad’s funeral in her dress pocket, and inside the pocket, her mom had sewn in a heart-shaped piece of one of dad’s favorite shirts. Looove this!

Danielle & Adam’s Super cute wedding invitations were made by The Green Kangeroo, which ironically is located on Chatham Street….in North Carolina. The invites came in a little box, tied with ribbon and included a starfish. Sooo cool!

Putting on her earrings & shoes…looking absolutely radiant!!!

Joyce’s really cute Etsy find. Loove!

Dani & her girls…

Dani’s bouquet was wrapped in lace from her mom’s wedding dress. Sigh! And, Sweet Georgia on my mind!

Dani with her mom, Joyce, and super sweet brother, Brian. Love these guys!

Here we go….Think she’s excited? Uhhh, yeah!

Love this fun perspective Andy grabbed of Adam as he reads a card Dani gave him.

Getting by with a little help from his friends….

Brother & best man, Derick…

Some manly details…

Groomsmen, Chris & Rusty prepare to welcome wedding guests arriving at the church.

Guests arriving….ready for the fun to begin.

Adam’s adorable parents, Fred & Terry prepare to take their walk down the aisle…

Up next….Dani, being walked by her brother Brian. Love this moment!

Here comes the bride!

Sealed with a kiss….the new Mr. & Mrs.!!! Yaaay!

Oh, the love & joy how it did flow!

Danielle & Adam with their besties….

Very officer and a gentleman-esque no?

I don’t know what it is about this next one that I love so…blue sky, wispy clouds, American flag blowing in the breeze, American hero and his very happy new bride, wearing cool shades, walking down a worn wood beach path….what’s not to love?

Some Wychmere details.

I admit, I paired these two next photos because it made me giggle. Here’s cousin Maegan with another cousin being glamorous/silly…or dare I say a bit “cheesy.” hee hee…couldn’t resist!

Gorgeous flowers by Fancy Flowers.

Danielle & Adam’s first dance as husband & wife was highlighted by bright sun streaming in the windows….again, Ted was shining in his blessings. LOVE!

Guests & the happy couple enjoying the toasts…

I think Derick was a bit overwhelmed giving his toast, so he enlisted the help of friends, calling the other groomsmen up to the front to say a little something with him. It was a wonderful showing of love & support by all the guys! Well done, boys!

Dani & her mom share a moment on the dance floor.

The craziest looking storm clouds rolled in over Wychmere’s harbor. The wind whipped up and rain poured down and as quickly as it came, it went. It was very cool to watch!

Cutting a rug.

Danielle & Adam….thank you both so very much for not only sharing your incredible wedding day with us, but for entrusting us…with such love & kindness in your hearts…to document this day for you. We hope you enjoy this little sneak peak as much as we enjoy the two of you. Can’t wait to get together over a couple of cold ones to relive the day and hear more about your AMAZING Alaskan honeymoon! Hugs to you both! Big love, Chris & Andy xoxo