Every year for the past several years, we’ve had the pleasure of photographing Dan & Michelle, one of our former brides & grooms, along with their ever-expanding family. Sometimes, we just get together with their nuclear family, while other years, Dan’s parents & siblings join the party. And others still, Michelle’s parents & siblings get on board the bello fun bus.

This year, it was Dan’s family’s turn for some photo fun. And, as we have done every year, we met the family at Woodneck Beach in Falmouth, where we first photographed Dan & Michelle for their pre-wedding engagement session (aka love session). But, this year, something new and unexpected happened. We were literally chased off the beach by the most aggressive, nasty little no-see-ums any of us has ever encountered.

Honestly, it’s was shocking. As soon as the sun lowered in the sky, those little blood sucking monsters popped out of wherever they’d been hiding and came at us with a vengeance.  The kids were getting eaten alive. We all were. It was so bad we had to cut our session short and will reschedule a do-over next year. Booo hoooo.

Happily, we were able to get a few shots of this wonderful, loving clan before the swarm descended. Here are a few of our favorite (non-scratching/itching/biting) moments from our time together.

The gang at high tide…poor Liam is already rubbing his eyes and this was as soon as we got to the beach.

Where it all began for us, with Dan & Michelle, and their beautiful kids, Mackenzie, Cameron and new to the family, baby Will. Click HERE for a look at our last session with these lovebugs.

Dan’s brother, Mike, and his lovely wife, Christina had come to us this past fall for a maternity session, as they excitedly awaited the arrival of their little boo, Liam. Click HERE for a link at our last session with them.

Dan’s nephew, Eamon, was really more interested in getting wet than he was having his photo taken…who could blame him, the water was inviting. 🙂 Love this series of Dan’s brother-in-law, Dann, chasing after his son trying to get him back for photos. How much do I love the look of success on Eamon’s face? Sooo much!!

Will is having fun with his grandpa, Bill, who the older kids all call Old Fella (can you stand it? Too freaking cute!), while Nana Ginny looks on.

Christina, Mike & sweet Liam. These guys waited a long time for their little man and we could not be happier for all of them to have found their way to one another. We just know that Liam is in for quite an amazing, love-filled life! Woooo hoooo for that!

Dan’s sister, Megan, with her hubby, Dann, and their kids, Lily and Eamon. Some girly goofing around, cousin style, with Mackie & Lily.

Eamon is a hoot. He definitely marches to his own beat…just like his parents and we love that about him! And, can we talk about that gorgeous head of hair?!

The original family: Dan, with sis Kerry, mom Ginny, dad Bill, sis Megan, and brother Mike.  Love this happy family!

Throughout the session, Eamon kept wanting to get in the water (and I mean IN the water), which we found totally awesome. Dad….not so much. 🙂

Mackie thought it was pretty funny too, as it meant everyone chased after Eamon to get him back on dry land. Here they run back to the rest of the family.

I don’t know how Will slept through the no-see-um assault, but we’re oh so glad he did….delicious! And, then wide away, he plays with Nana!

Hello beautiful…all of Michelle & Dan’s kids have the same gorgeous blue eyes they inherited from their Daddy.

Run Lily Run! (if you’ve never seen it there’s a really cool German film called Run Lola Run, which I loved, almost as much as watching sweet Lily run wild on the beach at sunset.

Lovely Lily and her equally lovely cousins, Mackenzie & Cameron…

Big thanks to all of you for bearing with some pretty icky conditions at the beach. As always, it was wonderful seeing you all and we appreciate you taking time out of your weekend to come see us. We look forward to trying again…perhaps at a new location?…next year! Until then, we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of our brief time together. Much love & big hugs to you all, Christine & Andy xoxo PS…Michelle & Dan, we’ll see you again soon! xoxo