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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do I think? Uhhhh, yes please!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can’t you just feel spring?

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

More curls…

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

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

Mother Nature at her best…

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

Love it….

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

perfection…

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

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

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

Peppermint sticks all tied up….

Rock candy…the stuff childhood memories are made of…

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

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

Cake truffles…MMMMMmmmm!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mmmmm….

I love white flowers….so clean & pure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More mellow yellow…

I dig the font she choose for the Table cards.

Even the wine bottle worked with the motif.

Check back on Wednesday for more fabulous eye candy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To check out pics of the 4-page feature, pick up a copy of the magazine in bookstores or visit the magazine’s website. (Ivy & Ben’s wedding can be found photo thumbnail to the far left on the bottom row of thumbnails.)

Here’s a couple of quick snaps we took of the magazine:

We’re not an advertiser in the magazine, so we’re super grateful for the free exposure! Thank you Allison Liset at Elegant Engagements for working to get the wedding featured. Thank you, too, to SNEW Publisher Lisa Schryver for finding beauty in our photos. And, biggest thanks, as always, goes to Ivy & Ben for putting together such a beautiful (and super fun!) wedding! Love you guys! xo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is she too cute or what?

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

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

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

A pensive pose…

Working it…big time…

Does she have some crazy beautiful cheekbones or what?

I love her playful expression in this next one…

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

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

Our friends are the ones we go to when life calls for celebration. And, they are the ones we lean on when times are tough. They give us truthful answers to hard questions and build us up when we’re feeling down. Our friends know us and lovingly accept us, despite our imperfections. And, sometimes, they enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

Pam & Geoff owe much to their friends, including their upcoming wedding next spring. In the fall of 2006, Pam & Geoff’s friends set them up on a blind date. If it hadn’t been for that date, they might never have met….or fallen in love.

Yeaaaay for good friends!!!

As it happens, we also owe much to Pam & Geoff’s friends. In the summer of 2007, just a few months after their friends steered Pam & Geoff to each other, we were invited to photograph the amazing Cape Cod wedding of Allison & Greg.

Pam was Allison’s maid of honor. Right from the start, we immediately hit it off with Allison & Greg, with their families and their friends. They all welcomed us into their lives with incredibly warm, open hearts. We’re still in touch with Allison & Greg, their parents and a few of their friends. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, but theirs was that kind of wedding and we feel truly grateful for the connections we formed.

So, of course, we were super stoked when Pam contacted us a couple of months ago to announce that she was getting married and wanted us to come to New York City to photograph her wedding. Budget, understandably, was a concern, since having us come to New York meant added expenses. But, Pam told us, she & Geoff REALLY wanted us there. I can’t really explain how amazing and humbling it is to hear couples tell us that. Knowing they make sacrifices and move budgets around because they feel so strongly about wanting us to be a part of their day is overwhelming in the best kind of way!

As Pam & Geoff worked their numbers, we got e-mails from Allison & her friend Rachel (also a friend of Pam’s) saying they planned to boycott the wedding if we weren’t there. I mean, come on…does it get any more flattering than that? I don’t think so! I’m sure they were kidding. But, still, it was nice to hear.

A couple of weeks ago, we met up with Pam & Geoff at the Cutler Park Reservation in Needham for their fabulous fall love session. The weather was amazing. The leaves were at their colorful peak and the park offered lots of great nooks for photos.

Here are just a few of our favorite moments from our time together.

The happy couple…

Pam & Geoff are so cute together. Pam’s laugh is infection, her smile contagious and Geoff just seems to instantly relax being near her. Gotta love that!

We actually hopped off the boardwalk into the marshy reeds for this cool perspective. Pam was such a trooper, even willing to get her super cute orange Tory Burch flats wet for the shot. Gotta love that dedication to art!

Normally, our sessions are later in the day, when the sun is lower, but I gotta say, the bright fall light really had such a cool quality about it, particularly with the fall colors in the background…

Knowing our penchant for cute butt shots, Pam admitted that she bought a new pair of Hudson jeans (my personal favorites) that she was hoping we would highlight with one of our classic shots. I love how she’s standing on her tippy toes to give Geoff a smooch.  Way to rock the butt shot guys!

I absolutely adore the perspective Andy was working for this shot. And, the way Pam is looking off taking in the scenery is so cute!

A little tickle time…

One of my personal favorites from the day…the tree colors are just gorgeous and their expressions…perfect!

Another lovely moment…

Something a bit more serious and serene…

We had to hike quite a way into the park to find this hidden tunnel that ran under the commuter rail. It looks like it is a popular spot with spray paint artists. I have to admit, I love me a little graffiti!

One of the tags on the tunnel wall included a heart that made a perfect backdrop for our love session…awww it’s like they knew we were coming!

More giggles and gorgeous fall foliage…love it!

The boardwalk that stretched through the reed-filled marsh was so cool and the reeds themselves were just beautiful. I really like the way the trees frame the shot as Pam & Geoff walk away.

And at the entrance to the park was this cool little rock structure. Not sure what it was once used for, but it made a cute backdrop for a few more shots of our lovebirds…

I really like this next one of Geoff…he looks so comfortable in the arms of his sweetie!

Framed by the window…

Another favorite moment of the day. Geoff was being particularly patient with us, letting us grab a few more shots, even though the Pats game had started and he was eager to get back to his folk’s for the second half. Thanks Geoff!! We hope you love these last few as much as we do and feel they were worth missing part of the game.

Pam & Geoff, thank you soooo much for inviting us to be a part of this exciting time in your lives. We had such a blast hanging out with you at our love session. And, Pam, we know you’re not exactly a nature girl, so we appreciate you hiking through the woods and sacrificing your super cute flats for some great photos.

We’re so excited about coming to NYC for your wedding in the spring. We just know it’s going to be a total love fest and it’ll be so great to see Allison & Greg and Rachel & Glen again! We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of our fun afternoon and get you just as excited as we are about seeing you again in May!!!! With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

You’ll soon see why I had bird poop on the brain when I started this post, but just so it all makes sense…Amy accidentally stuck her hand in some poop while climbing rocks during our love session with her & Ryan a couple of weeks ago in Cotuit, Amy’s old stomping ground.  Way to take one for the team, Amy!!!!

Amy & Ryan’s story began on a chilly March day in Washington DC. Amy was walking her dog with her sister when a tall, handsome man stopped to introduce himself. Amy was wearing one of her old Suffolk Law sweatshirts and Ryan, the friendly stranger, shared that he, too, went to Suffolk Law. In fact, they graduated in the same class, but had never met.

As they would soon discover, their lives shared many parallels. Although they were both living in Virginia when they met, they both grew up in Massachusetts. Both of their fathers are builders, both of their mothers are nurses and both have family houses on Cape Cod that they live for.

So, it seemed fitting that our love session with them would take place here on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, in one of Amy’s favorite secret spots.

Before our session began, Amy & Ryan let us know that they are a “schmoopy couple.” “We can’t help it. We’re madly in love,” Amy told us. As it happens, schmoopy, totally head-over-heels-in-love couples happen to be our specialty, so ours was a match made in heaven.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our chilly, but super fun love session….

Amy & Ryan have a sweet easiness about them that makes getting great photos a cinch! It doesn’t hurt that they’re both totally adorable…in a sexy Ralph-Lauren-we’ve-got-your-models kind of way!

Love this next one…Ryan is probably one of the the nicest guys on the planet…totally down to Earth, kind, smart, confident, and humble. And in this next photo, he shows us he’s got a sexy side too! I also love Amy’s hottie stance and the way she’s looking at Ryan with a look that says, “I’m so proud of my honey.” Love Love Love it!

And then we see their goofier side….equally as delicious!

Here’s the moment that inspired my heading for this post. Amy was such a trooper and carried on without missing a beat…thank goodness the ocean was nearby for a quick rinse! You rock Amy!

Oh the joy…

Amy & Ryan are the kind of people who can just get lost in each other and forget anyone else is around. This next photo is a perfect example of that. Rockin’ the schmoopy!!!

I love this shot of Amy…few things in life are more beautiful than a women in love…

Another favorite moment of the day….

Watching 3 fishermen who also knew about the secret spot.

If the word contentment had a picture next to it in the dictionary, this might very well be it.

Da bling…

One of Ryan’s favorites from our session….we like to share shots we’re excited about during the session as it lets our couples see what we’re doing and hopefully helps them to relax a little more knowing we’re capturing some great moments.

Having a little fun….

Sexy & serious…..

Amy & her beautiful blue eyes radiate as she snuggles with her sweetie!

Peek-a-boo we see you!

cashmere + classic 501s + a crisp fall day in your favorite place with the one you love = HEAVEN!

I’ve said it before, but I really do love those in between moments, right before or right after a kiss. The joy & anticipation is just palpable! Love it!

Generally, we’re all about natural light, but sometimes it’s fun to play with a little off camera flash when the sun is on a fast decent toward the horizon…

Super sweet schmoopy moment…

And, after the sun (which was hiding throughout our session) called it a day, we did too, but not without one last off camera flash shot….

Amy & Ryan thank you so much for sharing your secret spot with us. Thank you for taking time out of your quick visit home to hang out with us. And thank you for being so much fun to photograph! But, most especially thank you for trusting us to capture this special time in your lives for you. You two are so great together and we just know that your wedding next July at CBI is going to be a total love fest! Looking forward to seeing you both again soon! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxo

Two years ago, we had the pleasure of photographing the super fun Willowbend wedding of Molly & Guy. Molly comes from a large Irish family & Guy from a large Italian family. Their wedding was a merging of two proud cultures that, among other things, shared one very important commonality…the importance of family. Their wedding was a celebration of the coming together of two incredible families, each of whom knows how to love and love BIG!

So, we were over-the-moon happy when Molly contacted us recently to ask us to photograph her & Guy’s  crazy-beautiful daughter, Isabelle. Getting to be there with our couples when they embark on the journey of marriage and then, following them through their lives as marriage turns to family is not only an honor and a privilege, but it is also a joyous celebration of the circle of life. And, the significance of that warms our hearts and leaves us feeling so grateful.

Because Isabelle is still such a peanut….just 4 months old…we decided to go to Molly & Guy’s lovely home for the session, so we could photograph Isabelle where she is most comfortable. We spent a couple of hours with our dear friends and we are super excited to share this collection of images with you. Isabelle is as sweet as she is beautiful. Meet baby Isabelle…

Our first shot of the session….Gotta love when the magic happens right away! I love Isabelle’s expression and those eyes…seriously?!!!

I could just eat her up…

Getting up close & personal with our little miss sunshine….

Who’s a happy girl…

Baby sessions are so fun because babies generally don’t have the apprehension about being photographed that adults sometimes have. And, it is soooooo fun to get in close and document all of those precious little bits, like Isabelle’s sweet curled little toes and her super delicious perfect little bubble-blowing lips!

I love this next one. The sun was pouring through the window acting almost like a spotlight and Isabelle seemed to be enjoying all of the attention. Is she the perfect little Gerber baby or what?

A moment later from a different perspective and with a slightly more curious expression…

These super cool Bumbo seats allow little ones to sit straight up without any help. And they also make a great prop for a portrait! Isabelle’s expression in this one totally reminds me of the talking Quizno baby. Doesn’t she look like she’s got a lot to say! So funny!

A couple of detail shots from Isabelle’s super cute bedroom and the little cupcake herself…

Dadda’s home…yeaaay!!

After over an hour of being photographed, our little model was exhausted and instantly fell asleep in her daddy’s big strong arms. Life is good!

Sleeping beauty…

I just love the contrast of Isabelle’s tiny little hands holding tightly to her mommy & daddy….

After waking from her quick catnap, Isabelle was ready to head outside for some fresh air and some pics with her mommy & daddy….

The leaves made a perfect background. And, I’m pretty sure expressions don’t get much cuter than this next one…

Our happy family…

Giggles with mommy…

Life’s simple pleasures…

Isabelle loves her Daddy…

After a little nap & some fresh air, it was time for a snack. I just LOVE the view of Isabelle’s eye lashes from this perspective.

She really does have the most incredible eyes!!! And how about those cheeks…I had to hold myself back from totally nibbling on them!

One of my favorite shots of the day…

Molly & Guy, thank you both soooo much for welcoming us into your lives 3 years ago with such open arms & open hearts. And, bigger thanks still for keeping us in your lives and for wanting us to document Isabelle’s first year of life. Things change so quickly when they’re little and we hope these photos help keep her little for a while longer! We love you guys and loved spending the afternoon with you and Isabelle! Thanks for the delicious Sicilian pizza…Guy you’re the best! Can’t wait to hang out with you all again…next time lunch is on us! With big love and hugs, Christine & Andy xoxoxo

When we asked college sweethearts, MaryHelen and Kurt what their favorite things to do together were, they replied, “Dancing, anything that involves the ocean, and eating.” This was a good sign, since Andy & I also love dancing, anything that involves the ocean and eating….though not necessarily in that order. And when their answer to the question, “What would be unique about your wedding,” was, “The quantity of dance offs at the reception,” we knew for certain that we were going to have some fun with these two.

Still, MaryHelen & Kurt caught us off guard when they glided onto the dance floor for their first dance and then proceeded to boogie on down to Huey Lewis’s 80s classic, “The Power of Love.”

This wasn’t your typical first dance. There were no rehearsed steps, no holding tightly to one another in an emotional embrace. Instead, it was as if there was no one else in the room…just two people who know how to completely strip themselves of inhibitions and really have a good time. It was as if we were getting a private glimpse into what a Sunday morning might be like in their house….dancing in the kitchen in their pajamas as their favorite song unexpectedly plays on the radio.

It was wonderful and their family & friends ate it up, especially when Kurt pulled back his jacket and slid across the floor to MaryHelen’s feet.

We really are so very fortunate to get to see how differently love manifests in different couples. There is no right or wrong way to love, but when you love without limits and trust that your heart is safe in the hands of the one you give it to, well, I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in the world than that.

And, so was the feeling of MaryHelen’s & Kurt’s wedding a few weeks ago at the lovely Hyannisport Club. The sun was shining, the air was warm but crisp, and happiness danced on the falling leaves and in everything around them!

Here are just a few of our favorite moments from MaryHelen & Kurt’s amazing wedding…

MaryHelen in her super sweet Priscilla of Boston eyelet gown….she was radiant!!

I love the way MaryHelen’s niece and flowergirl, Katherine, watches with wide-eyed wonder as her aunt checks her make up, looking very much like the perfect princess.

This next one feels very Grace Kelly to me…

Sugar and spice and everything nice…

Riding in the limo with the girls on the way to the church, I looked down the long stretch of lovely ladies and saw MaryHelen gazing out the window and my heart stopped for a second, captivated by the beauty of the moment and by the sweet sentiment as I imagined what her thoughts must have been in that moment.

Meanwhile, a little while earlier and across town, Kurt enjoys some time with his friends as he gets ready for one of the biggest days of his life…

Kurt & his mates! I love this shot and how cool is that old Colony Park? Super sweet ride boys!!!

Outside  Our Lady of Victory Church, MaryHelen’s sister, JoHanna, has a moment with her son and ring bearer, Thomas, before they both head down the aisle.

I absolutely love this kiss….I love the way MaryHelen is holding onto Kurt and the absolutely beaming look on her face! It’s moments like this that make life so sweet!

The new Mr. & Mrs….

This could be one of my favorite shots of the day…I absolutely love the expressions on both MaryHelen’s and Kurt’s faces as they get ready to drive away from the church with friends and family happily gathered in the background! Love it!!

YeeeeeHawwwww!!!

We stopped for photos at MaryHelen’s mom’s house, where we first photographed the happy couple for their super fun love session one year ago almost to the day.

Kurt & his dad are big into building boats and houses and fixing up antique cars, like this super sexy Rambler…

I love the light in this next one and how about that super cool moss that covered the pathway to the marsh? It’s so Enchanted Forest!

The boat on the left is Kurt’s. It’s the first one he ever built, thanks to a little help from his dad.

Having two amazing sisters myself, whom I adore more than words could ever express, this next photo of MaryHelen and her sister, JoHannah, makes my heart smile BIG!

Grrrrrrrrrr….sexy!

This is also a contender for favorite photo of the day. These two love each other with hearts wide open and it’s a beautiful thing to be around!

We had such fun photographing these two with this very cool car!

I absolutely love the easy breezy feeling in this next one as the Just Married signs blow in the wind & MaryHelen hangs her arm out catching the breeze and taking in all the happiness of the day!

A girl and a boy + a cool car and a ton of love = PERFECTION!

Add a little sun flare and perfection just got a little bit better!

Some amazing details by the ridiculously talented Shama Klee.

Some more fabulous details from the day, including the nautical inspired cake by Delicious Desserts.

This post wouldn’t be complete without a quick look at the promised (and certainly delivered) hilarious dance offs that carried through much of the night’s party. Here, Kurt & his mates do a little move I call the Boys’ Joy Ride. I don’t know what they actually call it, but Kurt starts out and his mates quickly jump in as if they’re all getting in a car and going for a ride…it ends with them on the floor…hysterical!!!!

We’d like to thank Tasha Bracken of The Simple Details for helping make sure MaryHelen & Kurt’s day went off without a hitch…great finally working with you Tasha! Thanks to Shama Klee for giving us some seriously delicious eye candy at the reception. Shama, the designs you & MaryHelen put together for the tables were absolutely GORGEOUS. Even the smell of the honeycomb candles added to the perfect ambiance! I’ve never seen the Hyannisport Club look so elegant!!! Amazing job! Thanks to Scott & Roseann at the Hyannisport Club for always making our jobs so easy! You guys rock! Thanks too to the talented Night Rhythm for keeping everyone dancing so we could get some amazing pictures! Thanks to all the amazing vendors who helped make MaryHelen & Kurt’s wedding perfect!

But our biggest thanks go out to the families of MaryHelen & Kurt and to the happy couple themselves for trusting us to capture such an important time in all of your lives. MH & Kurt…you two are wonderful! The easiness of your love is so sweet to be around. It is obvious that you two are best friends first and foremost and that truly is a gift! We LOVED being a part of your incredible wedding and we hope these photos (and the others very soon to follow) will forever keep the memories of your day alive in your hearts for many happy years to come! With love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

We drove up to NH the day before their wedding to check out some spots. The sun was shining and it was a glorious day. We knew this spot would be perfect. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was feeling a tad crabby the follow day and it rained pretty heavily for most of Kara & Jamie’s wedding.

But, a little rain wasn’t going to dampen spirits and spoil all the fun! Heck, no! After their ceremony at the stunning Immaculate Conception Parish in Newburyport, MA, we had a couple of hours to get back to the Wentworth By The Sea Country Club. We were debating whether to just head back to the club and do photos inside or around the tent. But, Kara, Jamie & their bridal party were all game for getting a little wet in the name of fabulous photos.  So we stuck to the original plan and headed for the fort. How much do we love when couples give us that kind of creative freedom? Totally LOVE LOVE LOVE that!!!

It was still a little drizzly at the fort, but we were able to get some great shots and hopefully they think it was worth a battered pair of Jimmy Choos!

The entire day was an incredible celebration of the beautiful love Kara & Jamie share, both with each other, with their families and with their amazing friends. Getting to be there with them on such a special day was truly an honor and a pleasure! Yes, they are beautiful outside for sure, but it is their inner beauty that really lit up the day with magic!

Here are some of our favorite moments from the day! Enjoy!

The sacrificial Jimmy Choos and some other fabulous wedding details….

Getting a little help from good friend, Bridget, Kara puts on her earrings after having her hair & make up done by the very talented Ashely & Candice at Daryl Christopher Salon in Waltham….she’s so beautiful it just takes your breath away, doesn’t it!? And I absolutely LOVE her hair down! GaGaGorgeous!!!

With a little help from her friends, Kara slips in to her crazy beautiful Anne Barge gown from L’Elite Boston. So different and the neckline on her was fabulous!!! And can we talk about her hair and the rose/feather accent? LOVE IT!!!

Two little rings symbolize a commitment packed with such love & meaning…

Jamie putting on the finishing touches….isn’t he handsome?

I love this next shot of Jamie getting in the Hummer limo….talk about riding in style.

Our handsome groom at the church. It was raining, but that didn’t stop Andy & Jamie from getting outside to get a couple of quick shots by this very cool door!

This photo is going to come as quite a surprise to Kara & Jamie! And we can’t wait to hear their reactions! Apparently, Jamie’s groomsmen were a bit hungry so they had a quick pizza delivered to the back of the church without anyone knowing. Here the guys shove their faces in the rain. Love it!!!

Swedish Invasion! Relatives of Kara’s dad, who sadly passed away when Kara was just 19, made the long trip from Sweden to see Kara say, “I do!” I just love this perspective.

Not even pouring rain could dampen Kara’s excitement as she heads into the church to marry the man of her dreams! Love it!!!

It was an emotional moment as Kara’s mom, Anne, walked her daughter down the aisle.

Immaculate Conception is a beautiful parish and the alter provided a stunning backdrop to Kara & Jamie’s exchanging of vows.

During communion, Kara gives her mom and good friend, Bridget, a quick smile….this is one of my favorite times of the Catholic wedding ceremonies because it gives couples a chance to take it all in and look around and see all of the people there to love & support them.

Jamie & his friends made a quick stop to pick up beer for the trolley ride back to New Hampshire and as a little gift for his friends, Jamie bought everyone a Mega Millions ticket. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t the winning ticket. Shucks!

Jamie bought all of his groomsmen these super fly chocolate brown & white kicks to match their very stylish beige Seersucker suits.

Kara’s beautiful sister, Kristen, and her hubby, Marc (left) with Best Man Fill-In Extraordinaire, Marshall. Marshall wins huge points for being a last minute fill in for Jamie’s friend, Ryan, who couldn’t make the wedding because he & his wife were due to have their first baby. Marshall’s speech was AMAZING…apparently he’d been preparing for the fact that he might have to fill in. Way to go Marshall! BTW…Kristen & Mark also recently had a baby, little Taylor, who is a total lovebug!

Love in a cement (looks like some brick too) structure! Ducking out of the rain for a bit, we took Jamie & Kara in part of the fort that looked like it might have housed munitions. There’s something so fun to me about taking beautiful people in beautiful clothes and putting them in a really rough and tumble location. I just love the polarity of the situation. I also like the symbolism of an old building…you could say marriage, if you’re lucky and work hard at it, is like this cement structure. It’s worn and some spots are battered, while others still appear new. And yet through it all, it has stood the test of time.

Having a moment…bello style

I LOVE this next one! The joy on Kara’s face makes my heart smile! Another great example of the benefits of having two photographers. While I was inside the structure getting the above shot, Andy was outside capturing this fabulous moment!

Again, two photographers…two unique perspectives (mine is on the left and Andy’s is on the right)

This is where Kara’s shoes took the biggest beating….but what a cool shot, no?

Love is…..this moment!

The lovely Kara….

The day before the wedding, while scouting out the area for photos, I found this very cool heart-shaped rock and gave it to Kara & Jamie as a little good luck charm. I think a few of the guys thought I just carried heart-shaped rocks around with me for cool photos. Not a bad idea, but I didn’t….this one was all thanks to serendipity!

Braving the rain and seriously slippery rocks, Kara’s friends rallied to get this cool portrait! Thanks guys…you totally ROCK!!!

I love this next shot! I always prefer those in between moments either right before or right after a kiss. For me, there is just such a feeling of anticipation…love it!

Some of the amazing details of Kara & Jamie’s day…

Their first dance was as sweet, fun and playful as Kara & Jamie are themselves.

They say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day. Perhaps that is true, but something tells me these two don’t need much luck. They’ve already got all the key ingredients for a happy, lasting marriage!

Okay, so Jamie’s family apparently has a strange tradition of doing somersaults at every wedding. It was pretty tricky business capturing this fast moving chaos, but talk about fun!!! Even Kara went for it with Jamie’s sister, Nicole. And, that’s Jamie’s mom in the middle, with I think one of the cousins. I’m not exactly sure what they’re doing, but it looked like some sort of surfing move, with the cousin shimmying backwards across the dance floor…talk about hysterical!!! BRILLIANT!

Thank you Kara & Jamie for instantly welcoming us into your lives with such open hearts! We had a blast being there with you at the rehearsal dinner, getting to meet some of your friends and family and then again, at your wonderful, love-filled wedding celebration! You two are such warm, happy, genuine, loveable people and our lives are richer for knowing you! We hope these photos bring you as much joy as being around you both has brought us! And like our cement structure, we know your love will stand the test of time. Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

We were able to take a few days off to do some sightseeing and toured a good chunk of the mid-Cape and lower-Cape, including a stop at Pirate’s Cove in Yarmouth for a rather competitive 36-holes of mini golf, and trip to the Wellfleet Drive-In theater…something not to be missed during a trip to the Cape!

We didn’t take as many photos as we should have…something we’re quite guilty of when it comes to family, especially during the busy season when we and our cameras get worked overtime. But, here are a few photos on mum’s last day. We couldn’t let her leave without some photos of her and her oldest son…

Meet Pauline…aka Mum…Isn’t she beautiful!!?

I just love her blue eyes. They’re a slightly different color and shape than Andy’s, but I thought it would be fun to get a close up of their beautiful peepers!

Aww…momma & her boy! Love it!

And outside for a few more pics…

I LOVE this next one. Mum reached up to gently touch Andy’s face and it was kind of a cheesy moment, which caused them both to absolutely crack up! We kept laughing about that one all the one to the airport.

Mum….it was sooo great having you here! We’re sorry it took as long as it did and promise to come home soon! We love you & miss you and thank you for making the long trip to come be with us!!!

Big BIG love, Chris & Andy xoxoxo

Like most things in life, you don’t realize how good you’ve got it until it’s gone. Perhaps this was lingering in the back of Laura & Brian’s minds when life…and love…gave them a second chance.

This super sweet pair first met in at Andover Academy, where they went to high school. While in the same freshman triad, they quickly became friends; running in similar circles and sharing common interests. But, their friendship never blossomed into anything more and after graduation, they went their separate ways.

After college, Brian went on to Boston University’s medical school and Laura ended up at rivaling Boston College for grad school. But, it wasn’t until a Christmas party thrown by a mutual friend that their paths crossed again. And, this time, they saw something different in each other….some spark that wasn’t there before, drawing them to one another.

“We instantly reconnected…I was hooked,” Laura told us. “I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought about him in that way before.  It was so easy and comfortable - there was just always this feeling that it was meant to be.”

Flash forward five years and Laura & Brian are now planning their wedding. They will say, “I do,” surrounded by family & friends next summer at the Wychmere Harbor Club.

We met up with Laura & Brian two weeks ago for their super fun love session. Here are a few of our favorite moments from our time together. Enjoy!

Right from the start of our session, Laura & Brian seemed completely comfortable in front of our cameras  and the love they share came shinning through!

Trying a new perspective on a classic shot…

I just love their expressions in this next one, especially framed by the changing leaf colors in the background.

Laura has the sweetest nervous giggle and I just love this series of her & Brian “having a moment.”

We’ve never eaten at Five Bays Bistro, but we hear it’s a great restaurant….we just love the facade.

You really can tell a lot about the way someone feels about you in the way they look at you…..Brian wears his feelings well!

Where to next?….

Awww….

The look of love…

Fall really is a great time for photography. I just love the fall colors and the crispness in the air….plus it seems to encourage more snuggling….

Laura is so beautiful and she knows how to smile with her eyes! Tara would be so proud!

If you follow this blog at all, you’re probably sick of hearing me say it, but here I go again….There truly is no better place in the world than in the arms of the one you love. And these next two photos just say it all!

I love their expressions in this next one…

Taking in the setting sun…

A late blooming rosa rugosa …

These next two are some of my favorites from our session. They both just look so relaxed and at peace…if only life could feel this way ALL the time!

Love is….this!

We were pretty much done with our session at this point, but Andy captured this photo and I just think it’s such a cool shot. I love the light and the perspective.

Laura & Brian thank you so much for being so much fun and for trusting us so completely! You guys did AMAZING and made us even more excited about getting to be there with you when you say, “I do!” next summer. We have no doubt it’s going to be a love-filled celebration and we’re excited to document all that love & laughter for you! Until then, we hope you enjoy these photos and that they serve as a happy reminder of all the fun still to come! Big hugs & love, Christine & Andy xo

Two weeks ago, we got together with college sweethearts Meg & Brian for their fall love session. We met them at Bourne Farm, one of our favorite local spots that just oozes so many of the things I love best about fall. It’s actually where Andy & I said “I do,” eight years ago…hard to believe it’s been that long already and yet, I can barely remember my life before him.

Meg & Brian are getting married next June at the Winslow Estate in Orleans. We haven’t shot a wedding there yet, but the property looks AMAZING, and Meg & Brian are super sweet, so we’re very excited!

Brian let us know right away that he is not a big fan of having his picture taken, which we found ironic, since he’s easy on the eyes. But, I get it. I admit, I am also camera shy. I am WAAAAY happier on this side of the lens.

One of the main reasons we offer complimentary engagement sessions with all of our album packages is exactly for people like Brian and me. Being photographed by someone you don’t really know can be intimidating and uncomfortable. For me, I become super aware of myself and feel self conscious. And, I’m sure I’m not alone. As photographers, Andy & I like to put those feelings on the table right away and work through them with our couples before their big day.

Our sessions are really low key and hopefully a lot of fun. Generally, by the end of our time together, everyone is feeling more relaxed and comfortable, both with Andy & me and with the idea of being photographed. And, if you’re feeling comfortable and trust the person (or in our case, persons) taking your picture, you’re going to be more relaxed and that always means better, more natural photos.

While Brian may have been a bit nervous about our session, Meg, was completely the opposite. A total ham and as the subject of much of her sister’s photography, she was instantly at ease in front of our lenses, which I, personally admire, and I think it also helped put Brian at ease.

I gotta say, photographing couples is really my favorite thing to do. I just love watching the dynamics between two people who really care about each other. At the start of the session, we watch as they hold tightly to one another and look to the other for comfort and support. And, if we’ve done our job well, by the end of the session, they are having fun and enjoying the experience.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our afternoon with Meg & Brian….Enjoy!

We’re always looking for interesting ways of looking at a scene, finding a new perspective or angle that tells a new story. It keeps it fun for us and gives our couples something they may not have seen before.

But always, my favorite photos are ones like this next one, where you can just feel the bond between our subjects. To me, this next photo perfectly conveys the relationship Meg & Brian have and I love it!

Another fun perspective courtesy of my very talented and always-willing-to-lay-on-the-wet-ground-for-a-good-shot husband, Andy!

Love their expressions in this next one….happy & relaxed!

Taking advantage of local scenery…

In honor of the pumpkin festival being held at the farm the day after our session, a sad looking scarecrow guarded the pumpkin patch. We asked Meg & Brian to go hang out with the scarecrow for a bit and it seemed to make them crack up, which is always a good thing for us!

I love this perspective and the way the light seems to be spotlighting them.

Miles of rock walls surround Bourne Farm’s property and while Andy was getting some great photos of our happy couple, I thought it might be fun to shoot through the wall for an interesting composition. What do you think?

This is a pretty classic portrait shot, but I just love it! And something tells me their moms will too!

I got your back……

The town of Falmouth recently completed an extension of their Shining Sea Bike path, which initially was about 3.3 miles, but now extends over 10 miles into North Falmouth, crossing through a portion of Bourne Farm’s property. I wanted to try something different and have Meg & Brian lay down in the middle of the path and play with the lines of the path. It just so happened that a rollerblader came rushing past as we were preparing for the shot and well, the result was even better than my original idea. I LOVE when that happens!

The day of our session was very overcast and it ended up spitting rain a couple of times, but Meg & Brian were in town from Maryland very briefly so it was our only chance to get together. As it happens, it was a great session and the rough weather churned up this starfish at Woodneck Beach. I’ve never seen starfish at this beach before…so cool!

Lovely…

Fun fun fun!

It wouldn’t be a bello session without a butt shot! That’s not entirely true, but I do love my butt shots!

I really like this next one. I love how Meg’s hair is blowing in the wind, how they’re both looking in different directions and their happy expressions. So fun!

The look of love…

The best place to be….in the arms of the one you love!!!

Meg & Brian, you two were AWESOME!! We had such a great time hanging out with you both, dodging raindrops, hanging out with a scarecrow, and walking on seashells! We were already looking forward to your wedding next summer, and now, even more so! Thank you so much for letting down your guard and for giving us a personal glimpse into your lovely relationship. Thank you too for taking time out of your quick & busy visit home to be with us! We really appreciate it and hope these photos serve as a happy reminder of all the fun still to come! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

My grandfather, Ugly, as he is affectionately known by us grandkids, celebrated his….wait for it…..100th birthday on August 25. Yup, 1-0-0 years…talk about a milestone!

He has experienced much in his life and has seen incredible changes, inventions, discoveries, births and death. So much has happened in our world over the past 100 years and he was there to witness all of it.

I wrote him a little poem/tribute in honor of his birthday a couple of years ago that seems appropriate to share on this momentous occasion. But first, I’ll share some photos, since that’s probably what you come here to see.

The assisted living facility that Gramps now calls home threw a big party, complete with a giant cake, balloons, and some seriously giggle-inducing entertainment by a former Vegas lounge singer who seemed smitten with my aunt. At one point, they performed a duet that caused one of the residents sitting behind me to say, “I thought he was going to kiss her.” (I gotta be honest, I did too!) It was brilliant!

The cafeteria was packed, with all of the residents (and several family members) there to celebrate Gramp’s 100 years…or maybe they were just there for the free cake. Either way, it was a great afternoon! Here are a few of my favorite moments from the party…

The man of the hour….UGLY (aka Michael Ferullo)

The staff at the residence baked a huge strawberry shortcake for Ugly and the great grandkids helped him blow out the candles.

The Mayor of Revere even came to the party to present Gramps with a citation. My grandfather’s face when he saw the Mayor was priceless!

Look at him just beaming with pride. I just love him!!! After he left, Gramps said that he thought that the mayor had come to his party because he heard what a nice guy he was and how he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. If you know my grandfather, you’re laughing right now. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE my grandfather and hold him on the highest of pedestals. But, he is by no means perfect and certainly isn’t the most accepting, open-minded person. He’s an old dog and very set in his ways. If you agree with him, you’re in good standing, but if you don’t…look out…he bites!

Ugly with my sister, Kimmy, and her delicious daughter, Sadie.

My aunts and the singer coaxed Gramps to get up and sing a Frank Sinatra number. I love his face…he’s like, “Will  someone get me the hell outta here!” Priceless!

My cousin’s son, Andrew, boogies on down! I love this little munchkin. (PS…his dad, my cousin, Andy, made it out of ICU this summer and is now home from the hospital, after receiving a bone marrow transplant. It’s been a long, hard battle and the fight marches on…please keep him in your prayers!)

A few days later, our family got together again to celebrate Ugly’s birthday with a party at my aunt’s house. It was a great day and here are a few of my favorite moments from our afternoon together….

We made a special present for Gramps, a canvas wrap print featuring 100 reasons why we all love him. I read them outloud to Gramps, who seemed bored after the fifth reason. But, I kept torturing the grumpy old coot!

This is him before he got bored….

Sadie looks on curiously while shoving a chocolate cupcake in (and on) her face.

Mr. Popularity takes a call from my cousin, Jason, who recently moved to California and couldn’t make it home for the party. I love the shades over his glasses….classic Hollywood!

Sadie hangs out with her favorite Uncle Andy.

While her brother, Calvin, enjoys some good times on the slip & slide with his second cousins…

Time for cake…again…

Andy with his favorite girl, Sadie. Check out Andy rockin’ out Grandpa’s shades. Sexxxy….

In this next photo, I’m snuggling up with Sadie & my cousin, Carla’s little boy, Cole. I just love how Cole is giving Sadie a suspicious look. He & I bonded that day and I like to think he’s wondering how to push her out of the way so he can get snag all of my attention for himself.

Lovely Sadie…

With her best friend, Douglas the monkey.

Cole & his mommy share some snuggle time.

Uncle Andy is like the Pied Piper of little kids. They just LOVE him and he loves them. It’s one of the things that made me fall in love with him. How can you resist a man who children love? You just know he is good through and through.

Cal, relishes the attention and playtime with his favorite Uncle and is the first to jump on the pig pile.

Nap time for Sadie…I just love the light skimming off her crazy cute pigtails!

My cousin, Monica, and her super sweet son, Jan Williams, share a moment.

It was a great time with family. As we get older, we don’t all get together as much as we used to, so having the chance to get together and celebrate such a wonderful occasion was truly a blessing! We love you Ugly and treasure your presence in our lives! xoxo

And, if you’re interested in some sub-par poetry (actually, I’m not sure it qualifies as poetry per se, but I enjoyed writing it), here’s the tribute I wrote for my Gramps in celebration of his birthday. I actually wrote it a few years ago, but revised it slightly for this post. My grandfather was always THE BEST storyteller. He loved to tell a story almost as much as we grandkids loved hearing him talk about the good ole days. His memory isn’t quite what it used to be anymore, and today’s stories have more to do with who’s bugging him this week at the assisted living facility than they do with memories from his past. But, I will forever think of my grandfather as the man who loved big and lived to share the stories of his life.

1909

1909—what a marvelous year!
It was the year you came into this world.
I would not know you for almost 60 years,
But in that time you would experience many things,
Creating memories you would one day share with me.

Although I never knew what life was like growing up on a farm in Arlington,
Or what it was like to wake at 4 Am, drive a wind-up old pick up truck into Fanieul Hall,
And deliver the family’s produce.
Tho’ I know nothing of cutting glass or of making leather shoes.
And while I have never seen a Great Depression, a war of the world, or the birth of rock n’ roll,
I feel as though I have experienced all of these things (because of you).
I can smell the air as it was in 1909—thick with the promise of an industrial revolution,
Yet as pure and sweet as a garden tomato.

And woven with these stories of bygone days are memories of my own:
Summer afternoons spent frolicking in a flower-covered plastic pool,
Eating potato salad like only Grandma can make.
Christmases where children could drink red wine with ginger ale,
Where presents were abundant,
But none so precious as the love you lavished on us.

Yours was a place where nickels and quarters seemed to grow under a worn-out old recliner;
Where I learned to appreciate the joy of working with my hands,
And where I often marveled at how the skin on your still nimble hands held its shape
Long after I stopped pinching.

And though I left you after each visit, my arms packed full of leftovers,
Old lamps you re-wired, mismatched dish towels,
Or refinished treasures you saved for me,
Nothing could compare with the fullness of my heart.

Oh, how my cup runneth over with all you have given me.

Never will I forget the exuberant youthfulness of your face that day at Fenway,
When you and Dad fought over a foul ball.
Never will I forget the smell of mothballs on hand-knitted wool blankets,
Or the taste of fresh mint picked from your backyard.
All these precious gifts you have given me Grandpa are impossible to repay,
So today, on this day—August 25, 2009,
I give you only this…three words spoken with more feeling than they could ever express—
I love you.
I love you for all you are, for all you have ever been, and for all you have given to me!
I am truly a better person for having you in my life!

Forever yours,
Chrissy

Love grabs hold and the only thing to do is to promise your heart to that person. To give yourself to them as completely as they have done to you. And that’s exactly what Stephania & Justin did on a perfect September afternoon by the salty water on picturesque Cape Cod, surrounded by their families and dearest friends.

Here are just a few of our favorite moments from their spectacular Nauticus Marina wedding…

Stefania’s crazy beautiful dress and super cute shoes.

Stefania checks out progress on her hair and make up by the talented ladies at Beyond Beauty in Hyannis….beautiful!

Stefania’s bridemaids, including her cousin and sister, help get the dress ready…

I remember that feeling when I put on my dress the day of my wedding day….suddenly the fairytale felt real. Oh the joy!!!

Justin hands out gifts to his groomsmen, including this very cool poker chips set for his brother Scott….

One more quick check in the mirror before heading out to say, “I do!”…..Lookin’ good Justin!!! Lookin’ GOOD!

I love this next one of Stefania and her dad, Max, heading into the church….so cute!!! (Stefania reminds me of a young Sophia Loren….Che bella!

Another very cool moment….

Officially Mr. & Mrs., Justin & Stefania jump in this super cool Rolls Royce and head to their party….but not before a quick kiss and a toast. Awwwww…..

During cocktail hour, we stole Stefania & Justin away for a few photos around the marina….

I love this perspective with Stefania’s ga-ga gorgeous bouquet of white orchids (one of my favorite flowers) by Karen at Lilac Florals.

The look of love……I love how the boat in the background says Angel!

Sometimes all you need are some steel doors for a cool backdrop….

Oh, and a super cute couple having fun with each other doesn’t hurt either…..love it!

Karen put together some AMAZING flower arrangements for Stefania & Justin’s wedding, including this super cool white tree wrapped in orchids that stood above the guest’s placecards. Very dramatic!

Announcing the happy couple….love their expressions, love the lighting!

Their families and friend made an arch for them to come under during introductions and it provided a super cool perspective for some candid photos.

After watching her Uncle Justin dance with her new Auntie Stefania, too-cute-for-words Jaclyn steals a quick kiss. I just love this photo!!!

Stefania’s cousin, Lea, gave an amazing speech and looks on in this next photo as Justin’s brother delivers an equally funny and heart-felt speech.

In the lighthouse….

Dusk at Nauticus…..BEAUTIFUL!

And here are a few of the incredible details from Stefania & Justin’s wedding….

We’d like to thank all of the wonderful vendors who helped make Stefania’s & Justin’s day run perfectly and who provided beautiful eye candy for us to photograph including Olive Chase & the fabulous staff at The Casual Gourmet and florist extraordinaire Karen Taddei of Lilac Florals.

We’d also like to thank Stefania’s & Justin’s super sweet families for welcoming us with open arms. But, as always, our biggest thanks go out to Stefania & Justin for trusting us to document such a special day for you! We have loved getting to know you both over the past year. It is obvious that the love you have for each other runs deep and we feel truly honored that you asked us to be a part of starting this new chapter in your lives together! We hope these photos (and the others soon to follow) will help to keep the memories of your BEAUTIFUL wedding day alive for many happy years to come!

Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo

Laurie & Joe put a lot of time & effort into all of the special little details that gave their wedding their own unique signature look and getting to be there with them to record all of those details, and more importantly, document all the moments of love was not only an honor, but truly a pleasure. It was hard to narrow down the photos to just a few, but here are some of our favorites that together tell the story of their special day…

Laurie’s super cute shoes wrapped in ribbon & bling along with her stunning wedding dress.

Laurie getting buttoned in as her mom, Nancy, looks on proudly.

I love this photo of Laurie in the limo on the way to the church. Her mom, Nancy was telling Laurie how much she loves her and how proud she is of her, as her dad, Steve, looks at his baby girl and just beams with pride. Such a sweet moment!

The boys getting ready…

Joe and his mates….

Laurie & her girls as they head into the church….is she stunning or what?!

Left alone for a moment outside the church just before the ceremony starts. We love this moment with our grooms….the nerves suddenly go into overdrive as you prepare to commit your life to your best friend. Love it!

Here comes the bride….I just love how Laurie & her dad look at each other right before heading down the aisle to Joe.

I don’t know why, but I really like this next shot. I think it’s the drama the organ chimes provide in the backdrop mixed with the serious expressions on the faces of Laurie, Joe and their BM, Mark and MOH, Marisa. While love is certainly the main theme of a wedding; it’s also a serious commitment and seeing two people pledge their lives to one another is a beautiful thing…

I just love the way Joe is looking at Laurie in this next one. Laurie is definitely the more timid of the two, especially in front of a crowd, and I just love how Joe is holding her in his gaze……lovely!!

With vows & rings now exchanged, the nerves settle down and the celebrating begins….

This next one makes me smile! I love the color, the composition and the story it tells as the congregation raises their hands to send blessings to the happy couple…

The receiving line can be a great opportunity for candid photos like this next one. Laurie & Joe built enough time into their schedule to allow for it and still have plenty of time for photos. We LOVE that!!!

The new Mr. & Mrs.

Yeah…we did it!!!!

It was an unseasonably warm late September afternoon and so there were a few people on the beach, but we just had Laurie & Joe take a little stroll with their friends for some more candid “formals.”

Love this perspective….

And this one as Laurie & Joe head back to the limo….

Back at Willowbend, and after the family pics, we still had some time for a few photos of Laurie & Joe out by the club’s super cool red barn. The sun was setting, providing some dramatic lighting for this fun perspective…

And this one…Love that sun flare!

The barn…taaaadaaaaah….so dramatic and so fun!

And a different perspective telling a different story of that same moment….again, two photographers is always better than one!!!

And here are some of our favorite details from Laurie & Joe’s amazing wedding….

We’d like to thank all of the wonderful vendors who helped make Laurie & Joe’s day perfect…including Randy van Tasel & the fabulous staff at Willowbend Country Club; cake queen Lisa Raffael at Delicious Desserts, Concetta Gordon and the always-fun First Class Band, florist Kate Farrington of Gatherings in Duxbury and the talented Tessa Gonzalez Vasak of Evenstar Paperie.

We’d also like to thank Laurie & Joe’s super sweet families for welcoming us with open arms. But, as always, our biggest thanks go out to Laurie & Joe for inviting us to share in such a special day in your lives. The fun began with our wickedly-fun love session at Fenway Park….thank you again for such a great afternoon. You two are so sweet together and we have loved getting to know you both over the past year! Being there with you when you said, “I do,” was both an honor and a privilege and we hope these photos (and the others soon to follow) help keep the memories of your AMAZING wedding day alive for many happy years to come!

Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo