Melisa & Tony have been there with us almost since the beginning. We photographed their amazing Ocean Edge wedding in September of 2004, just one year and 18 wedding after first starting Bello. So, when they asked us to take some photos of their 1-year old son Rocco, we were so excited! We hadn’t seen our friends in a couple of years and were really looking forward to meeting their little lovebug. And, oooh, was he a lovebug. Even with remnants of a cold and lingering ear infection, he was still a bundle of joy!

When we arrived Rocco was still napping, which gave us some time to catch up with Melisa & Tony and get a tour of their very cool new house. We weren’t surprised the house was hip and had loads of character, since Tony is an architect and Melissa works in textiles.

We snuck into Rocco’s totally adorable room to grab a couple of quick photos of sleeping beauty…check him out! He sleeps like my dad says I used to…butt straight up in the air. Seriously? Does it get any cuter?

A close up of little Rocco’s sweet face…

Love this colorful mobile above Rocco’s crib….

Rocco wakes up and wonders who all the people are in his room. Hey Dad? What’s going on? (I love his sleep face, rosy little cheeks! That’s the side he was lying on. Too cute!)

Well, since you’re here…let’s play…(I think he might be a photographer in waiting….he loved playing with the lens caps)

Time to get dressed…How amazing are those eyes? And whenever I see baby skin I just want to nibble somewhere! They are just so delicious!!! And so perfect!

Kisses for Dada…

Playing with flowers outside…The curiosity of children at life’s simplest things just makes my heart smile.

Here I come…

Is he yummy or what?

I love this shot. You can just feel the pride Melisa & Tony have for their little lovebug, and the joy he brings to their life. And, even though Rocco was sick, you still get a feeling for the little Mr. Independent that he is…

1+1=3

I just love the way the light is streaming over Rocco’s face in this one. And the purity in his eyes. Love it!!

This is kind of a funny series. If you’ve ever owned a pet and then had a baby, you know, as does your pet, that when baby comes home, the ranking of your pet in the family hierarchy suddenly changes. And sadly for poor kitty, the change is not in his favor. Can’t you just see what he’s thinking?

A little snuggle time to end the session…

Thanks Melisa & Tony for inviting us into your lovely home. We had such a great time reconnecting; we were just sorry Rocco wasn’t feeling in top form…poor little guy!! We love you guys and thank you so much for being such amazing supporters and cheerleaders for us. You two really have been there with us since the start and you will always hold a special place in our hearts! We love you and can’t wait to watch Rocco become the cool little person we know he will be! xoxo C&A