When we first meet Bridget & Brian in the winter of 2007 we instantly liked them. They are sweet, kind, fun, happy, warm people and we would have loved to have been able to photograph their wedding. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out. But, we kept in touch with them over the years and were so excited for them when we heard they were expecting their first child.

As wedding photographers, our work is very much centered around relationships, both the relationships between our couples and also the relationships we build with them. Obviously, we love photography and we’re always striving to find new ways to take beautiful pictures, to push ourselves and open our eyes to new ways of seeing the world.

But, the real joy in our work is watching the way love plays out between our couples, and even more exciting is seeing how that love manifests in the beautiful children they create. It’s like having a front row seat to the circle of life. How cool is that?

I was so grateful to get to photograph Ella in her first few weeks of life. (Andy & I tend to step on each others’ toes in these smaller sessions, so I tackled the mission solo.) With Ella being just a few weeks old, we wanted to keep things easy for her and for her mom & dad, so I drove up to Boston to photograph her in the comfort of her home. Bryan was sweet enough to come home on his lunch break to participate in the session and I also had some time with just Bridget & Ella for a little mommy & daughter bonding.

Babies are unpredictable and Ella provided us with a few giggle-inducing surprises, but all-in-all it was an absolutely incredible afternoon. Watching Bridget & Bryan together with Ella was such a treat. That is one lucky little girl to have been born into so much love!

It sounds kind of strange to say, but when we get to photograph people like Bridget, Bryan and Ella and they trust us enough to let their guard down and share with us the intimacy of their new family, our lives are enriched in ways I never expected. We leave pieces of ourselves in the photographs we take and they share pieces of themselves with us in the moments the share with us. It is a truly beautiful exchange. We’ve saved some of the more personal photos for just Bridget & Bryan, but here are a few of our favorites that we know they won’t mind sharing…

Getting Ella naked even on a warm day (newborns like it really toasty) and putting her in a salad bowl before she woke up was tricky. She’s a wriggler and didn’t give us much time, but just enough to get this precious picture…

Bridget & Bryan’s first baby….the beautiful Neala!

Ella snuggles up with Bryan. I’d say she’s definitely a Daddy’s girl…look at that smile!

And a little snuggle time with her beautiful momma….I absolutely LOVE the photo on the far right. I love the look of absolute devotion in Bridget’s face and the total trust & comfort on Ella’s. Love the way Ella is holding on too. Precious!

Love is….this! And, can we talk about Ella’s full belly? Yummmmmmmmy!

A family embrace…

baby bits…

Ella’s grandpa is a podiatrist, so Papa, this one is for you!

I nearly exploded with giddy delight capturing this next moment…

Unfortunately for Brian, Ella had a little explosion of her own right before this next shot was taken, which is why Bryan is smiling so big. But, I just love both of their faces…Bryan’s acquiescence and Ella’s relief.

Another shot for Papa….family feet.

This next photo makes my heart smile so big. I think Bridget looks absolutely radiant and so beautifully epitomizes everything wonderful that makes mothers, “Mommy.”

Sleepy Ella Bella woke up for a bit just as we were finishing up. Thank you Ella for being such a good sport and for handling your first modeling session like a champ!

Bridget & Bryan, thank you both for sharing Ella with me and for letting me see the special relationship you both share with her. She is a gorgeous little girl…no surprises there….and I absolutely LOVED photographing her with each of you! You guys are such natural parents and the way you love her is a beautiful thing! Special props to you Bryan for keeping it together when Ella “let go.” And, a very special thank you from both Andy & me for the incredibly generous gift basket. We’re still enjoying the goodies! Big love & hugs, Christine xoxo