Like so many of the wonderful people who find their way to BelloPhoto, Ashley, found us through her sister-in-law, Kaitlin, who I photographed last summer, along with her super sweet hubby, Adam, and their adorable three boys. Click HERE for a peek. Ashley’s husband, Brendan, and Adam are cousins.

Andy & I had photographed Kaitlin & Adam’s growing family together, back when there were just 4 of them, and had also photographed their wedding in 2007. It makes me so stinking happy when folks return to us like that and are happy enough with us to spread the Bello love to family & friends. It’s just so affirming!

Anyway, Ashley reached out to ask if I was available to photograph her family while they would all be visiting the Cape. Her parents, Karol & Steve, and brother, Austin and his family, were going to be visiting from South Carolina. I know how special it is when families who are cast to all corners of the country…and sometimes world…finally have the opportunity to be together and I just LOVE it when they understand the importance of those fleeting moments enough to want to document their togetherness. It’s something my family never did and it’s probably why I feel so passionately about photography today.

I, of course, quickly said, “YES!” and last week, I got to meet everyone. Here are a few of my favorite moments with these wonderful people, starting with Ashley & her family – hubby, Brendan, and sweet boys, Emmett & Ryan. Just love the one on the right, where lovely Emmett is staring right into my camera with those beautiful eyes. Such a gorgeous family!

Ashley’s super sweet brother, Austin, and his lovely family – his beautiful wife, Kara, and their crazy cute boys, Jack, Will and Colin.

Grandparents and their grand babies….be still my heart! From left to right – Colin, Will, Jack, Karol, Steve, Emmett and Ryan.

Horsing around on the beach with mom and another family portrait for this lovely family….

Gotta love how kids react when they see their mom and dad kiss. I don’t know why it makes me so happy, but it does! Little delights…it’s what I’m all about these days!

The boys play a lot of sports and soccer is one of their faves…so after some posed portraits, I like to let the kids do what they love and then just sit back and document the fun. These are the moments for me. That and my one-on-one time with each kiddo. Here is Colin’s spotlight on the left. Adorable little human!

Catch me if you can, Emmett….

Kara & Ashley were the only adults to get in on the fun….moms…am I right?!!! Love them!! Jack’s turn for a portrait (left)

Sweet Emmett…as an oldest child myself, I always feel a kinship with the oldest. I can feel the weight of responsibility they feel (I often felt as a kid) to be good. They are almost always the sweetest kids, kind, compassionate…I see that when I look in lovely Emmett’s eyes. Just love the joy on his face as he dribbles around his mom.

Sweet, sensitive, lovely little Ryan. Can we talk about the way he’s looking at his momma?? Be still my heart!

Colin showing me his very cool shark puppet. Classic Cape Cod!

I love this portrait of Will…I didn’t ask him to hold the soccer ball, but I love how it makes it feel like what his MLS player’s card would look like if he was a pro. lol! And, again, more horsing around on the beach brothers, cousins and moms.

Karol & Steve watched on and so I grabbed this quick pic of them taking in the fun. Also, Brendan and his boys….dads and their sons….swoon.

Here comes trouble…..

More father and sons time….Colin kills me in this next one! This kid!! Love!

And with that…it was a wrap…

Thank you Ashley for reaching out and entrusting your family with me!! (Thank you Kaitlin for spreading the bello love!! We LOVE you, Adam and your beautiful boys!!) Ashley, I hope these photos serve as happy reminders  to you and your lovely family of these fleeting days, when kids seem little for such a short period, but where the love…it never ends! Hope you all had a fabulous visit to Cape Cod and a safe journey home!

With love & deepest gratitude, Christine xo