2010 was our eighth year photographing weddings. Even seeing that written, it is still hard to believe. So much has happened in what feels like a blink. This has been a whirlwind adventure for us. And, with each passing year, we continue to pour ourselves into everything we do with as much passion & commitment as we have to give.

We started bello with a naive fearlessness that let us believe life would get easier simply by doing what we loved. We quickly learned that there’s so much more to this business than just taking beautiful photographs. And, this year proved somewhat challenging for us. Not the photography part and certainly not the amazing people part. But, 2010 was the year we struggled most with finding balance. Balance between work & life and balance as individuals who are together 24/7.

So, we took some time for us, to indulge our married selves and indulge in the other passion we share – Traveling. We went to Panama. We filled our hearts and nourished our souls. We met some amazing people, documented some amazing sights, and had an AMAZING time.

With our batteries fully recharged, we came back and photographed more incredible weddings featuring some truly inspiring couples. We photographed bello love sessions, special families and a commercial job or two. And, every now and then, we took photographs just for us.

We finally crossed some items off of our 5-year goal list, and then added even more. We e-mailed a lot…I mean a hella lot! And, somehow, along the way, the girl who never liked fish developed a taste for sushi.

2010 was the year we once again attended a wedding as guests. Our dear friend Lou came from the shores of Ireland to the coast of Cape Cod to elope by a lighthouse. She was there with us in Spain when our love first blossomed, and it felt good and right to be there with her when hers took flight.

We got countless cuddles from our beloved niece & nephews and the other special children in our lives and we wondered again if our life would feel complete without little lovebugs of our own.

We got published. More than once. Actually, like 8 times.

We celebrated another wonderful year with my grandfather as he amazingly turned 101. And, with happy hearts, we returned to Andy’s home in England to reunite with family & friends, some of whom we hadn’t seen in six years.

We laughed. We cried. We stressed out when things didn’t go exactly as we’d planned. And, we worked on accepting our imperfections. We spent months finessing our brand and are finally close to launching our new website, blog and client proofing site. Can I get a hallelujah?!

I think it’s safe to say, 2010 was a big year for us…a turning point of sorts. Having reached a level of success we had only dreamed of eight years ago, we were finally able to take stock of our lives and map out a new direction that ensures more balance.

As we head into 2011, we look back with gratitude and look ahead with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for this incredible, passionate, love-filled work we do. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for taking this journey with us. Happy New Year!

In peace & love,

chris & andy xoxo