Julia and John have been in my and Andy’s life for more than a decade. We first met them when they were looking for a photographer for their wedding and instantly, I just fell for these two. Besides being beautiful people (inside and outside), they are funny, real, down to earth, super kind and generous and just the sort of people you want having four kids…because the world needs more people like them!

Happily, they must have been at least a little excited about us too, because they decide to hire us as their wedding photographers and I’ve been kind of obsessed with them ever since. It all started with their engagement session (which, if you’re interested, you can see HERE.). Right from that first opportunity to photograph these two wonderful people, I was smitten.

First, Julia is just a total style icon….she knows how to dress and isn’t afraid it be playful. The camera loves her and I swear, it’s like we don’t even have to pose them…they just know how to be together in a way that is like a photographer’s dream! AND…even with all of that, they truly do not take themselves seriously and it’s never about sharing the photos on social media in a braggy way….they just really love each other and want to have that documented. I just love photographing them so stinking much!

Anyway, the e-session was quickly followed by their crazy amazing wedding. As amazing as it was, it was a tough one for me. I had been rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery less than a week before after one of my fallopian tubes ruptured due to an ectopic pregnancy. You’d think Julia & John would have panicked. They didn’t. They were just worried about me. They sent flowers and were so incredibly supportive. We had a dear friend come down from NH to shoot with us and just be there to lean on if I got tired. And once again, Julia & John delivered the magic that seemed to make it simply impossible to get bad photos. (See for yourself HERE.)

Fast forward a couple of years and Julia & John reached out to us about maybe doing some newborn photos. Ummmm….let me think about that. YES!!! Don’t really need the two of us for those. So, I went to NYC on my own and documented some of the early days in the new life of their son, Brayden. I will forever cherish those memories. It was my first “lifestyle” session and Julia & John welcomed me into their home with open arms and open hearts. Still can’t believe I got paid for that! (See the magic HERE.)

Even more amazing….they let me do it again, and again. (See HERE and HERE.) And, most recently…again, though this time, here on the Cape. Julia & John were spending the week in Chatham, as they have nearly every year since we first met them. It’s their happy place and no better place to take their newest addition…Queen Blake.

Ironically, this session was supposed to be a mini session….just to document our wee girl’s arrival  (albeit a few months late) and grab a couple of quick pics for their family photo wall and maybe one for the holiday card. Clearly, I can’t do a mini session….because we finally wrapped up two hours later, when everyone started to get hungry. Whoops. For me, it’s all about connecting and connecting takes time…especially when you haven’t seen you little pals in a couple of years. And truthfully, I freaking LOVE spending time with these people, so 15-20 minutes just ain’t gonna cut it for me! Anyway, we finally packed up our stuff and headed to our house for dinner. Andy wanted some time with these peeps too.

As always, my time with these wonderful people was a highlight of my week…month…no past two years!! I just love this family!

Without further ado…here’s a look at some of my favorite moments from our beach time together.

Beautiful Julia and her baby girl, Blake. Just love this candid moment, which was much easier to get than one of three boys under the age of 8 holding still and smiling. Lol!! Loooooove these boys!!!

Brayden and Chase racing down the boardwalk….love how they’re really digging in.

These two….just love them and LOVE how they love each other.

The whole gang and goofing off with Dad. Chase was wearing a shark’s tooth necklace, which I, of course, asked him if he wrestled out of a shark’s mouth. He looked at me like I was crazy. I live for those moments!

Brady holding his baby sis, Blake, who seems perfectly happy in her big brother’s arms. This moment makes me feel like I can see into the future, 10 years from now, when Brayden, a senior in high school with lots of friends, is super protective of his little sister and dotes on her with a tenderness that defies patriarchal stereotypes and proves it’s cool to be soft.

Meanwhile, dad holds his two baby boys…Kade and Chase. Oh, these smiles, how they do light up my heart!

Speaking of smiles…can we talk about Miss Blake and her cheeky smile in this next one? Happiest baby ever!

Happy. Happy….so much happy!

Skipping stones and quality family time….these are where memories are made and where my tender heart soars.

Chase finds a crab claw, while John snuggles with his baby girl.

Sand between our toes, quality time together as a family….here is where memories are made.

Skipping stones (or trying) and looking so very grown up.

Brothers = best friends forever.

Absolutely LOVE these next two photos of Kade and Julia (who has always been one of my most favorite people generally speaking, and my most favorite person to photograph. It sounds weird, but she’s like my muse. I don’t know what it is about her, but when I’m around her, everything is better…including my photography. She just exudes love and beauty….the inner kind even more than the so obvious outer kind.) Clearly Kade feels it too and is just loving her undivided attention.

Easy, breezy, beautiful people.

Motion, emotion….these are the moments.

Giggles with Dada.

Talk about a mini me. Just love it!

So much love for these beautiful boys.

Julia & John….I’ve said it so many times before, each time with equal sincerity, but truly….THANK YOU!! Thank you for the gift of your time, your friendship, your heart, your boys….you share them all with us with such unwavering generosity, particularly now…when the world feels so topsy-turvy and littles are at risk. Still, you came. We played and shared and I just so so sooooo enjoyed all of your company. Sorry dinner was a little hectic…thought I’d have more time to prepare before it got too late…sorry for that too!! Honestly, I wish we’d had more time…I could have hung with you all day long just photographing and playing and just being together. Andy & I absolutely love you guys and your kids and it was such a treat to get to spend this time together during your visit. Love you to the moon & back! Chris & Andy xoxo