When Andy & I started BelloPhoto, I’m not sure I realized just how much photography is all about forming relationships. And yet, it is, hands down, the thing I’ve been most grateful for in this love-fueled work. Over the years, Andy & I have met some amazing couples and families, all of whom have welcomed us with open arms and hearts, supporting us in so many ways. It really is a humbling thing….to know that what we do touches people enough that they want to keep coming back for more. I feel so very grateful for that…so very grateful!

For me, it’s all about the connections….the moments of bonding that happen over shared and intimate life experiences. Sometimes, the stories are of heartbreak — the loss of a parent you photographed at a wedding just a few years earlier, or learning about an illness that has shaken a couple just starting out in their newly married life. They reach out, letting us know how much the photos we captured mean to them and how grateful they are to have them.

On the other side, there are the shared joys….seeing a couple you first photographed as part of a surprise proposal welcoming their first child. They might be nervous and still getting their footing around this tiny little life they created and yet, they trust me enough to let me hold, pose and photograph that precious little love bug for hours.  It’s photographing a shy child, and having them be vulnerable enough to let down their guard and shine for me and my camera. It’s being welcomed into a family’s home to document real life for them and getting lost in the magic of that shared experience.

I’ve so enjoyed all of these moments of real connection. Photography has a way of not just allowing me to tell other people’s stories, but somehow, I get to be a part of them too. I’m not sure I expected that when Andy & I first decided to start photographing weddings….a decision that came soon after our own, which, as it happens, was 21 years ago tomorrow. Man, that flew by. Without sounding self-aggrandizing or exaggerating the importance of what I do, I learned early on in this business that sometimes a photo is more than just a photo and this work can have lasting effects. That realization has two profound impacts on me….One, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it right, capturing everything I can that will adequately tell my clients’ unique stories. And, two, it’s made me pour every bit of myself into everything I do and every photo I take, which can sometimes feel both exhausting and also overwhelming.

I guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic today. Maybe it’s because it’s our anniversary. Maybe it’s knowing things are changing with Bello. Andy isn’t photographing with me much anymore. Back in July, we photographed what will likely be our last big wedding together and while I’m happy for the extra time and new freedoms that decision will provide, I’m also feeling a little sad about it, about letting go. Or maybe it’s seeing all of the back to school photos posted on social media this week, many of which are of kids we photographed when they were just babies, and before that, when they were just a twinkle in their parents’ eyes as we photographed their weddings. Maybe it’s the end of summer and the crisp scent of changing seasons that hangs in the air. Whatever it is, the overwhelming feeling I as I write this post is one of gratitude…for all Bello has given and continues to give me.

That feeling was also in the air two weeks ago, when I once again was invited back to photograph Maryellen & Kevin’s beautiful family. Their daughter, Maura, had reached out to me about photographing the family as they all gathered in Mashpee for a last summer hoorah. Maura and her husband, Patrick, had first reached out to Andy and me, about five or so years ago, to photograph their Cape Cod wedding. Unfortunately, we had already been commissioned to photograph another wedding on their date, but we were lucky enough to be free when Maura’s younger sister, Katherine, married her now husband, Dan. And over the years, we’ve been invited back to photograph the whole family. It’s so nice when that happens and it has a way of making me feel a bit like part of the family.

This year was the first time I photographed Maryellen, Kevin and their crew on my own and the family had multiplied since I last saw them last. Maura & Patrick now have, not one, but three little lovebugs – Cullen (who I met when he was just a few months old), Liam and itty bitty baby Ciara. Katherine and Dan also added to their family, welcoming their super sweet pupper, Mookie, and the crazy cute, baby Brooke. And, Maura & Katherine’s sister, Meghan, much like me….seems to be relishing her role as favorite Auntie. (Okay, I may have given myself that title. But, I think Meghan has definitely earned hers.)

Below is a peek at our most recent time together, starting with the whole crew (from left to right) Dan, Katherine, Brooke, Cullen, Kevin, Meaghan, Liam, Maryellen, Ciara, Maura and Patrick. Such good people! The photo above, is a favorite of mine from the session. Patrick was playing with Liam in between posed photos and I got down low and grabbed his expression as he was flying through the air, secure in his Daddy’s loving arms.

Silly Cullen and his cruisy little cousin, Brooke, who has taken to walking like a champ.

First up for family group photos are Maura & Patrick. Just love this candid moment of Liam walking down the dock with his Dadda. In my own family, somehow, that period when the kiddos are little and want to hold our hands everywhere we go went by waaaaay too fast. And, on the right is a close of up two cuties, who were all smiles and not at all uncomfortable being photographed. Made my job so fun!!

Maura, Patrick and their clan – Ciara, Liam, Cullen and the OG baby of the family, Riley.  Smiley Ciara….what a doll.

Katherine, Dan and their babies, fur baby Mookie and 1-year old Brooke. Not sure who I enjoy more…babies or doggos.

I think it’s the babies….I mean, look at that stare….be still my baby-loving heart.

Where it all began….Kevin and Maryellen. No wonder their family is so beautiful. Look at these two beauties!

Like the last time we had a session, we started photos at the family’s home and then headed to the nearby beach for a little change of scenery. It never disappoints here and I’m glad that there is this wheelchair accessible area for Meaghan! Although, beaches should be much more accessible for everyone!!

See what I mean about favorite Auntie….I was taking a photo of Meaghan and Cullen decided he wanted in too. Bless him!

Stoooop it with the cuteness you three!!!

Smiling, happy people make me smile while I work. Literally, I was smiling and giggling the entire time these five walked across this foot bridge.

Babies make everything better….

Adorable four-year-olds aren’t too bad either!!

I just love watching the way children changes our couples. Katherine was always a happy person to be around, but look at her looking at her baby. I can’t!

More momma & baby goodness!!! Thought I’d end this post where I began…with just the sweetest little elfin enjoying himself.

Thank you Maura and co. for once again bringing me into the fold to document your time together. I adore and appreciate you all and always love our time together! Hope these photos serve as happy reminders of this time in your lives and of your happy place here on Cape Cod. Big love & hugs to you all! Christine xoxoxo