With hundreds of weddings taking place here on the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, we’ve got plenty to keep us busy. But, a few times each summer, we are asked to cross the canal to photograph a beautiful off Cape wedding. Shooting in a new location and getting out of our comfort zone is always a fun challenge for us.

Although we like to think our style has a distinctive look, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to keep our images fresh, to try new things, and still provide our clients with the Bello experience and fun, emotional photos they’ve come to expect. That’s not always easy, particularly when we end up shooting at the same gorgeous locations. Don’t get me wrong….we’ve got it soooooo good here on the Cape! There is nowhere else we’d rather be. But, it can also be exciting for us when we get to shoot somewhere new. The creative juices really get flowing and we end up seeing things with new eyes. Such was the case at Stacia & Colin’s fabulous August 1st wedding.

Our happy couple said, “I do,” at the elegant and historic St. Gregory’s Parish in Dorchester. Built in 1844, St. Gregory’s is a fine example of Romanesque Revival. Its beautiful stained glass windows, arching columns, wooden ceiling and grand marble altar provided a stunning backdrop for Stacia & Colin to exchange their vows.

Equally as elegant was Stacia & Colin’s fabulous reception, which was held at the prestigious Country Club in Chestnut Hill. Founded in 1882, The Country Club is the oldest country club in the entire United States, and one that holds an important place in golf history.

The club was originally established as the country’s first private club formed exclusively for outdoor activities, with its primary focus on horseback-riding. The golf course itself was not built until 1893, starting with just six holes laid out by three club members. The course expanded to nine holes later that summer and to a full 18 holes the following year, after the acquisition of more land.

There have been 3 U.S Open tournaments held at The Country Club, including the first, held in 1913, just 7 years after the very first U.S. Open  was held in Newport, RI. The club has also played host to the Ryder Cup and to several national amateur championships, including three U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.

Walking into the beautiful old clubhouse, you can almost feel the history hanging from the walls. Overlooking the 18th hole, the clubhouse offers gorgeous views and I couldn’t help but think of the novel The Great Gatsby when the guests mingled on the lawn during cocktail hour.

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful celebration of Stacia & Colin’s love and commitment to one another. There were so many incredible details and wonderful moments captured that it was hard to choose just a few, but here are some of our favorites from the day:

Stacia’s hair & make up was done by the very talented ladies from Charles David Salon. Gorgeous!

Getting dressed with a little help from her sister, Amanda, and friends Courtney & Sarah. Lookin’ good ladies!

This next photo was taken right after Stacia’s veil was put on….she was just beaming! I love this shot!

With her AMAZING Vera Wang gown, Stacia takes a moment to soak it all in…

Va va va voom….

We love the details. Colin’s cufflinks and shoes….

Wanting to do something a little different, Colin decided to get a real bow tie for himself, while his groomsmen opted for the easier clip on. Unfortunately, Colin didn’t figure out how to tie it before his big day, so he & his groomsmen spent the better part of the morning researching how to tie a traditional bow tie online…hysterical!!!

Even a how to video didn’t seem to help much….

Colin certainly gets points for persistence!

Unfortunately, the bow tie won the battle and a defeated Colin was forced to go back to the shop to get a clip on. Note to grooms: Sort this stuff out before the big day, guys!!! Come on!!! Try on your suit, shoes, etc. and make sure you can tie your tie!! LOL!

With her blusher down, Stacia is escorted into the church by her dad, Dan, her gorgeous mom, Stephanie and stepdad, Norman.

First glance….It’s that special moment when you see your honey across the aisle. The butterflies zoom into overdrive and your heart beats to love’s special tune. Such a great feeling!!!

The grand inside of St. Gregory’s…

And two become one….

Colin’s niece, Fiona, enjoys the spotlight for a moment during the ceremony…..so cute!

The happy couple exits the church….

And jump into the antique limousine for a toast before heading to The Country Club.

Stacia & Colin wanted to open the top flap on the limo for a fun perspective outside the club….cute, no?

Colin gets a serious smooch from niece, Lily. I just love how her one arm is wrapped around her uncle, while the other hand gentle brings his face to hers. Kids are just the best!!! So sweet!!! (Lily nearly knocked over her sister cousin trying to get at her uncle….see the other set of feet, that’s Fiona)

Colin & his guys, including his brother, Kirk (second from right).

Stacia & her girls, including sis, Amanda (directly next to Stacia). Can we talk about how sassy the girl look in their Vera Wang Maids dresses from L’Elite? So sweet!

I love the perspective and sun flare in this next one as Stacia & Colin head off to join their cocktail hour.

Ahhhhh……

We just loved this funky corner where two sections of the club meet. The cool windows and the bright yellow exterior made for a cool backdrop for these two cuties!

Classic bello moment….

The whole party……..

We say goodnight with a quick photo on the terrace…(quick shout out to Jason at TPG Videography for using his video light to help us make this shot rock! Thanks Jason!)

Big thanks to Megan at Tangorra Wedding Planning and Scott at The Country Club for being so wonderful to work with and for making our jobs such a breeze! Thank you too to the super sweet Jenny of Jenny’s Wedding Cakes and the talented folks at Winston Flowers for giving us lots of fabulous eye candy to photograph!

But our biggest thanks go out to Stacia & Colin for inviting us to share such a special time in your lives with you. You two are so sweet and we had such fun with you both! Your families and friends are wonderful and everyone made us feel incredibly welcome. So thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We hope you had a blast in Bora Bora and we can’t wait to see you both again when you get back! Big hugs, Christine & Andy xo