One of the sweeter effects of this horrible pandemic is how many small elopements it has prompted, with many couples not wanting to wait yet another year before they can say, “I do!”  I was fortunate enough to be invited to document, and share in, such an intimate and love-filled celebration for one of Bello’s very special couples.

Sybil has been in our life for more than 14 years, since we met her at the Cape Cod wedding of her lovely sister, Lauren. We have absolutely fallen for this wonderful family and the feelings must be mutual, because they keep inviting us back into their lives time and again.

Sybil reached out to us in 2019, when she and her lovely partner, Josh, got engaged and were planning their 2020 wedding in Ipswich. Andy & I photographed their engagement session (HERE) and had such fun with them. It’s clear they are smitten with one another and really seem to complement each other in such a nice way.

Unfortunately, Covid had other plans for their wedding, so their big wedding celebration was cautiously postponed to 2022. Happily, I got to be there with them a few weeks ago in Provincetown as they said, “I do!” with their beautiful mothers, Kim & Deb, at their side, and Josh’s super sweet Uncle Bob conducting the stunning ceremony at sea, onboard the restored schooner -Hindu.

It was an absolutely perfect sunset soiree in every way….save one, Sybil’s dad, Tony, wasn’t there. Sadly, he passed away months before these two sweet people were supposed to get married. Soon thereafter, the pandemic descended and Sybil & Josh made the difficult decision to postpone. But, when they said, “I do!” Tony’s presence could be felt, in the wind that filled the sails of the boat as it carried them across the water and into marriage. It really was such a beautiful ceremony, and Uncle Bob did an amazing job.

Here’s a sneak peek at their special day. Please say hello to Sybil and Josh…

Looking stunning and so very cool…

Captain Josh and the crew of the Hindu raise the sails and steer us toward the horizon.

Uncle Bob & Josh’s beautiful momma, Deb.
Sybil’s stunning momma, Kim, made a fast friend in Hindu’s resident furry sailor, Fin, who found a cozy spot on Kim’s foot.
Why hello, gorgeous people!
A little snuggle and a shoulder nibble.
Time to say, “I do!” led by Josh’s lovely Uncle Bob.
The look of love…joyful, beautiful LOVE.
We gather here, on the waters of Cape Cod Bay…to join hearts and lives.
The Captain and crew take in all the love and ceremony…
Rather than exchange rings…they’re saving that for the big day next year…Josh & Sybil decided to do a hand-fasting ceremony, having their moms and Uncle participate by presenting cords that were used to bind their hands together.
It was a really beautiful, symbolic, joyful ceremony…
Making it even more meaningful, Josh was wearing Tony’s watch.
You + Me = Forever
Bob tied the cords …
And then Sybil & Josh unwrapped their hands and officially ‘tied the knot,’ committing their hearts and lives to one another.
Sealed with a kiss….one met with happy, approving applause…
And hugs too…
Lots of hugs…
Josh ordered some very yummy champagne (thank you for insisting I have a taste. You guys are too sweet!) and Russian caviar to celebrate this moment…and celebrate we did.
I’m not a caviar fan, having only opened to the idea of eating fish in the last 10 years, so it’s hard for me to say this, but since everyone else who tried it did….Yummmm!
After a little celebratory snack, we took a few minutes for photos of the happy couple, as we turned sails toward shore.
Easy, breezy…beautiful!
These two….so perfect together.
Back on shore, we took a few family photos to mark the occasion. Love all of the happy smiles in this next one.
The gang’s all here, including Bob’s wife, Beth, who didn’t join us for the sail, but joined the crew for a celebratory dinner.
But first we stole off to take a coupe of photos in the sand dunes. And on our way….
Ta daaaaa….
These beautiful people, their beautiful love…in such a beautiful place.
It fills my heart…

…with joy.

Into our future…we go. Hand in hand. Hearts open. Eyes toward each other. This is love.

Thank you, Sybil & Josh, for sharing such a special and beautiful day with me. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, for trusting Andy & me to document this very special time in your life. We cannot wait to be there with you next July 16th, when we get to do it again…together, surrounded by the people who love and support you. In the interim, I hope these photos serve as a happy reminder of this beautiful day, of your beautiful love….having together overcome the challenges and heartbreak of the past two years. I absolutely loved being a part of this day and Andy & I can’t wait to be with you again when you exchange your rings. Lots of love to you both.

Christine xoxo

PS. I dedicate this post to Tony…a wonderful man who loved his family with his whole heart and whose joy, when with them, was contagious. Here’s a collage of some of my favorite photos of Tony during a couple of our family sessions over the years. We love you T.