I’ve known Kate & James and their two lovely little peanuts, Isabella & Jacqueline, for six years now. We first got together back in 2017, when Kate was referred to BelloPhoto by her super sweet cousin, whose family I also photographed the year before. During my first session with them, Isabella was just a toddler and Jacqueline…a baby. I’ve been lucky enough to get to see, spend time with and photograph this wonderful family almost every summer since then.
I really look forward to our get togethers. Kate & James are such lovely people and it’s crystal clear how important family is to them. They really love each other and their girls and for them, these sessions offer a wonderful opportunity amid life’s busyness…to just pause, be together and have their togetherness documented, all while in their favorite place…Cape Cod. And, somehow….every year, we not only have so much fun, but I am able to get some pretty cute pics!
This year was no exception. I met them all at Nauset Light Beach in Eastham. Like so many of our sessions, we were treated to a perfect late summer day. We hadn’t been able to get together last year, so I was super excited to see them all….and I like to think they were equally as excited to see me. Isa & Jacqueline caught me up on their lives a bit, as did Kate and James, and we spent the next two hours chatting and just playing at the beach. Seriously…how is this my job?!
Here’s a sneak peek at our time together, starting with these two beauties (both inside & out)….Jacqueline & Isa (are they cute or what?!! Soooo much love between these two! Makes my heart smile so big! As does the big gaping hole where J’s front tooth used to be.)
Sisters and besties….forever!
I showed Kate these next two photos earlier this week and the one on the left is one of her faves…because apparently Isa is always giving Jacqueline piggy-back rides. Plus, they looks pretty stinking cute! What I love so much about it, is that Isa can be quite shy and a little introverted (which I can totally relate to) and yet, she is radiating happiness in this photo (which, by the way, was one of the first ones I took).
It really does fill my heart with so much joy when I get to build relationships with the kids I photograph. I feel so honored when they trust me enough to let down their guard and any fears they might have around being photographed and they let me in. They let me see their beautiful little spirits shining through. And, it sounds super corny, but as I look through my lens, I can feel it. I can feel the trust and the connection we have and I love it! Not having kiddos of my own, getting to have these wonderful connections with so many of the kids I am lucky enough to photograph really is super special to me.
Lovely Isa and her lovely Dad, James!
And…Jacqueline and her lovely Momma, Kate.
Momma snuggle time…Can we talk about the joy?!!!
Love this candid moment of these two…
Isa and Jacqueline like to show me some of the their mad skills when we hang out, and I’m always down for that. Jacqueline recently started playing tag football and she’s so good at it! She also seems to really love it. Here she is doing some drills with mom…
Jumping in the air for a celebratory spike, having scored an imaginary touchdown. Lol!! Love this kid!!
Isa is more into gymnastics and wanted her mom to lift her to show off one of her moves. Kate didn’t know exactly what was going to happen until they were in it…which made for some serious giggles from everyone and also provided a super cute photo opp. Lol! And on the right…more snuggles with momma…
In addition to her mad football skills, Jacqueline is also a model…for real. I can’t even with this next photo! I swear, she was a barely walking baby like a blink ago…and look at her now!! What the heck in the entire world?!! And, how do I please slow down time?!!!
Isa and her Daddy….be still my heart!
Kate & James. Love these two! And, some Jacqueline and momma snuggle time…I love how they’re making the same face. Adorbs!
J and her Daddy take a walk down the beach….the faces…I can’t!
More candid moments…of love and togetherness…Swooooon!
Our gymnastic star at it again…
This family…I just love them!
I often encourage my families to bring an activity they enjoy so they have something to do together, as it often provides a wonderful opportunity for some real moments….which are always my fave at these sessions. Kate & James decided to bring some kites. Jacqueline was the first to want to fly hers, which she painted, by the way. I just love all of the space in this next photo.
Look mom…I got it super high.
These are the days and the moments that I hope they’ll always remember. I know I will.
Isa tries her hand at kite flying. Just love the concentration on her gorgeous face.
You got it girl….nice flying! Isn’t she lovely?!!
There were a few seals on the beach and this one seemed as interested in us as we were in him/her.
As the sun set, we all took a moment to just sit and take it all in….ahhhhh.
family love + sand dunes = happiness
Every session I’ve ever done with these beautiful people has always ended the same way, and it’s the way they end every day….with a big family group hug. Makes me smile so big, every stinking time!
Kate and James….what can I say? Thank you soooo much for once again sharing your beautiful family with me in such a super fun way! I love our time together and I hope these photos reflect all of the love you have both for one another and for life itself! You all inspire me in so many ways and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
With big love & hugs,
Christine xoxo