It was 2003, and Claire was celebrating her birthday with friends when an unfamiliar face walked through the door.

“When Dave walked in I was like, ‘Who is that?'” Claire told us. The connection was immediate and the two stayed up talking late into the night.

Two weeks after Dave crashed Claire’s party, he explained that he was taking a job in Hawaii. Claire was crushed and the two parted ways.

Over the next two years, life changed a lot for Claire. She took some time off from her teaching job and moved to New York to be closer to family, mainly her mom, who was battling cancer. Toward the end of the battle, at her mom’s request, Claire took her youngest sister, Mary, on a trip that was to take them through New Zealand, Australia & South Africa. But, before they could make it through the last leg of their journey, the sisters were called home. Their mom was dying and didn’t have much time left.

Claire & Mary made it home to their mother’s bedside, where they were joined by their other 3 siblings for a tearful goodbye.

At the end of the following year, Dave returned to the Boston area and as fate would have it, he had applied for a teaching job at the same school where Claire was teaching. Slowly, their relationship began again.

Over the next few years, love dug hold and their relationship blossomed. This fall, surrounded by family & friends, these warm, loving, passionate teachers & lovers of the outdoors will embark on the ultimate adventure – marriage. We couldn’t be happier to be sharing the start of this journey with them.

Earlier this month, we got together with Claire & Dave for their love session in Barnstable. Right from our initial meeting with Claire & Dave, we knew we were going to like them. Some of that was because they are good friends with a dear friend of ours….Ronnie, who is one of the sweetest, most caring, funny, genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She also happens to be mother to another Bello bride getting married this summer. Ronnie recommended us to Claire & Dave and we’re so happy she did! Thanks Ronnie! You’re the best! xo

But, part of the connection we had with Claire & Dave was also based on the fact that like Claire, my mom also passed away before she could see me marry my love. I’ve often heard women speak of the motherless daughters’ club. It’s a club you never want to join. But, with membership comes a common understanding. And, if you happen to be someone who loves a club member you also share a certain understanding of the unique helplessness that comes from not being able to take away the pain of the one you love.

I could see the same look in Dave’s eyes that I often see in Andy’s whenever I talk about my mom. So much love! And, I knew right away that Dave was a good man.

My heart aches for Claire…for her loss and for the way that kind of loss changes how you see the world. It sounds strange, but for me at least, my mom’s death changed me for the better. I feel everything more…the bad, but also the good. Life is beautiful and complex. It is painful and joyful. And we need both because without the pain we wouldn’t fully appreciate the blessings of the joy, and most especially the blessings of love!

One of the things that really struck me about Claire & Dave’s session was the purity of their love. At one point during our session Claire became overwhelmed by it. And so did I. I could sense how much she was missing her mom and I imagined she was thinking about how proud her mom would have been, knowing that her daughter found such a wonderful person with whom to share her life.

In Dave’s arms, I could see how safe and loved Claire felt and I remember very clearly how much I, too, needed that from Andy in those first fragile years. I remember how willingly Andy gave it to me and how incredibly lucky I felt to have found the perfect person for me. And, I could see this playing out in Claire & Dave and even now, just thinking about it, moves me to silent tears.

It really is so humbling to watch people slowly open themselves up to us. They let down their guard and let us see the real them, their vulnerabilities and all. It’s such a beautiful process. Being trusted to capture the essence of who someone is is easily the thing I love most about being a photographer.

Meet Claire & Dave…in all their wonderfulness!

I love this next one. Can’t you just feel how comfortable they are together and how much love & joy they share? Sooo nice!

This is my FAVORITE of the day…I think. I just love the sun flare and the way the setting feels like an enchanted forest. But, mostly, I love Claire & Dave’s expressions and how intertwined their arms are. I’ll never grow tired of saying that the best place in the world is in the arms of the one you love!

Bright colors and quiet kisses….ahhhhhh life is good!

Fun, fun, fun!

And more fun…

How cute is Claire’s Anthropologie Secret Treasure dress? Me loooove!!

Dave is so super attentive of Claire. He’s sweet & funny and makes Claire smile right down to her toes!

I love the sweetness of this next one…

The look of love…

This is another runner up for favorite of the day. This was such a nice exchange for us with Claire & Dave. Photography really is a give and take between photographer and subject. When the exchange involves sincerity and genuine affection….well, it’s a beautiful thing! Moments after this shot was taken, we all got a little emotional. We saved those shots for Claire & Dave, but this one ought to be shared.

overgrown brush, wildflowers and a couple in love = the perfect combination!

Joy…

Love…

If only every moment could be just like this…

I used to see my mom in birds a lot after she first died. That sounds weird, but what I mean is that I felt her presence around me whenever birds would come curiously close to me, especially sea birds, because my mom loved the sea. This pretty butterfly was around us for part of the session and I like to think maybe it was a sign that Claire’s mom was there with us, enjoying the show.

Que bella!

I love this one of Claire because she looks so beautiful and so utterly content! And, there is such a sweet, nurturing feel about Dave’s face as he holds Claire.

Dave holds Claire a lot…and tightly. We love that about him!

lovely…

Claire & Dave….Thank you both so much for welcoming us into your lives with such open arms and open hearts! Your love is a beautiful thing and we’re so honored that you’ve chosen us to document your love during this special time! We had so much fun with you both and can’t wait to do it all over again in October! Big love & hugs, Chris & Andy xoxoxoxoxo