Some days are just golden.

Not the flashy, bucket list kind — but the kind that sneaks up on you, wrapped in laughter, grass stains, and the warm glow of sunset. This was one of those days.

We’d spent it the way we love best: a bit of exploring, a new playground, a good walk, and plenty of time just soaking in the small joys with Harrison and Jasper.

Then came something a little more intentional — a family photo shoot to celebrate 14 years of marriage with Lisa, my partner in crime, the real boss of the household, and the person who somehow keeps everything running smoothly while making it all look easy.

The setting was simple: a quiet meadow, one big tree, and that late afternoon light that makes everything feel a little softer.

What unfolded in front of the camera felt like a snapshot of our lives right now – part chaos, part cuddles, and all heart.

Moments We’ll Treasure

There’s the classic family portrait — all four of us standing together, pretending the boys weren’t mid-silly-face two seconds earlier.

Then came the chaos: Harrison and Jasper running joyful laps around us, giggling as they blurred into a swirl of limbs and laughter.

Of course, we had to capture their current obsession: paper airplanes. They’ve turned it into a sport lately — crafting, comparing flight paths, debating whose design gets the most air-time. It’s amazing how something so simple can hold their attention (and spark so much competition). That shot might just be my favourite — pure childhood magic.

Lisa and I each grabbed a side of a big blanket, and the boys climbed in together — giggling, limbs tangled, holding on tight. Then came the swinging. Back and forth, higher and higher, their laughter echoing across the meadow. It was one of those chaotic, joy-filled moments where time slows down just enough to let you remember every detail — the way their feet kicked in sync, the way Lisa laughed mid-swing, and the sheer happiness on their faces. It was pure family joy, captured in mid-air.

We also slowed down for the snuggly moments: the four of us curled on a blanket, the boys kissing me all at once (their idea, I promise), and my personal heart-melter — Harrison and Jasper lying side by side, arms wrapped around each other just like they did when they were five and three. Same closeness, just longer limbs now.

The ladder shots were fun too — me with my two koalas hanging off either side, and Lisa with her boys holding on tight. There’s something symbolic about that: we’re their ladders now, but one day, they’ll climb higher than we ever did.

We ended the shoot with one last quiet moment — just me and Lisa, leaning into each other, one of those looks that says “we’ve built something pretty special.”

After the Photos: Celebrating Fourteen Years

We wrapped up the day with a family dinner at a delicious little Italian gem — the kind of meal where everyone’s a little sun-kissed, a little tired, and completely content.

Fourteen years married.
Two little boys who made us parents.
And so many more moments ahead we can’t wait to live and capture.

This shoot wasn’t just about getting “nice photos.” It was a way to freeze-frame who we are right now — our personalities, our playfulness, our connections.

And now that they’re up here on the blog, it’s also a way to share a piece of us with you — family, friends, and anyone else curious about the treasures we hold most dear.