Okay! Before I get into the blog post I have to mention that this family portrait session took place at High Park in Toronto on December 3rd! Yes, that is correct – the day was gorgeous and coats were basically not necessary. While this is terrifying for the world, it was perfect for a family portrait session. It was also no surprise that we got the most gorgeous of days for this family because they deserved the most perfect of days for their portrait session. I say this because this family is one of the most incredible ones that I know. These four have been through so much and yet, they continue to smile and show those dimples. The strength they have is unbelievable.  In 2016 I photographed this family and a couple of short months later, their entire world flipped upside down when they lost Thomas’ twin Jude. When we did that session, the boys were a little sick with the usual kid colds and it nearly didn’t happen but we decided to do it anyway and I am so grateful that we did. You never know the value of portraits like these until everything in your life changes. For our session on Sunday, we honoured Jude by including one of his favourite pals, his penguin Everest (from Cuddle + Kind), as well as a quilt created by their friend that was made of pieces of material that belonged to him.  Words cannot express how honoured I feel to have documented this family again.

I would love it if you would please visit their site – For Jude For Everyone – to read more about Jude’s story here.