There are few things in life as beautiful as watching a family grow year after year. With the Swereda family, that sentiment rings especially true. We’ve had the immense pleasure of capturing their journey since their engagement back in 2014, back when they were just a young couple in love, dreaming of their wedding. Every year since, we’ve been lucky enough to document their growing love and expanding family. Each session with Jarrett, Teala, and their two children is like reconnecting with old friends—picking up where we left off but with more memories and milestones to celebrate! This year’s session at one of our favourite spots in the Wascana Habitat Conservation Area was no different.

The Wascana Habitat Conservation Area has always been a special location for us. It’s a place that feels like a hidden gem—a serene, picturesque setting nestled in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And, it is relatively unknown, so it is usually a place of quiet solitude. The trees lining the trails, the open sky reflecting on the water, and the natural landscape make it an ideal backdrop for family sessions.

Each season brings charm to the area, but there’s something magical as the leaves change and the air takes on that crisp autumn feel. This location has seen us through many sessions, and each time, it offers something new—a different light, a new trail blazed, or just a sense of renewed adventure that fills each one with excitement.

One of the greatest joys of our work is witnessing the growth of the children we photograph each year. It’s incredible how time flies, and it’s even more noticeable when you see kids like Lyla and Ian change right before your eyes year after year. Lyla, with her sweet nature and inquisitive mind, is no longer the baby we first photographed, but a confident little girl. This year, her curiosity shone through as she explored the trails, her adorable new glasses perched on her nose, and her special llama joining in on some of the photos as well!

Then there’s Ian, who is somehow no longer a wobbly toddler but a little boy full of boundless energy. At three years old, he’s reached that stage where everything is an adventure. Watching him dart around the path, chasing after Lyla or stopping to investigate something that caught his eye, was a reminder of how quickly these years pass. His giggles echoed through the trees, as he followed his big sister with admiration.

While the kids are growing and changing, what is equally beautiful to witness is how Jarrett & Teala have flourished as parents. Over the years, we’ve seen their dynamic shift from newlyweds in love to devoted parents who’ve created a warm, loving environment for their children.

One of the things we love most about these sessions is sneaking in a few shots of just the parents. In the whirlwind of parenthood, those moments of connection between couples can sometimes be overlooked, but they are so important. Jarrett & Teala still share the same glances they did on their wedding day, a quiet, enduring affection that speaks volumes. It’s in those small moments—a hand on a shoulder, a shared smile, an inside joke—that we see the foundation on which this family was built.

Meeting up with the Swereda family feels like a reunion. It’s a time to catch up, not just professionally, but personally. We talk about what’s new in their lives, the kids’ latest milestones, and their hopes for the coming year. These sessions have become a cherished tradition, a way of marking time and celebrating both the big moments and the quiet ones in between.

For us, this is what it’s all about! It’s about building relationships and watching families grow, not just through the lens, but in real life. We adore the opportunity to reconnect with families, to see how life has evolved since our last session, and to be there to capture every new chapter. These aren’t just photo sessions—they’re moments of connection, reminders of the beauty that lies in the everyday, and the joy in watching a family’s love continue to flourish.

Jarrett, Teala, Lyla, and Ian—thank you, once again, for inviting us to capture these special moments. Your family’s love and connection inspire us, and we can’t wait to see what next year brings!

xoxo,  

Cam & Courtney

{ Swereda Family – Fall 2024 }