“I’m thinking we need to go for wine soon” was the text I received at 8:30am on a Thursday morning in August.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

When Carmel took part in my Motherhood: Unfiltered photo series back in the summer of 2016, we immediately clicked. But I often feel like I click with many of my clients, and then I’m not sure how to make that leap from being someone they hired to someone they go for wine with. Perhaps it was the up-close-and-personal nature of the Motherhood: Unfiltered experience. But more likely it was just the no-nonsense, gutsy and self-assured nature of Carmel herself that brought us together as friends.

This year has been a year of big change for Carmel, so when she asked me to come document her family life on a sunny autumn afternoon I couldn’t wait to capture this fleeting time in their lives. Though there have been ups and downs for her and the girls as the months have flashed by this year, Carmel always seems to approach each day, each experience, each task, with humour, dignity and that good ol’ self-assured nature that I’ve come to know and love.

To my dear friend, Carmel ~ may the coming year bring you the joy, adventure, laughter and love that you so greatly deserve. Thank you for inviting me into your home to capture these memories for you.

Eran Sudds is a Ladner photographer who specializes in capturing fun, natural and real moments with you and your family. Her Family Story sessions are a unique blend of family documentary photographs and timeless video footage, creatively curated into your very own family storytelling film. Email Eran to book your own session.