Kathryn, Edward, Sally & Schnitzel

Some seasons in life feel fleeting while you’re in them—but you know they matter. That’s exactly where Kathryn and Edward found themselves when we did this shoot.

Freshly engaged after a magical proposal on the ski slopes back in January—surrounded by trees and frozen waterfalls—they’re now standing on the edge of a new chapter. A move, new beginnings, and the closing of their very first home together. It’s the kind of moment that deserves to be remembered properly… not just in passing, but in a way you can come back to, years from now.

And of course, no part of their story would be complete without their two dogs—Sally and Schnitzel.

Sally, Edward’s 4-year-old red Labrador, is everything you’d expect from the breed—gentle, loyal, and quietly affectionate. She’s the kind of dog who just wants to be close, to please, and to soak up every bit of attention she’s given. Calm and steady, she balanced the energy of the shoot beautifully.

And then there’s Schnitzel.

Three years old, small in size but absolutely not in personality. A classic “little man syndrome” dachshund—fearless, mischievous, and completely convinced he’s just as big as Sally (if not bigger). Balls, toys, digging… if there’s chaos to be found, Schnitzel will find it.

Together, they brought this perfect mix of calm and chaos—the kind that makes a shoot feel alive.

From the very beginning, Kathryn was clear about one thing—this needed to feel relaxed. Nothing overly posed, nothing forced. Just them, as they are, in this moment of their lives.

We started gently, easing into a few natural family portraits while everyone settled into the rhythm. But as the shoot went on, things shifted—more movement, more laughter, more freedom.

The leads came off.

The ball came out.

And that’s when everything came to life.

Sally stretching out into full-speed runs, completely in her element. Schnitzel charging after her, determined to keep up (and somehow managing it). Kathryn and Edward laughing in the background, fully present, letting the dogs just be dogs.

Those are always the moments that matter most.

What made this session so meaningful was the timing.

This in-between chapter.

The one that often gets overlooked.

They haven’t moved yet. Life hasn’t shifted fully into what’s next. But they’re no longer where they were either. It’s a rare pause—full of excitement, nostalgia, and everything in between.

Kathryn said something during our consultation that stayed with me: she wanted these images to reflect this exact time in their lives, because she knew how special it was.

And that’s exactly what we created.

At their viewing, we chose pieces with their new home in mind—artwork that wouldn’t just sit on a screen, but live with them. Daily reminders of where it all began.

The quiet moments.

The chaos.

The way it all fits together.

Because years from now, when life looks completely different, these are the things that will matter most.

Thinking About Your Own Story?

There’s never a perfect time to have photographs taken.

But there are moments—like this one—that are too important to let pass undocumented.

An engagement.

A move.

A season that you know you’ll want to remember.

And often, it’s not about creating something overly polished or posed. It’s about capturing what’s already there—the connection, the personality, the little in-between moments that make your life yours.

If that sounds like where you are right now, it might be time to start that conversation.