There’s something undeniably special about photographs that capture the in-between moments — the laughter, the mess, the togetherness. For the Jemibewon family, this summer session by Maggie Assaraf Photography beautifully documents a season of connection and joy.
The session began in the comfort of their home, where real life unfolded in the most ordinary, extraordinary ways. The morning started with mom painting the girls’ nails, while the twin boys proudly showed off their space-themed room — jumping on beds, wielding wooden swords, and pointing out artwork hung with care. Their oldest daughter shared her collection of stuffed animals before the family gathered on the front porch for a few tender portraits that perfectly captured their closeness.
From there, the family set out for a relaxed walk to their neighborhood beach — collecting rocks, chasing bugs, and splashing in the shallow water. With a documentary approach, Maggie allowed the children to lead, capturing genuine emotion and the essence of this family’s rhythm. “It felt like a fun play date with a camera in tow,” she shared. “My goal was to meet them where they are in this season and show the love that exists in the everyday.”
Every image feels alive — filled with movement, affection, and the kind of authenticity that can only be found in the simple act of doing life together.
“In this family, we do things together.”
What’s your favorite family pastime together?
We love just doing life together — listening to music, dance parties in the living room, reading, telling stories, cooking, or running errands as a team. Our family motto is, “In this family, we do things together.” We love finding joy in the small, everyday moments and know this season of all being under one roof won’t last forever, so we’re soaking it in.
Any lessons you learned as a family through the last year?
We’ve seen our children grow into little people with their own personalities — not just smaller versions of us. They have thoughts, opinions, and ideas we can truly engage with. We’ve learned to see who they’re becoming instead of assuming who they’ll be. It’s been such a joy to realize we really like these kids we’re raising — and they seem to like us, too!
Tell us a fun or silly story that happened to your family recently!
The kids have been inventing new words and weaving wild stories about our family. I’ve joined in by creating bedtime tales with characters just like them. It’s been hilarious and heartwarming to see their creativity take off and to laugh together at the worlds they imagine.
What does family mean to you?
Family means love, faith, belonging, and friendship. It’s choosing each other, over and over again. It’s watching our kids pick each other on a playground full of options — that’s what love looks like. Family is the people who know you best and love you no matter what.
What have you recently done to put family as a major focus in your life?
We’ve started inviting the kids into more of our everyday life — errands, chores, and all. Grocery shopping, getting a tire changed, cooking dinner—it’s less efficient but far more meaningful. It’s become a chance to teach them and simply be with them, transforming ordinary moments into time well spent.
What are the best things you’ve learned from each other?
From the kids, we’ve learned how to see the world with wonder, humor, and honesty. From each other, we’ve learned grace, teamwork, and the quiet strength that comes from showing up together.
If you had one piece of advice for other families, what would it be?
Don’t wait for perfect conditions. The beauty of family is in the messy, ordinary moments — those are the memories you’ll treasure most. Do life together, even in the small things, and you’ll find joy right where you are.
Photographer: Maggie Assaraf Photography / @maggieassaraf
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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