Alana & Ben
A Modern Jewish love story
After 10 years of photographing couples, I can honestly say that I’ve developed a sense of recognizing soulmates. There’s something about the way they look at each other, the way they move, and how effortlessly they interact that makes their connection stand out. With Ben and Alana, I felt it instantly. The way they communicated without words, the gentle smiles, and how naturally they slipped into every moment—it was all there. It was like photographing them on their wedding day, even though they’ve been married for several years and already have two beautiful children.
This shoot was special for them, as they hadn’t had the chance to capture their love in this way when they first got married. For them, it was about celebrating their journey—their love that has deepened with time and the family they’ve built. But for me, it felt like witnessing that wedding day excitement all over again. The energy was palpable. There was a lightness, a shared sense of joy, and a connection so profound that it resonated with every shot we captured at Milk Beach.
Alana told me the story of how she and Ben first met. It was during their first year at university in Melbourne. Alana spotted Ben in a crowd, and something about him drew her in—his warmth, perhaps, or maybe his easygoing nature. They connected immediately and were soon inseparable. Ben told me he fell in love with Alana the moment they met. Her kindness, intelligence, and the way she cared for others made him certain she was the one. He said, “It was as if I knew her my entire life.” Their love grew quickly, and they built a life rooted in shared values and a deep sense of partnership.
As we walked along the beach, Alana shared something beautiful about her journey—her conversion to Judaism. For her, the process felt so natural, so effortless, that she felt like she had always belonged to the Jewish family. There was no sense of transition or adjustment; it was simply coming home to something that felt familiar in her soul. As she spoke, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey of discovery.
I found out about my own Jewish heritage just five years ago, I was already in Australia and living in Rose Bay, one of the most traditional Jewish neighbourhoods. Coincidence? Not so sure. It was a revelation that, in many ways, explained so much of who I am, how I connect with others, and my strong sense of community I’ve always felt drawn to. It’s amazing how these hidden pieces of ourselves can reveal so much about who we truly are and where we come from. Her connection to Judaism, though forged through conversion, feels as natural and deeply ingrained as mine does.
Ben and Alana’s life together revolves around family and their strong Jewish faith. They are both introverted, enjoying the quiet moments spent together, whether it’s sitting down for a good movie or playing board games. Their love is rooted in simplicity, in shared moments that speak to the depth of their connection. They balance each other perfectly—Ben is spontaneous, always ready to dive into the next adventure, while Alana is thoughtful, measured, and always thinking things through.
For the photoshoot, they had a clear vision: a heritage yet candid vibe, something natural, and easy-going, but with a few posed shots to capture those timeless moments. They wanted to highlight their connection while also preserving the intimacy of their relationship, mindful of their private nature and strong Jewish faith.
I’ve photographed countless couples here, and yet every time I return, it feels like a new experience. There’s something magical about this always makes the moment feel cinematic. The soft light, the breeze, and the peaceful energy of the beach all came together to create a moment that felt as intimate as their connection.
During the shoot, they were so natural, so comfortable in each other’s presence. I could see the deep connection they share, not just as a couple but as co-creators of a life they’ve built together. As parents, they spoke of their children with pride and love, and I could see how much joy they found in raising their little ones.
Ben expressed how much he admires Alana for her nurturing nature and the strong bond she shares with their kids.
Alana, in turn, shared how Ben’s ability to emotionally connect with their children makes her fall in love with him more every day. Their relationship is built on these small moments of admiration and love, the quiet moments that build a life full of meaning.
We moved through the different spots at Milk Beach, finding hidden gems along the way. Some photos were playful, others more serene, but what remained constant was their love for each other, shining through in every frame. There’s one shot, in particular, that stands out to me—a candid moment where they’re barefoot on the rocks, the waves gently crashing around them, completely in their own world.
As we wrapped up the shoot, I asked them what they wanted to remember about this time in their lives. Their answer was simple yet profound: they wanted to remember the joy of raising their best friends—their children—and building a peaceful, strong home. They’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose, and that’s what makes their bond so special.
In many ways, their story reminds me of how love is both simple and profound. It’s in the everyday gestures, the deep conversations, and the shared commitment to building something beautiful together. Ben and Alana are a testament to what it means to find your person, and I know that the images we captured will be a lasting reminder of their love, their journey, and the beautiful life they’ve created together.
