Love Beyond Labels: Our Life Cohabiting as Platonic Co-Parents and Creative Partners

​​​​When people hear about my relationship with Jordan, their first reaction is often curiosity, followed quickly by admiration for what we’ve built. It’s not every day you encounter a family dynamic like ours: we’re best friends, creative partners, and co-parents to our beautiful son Theo. We share a home, a life, and a deep respect for one another. Yet, we are not in a romantic or sexual relationship.

Ours is a story of redefining family and partnership in a way that works for us—and maybe, just maybe, challenges societal norms in the process.

When I reflect on my relationship with Jordan, it’s clear that the roots of what we’ve built today were planted long ago, back when we were just teenagers hanging out at The Forum. It was the place where we all gathered on weekends, being young, emo kids with swishy fringes and studded belts.

From those early days, Jordan and I formed a bond that would evolve and deepen over the years. Ours is not a typical love story, but it’s one filled with connection, creativity, and an enduring sense of support. Today, we’re best friends, co-parents to our son Theo, and creative partners in photography. We live together as a family unit, but not as a romantic couple. This is the story of how we came to define our relationship on our own terms.

Friendship as a Foundation

Jordan and I spent our formative years together, our friendship blossoming through countless shared experiences. From summer festivals filled with music and psychedelics to late-night gigs, we always had such a laugh. I can still remember how he always had my back, whether it was helping photograph my networking events or teaching me how to use my first camera.

I supported him, too—once even donating to help replace his stolen camera while he was living in Borneo. It felt natural to lift each other up, creatively and personally.

In later years, our connection deepened through existential conversations, a shared love of Alan Watts, and psychedelic adventures. What began as teenage friendship grew into one of the most profound bonds I have, rooted in mutual respect and a shared curiosity about life.

A Creative Partnership That Thrives

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our relationship is the way Jordan and I collaborate creatively. As wedding photographers, we bring our unique strengths to every project, creating work that feels vibrant, emotional, and deeply authentic. Whether it’s capturing the quiet intimacy of an elopement or the joyous chaos of a wedding celebration, we instinctively know how to support each other in bringing a couple’s story to life through our lenses.

There’s a seamlessness to the way we work together, born from years of understanding each other’s creative processes. It’s not just about the photos we take; it’s about the energy we bring to the process and the story we tell through our work.

But our creative partnership doesn’t stop there. Jordan has been instrumental in helping me breathe life into my own brand. From the very beginning, he’s been a constant source of encouragement and insight, supporting my vision and pushing me to explore new creative directions. He has this incredible way of grounding my ideas while still empowering me to dream big. Together, we make something far more dynamic than we could alone.

It’s moments like these that make me realise just how powerful a creative partnership can be. Some of the best relationships aren’t romantic—they’re built on collaboration, mutual inspiration, and the shared pursuit of something greater.

A Missing Framework in Society

And yet, our society doesn’t really have a framework for celebrating creative partnerships in the same way it does for romantic ones. There are countless models for traditional relationships—marriage, cohabitation, dating—but when it comes to platonic, creative partnerships, we’re often left without a roadmap.

Jordan and I have had to create our own structure, blending the boundaries of friendship, family, and collaboration to form something that works for us. In doing so, we’ve come to understand that a strong creative bond can be just as meaningful as a romantic one—sometimes even more so.

When you strip away the expectations of what a relationship “should” look like, you open the door to partnerships that are freer, more dynamic, and deeply fulfilling. For us, that freedom is where our creativity thrives, and it’s what allows us to show up for each other and for Theo in the most authentic way possible.

By celebrating creative partnerships as their own form of love and connection, we hope to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in relationships that don’t fit neatly into societal boxes. Sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones that let you create, dream, and grow together.

Parenting as a Team

And then there’s Theo, the greatest collaboration of our lives. Becoming parents together brought a new dimension to our partnership. From day one, we committed to raising Theo in a home filled with love, creativity, and a sense of wonder about the world.

Our parenting style is rooted in kindness and curiosity. We want Theo to grow up in an environment where he feels safe to explore his individuality, whether that’s through art, nature, or play. Parenting as best friends instead of romantic partners allows us to focus fully on being a team, navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood with a shared vision.

Team Theo: A Shared Vision for His Future

What makes our partnership truly special is our shared parenting values. We’ve always been aligned in wanting Theo to experience a life rich with exploration, learning, and connection. We plan to homeschool him, giving him the freedom to learn at his own pace and in ways that ignite his natural curiosity. Travel is a big part of that vision—we want him to see the world, to learn from different cultures, and to grow up with a sense of adventure and open-mindedness.

Theo is at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make—whether it’s how we structure our work, where we live, or how we spend our time—centres on what will serve him best. Being “Team Theo” means prioritising his needs while also showing him the value of love, respect, and collaboration. We want him to see that a family doesn’t have to fit traditional molds to be strong, supportive, and full of love.

Family Support for Our Unique Dynamic

We’re also incredibly grateful for the way our extended families have embraced our dynamic and rallied around Theo. Both sides are deeply invested in his wellbeing and share our commitment to giving him the best start in life. From sharing childcare to creating opportunities for family bonding during holidays, they’ve shown us what it means to raise a child with the support of a village.

Having this foundation of love and encouragement from our families reinforces what we’re building as co-parents. It’s a reminder that while our setup might be unconventional, it’s undeniably filled with the kind of love and care that every child deserves. Together, as “Team Theo,” we’re working to create a life for him that is rich in connection, opportunity, and joy.

Separate Spaces, Shared Life

What makes our dynamic even more special is the balance we’ve found between togetherness and individuality. It’s this balance that allows us to thrive as individuals and as a family.

Although we live together, Jordan and I have our own rooms. This simple choice reflects the individuality we both value and ensures we each have personal space to recharge.

At the same time, we also share so much. From family dinners and playful afternoons with Theo to creating unforgettable memories together, we balance the shared and the separate seamlessly. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for example, we spent time as a family with both of our extended families, creating beautiful moments of connection for Theo to treasure.

Independence and Adventure

One of the things I love most about our partnership is the freedom we give each other to pursue our passions and goals. Jordan and I both love to travel, and our careers allow us to do so in meaningful ways.

This year, I’ve been abroad seven times for work, capturing stories through photography and connecting with incredible people in stunning destinations. Jordan, meanwhile, just returned from a week in India, where he photographed a vibrant and beautiful Indian wedding.

While these trips are fulfilling on a personal and professional level, they’re made even more special by the knowledge that Theo is at home with one of us, surrounded by stability and love.

Finding Balance as a Family

Despite our independence, family time is sacred. Whether it’s a cosy night in, an outing in nature, or special celebrations like Christmas, we prioritise creating moments of connection for Theo and for us as a family.

Our ability to balance solo pursuits with shared experiences is one of the reasons our relationship works so well. We’ve created a dynamic that lets us grow as individuals while remaining deeply committed to each other and to Theo.

Living a Life Without Labels

For some, the idea of living together as a family unit without a romantic or sexual relationship might seem unconventional. But for us, it’s simply what works. We’ve created a home filled with laughter, creativity, and mutual support, free from the pressures of societal expectations.

Our relationship has never needed labels to feel meaningful. It’s built on years of shared history, creative collaboration, and a deep understanding of one another. Jordan is my confidant, my co-parent, my creative partner—and my best friend. I love him, platonically, and in many ways that feels more like family to me than any romantic relationship. 

“What about dating?”

When people hear about my life with Jordan—how we’re best friends, co-parents, creative partners, and share a home while raising our son Theo—their curiosity is almost inevitable. One question comes up more often than most: “What about dating?”

It’s a fair question, and my answer reflects the values that guide the life Jordan and I have built together. For us, our family unit is the top priority. Dating and romantic connections are welcomed, but only if they enhance and add to the life we’ve created—not if they detract from it.

Love Without Borders

The way I see it, if someone is uncomfortable with my platonic life partnership with Jordan, they simply aren’t the right person for me. I’ve learned that the right relationships—whether romantic or otherwise—will embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of our dynamic, not question or challenge it.

If that narrows the pool of potential romantic connections, I’m perfectly okay with that. I live a whole, lovely, and complete life filled with companionship, creativity, and connection. I’m not looking for someone to “complete” me or to fill a gap in my life.

Instead, I see love as something expansive and multifaceted. It’s a concept that goes beyond the traditional idea of romantic love between two people. For me, love exists in many forms—platonic love, familial love, creative love, and yes, romantic love—and no single person needs to fulfil all of another person’s needs.

A Philosophy of Free Love

In many ways, my approach to relationships reflects the principles of free love—an openness to connection that transcends borders, labels, or rigid expectations. It’s about embracing love in all its forms, whether platonic, romantic, creative, or familial, and recognising that no one person can or should meet all of another’s needs.

Jordan and I live this philosophy through our unique partnership. Our bond isn’t defined by exclusivity or romance but by a deep sense of mutual respect, shared purpose, and unwavering commitment to the life and family we’ve built together. It’s a connection that allows love to flourish naturally, free from the constraints of conventional norms.

For me, this approach isn’t just about relationships—it’s about honouring the multifaceted ways love shows up in our lives and giving it the freedom to grow in its own beautiful, authentic way.

Dating as an Extension of Love

When it comes to dating, I approach it with an open mind and heart. Any romantic connection I form must align with the life I’ve already built. It has to feel additive, not restrictive. The idea of bringing someone into our family dynamic—someone who respects and cherishes the bond Jordan and I share—isn’t just possible; it’s exciting.

At its core, my view on dating and relationships is about embracing love in all its diversity. It’s about connection, not possession. Collaboration, not competition. Growth, not restriction.

Ultimately, I don’t view dating as a need or a requirement for fulfilment. My life with Jordan, Theo, and the incredible creative journey we’re on is already filled with love, joy, and purpose. It’s a life that feels whole in every sense of the word.

If romance finds its way into this life, it will be welcomed as an addition to the beauty that already exists—not as something that disrupts or replaces it. And if it doesn’t? I’m more than content with the love and connection I already have.

Navigating the Challenges of a Close Partnership

As much as Jordan and I cherish our partnership, it’s not always easy. Any relationship as close as ours—whether it’s platonic, romantic, or something else entirely—comes with its challenges. Living, working, and parenting together requires constant communication, patience, and a willingness to show up for each other, even when it’s hard.

We’re always striving to move deeper into right relationship with one another. This means cultivating more compassion, understanding, love, and support for each other as both individuals and partners in this life we’ve built. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, we fall short.

When Theo has had a restless night, or wedding season leaves us both drained from endless editing and travel, tensions can flare. We’ve had moments where we squabble like siblings—those petty, exasperated exchanges that only happen with someone you know so well you can predict how they’ll react before they even say a word.

Choosing to Stay on the Same Team

What keeps us grounded is the commitment we’ve made to being a team, no matter what. Even in those moments where we’re getting on each other’s tits, we remind ourselves that we’re in this together. It’s not always easy to take a step back and reframe the situation, but we’ve learned that it’s essential.

When frustrations arise, we try to refocus on the bigger picture: the life we’re building for Theo, the creative work we’re so passionate about, and the love and respect that have carried us through years of friendship and partnership. It’s a constant practice, but it’s one that strengthens our bond and helps us navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life.

No relationship is perfect, and ours is no exception. But there’s beauty in the imperfection. The occasional squabbles remind us of how deeply intertwined our lives are and how much we care. They also push us to communicate more clearly, to apologise more sincerely, and to show up for each other with renewed intention.

At the end of the day, we know we’re on the same team. And while we might not have all the answers, our commitment to love, respect, and collaboration keeps us moving forward—even when things get tough.

Redefining What Family Means

What we’ve learned along the way is that family isn’t defined by tradition. It’s defined by the love, respect, and commitment we show each other every day. Jordan and I have chosen to build a life together that honours who we are as individuals while celebrating what we can create together.

Ours is a love story of a different kind—one that challenges norms and redefines what partnership and family can look like. It’s a story of friendship, creativity, and a shared purpose to raise Theo in a home filled with connection and stability, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jordan and I have built a life that challenges conventional definitions of family and partnership. It’s a life rooted in love, trust, creativity, and a shared purpose to raise Theo in a home filled with connection and stability. By letting go of societal expectations and embracing what feels authentic to us, we’ve created a dynamic that allows each of us to flourish individually while remaining deeply committed to one another and to our family. It’s not traditional, but it’s ours—and it’s beautiful.

In creativity and connection,

Rosie