The Dreamers - Courtney Beardsley x Emma Wand

12 hours ago

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Written by

The Dreamers - Courtney Beardsley x Emma Wand

12 hours ago

·

Written by

Welcome to our Dreamers series with Emma Wand Photography—celebrating the beauty and magic of real family life. This month we meet Courtney Beardsley and her seven-month-old daughter Dillon.

Recently settling into life in Earlwood, Courtney shares her journey into motherhood—embracing the joy, the chaos, and the simple moments that make family life so special. From riverside walks to slow days at home, the Beardsleys are finding their rhythm together and discovering what “dreaming big” means for their little family.

Can you introduce your family (names/ages) and tell us a little about your journey to this stage?

Courtney 37, Jake 40, little girl Dillon 7 months, and our Boston Terrier Jagger 7 years. Jake and I were in the same friend circle in our home town. We started spending more time together finding we were like minded people. Gave more than friends a go and have been together ever since - 13 years I think.

What inspired the lifestyle or path you’ve chosen (for example, relocating, creative work, travel, sustainable living)?

We relocated to Earlwood at the beginning of last year to raise a family in a community that feels more suited to us and how we like to spend our time and the people we like to surround ourselves with. It was really important to me to raise a kid in a community with more diversity.

What surprised you most about early motherhood — the good, the hard, or the funny bits?

No one can prepare you for the challenge of being a mother for the first time. Everyone tells you but you just don’t know until you’re in it. It has been the hardest but also most amazing and rewarding experience. I’m a new person and I love it. Seeing Dillon’s personality emerge has been the best. She is hilarious and super cheeky. Has huge fomo at nap time, only wants to play no matter how tired she is.

Are there any products, rituals, or routines that have been game-changers for you as a new mum?

Two walks a day along Cooks River with Dillon and Jagger is a must. Bonus when dad’s home and the whole family goes.

If you could go back and tell your pregnant self one thing — what would it be?

Don’t feel guilty about binge watching those tv series you’ve watched 10 times or spending a whole day reading a book. You won’t be doing much of that for a while!!

Do you have a favourite family ritual or moment that always reminds you why you chose this path?

Our favourite thing to do when Dad’s not at work is try a good food spot for lunch like a pub with good outdoor area. There is so much variety close by which was really lacking in our hometown. Being surrounded by more like minded people constantly reminds me that we have chosen the right path.

What does “dreaming big” or being a “Dreamer” mean to you

as a family?

Not being afraid to have big dreams and going all in to make it happen,

embracing change