Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins Discover the Ultimate Trick for Capturing Kids' Joy in Holiday Card Shoot
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins discovered an ingenious way to capture radiant smiles from their four daughters during their festive card shoot, guaranteeing picture-perfect holiday photos
'Tis the season of coaxing children to smile for the family holiday photo shoot, a familiar struggle for Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren Akins.
On Wednesday, November 8, Rhett, 33, and Akins, 34, shared a sneak peek of their annual holiday card on TikTok. The couple, married since October 2012, laid on the ground alongside their four daughters: Willa Gray, 8, Ada James, 6, Lennon Love, 3, and Lillie Carolina, 2. The adorable quartet was dressed in matching checkered dresses, but found it challenging to stay still.
Rhett titled his TikTok post, "A Trick to Capture Genuine Smiles for Christmas Card Photos: Turn Tears into Laughter." In his video, he belts out the catchy tune "Peaches" from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released recently in theaters. Interestingly, the song was originally sung by Jack Black, known for lending his voice to the character Bowser in the animated film.
“The answer … Sing ‘Peaches’ at the top of your lungs,” Rhett wrote of his upload, adding a “Dad Life” hashtag.
Rhett and Akins became parents in 2017, adopting Willa Gray from Uganda.
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins with their daughters Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina. Courtesy of Thomas Rhett/TikTok
"When I first laid eyes on her, I felt an undeniable connection," Akins revealed in an exclusive interview with We in January 2018. "I considered her my baby from the start, even though it took us a while to find each other. I remember calling Thomas on the very night I met her in Uganda and sharing everything about her. Without any hesitation, he said, 'Bring her home. She belongs with us. We'll make it work.'"
In less than five months after welcoming Willa Gray into their home in Nashville, Akins gave birth to their second child, Ada James. Following them, Lennon and Lillie joined the family in February 2020 and November 2021, respectively.
Rhett and Akins thoroughly enjoy the holiday season with their daughters, often sharing glimpses of their delightful festive traditions. On Christmas Eve, they all enthusiastically don matching holiday pajamas and attend a family party, where they joyfully recreate a charming human pyramid photo, with the kids adorably perched on top.
Additionally, Rhett and Akins have established a delightful tradition of hosting an eagerly anticipated "ugly Christmas sweater" party for their friends, which they began after their wedding.
Courtesy of Lauren Akins/Instagram
Most importantly, they love experiencing Christmas through their kids’ perspectives.
"Attending the Christmas candlelight ceremony at church tonight was a truly precious experience. Willa Gray's soulful singing and heartfelt wishes to Jesus on his birthday added a special touch. Witnessing Christmas through her innocent eyes remains my absolute favorite. Additionally, as we stepped out of the car, I casually requested her to hold my phone for a moment. Without hesitation, she agreed, and even insisted on capturing a selfie together. I'm extremely glad we took that impromptu photo."
