In a heartwarming moment that has melted fans’ hearts, Josh Duhamel and his wife, Audra Mari, celebrated their first Easter as a family of three with their newborn son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel. On April 1, 2024, Mari shared a touching video on her Instagram Story, capturing the couple’s 2-month-old son dressed in a charming yellow knit outfit, captioned simply, “Easter baby.” The post, which quickly went viral, offered a rare glimpse into the couple’s joy as they embraced parenthood together, marking a significant milestone for the Transformers star and the former Miss World America. This tender moment, set against the backdrop of springtime festivities, underscores the couple’s journey from a whirlwind romance to a growing family, captivating fans who have followed their love story. As Duhamel, 51, and Mari, 30, navigate their new roles as parents, their Easter celebration with Shepherd has sparked a wave of adoration and speculation about their future as a family.

A Love Story Rooted in North Dakota

Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari’s romance is a modern fairy tale with deep roots in their shared North Dakota heritage. Duhamel, born in Minot, and Mari, a Fargo native, first crossed paths through a mutual friend in Los Angeles in 2018. Their connection blossomed after Duhamel slid into Mari’s Instagram DMs, a move he later recounted with a laugh on Live with Kelly and Mark in 2023. “She’d won some pageants, and I root for people who do really well for North Dakota,” he said, recalling how he invited her to a BBQ, struck by her beauty and charm. Their relationship went public in October 2019 when they were spotted sharing a kiss at a Toronto airport, and by January 2020, Duhamel confirmed their romance on The Dan Patrick Show, saying he “loved” Mari more than his favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings.

The couple’s engagement came on January 8, 2022, when Duhamel proposed to Mari on her 28th birthday with a message in a bottle that read, “Audra Diane Mari, Will You Marry Me?” The whimsical beachside proposal, shared on Instagram, drew congratulations from fans and even Duhamel’s ex-wife, Fergie, who commented, “I am truly happy for you guys.” They tied the knot on September 10, 2022, in a picturesque ceremony in Fargo, North Dakota, celebrated on the rooftop of the Jasper Hotel. Pictures from their wedding, featured in Vogue Australia, showcased their deep connection and shared love for their home state. Just one year later, on September 11, 2023, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together, a moment that set the stage for their growing family.

Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel was born on January 11, 2024, in Los Angeles, as confirmed by Mari in a statement to The Forum. The couple shared the news on Instagram with a black-and-white photo of their newborn’s tiny feet, revealing his name and birthdate. Mari explained that “Shepherd” was chosen for its biblical and spiritual significance, symbolizing guidance and protection, while “Lawrence” honored Duhamel’s grandfather and Mari’s father. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love, including a heartfelt comment from Duhamel’s former All My Children co-star Rebecca Budig, who wrote, “Congratulations!” followed by heart emojis.

A Joyful First Easter

The Easter celebration on April 1, 2024, marked a milestone for Duhamel and Mari as they embraced their first major holiday with Shepherd. Mari’s Instagram Story video, showing the 2-month-old in a cozy yellow knit outfit, captured the tenderness of the moment. “Easter baby,” she captioned the clip, a simple phrase that resonated deeply with fans. The video, reported by People and Yahoo, showcased Shepherd’s tiny frame swaddled in soft fabric, his presence a testament to the couple’s new chapter as parents. For Duhamel, who is also a father to 11-year-old Axl from his marriage to Fergie, the holiday was his first as a father of two, a role he has embraced with enthusiasm.

Duhamel’s journey to this moment has been one of growth and reflection. In an interview with Parade before Shepherd’s birth, he shared Axl’s sweet reaction to becoming a big brother: “He’s like, ‘Wait, now, am I going to be — You’re still going to love me, though, too, right?’” Duhamel reassured him, “Of course, I’m going to still love you,” noting Axl’s excitement about remaining the “firstborn son.” Mari echoed this sentiment in a statement to The Forum, saying Axl adores his little brother, recalling a moment when Duhamel woke Axl for school by placing Shepherd on his bed, prompting giggles from the older sibling. This blended family dynamic, rooted in love and mutual respect, has been a cornerstone of Duhamel and Mari’s approach to parenting.

The Easter post also highlighted Mari’s transition into motherhood, a role Duhamel celebrated in a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute on May 12, 2024. “Here’s to you my love on your first Mother’s Day,” he wrote on Instagram. “What an amazing mommy you are to our baby Shepherd and Axl couldn’t ask for a better stepmother.” The post, which included a photo of Mari with Shepherd, underscored her seamless integration into the family, earning praise from fans who admire her warmth and dedication.

A Family Built on Love and Co-Parenting

Duhamel’s relationship with Fergie, whom he was married to from 2009 to 2019, remains a model of amicable co-parenting. In a September 2023 interview with The Jess Cagle Show, Duhamel praised Fergie’s kindness, noting, “She’s taken Audra in. It could be much worse.” Fergie’s supportive comment on the couple’s pregnancy announcement—“I am truly happy for you guys. Axl can’t wait to be a big brother”—further highlighted their positive dynamic. This foundation has allowed Axl to thrive, with Duhamel telling Fatherly in January 2023 that his son brings “so much joy” to his life and has embraced Mari as a stepmother.

Mari, a former Miss World America 2016, has also brought her own perspective to the family. In an interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger, she acknowledged the couple’s 21-year age gap, saying, “The age thing doesn’t normally come into conversation, but it definitely does when speaking of having babies.” She added that Duhamel, who once dreamed of having “eight or nine kids” in his youth, would likely have more if he were younger, but they plan to have “a few” together. This openness to expanding their family has fans speculating about whether more siblings for Shepherd and Axl might be in the future.

The Public’s Adoration and Speculation

The Easter video sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans flooding X with messages of adoration. “Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari’s baby Shepherd is the cutest Easter bunny! 🐣,” one user wrote, while another gushed, “That yellow outfit on Shepherd is everything. Josh and Audra are living the dream!” The post’s viral spread, amplified by outlets like People and Yahoo, underscored the couple’s appeal as a relatable yet glamorous duo. Their North Dakota roots, combined with their Hollywood success, have made them a fan favorite, with many rooting for their family’s growth.

The celebration also prompted speculation about Duhamel’s future plans. His role in Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, a romance-fueled Western drama, has kept him in the spotlight, and he told Parade that his off-grid Minnesota home—where he, Mari, and their children spend time—has reshaped his outlook. “It’s really about everybody taking care of each other—making memories,” he said, hinting at a desire to prioritize family amid his busy career. Fans on X have begun theorizing about whether Shepherd’s arrival might lead to a slower pace for the actor, with one user posting, “Josh looks so happy with Shepherd. Maybe he’ll take a break to be a full-time dad?”

A New Chapter for the Duhamel-Mari Family

The Easter moment was more than a cute social media post—it was a window into a family built on love, resilience, and shared dreams. Duhamel, who kicked off his career as Leo du Pres on All My Children, earning a Daytime Emmy in 2002, has evolved from a soap star to a Hollywood mainstay, starring in films like Shotgun Wedding and Transformers. Mari, a model and former pageant queen, has carved her own path, hosting Backroads with Audra Mari and representing the U.S. at Miss World 2016. Together, they embody a blend of small-town values and big-screen charisma, making their family milestones all the more relatable.

As Shepherd grows, fans eagerly await more glimpses of the Duhamel-Mari family, from holiday celebrations to everyday moments. Their Halloween 2024 post, where they dressed as Beetlejuice characters with Shepherd twinning with Duhamel, showed their playful side, and the Easter video set a high bar for heartwarming content. “We’re beyond grateful to have a beautiful and healthy baby boy,” Duhamel said in a statement to The Forum, a sentiment that resonates with every post they share.

A Legacy of Joy

Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari’s first Easter with Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel is a testament to their journey as a couple and parents. From their North Dakota roots to their Hollywood romance, they’ve built a life that balances fame with family, earning admiration from fans worldwide. The sweet video of Shepherd, bundled in yellow knit, is more than a snapshot—it’s a symbol of new beginnings, love, and the promise of more memories to come. As one X user put it, “Josh, Audra, and Shepherd are the family we all want to root for. Happy Easter, little guy!” With Axl by their side and Shepherd in their arms, the Duhamel-Mari family is writing a story that’s as captivating as any script, one joyful moment at a time.