From their shared political views to a tendency for hugging each other, the warm bond between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama has become a widely reported tale of cross-border friendship. And now, it appears there’s a new page in their political bromance.

According to the chief White House photographer, Trudeau was the visionary behind the photo that was selected for the Obamas’ annual White House holiday card.

Pete Souza explained how the decision unfolded in an Instagram post on Thursday. The photographer recalled how, when he was asked about a family photo for the card, his mind went to the formal state dinner in March attended by Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.

“Before the dinner, I did a family photo in the White House residence,” Souza wrote. “But later, when the Trudeaus arrived, the two families spent some time on the Truman Balcony with their respective delegations.”

That’s when the prime minister asked for a photo of he and Sophie with the Obamas. After a couple snaps, Trudeau suggested the photographer capture a shot of just the Obamas.

 

Regram of Chief Official White House Photographer @PeteSouza: "This family. What can I say. What an honor to have photographed them for eight years. A couple of months ago, the Social Office came to me and said they were thinking of using a family photo for this year's White House holiday card. So I thought of Justin Trudeau. I know you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Earlier this year we hosted the Canadian Prime Minister for a formal State Dinner. Malia and Sasha attended as guests. Before the dinner, I did a family photo in the White House residence. But later, when the Trudeaus arrived, the two families spent some time on the Truman Balcony with their respective delegations. At one point, the Prime Minister asked if we could do a photo of he and his wife with the Obama family. Click, click, click. Then, he said I should do a photo of just the Obamas. I could have said, ‘Sir, we already did one before you arrived.’ But instead, I clicked off a few quick frames. And lo and behold, it was this picture that Justin Trudeau asked me to take which everyone loved as the choice for the 2016 White House holiday card."

A photo posted by The White House (@whitehouse) on

“I could have said, ‘Sir, we already did one before you arrived.’ But instead, I clicked off a few quick frames,” Souza wrote. “And lo and behold, it was this picture that Justin Trudeau asked me to take which everyone loved as the choice for the 2016 White House holiday card."

The card, which came out last week, features an image of the four smiling Obamas dressed up for the occasion. The card was sent to a select list of recipients, including political donors and members of the media.

A message on the card reads: “As our family reflects on our many happy years spent in the White House, we are grateful for the friends we’ve made, the joy we’ve shared, and the gifts of kindness we’ve received. We wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a wonderful new year.”