My most favorite season of the year begins today.  I just adore everything about fall from the cool crisp air, to the changing leaves.  The colors shift to more deep and rich tones.  It’s this time of year that things seem to slow down, things become more simplified-as this part of the earth goes into it’s temporary sleep.

Fall is our season in the Z house. I start breaking out all of my soup recipes, and we begin making sweet potato pie and peanut butter cookies.  Homemade hot cocoa becomes our nightly treat. Brett chops fire wood, trying to get a good supply for running our wood stove during the winter nights. We take ridiculous amounts of photos in the fall, and I buy more cardigans, vests, boots, and other clothes for the kids than any other time of the year.  I even think they look best in those types of clothes, as silly as that sounds.

Speaking of clothes, I practically go “ga-ga” for fall wardrobes.  My favorite colors are EVERYWHERE!!!  Brown, muted greens, mustard, navy blue, deep purple….I love boots, fitted jackets, scarves and hats…..fall fabrics like velvet, corduroy, and wool.  Ahhhh!  I could go nuts!!  :)

Of everything this fall (and every fall) the thing I look forward to the most is, apple fritters.  They rock my world!  :)  Going to the pumpkin patch and getting warm fresh baked apple fritters is the epitome and culmination of all things good in fall.

A few photos of the boys playing in Tennessee over the weekend, that reminded me of fall approaching….

What are your favorite things about fall?  Please leave us a comment and share what you look forward to.  :)

As I was working on these photos this morning I found myself getting a little emotional.  I just adore the beauty and symbolism of a couple totally in love, on the edge of being able to experience the major life change of a first child.

Lauren and Mark seemed so happy and at ease…..of all the times in a person’s life, I think this is one of the most beautiful.

I am starting with a favorite of mine.

sweet little belly!

:)  Does this make you smile like I am right now?

Lauren is such a beautiful Mama!

Everything Mark did on this shoot was incredibly sincere and natural.  He is so sweet to Lauren, and I know he is madly in love with the baby girl in the belly.

Another favorite!

Lauren and Mark, you are such an adorable couple.  I am so glad you asked us to do photos for you to document this amazing point in your life!  We wish you peace and comfort this last month of pregnancy, a safe delivery, and a healthy baby girl!!  I will be waiting to hear when she arrives!  I know she will be a precious punkin.  :)

All the best,

jess + brett