The Beauty of This Season and the Gift of Family
I love this season — the cooler air, cozy sweaters, and the feeling of slowing down. Long before I ever heard the word “hygge,” fall and winter always meant warmth, snuggling in, and finding joy in home. When my children were little, this was when we truly nestled in together. Looking back, that’s where so much happiness lived — in the small, ordinary moments of togetherness.
We’ve all heard the reminders:
“Don’t blink.”
“Savor every minute.”
“Enjoy it. It goes so fast.”
But nothing prepares you for how true that is. One moment you’re bringing a baby home, and the next you’re watching them head to kindergarten. The seasons keep spinning — school events, sports, laughter, disagreements, busy schedules — and before you know it, another year has passed.
That’s why I always tell families: make time for family portraits whenever you can. They’re not just photos — they’re a way to hold on to the love, connection, and magic of this fleeting time. Once your children are grown, it becomes harder to gather everyone together. But portraits let you keep the story of your family, exactly as it is right now.
As our children grow, our families change — and that’s both beautiful and bittersweet. When my oldest left for college, I was so proud of her, but I also felt the ache of change. A friend reminded me, “This is what they’re supposed to do.” And it’s true. Watching them become who they’re meant to be is wonderful — but it still tugs at your heart. Family photos become little time capsules of the life you built together, reminders of how full your home once felt.
This season always brings back the warmth of those days — the end of soccer games, grilled cheese and tomato soup dinners, catching Charlie Brown specials on TV (or if you missed it, you took a trip to Blockbuster), early “jamma” times, and cozy movie nights under big blankets. Maybe it wasn’t always calm in reality, but in my memory, it was pure comfort — and that’s the feeling I hold onto.
As we move through fall and into the holidays, take time to slow down and really feel your family. These days are precious and fleeting. Savor them, celebrate them, and when you can, capture them — in your heart and in your portraits.
If you’re in Mullica Hill or the South Jersey area, this is the perfect time to schedule your family photography session. Whether we meet outdoors surrounded by beautiful fall colors or create a cozy in-home portrait session, we’ll capture your family’s love, laughter, and connection — the moments that matter most.
And if you need a little inspiration for slowing down, check out the idea of hygge. You’ll instantly feel the cozy — and remember that these quiet, connected moments are what truly make life beautiful.