This time of year is always so interesting to me. It seems as soon as Halloween is over, Christmas decorations pop up in stores, candy canes slowly begin replacing pumpkin treats, and the occasional Christmas song is played when you least expect it. I love Christmas, I love what it stands for and the traditions that accompany it, but I may never understand why Thanksgiving is so hurried along. Thanksgiving is easily my favorite holiday, it's so unlike everything else we celebrate that I find it refreshing.

My love of cooking and food surely play a part into why this time of year is my favorite, but there's just something about the first few weeks of brisk morning air, watching the parade on Thanksgiving morning, and catching the Thanksgiving football games (Go Panthers! 10-0!) that make this holiday feel cozy. It's not about worrying if you purchased the right size shirt for the perfect gift, or having to fight the crowds at the mall...though the grocery store can be pretty treacherous, it's simply about sharing a meal with those you love and giving thanks for our blessings.

Last year, late Summer, I was woken in the middle of the night with an idea for a style shoot. I had to do something that brought people together in a way that detailed friendship and love, more than the usual bride and groom portraits. I wanted Thanksgiving, the same way we see it during wedding receptions. As I began brainstorming and getting deeper in the idea I knew it was more than that, I wanted to showcase the full circle and nothing brings people together quite like a meal. When Passion8 came on board to showcase local, farm to table dishes it was the perfect fit. The styling of this shoot was based around organic details and a well curated collection of local fare, crafters, vendors, and merchants in a farm to table setting. But most importantly we wanted to showcase friends in a season of Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving! And next week, bring on the Christmas music! :)