bryant :: family :: raleigh, nc

You know it's going to be a fun session when the first person you're greeted by is a handsome young man named Moses and his dogs. As I open the car door Moses says "Hi, this is my dog, Ruby, she's half great dane." I said I can see that she's huge, but she doesn't really look like a great dane, what's her other half?....his answer "dog." :) We met the Bryant's at their adorable house with the fun front door and had a great time capturing photos of the kids and family as they played, danced, and loved on each other. Sarah wrote us before the session saying:

"I told Scott and the children last night how sweet these pictures will be. Last of Georgia Mae before she’s a teenager in August, probably last of Moses with baby front teeth (he’ll be 8 in October and still has the top front baby teeth), and Emmylou with her wobbly new walk before she’s running (16 months old and only been walking a couple months). These will be treasures to remember this perfectly sweet time in our family’s life. Can’t wait!"

Those are the reasons we love getting to take photos and video for our clients, we love being able to capture these time in their lives that they will always remember!

Neill

Any day we get to spend with the Neill family is a good day. Last month Emily asked us to take some more family pictures of them before Avery started Chemo and could possibly start loosing her hair. We wanted to do them in some of Avery's favorite places and where she is most comfortable so of course that included our church's playground and their home! It was a CHILLY March morning, but you know kids, sometimes I swear they can't feel temperature! So they had the best time running around and playing with each other. After about 20 minutes though the 30 degree temperatures and blowing wind set in so we all decided to go back to their house and meet up with both Emily and Andy's parents.

Even there we wanted them to just do some of their favorite things which included reading with the grandparents and playing with their toys.

We love the Neill family dearly and continue to pray for them daily and ask that you all do the same. We are thankful they have allowed us to walk this journey with them in so many ways and are blessed to see how the Lord is with them even in such a difficult time. Please visit their YouCaring Page if you would like to donate to help them with medical costs and other expenses that come with fighting this terrible disease.

alaina :: newborn :: wake forest, nc

Oh, the Lee Family there aren't enough good things I can say about this family! We have known Nate and Lane for years and have truly enjoyed getting to watch their family grow. In contrast to my all blue, all truck, all ball, all boy house. The Lee house is all things girl: pink, bows, dresses, princesses, dolls and beautiful girls! We have loved getting to document the girls throughout the years and it's no different with their newest baby girl, Alaina! She is the sweetest little baby, and has already adjusted to and loves the chaos that surrounds her! During the session Anna Kate quickly got distracted with my boys in the backyard (of course we had to make a playdate/mommy time out of the session:), but Abby Grace did not want to leave her new baby sisters side and was there helping the entire time! It was so sweet to see the love and excitement she has for her new sister!

Avery Neill

https://vimeo.com/249192576

#BraveryforAvery

As we sort through more photos from the Neill Family Session, I am reminded of how evident the love this family (and their friends) have for Avery. If this is your first time hearing about the Neill's, be sure to visit our original post to learn more.  From day one of Avery's diagnosis, a community of people has been formed, life long friends and new acquaitenances, who want to do anything they can to support the Neill family. During their photo session we wanted to do something special for Avery and the Neill family so we set up three Christmas trees in the middle of a field in front of a rustic barn decorated in Christmas lights. It's amazing how we were able to pull everything together in just 48 hours and how so many people were more than willing to jump in and help. Specifically, we want to thank the Johnson family for letting us borrow the Christmas trees, the Bailey family for allowing us to use their property and for decorating the barn and to my friends and husband who helped me to get the Christmas trees set up and decorated.

And it wasn't just the adults, it brought tears to my eyes to see my boys so excited to chip in and when my friend Jen came to help decorate the tree, her daughter (and Avery's friend), came along with so many great ideas that only a child would think of, like hiding candy canes all over the back of trees for Avery to find and discover. Of course, Avery loved when she discovered them!

Of course, what we all want is for this diagnosis to disappear, for the Neill family to be able to go back to the life they had beforehand and ultimately, for Avery to be well. Our hearts break together as we watch Avery, Emily, Andy and the entire Neill family navigate this diagnosis and the realities of it. While there are some things we can't change, there are so many things we can. One of those is the financial burden this diagnosis has placed on the Neill family. If you haven't already, be sure to visit the Neill Family's 'You Caring' Page where you can donate today.

This family has a long journey ahead but they will not walk it alone. Please, keep this sweet family in your prayers.

The Neill Family Photos : #braveryforavery

There are certain moments in photography that feel sacred. Opportunities to document that hold the highest honor. One such moment came this past Sunday as we met with the Neill family in North Raleigh to take some family photos. We gathered on land where we have shot many times before. Beautiful acreage in North Raleigh owned by a family from our church who have graciously allowed us to use it, time and again. This was one such time that they were more than happy to open up their property to us and even decorate their beautiful barn for the session we would have that afternoon. The Neills include Emily (mom), Andy (Dad), Bekah & Avery (Twin Sisters) and James (the youngest of this crew). Teran and I have known them for a while and Teran has been blessed to be part of their small group for the last few years.  They are a close knit small group that has lived life with each other, grown their families together, and figured out parenting (and its accompanying highs and lows) side by side, along with the rest of their community at Bay Leaf Baptist Church.

That is why Friday came as a heavy blow to everyone when we heard the news that sweet Avery had been diagnosed with a brainstem tumor known as "DIPG," which is sadly incurable and for which there is very little treatment. The average prognosis is 9-12 months.

Emily reached out to us that afternoon asking if we might take some family photos prior to Avery beginning treatment this week, a request we were honored and humbled by, and which we were more than willing to fulfill.

On Sunday, Avery was already showing symptoms from her diagnosis though her main struggle was with dizziness and nauseous from the double vision they believe she was experiencing.

Yet there on a cloudy Sunday, with the Neills and their extended family driving in to join, we were able to capture a few images for this sweet family before their life enters a new season of treatment for Avery. For a few short hours we were able to focus on the smiles and joy of this incredibly brave family and we were able to document Avery and her family as they enjoyed being just that: a family.

We love the Neill family and can only imagine the weight of this season they are entering. We are heart-broken but not without hope. We are amazed at the grace and courage of Emily, Andy, and their entire family as they begin to navigate this road.  We are touched by Avery's sweetness throughout this all, and we continue praying for strength and courage.

It was our joy to offer this session to the Neills and we are actively looking for other ways to walk alongside and support them during this hard season.  We were able to donate to Avery's YouCaring page, and we would encourage you to do so as well if you are able.  You can find the link here.  Avery's diagnosis will significantly alter the lives of the Neill family, including financially.  One way they can feel our love and care is through donations that help ease the financial burden, which is only one of the many difficulties they face ahead. Perhaps even more importantly, please pray for the Neills--for strength, encouragement, faith, peace, comfort, and healing.   Finally, you can follow the Neill's journey by joining their Facebook page where friends and family will be adding updates regularly about Avery's journey.  You can even post messages and help connect others in encouraging the Neills with the hashtag #braveryforavery.

Somber moments like these can take our breath away and leave us speechless.  But where words fail, pictures speak loudly.  Avery's smile and hope-filled gaze; her sister's calm sparkle; Emily's passionate embrace of her daughter; her Daddy's protective grin.  These moments are perhaps more real than the words to describe them and will endure as memories of God's goodness in creating and uniting the Neills as a family.  Even in the midst of sorrow and anticipated loss, the beauty of these moments reminds us that the sovereign author of them all endures far beyond, holding for us a joy that cannot fade or diminish.  We pray that these realities will be a comfort to the Neills in this difficult time.

brinkley family :: maternity :: coats, nc

We love shooting in new locations, we love it even more when it's the family's property! The Brinkley's were absolutely adorable and their property was a photographers dream. Laura and Nick have a 2 and a half year old little girl, Madison, and are expecting twins this Spring. It was a bit of a chilly afternoon the day of their pictures, but Madison didn't seem to mind and neither did the cows that followed us around during the session! Getting to take pictures of expecting mothers and their families is one of our favorite sessions. The anticipation and excitement of everyone is always so fun to photograph and it was no different with Laura and Nick. Madison was cute as a button and is going to make a great big sister. The property had beautiful pastures, a quaint little pond with a blue boat as well as a barn that was catching the sunlight perfectly.

Thank you Brinkley family for allowing us to capture these photos for you!

ledford :: family mini-session :: franklin, nc

A few weeks ago we were able to travel to the mountains of North Carolina to visit family. It was a great weekend and part of what made it such a great weekend were the photo sessions we had! One of those sessions was with the Ledford Family. Christy and I went to high school together, and caught up a few years ago at our 10-year reunion, so I was excited when she reached out to me about doing family photos for them. Christy is now married to Joe and they have 2 beautiful daughters. Harper, who absolutely loved the camera and made for some fun photos and Olivia who made getting a smile out of her harder than cracking a bank safe, all the while, still managing to be adorably cute!

Thanks Ledford family for letting us capture these pictures for you!

dodard :: family :: wake forest, nc

To say we are going to miss this family is an understatement. Patrick and Amy moved in next door to us last May. We quickly realized how awesome they were and became fast friends. Their oldest daughter Ava is right in-between the boys ages so they have enjoyed hours in the culdesac and each other's houses! Since they moved in Amy gave birth to baby Charlotte who the boys love to spoil as well! When Amy told me they were moving she also asked if they could do one last family session to remember their time here in Raleigh. North Carolina's landscape's is a little different than South Florida so we definitely wanted to do something to remember that there are trees other than palm trees and buildings made out of materials other than concrete! :)

When Patrick and Amy told us they were moving back to Florida to be close to family, we completely understood, but we also cried a little tear! Having awesome neighbors makes all difference in the world and we were blessed to have them! Praying for you Dodard's as you make the transition back to Florida. We will miss you and hope you come back to visit soon!

richie :: family :: raleigh, nc

hot, muggy, steamy, fun, adorable, beautiful...those are all words we could use to describe the Richie's session. Yall I know it's hot in North Carolina especially in July, but this particular evening was one of the worst! Even though it was so hot and my clothes turned into a wet suit, it was such a cute session! The entire family is incredible and even with it so hot they were all so photogenic. Foster (their son) was on the move the entire time, which made it interesting trying to get him to to stay still long enough to get some pictures with him in them, but little sister Kennedy made up for it! That girl, LOVES, I mean...LOVES...the camera! And the camera loves her smile!

We had a great time with the Richie's!

boyce :: family :: wake forest, nc

We always love a family photo shoot, but when the family consists of older children who listen and follow directions we really love a photo shoot! The Boyce family were awesome! They met us on a hot muggy morning, but they were such troopers and after a few snaps warmed right up to the camera! Older brother Caleb was so respectful and little sister Caitlin was sweet as can be. Both started out a bit shy, but by the end you would have thought the camera was their best friend!

And mom and dad...they kept trying to tell us that they hadn't been like that in 20 years, but I tell you what they were so natural together. The way they naturally "posed" and laughed and smiled at each other was so loving.

Thanks for spending your Saturday morning with us Boyce Family!

carlyn :: newborn :: durham, nc

What better way to spend a Saturday morning then with a beautiful newborn, her adoring brother, and loving parents in their beautiful house! That's exactly what Paige and I got to do a few weeks ago. We have known Nick and Amanda for years and have loved watching their family grow. When big brother Camden came along it was so neat to watch them as parents and now that little sister, Carlyn, is here you can see the love between them all! Carlyn's story is pretty amazing. Shortly after Nick and Amanda found out they were pregnant the doctors told her she had lost the baby. I remember being so heart broken for them and praying for comfort for them during this difficult time. They had to go to the doctor again and say their final goodbyes, but as the doctor did one last heart check they found the faintest heart beat...it was truly a miracle.

Amanda's pregnancy wasn't the easiest and because of health complications Amanda was induced a few week's early. Through it all I was so encouraged by Amanda's strength and the faith and trust her and Nick lived out!

I'm so thankful for them and their amazing story and we are thrilled to be celebrating another beautiful baby in our group of friends!

family reunion :: ocean isle, nc

When Chelsea reached out to us and told us that their extended family would all be at the beach for a week celebrating their grandparents 65th wedding anniversary and wanted a family photo there was no doubt we would make it work to get there! 6 hours round trip is nothing for this incredible family. Not only were they one of the easiest sessions we've had...21 people in 30 minutes, that has to be a record! But they are so sweet and generous hosting us for dinner after and welcoming us into their home. Not to mention how perfectly the weather cooperated and gave us a slight cloud cast till we were done then the rain came in. Paige couldn't have put it any better than she posted this on our facebook page....

"What is there to say about this incredible family!? Though I've only been around them a handful of times, the Bergland family holds such a sweet place in my heart! We've had the pleasure of documenting two of their weddings and we couldn't have been more thrilled when they asked us to come take a few photos for them as they enjoyed a family vacation at the beach. It was a quick trip to the coast and back but so very worth it!! Bergland Family, we adore you guys! Thankful our paths crossed a few years ago and hopeful that they will do so again! Thank you for your encouragement, support, & friendship! Also, thank you for being an incredibly photogenic and beautiful family!"

bergland family :: ocean isle, nc

Celebrating 3 Years

It came as a surprise to even us as we hung out with Jade & Travis this afternoon, capturing their sweet lil' one's very first photos! Today is June 5th which means it is our 3rd anniversary! Travis was actually the one to remind us (thanks Travis!).

Though our journey started long before, June 5th, 2013 was the first official day of our photography venture, Fifth of June! As we remember our first blog post, the story of why Paige decided to pick up a camera for the first time (Thanks Meg!) we are blown away by how far we have come. We look back on what led us to begin this little business and how we came up with the name Fifth of June in the first place and we're humbled and thankful for the provision the Lord has had for us.

We're so blessed to be able to do what we do and we love it. We love our clients, we love the moments we get to capture and the memories we get to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story, who has supported us along the way! As we always say, it's a privilege, an honor and a blessing to be able to do what we do! So here's to three years running and many more to come!

Sincerely,

Paige & Teran

powell :: family :: raleigh, nc

There is nothing quite as beautiful as a cool, crisp, Carolina morning. Then you add in a gorgeous location and an amazing family and you get a fantastic photo session! We love the Powell family and when Paige was raising money for the 12x12 Initiative they were so nice to come along beside Paige to support her by pledging toward the trip and receiving a photo shoot in return! It's always an honor to have repeat sessions with a family and we are grateful for clients like the Powell Family!

A No Fooling April Fool's Day Promotion!

It may be April Fool's Day but we're Not Foolin'

Save $50 on your Collection and be Entered to win a Complete Collection!

We love our clients and this April Fools Day we want you to know how much! Book a session with us between today and April 15th* and you'll get $50 off of your collection! Plus, everyone that books a session with us during that time will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a complete collection** on us!

*Session does not have to take place during the promotional window, the session just needs to be scheduled before August 31st, 2016 and $150 deposit collected before April 15th, 2016. **Complete collection is a $250 value. The deposit of $150 will still be collected and clients can upgrade to another collection by paying the difference in price.

A Weekend in South Georgia

It's been years since we have been to Georgia to visit JJ's grandparents. In fact, the last time we were there was when we went to tell them we were pregnant with Aiden! With life being as busy as it has been the past few years we knew if we didn't just schedule a weekend we wouldn't ever make it! So we scheduled the weekend and the night before we were supposed to leave we were afraid the boys had gotten the stomach bug that had been going around and cancelled. Well needless to say they didn't get it, so thankfully we were able to move some things around and the next week we were on our way to Georgia! It was 7 hours down, a day there, and 7 hours back...but the boys did awesome traveling and enjoyed everyone moment with Granny and Papaw. We're so thankful for the family we have been blessed with and never want to take them for granted! We hope the boys will always know how loved they are and value the family we have!

The boys had the best time playing in their yard, exploring Papaw's work shop and getting spoiled by their great grandparents!

lee :: family :: wake forest, nc

Lane is a dear, dear friend. We have known her through the years, but when my back was up against a wall and I was trying to find someone to keep the boys so I could take a part-time job that had been offered to me. She willingly came to my house, stayed with my boys, and did all of this for little pay! I will never be able to let her know how thankful I am. Lane had to stop staying with my boys in September, because she was pregnant with their 2nd and needless to say trying to keep up with 3 kids under 3 can be exhausting...especially when you're pregnant!

Ms. Abby wasn't due until January, but back in December I got a text from Lane saying she thought she was in labor. Sure enough at 36 weeks sweet Abby Grace came into this world in her own time. Paige and I were gone for the holidays, but the week we got back we went over to their new (and super adorable) house and had the best time with Abby, big sis Anna Kate and the entire family.

Thank You Lee family for allowing us into your beautiful new home and for allowing us to be a part of this special time of your life.

diering :: family :: wake forest, nc

Around the holidays families love to get together and that was no different for the Dierings. The parents Steve and Nancy live here in Raleigh along with one of their sons and his family. His wife Maria, has been a good friend of  Paige's and I's for years now so we were excited to get to take family photos of everyone while Nate's brother and his wife and son were in town. It was a cold afternoon, and with 3 small children that can always get interesting, but they were all fabulous, and gorgeous so it was a fantastic photo shoot. Plus Sadie, Maria and Nate's 4 year old daughter, was a great photo assistant telling everyone where to stand, how to pose, and what looked good!

We love this family and this session!