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.

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

family weekend :: hilton head island, sc

This past weekend was a time for family and fun as we celebrated our mom's birthday at one of her favorite places, Hilton Head Island, SC. It was a sweet time to share together and we soaked up every moment of it that we could!

Collaboration :: Hand Lettering Co

While traveling with the 12x12 Initiative I was able to connect with Chris and Carly of Hand Lettering Co in San Diego, CA. This awesome couple is doing incredible work that is both beautiful and encouraging! Though my visit with them was short, I am glad to call them friends and truly enjoyed being able to collaborate with them on one of their prints.

Be sure to visit their website where you can purchase this print or download it for free on their "encourage" page to use as a desktop wallpaper!

NC State's Farm Days

Lane and her adorable daughter, Anna Kate, have been hanging out with the boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays every other week while I'm at work. The boys love Ms. Lane and Anna Kate and it was so much fun to get to go with them to NC State's Farm Days event. It was a beautiful day and all the kids loved the animals, tractors and ice cream!

The 12x12 Initiative

With Fifth of June, it has always been my honor to to capture photos - photos that tell a story - the story of milestones, families and lives! Because of that, I am so thrilled to announce the 12x12 Initiative.

With the 12x12 Initiative, we believe in bringing attention to worthy work through worthy stories. The 12x12 Initiative is about the POWER OF STORY. Beginning in March of 2015 I  will be traveling with two other videographers, cross-country documenting the stories we encounter through photos, videos, and narratives.  Believing that creative ambitions can lead to social good, our goal is to fulfill our motto: stories matter, through the 12x12 initiative. You can find out more about the 12x12 Initiative at our website. You can also checkout our Kickstarter campaign which allows you to be part of the initiative through generous contributions! This initiative means so much to me and I want to thank you in advance for checking it out!

Sincerely, Paige

Day at the Farm

Before Christmas we finally made the trip to Virginia to visit Grandma and our family there. We've been meaning to go ever since Grant was born, but life got crazy and well 5 months later we finally made it. It was so precious to introduce Grant to his great-grandmother and for Aiden to get to visit again. We only had one night there, but made the most of it seeing and milking the goats, visiting the chickens, and hiking the property down to the creek. Aiden was in his element and loved every minute of being there. Grant, well Grant, loves wherever he goes and was happy to get all the cuddles, love and attention that he did.

We can't wait to go back and visit again!

We went to the OBX.....in December.

This year for Christmas JJ and I decided to give each other a family trip to the Outer Banks. His family has a timeshare on the Outerbanks and their week in December was available. Going during the winter is drastically different then going in the summer. Not only is the weather completely different, but there are only 25,000 people on the OBX compared to 1/2 million visitors a weekend during the Summer. Many of our favorite restaurants and outings were closed, but thank goodness for The Kill Devil Grill and an indoor pool! Both boys ended up getting sick and there was a noreaster off the coast that made going to the beach impossible, but we had a great time resting, swimming, and exploring! We visited the Currituck lighthouse and the wildlife museum and saw Christmas lights at a local house that were like nothing I had ever seen before. It was the best present we could have given each other and the boys. We will never forget it!

Thanksgiving Day

This year we hosted Thanksgiving in Raleigh. We missed being in the mountains, especially getting to cut down our Christmas tree, but it was really nice staying home and having our parents (mine and Paige's) come here. Of course, mom wanted a family picture while they were here and because of schedules the only time we had to take them was Thanksgiving morning. Cold, wet, damp Thanksgiving morning. So what did we do? What any normal family with a 2 year old and 5 month old would do....cancelled and decide to take them another time...headed out in the freezing wet cold to take the photos! Thankfully, we caught a break in the storm, and though it was cold the rain had stopped and we had a lot of fun with the pictures! Plus, it then made it all the more special when we got to Paige's that afternoon and got to cuddle up in the warmth of her home and enjoy our Thanksgiving meal.

Even though it was a small group of us this year, we still cooked like we were feeding the entire family.  JJ smoked a Turkey breast for us, we had ham and then mom and I made fresh baked cinnamon raisin bread, parmesan risotto, bourbon brussel sprouts, sweet potato casserole, green beans, apple crisp and pumpkin cheesecake! Needless to say we were all stuffed when we decorated Paige's christmas tree that night, but it was the perfect day to relax, reflect, and be thankful!

Lettering Hang Out and Tutorial

A little over a week ago, Teran, myself, and my friend Emily made a trip over to Wilson to hang out with Heather, whom you may remember from Heather's Letters. If you recall, I had the privilege of working with Heather as she was one of the featured artists at Jubala Coffee here in North Raleigh. After working with Heather for her display at Jubala, we were able to work together again as I helped her redesign her website (www.heathers-letters.com). Out of those things began a friendship that I am so very thankful for! Heather inspires me time and again with her talent and creativity. She is extremely gifted at her art. I am so grateful that Heather graciously welcomed us into her home for an afternoon of coffee, conversation, and a little creativity. She was kind to offer us a brief calligraphy tutorial (let it be noted that Em happened to be the A-student of that session, Teran stuck with crayons (not really but of course that became my joke for the day), and I gave up after two minutes and got my camera out!).

Spending the afternoon with these dear friends was a blessing to me. They have been an encouragement to me in my life, faith, and business. As I grow older, I find myself cherishing the gift of friends and family all the more - and for these three I give thanks. I am excited for the possibility of things in store for the future. Thanks again, Heather, we had a great time!

Happy Anniversary to our Grandparents!

Friends, today our grandparents celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. This photo was taken on their honeymoon! Words cannot express the blessing and encouragement they are to us! 65 years of love, laughter, sacrifice and friendship. We are so grateful to be their granddaughters and for the example they have set before us. Of all the things they've taught us, this we will always try to embrace - love hard, laugh much, and be thankful! Happy Anniversary, Bachi & Gaddi! (Curious about the names? It's a Polish thing!)

Hilton Head Island - Stock Shoot

As sisters growing up, we often found ourselves sharing friends. At the time, I wouldn't say we were the best of friends ourselves but we found a way to get along considering we had many friends in common. Ashley and Teran met in middle school and have been friends ever since. Fortunately, as we all grew older, we grew closer. I would go along with Teran when she would meet up with Ashley and soon enough, Ashley's sister, Meg, would join us as well! We love meeting up with Meg and Ashley. They both live on Hilton Head Island so Teran and I are happy to find any excuse we need to get down to see them as much as possible. Beyond being great friends, they are two very happy and eager models for us, which I love! As I continue to shoot some stock photography on the side - these two make that job very easy! As the summer comes to a close, here's a few shots from our last trip down there. Meg even convinced her family to get in on a few! Interested in taking part in one of our stock shoots? Let us know!

Featured on PicTapGo Picks!

Last week one of our Instagram photos was featured on PicTapGo's website as one of their PicTapGo picks for the week of 9/5/14. You can check it out here!

Project52 - Brothers [4:52]

Newborn - Grant Alexander

I can remember when Aiden was born, it was a very surreal moment. I had been around plenty of babies, but there was something very unique and special about meeting Aiden for the first time - after growing up with my sister for 26 years - sharing a childhood and many seasons of life together - witnessing the moment she became more than a daughter, wife and sister but now mother was a memory I won't forget. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to do with Aiden - it all being so new, I just knew I loved him. That being said, meeting my second nephew for the first time did not disappoint. Unlike Aiden, I was actually there for Grant's delivery. Watching him as he took his first breath, let out his first cry and met his mom and dad for the very first time. It was a priceless moment and an exciting one at that - it was also a bit more relaxed as I think we all felt a little more experienced this time around! Mr. Grant, just like his brother, has already won over our hearts. Easy enough, considering he favors Aiden so much. The two could be twins. But this one it seems already has his own personality. I may be a bit biased, but as a second child myself, I think this little man is going to take after me!

It has always been a treat for me to take photos of my sweet nephew, Aiden, and now I'm privileged to twice the fun as Grant will be finding himself on the other side of the lens just as much. Welcome to the world, Grant Alexander!

-Paige

Project 52 - Brothers [2:52]

Being a big brother is serious business, y'all. Despite appearances, Aiden loves holding his little brother. And I love his serious face. On the other hand, Grant's opinion of the experience is still a bit up in the air.

Project 52 - Brothers [1:52]

When I first started in photography I choose to do a 365-project. It's pretty simple, one photo everyday, totaling in 365 photos for the year. It was a strategic way of challenging myself to pick up my camera each day, to think outside of the box and imagine what ordinary life could look like through the other side of a lens. I think I made it about half way. Life got busy and my project was pushed to the back burner. But there's aspects of it I have missed. Shooting for shooting sake is probably what I miss the most. So I've decided to start a new project. At times, my ambition gets a bit ahead of me so I've decided to pace myself this time. Instead of a 365-project, I'm going for what from this point forward will be referred to as Project 52. Again, simple, a photo a week - and to keep me on track and focused - the theme will be "brothers". Once a week for the next year I will take a photo of my sweet nephews together. Not such a difficult task for this adoring Aunt. I look forward to what the next year holds, even more so, I hope to have 52 photos to look back on in a year from now that will have documented these two boys as they grow. I could stare at this first photo for hours. I cannot express the way my heart melts to watch Aiden, who mind you is ALL boy (destruction and noise are his hobbies) interact so gently and sweetly with his baby brother. This big brother is in love, and my friends, it is precious.

The First Days

Needless to say, we've had our hands full around here! We are looking forward to sharing some of our recent shoots very soon! With Grant being born in early July and our moving day soon after, it feels like the last few weeks have been a blur! That being said, we have been beyond blessed in how smooth everything went with Grant's arrival and the moving process - thank you to all of our friends and family who chipped in! Here's a few shots from Mr. Grant's first few days! -Teran

Art + Jubala

If you live in Raleigh or the surrounding area and you have yet to make your way over to Jubala Coffee, then you my friend, are missing out! Jubala is owned by a friend of ours, Andrew Cash, and after years of planning, dreaming and praying - Andrew opened the doors to Jubala Coffee in Layafette Village. Since then, Jubala has become one of the darling's of North Raleigh. Upon my frequent visits to Jubala I often think of the theme song to the classic TV show "Cheers".. feel free to sing along!

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.

It is rare that I walk into Jubala's doors without running into a familiar face. For myself and many friends, this is our local hangout. But it's not just the ambiance and company that makes Jubala one of my favorites - the hand-crafted coffees, lattes and delicious waffles only add to Jubala's appeal. Andrew and his staff strive for excellence in all areas!

A little while back, as I was waiting on a 12oz pourover from Andrew, he and I got into a discussion about the art displays at Jubala. With Andrew's plate already overflowing and with my interest in bringing a spotlight to many of Raleigh's local artists - we decided that Teran and I would step in to assist him in lining up the art displays at Jubala. It took a little while to smooth out the transition and get things rolling, but I am excited to be part of the community Jubala is building here in North Raleigh. Even more so, I am thrilled to lend a hand in bringing attention to many of Raleigh's local and very-talented artists.

This past Sunday, Heather Ritchie of "heathers letters" brought in her hand-lettered pieces for display at Jubala. Heather was born and raised in Raleigh and now resides in Wilson, NC with her husband, Daniel, and their adorable son, Teague. I have known Heather for years and I am so excited to have her artwork on the walls of Jubala. I will hopefully be sharing more about Heather a little later on, but for now I would encourage anyone in the Raleigh area to make a stop by Jubala Coffee, grab a pour-over coffee or enjoy an iced latte, and be sure to check out Heather's incredible artwork.While you're at it, go ahead and buy a piece!

-Paige

Of course I carried my camera without a memory card to Jubala the day Heather and I put up her artwork - but here's some iPhone photos to give you a taste of her lovely artwork!

We Have a House (again)!

We have a house!! We weren't sure we'd ever be able to say that, but God was faithful and we have a house! This weekend we will be moving with the help of family and friends! JJ and I put our house on the market back in February thinking "we'll just see what happens". A few weeks later we were under contract to sell our house and calling Aunt Paige to see if we could move in with her for "a little while". I don't think any of us thought "a little while" would turn into 4 months, but Paige has graciously opened up her home to us and the past few months have been a lot of fun!

We've definitely used every open spot in her place. We've become our own version of Full House! JJ and I have been in the guest room, Paige moved her office into her bedroom, and Aiden...well now that I think about it, I think he got the best end of the deal. He still has his own room and the majority of his toys came with him!

Grant's recent arrival added a new twist to the situation! We ended up moving into the master so we would have room for the bassinet while Paige (and mom who is here helping) have been sharing the guest room. Aiden, as I mentioned, is still living like a king!

The past few months have been a lot of fun and we have memories that will last forever. Plus, getting to see the way Aiden and Aunt Paige have bonded over the past few months has been really neat to watch. Best of all, we've had the chance to use the pool while we lived here! We are excited and grateful for the new home God has provided but we leave taking with us many precious memories of this sweet season of life!

-Teran