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!

roxie & clint :: wedding film :: ahoskie, nc

Clint and Roxie's wedding was a beautiful December wedding in quaint eastern North Carolina. It was a cold but sunny day and Roxie was so stunning I'm not sure anyone even realized how chilly it was. We met the bridal party at Roxie's home church, First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, early in the day and got to spend the afternoon with them as they prepared for a beautiful ceremony and fun-filled reception. There was not an empty seat left in the church as Roxie walked down the aisle and Clint and her exchanged vows.

The evening finished with everyone dancing the night away during the reception at Beechwood Country Club with live music from The Pizazz Band.

Thank you Roxie and Clint for allowing us to be a part of your big day!

Photographer: Dana Jo Photography Ceremony: First Baptist Church Ahoskie Reception Venue: Beechwood Country Club Reception Music: The Pizazz Band

https://vimeo.com/253355556

matt & katie :: wedding film :: laurinburg, nc

Katie and Matt's wedding day was one of those weddings where you could feel the emotion and excitement throughout the day. Watching Katie's sisters as they prepared her to walk down the aisle to Matt with such care and love was so sweet. You could tell they were preparing her for the day she had been so excitedly waiting for. The guys spent the afternoon getting ready as guys do which entailed a lot of joking around and picking on the groom! But when it came time for Katie and Matt to exchange gifts you could see that the anticipation of the day was becoming real and their reaction opening their gifts was priceless, and was only topped by their faces when they saw each other as Katie walked down the aisle.

Their ceremony was beautiful as the church was filled with loved ones watching the two become one. They had a lot personal touches and special moments.

The reception was fun filled with a live band, all of their close family and friends and a great evening for all! Everyone was so excited celebrating the new Mr and Mrs Gardner and we are so thankful we got to be a part of such a special night!

Check out their video to see for yourself!

kayla & jonas :: wake forest, nc :: wedding

Back in August, we were honored to capture the moments, details and memories as Kayla and Jonas began their life together as Mr. & Mrs. Jonas Bailey. It was a beautiful August day, mild for a Raleigh summer, and the sun was shining as these two became husband and wife. We started the day at the Salon with Kayla and her girls as they were getting their hair and makeup done. There was no shortage of laughter and smiles as old friends reminisced and new friends and family awaited the day ahead.

We then met Jonas and his guys at the church and got to spend some time with them as Jonas anxiously awaited the moment he would see his bride. Of course, his groomsmen were happy to fill his short wait with jokes and laughter.

It was a beautiful ceremony and you could see and feel the love Kayla and Jonas have for each other and for the Lord.

The reception was hosted at The Sutherland in Wake Forest. A staple in the Raleigh wedding community, The Sutherland did not disappoint. Not only are the grounds beautiful, but the house, pavilion and staff are amazing. Kayla and Jonas welcomed their friends and family to a true southern meal complete with Cheerwine and a night of celebration and dancing!

Thank you Kayla and Jonas for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day. We wish you both all the best in your life ahead - together!

erin & bryan :: wedding film :: beaufort, nc

In the age of pinterest it's hard to do anything truly unique anymore, but some how Erin and Bryan pulled it off! From the waterfront venue (which was also a HUGE boathouse) to their dog walking down the aisle, to the drone coverage and the acrobatic entrance and entertainment during the cocktail hour there was always something to keep the guests wondering what's next?! We had the honor of being a part of their memorable wedding this past April in Beaufort, NC. The day started in beautiful Morehead City, NC where the bridal party was getting ready and then took a trolley to The Boathouse in Beaufort, NC. On the drive over there was rain, but thankfully it all quickly cleared and allowed for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and great open-air reception!

One of the cool things with this video is the drone footage we got to incorporate thanks to Skyward Imaging. These guys were amazing and captured some of the surrounding area and ceremony like no other.

The Boathouse at Front Street Village is a functioning boathouse so as we were taking pictures before and after the ceremony the crew was literally picking boats up out of the water and putting them on shelves for storage. I've never seen anything like it and it made for an incredible backdrop!

Thank you Erin and Bryan for allowing us to be a part of your day!

John Raschke :: Newborn Photography :: Raleigh, NC

It's always fun to watch our friends move into different seasons of life and that has proven true with Eric & Emily. In March they welcomed John Wallace Raschke to the world! John was a trooper throughout the entire session. Managing to nap semi-peacefully as we moved him all around! Congratulations, Eric & Emily! Excited to watch you and your family grow over the months and years to come!

kayla & jonas :: raleigh, nc :: engagement

We want to introduce to you all Kayla and Jonas! We are excited to be photographing Kayla and Jonas' wedding in August of this year, and had fun a few weeks ago getting to spend an evening with them for their engagement shoot. We had their session at Jonas' family property and it was so meaningful. This property is where Jonas' was raised, where he proposed to Kayla, where they will one day build their house and where a family members Golden Retriever just had a litter of puppy's, that Kayla may or may not want to kidnap! :) We had so much fun with Kayla and Jonas. The love they have for each other was so sweet and the excitement they shared for their upcoming wedding was contagious! They showed us the barn that Jonas and his dad restored, the hill where they are going to buy their house, and we just spent time getting to know them!

We hope you all enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed getting to take them and we can't wait to share Jonas' and Kayla's wedding with you in August!

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!

caitlin & jarrod :: raleigh, nc :: engagement

You couldn't have asked for a better afternoon then the one we had with Caitlin and Jarrod...well other than the 20 mile gusts of winds that kept coming! The wind made for some pretty funny outtakes, but also for some pretty awesome pictures. Winter pictures can be challenging because the sun falls so fast and the cold sets in just as fast, but the light you do get is usually so crisp and beautiful it's all worth it. Caitlin and Jarrod were so cute together. Their love for each other, books and Penguins (ok, maybe that's just Caitlin) was evident through out! We loved walking around the park getting to know them as a couple, hearing about how he proposed, and just watching the two of them interact. It's always the best to me when a couple can have fun together, they can just be themselves and let the photos come naturally.

Capturing couples, families, kids when they are in their element being who they are is why we love doing photography and making those memories. Caitlin and Jarrod were no different and we are so excited for them and their future together!

travis & catherine :: franklin, nc :: engagement photography

Franklin, NC :: Engagement Photography

Though it is long overdue, we are excited to post these sweet photos of our dear friend, Catherine, and her charming guy, Travis! We had the privilege of enjoying a mountain weekend with them this past fall as we all headed to Franklin, NC for a weekend of fun! Ironically, we took these photos just a week before many of the major fires broke out in Western North Carolina. We were treated to beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors while we were there! Travis & Catherine will be getting married this coming April and we are thrilled for these two to begin their life together!

noah :: raleigh, nc :: 1 year photography

It's been so fun watching this sweet little man grow over the past year. Whether it's his cute smile or adorable scowl, Noah's sure to put a smile on any face he crosses. Just over a month ago, little man turned one and celebrated surrounded by friends and family. I was delighted to capture a few photos of Noah shortly after this milestone birthday!

mike and allison :: maternity photography :: bahama, nc

To say we had fun at this session would be an understatement. I actually met Allison my freshman year at NC State. We lived across from each other in the dorm and became fast friends! We lost touch after college, but ended up going the same gym and started working out together. In the mean time, JJ and I had gotten married and he was always talking about this guy Mike that he worked with. One Saturday I was going to meet Allison at the gym for a class and funny enough JJ said he was going to Mike to work out. We get there and Mike and Allison are there and they are "Mike and Allison" we had no idea!! We've stayed close friends with them and JJ was even in their wedding 2 years ago. So when we found out they were pregnant this summer and then Allison asked us to do their maternity photos we were ecstatic! We met them at Allison's family's property in Bahama on a beautiful evening. We had the best time exploring the property and getting these beautiful images of them!

raleigh wedding videographer :: kenny & jen

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!"