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!

#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.

cobb :: newborn :: knightdale, nc

There is nothing quite like a newborn session. As everyone knows, you never know what you're going to get with a brand new baby. At this age they could care less about getting that perfect picture for their parents and care only about how hungry or tired they are. I have to say, that was not the case with sweet Juliana. Yall, seriously....she did not cry the entire session..not.one.sound. I was amazed. And if that doesn't leave you saying, what??!?!?! She let us change her surroundings, change her outfits, swaddle her, not swaddle her, without a peep. The best part, it's like she knew what was going on. Even at a little over a week old she was following the camera. It was hard to get sleeping pictures of her because she would literally hear the sound of the camera and open her eyes to see what was going on.

And of course her parents Shannon and Jake were amazing too. None of those first time parents jitters, they were completely laid back and handling the new parent thing like champs! It made for an awesome session capturing this little beauty and the sweet family of three they now are!

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!

dodard family :: raleigh, nc :: maternity

Aiden and Grant love being outside. I mean they LOVE. BEING. OUTSIDE. When our new neighbors moved in this past summer I was excited because they had a little girl who also loves being outside. The best part as "mom" is that I also love being outside especially when that means I now get to hangout with a good friend (i.e. new neighbor "Amy" - Hi Amy!). As most stay at home moms know, finding adult time can be hard, especially with little ones. That's why it's been such a treat to have awesome neighbors that I can get some adult time with even with the little ones because they play together while we get to hang out!

When Amy and Patrick moved here from Florida they let us know that they would be due with their 2nd baby on Christmas Day. As the months went on and Christmas got closer they found out that Charlotte was looking to be a big baby and they would have to induce her early. Realizing that Amy's sister ( who would be coming for Christmas) wouldn't be able to take their maternity photos before Amy's due date, they asked me to do the honor. I was so happy to do it and below you will find some of my favorite images from the shoot!

-Teran

buckner family :: raleigh, nc

We had the pleasure of working with the Buckner family for a family session a few weeks ago. They had their little girl, Ella, back in the spring and she is cute as a button with her baby cheeks and beautiful blue eyes! It was a chilly afternoon, but the Buckner's were troopers and let us play with the beautiful afternoon light as we enjoyed our time at the park. Most babies only give us a few minutes to get their pictures before they're done. But Ella was made for the camera, she was so cooperative and was in good spirits the entire time!

pilkington family :: family :: wake forest, nc

What can we say about the Pilkington Family!? We love Taylor and Cassidy and have had the pleasure of shooting so many of their major life events! From wedding, newborn and family photos, we have been with them through it all! Taylor and Cassidy have two adorable children Rory and McKenzie. Kenzie is a beautiful, vibrant, out-going 3-year-old who has all of the adorable qualities of the 1st child. She loves her brother and loves the camera! Rory is all boy, on the move, into everything, and much too busy to stop and smile for a camera. But who can blame him!? The boy has things to do!

Thank you Pilkington's for allowing us the honor of watching your family grow throughout the years!

Wofford Family :: family session :: Wake Forest, NC

There is nothing quite like a family session! The rule book goes out the window and you just go with the flow.... or the toddler! The Wofford's have 3 amazing children and to be able to spend the afternoon at their house playing with the kids and capturing moments with their family was awesome. Eli and Katie are great older siblings and you can already tell how much Liza wants to be able to keep up with them. The entire family is so sweet and shooting at their home is one of our favorite locations. For Liza's newborn session we mainly stayed inside, but it was a beautiful Autumn afternoon this time so we played outside and loved it!

jade and travis :: family :: Raleigh, NC

We got to spend a gorgeous Sunday afternoon with Jade and Travis on their family property in Raleigh. Jade and Travis recently celebrated their first anniversary and were excited to capture some photos of the season they now find themselves in. Decorating their adorable home, hanging out with their awesome dog, Boone, and enjoying the beautiful property they live on! Travis' was a great sport in all we asked him to do and Jade is beautiful both inside and out so we took advantage of clients that can sit still for more than 2 seconds! With most of our shoots being with our lovely families, it's always a treat when we are not having to sing and dance the whole time to get their attention. Travis only required a song or two (wink, wink)! Travis and Jade, you guys are great! Thanks so much for allowing us to capture these photos for you!

pittman family :: newborn :: knightdale, nc

Y'all can I tell you how much we love this family! We have been so blessed to capture photos for them during two pregnancies and two newborn shoots and they have always been amazing! The Pittman's have two adorable boys, Drake & Zach, and now a sweet baby girl, Capri. After overcoming some dreaded Hand Foot and Mouth that poor Zachary had to push through, we were able to capture some sweet memories of this family and their newborn baby girl! Zachary was amazing, Drake was the sweet big brother he always is and they were both so cute with baby Capri. Everyone says "they grow up fast", but you never really realize it until you watch it before your own eyes. It has been a blessing watching the Pittman family grow and a reminder to us of why getting to capture moments and preserve memories is some of our favorite parts of what we do!

A Day at the Airport

Going to the airport observation deck has become a Wilkin's family favorite! The weather was beautiful on one of daddy's days off so we decided to take advantage of such a lovely day! We grabbed some lunch and headed out to the observation deck. The boys had a great time watching the planes land and take off while we explored the park and ate our picnic lunch!

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!

Sellek Family - Wake Forest, NC

We had a great time with the Sellek Family in Wake Forest, NC. We couldn't have asked for a better session, it was full of beautiful light, good weather, and lots of love! There is something special about the excitement of new parents and it was a privilege to be able capture the joy of Chris and Stephanie as they loved on sweet Audrey!

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.

Wofford Family - Wake Forest, NC

Newborn sessions are always a lot of fun, but when you get to combine that with a fun loving brother and sister and awesome parents it makes for a great session! We had so much fun with Kristen, Jonathan and their three adorable kiddos Eli, Katie, and Liza. Liza was a week and a half old when we did their session and you could just see the love and excitement her brother and sister already had for her. We met the Wofford's at their beautiful home in Wake Forest. Seriously, guys, we love your home! Plenty of natural light and super cute decor - a photographer's happy place! We can't wait to catch up with the Wofford's again a little ways down the road to document the way this family will grow!

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

 

A Family Reunion – Hilton Head Island, SC

It's been a few weeks now since we got back from Hilton Head Island, SC for a family reunion celebrating our grandparents 65th wedding anniversary! We had a great time bike riding, golfing, and relaxing by the pool and on the beach. Most of all, we were grateful to spend time with our family that we don't get to see as often as we'd like.

As I've said before, HHI is one of my favorite places and when you combine one of your favorite places with family, it always makes for a great week! We had 4 generations under one roof - cooking, eating, laughing, and simply enjoying time together!

Of all things, we were grateful to spend the week celebrating our amazing grandparents! It's rare these days to see marriages last 50+ years, let alone 65! It's been a blessing to watch my grandparents share life together - to be raised within a family that honors and celebrates commitment, love & loyalty. Our grandparents are a true example of what it means to love and laugh together - through the good and bad times. What a legacy they have left for all of us.