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!

#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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

brooks :: newborn photos :: raleigh, nc

What can we say about the Marion family? We've had the pleasure of capturing this beautiful couple multiple times over the past year and now we've had the honor of documenting their sweet baby Brooks' newborn photos! Brooks slept through his entire session as we snapped away at the sweet little bundle and his glowingly proud parents! We couldn't be more thrilled for Jade & Travis, not only have they been loyal clients but far and beyond they have become good friends! There's nothing we love more about photography than being able to bless those in our lives! Congratulations to the Marion Family on their newest arrival!

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!

Wilmington, NC :: GoingLocal NC and Wrightsville Beach

I hate to admit it but even though I've lived in Raleigh for almost 13 years I've only been to Wilmington a handful of times and 2 of those times happened in one week this past month! I must say, we LOVED it and will definitely be going more often! This past winter, Paige and I were selling our prints in Going Local NC's Raleigh location through Christmas. Shortly after Christmas they re-located to Wilmington. When they asked if we would continue to sell in their store we weren't sure how we would make it work with inventory and restocking, but I'm so glad we decided to be a part of this new adventure! Wilmington is awesome, Going Local NC is awesome, their location is awesome...it's all just a bunch of awesome'ness!

Our first trip was on a Tuesday to see the location of the store and get some shots of Wilmington and Wrightsville to create some local content. It was great, the weather was beautiful and we were able to explore downtown, the river walk, and Wrightsville Beach. The boys went with us and they loved it!

When we went back a week later to set up our display and stock inventory the boys and JJ were able to come along. We enjoyed an amazing lunch downtown and once again, some time on the beach!

Check out some photos from our Wilmington trip, some of our Wilmington Prints, and be sure to check out Going Local NC at 208 Front Street next time you're in Wilmington! You can also shop all of our prints on our etsy store found here and in the menu link.

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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!

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!

powell :: wedding film :: rocky mount, nc

When Stacy contacted us about doing the videography for their wedding we were so excited. We have known Stacy's sister, Alison, and her husband Gary for a few years now - we've even had the pleasure of shooting some family photos for them! We love the Powell family and we were excited to find out that Stacy (Alison's sister) was marrying Kevin (Gary's brother). Of course, weddings are typically a family affair, but these two took the term "keeping it in the family" to a whole new level! It's always an honor being part of a couple's special day - be sure to check out the highlights of Kevin & Stacy's beautiful winter wedding!

Kevin & Stacy :: Roanoke Rapids, NC from fifthofjune on Vimeo.

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!

the cleveland family :: wake forest, nc

Ever since "#thedaytheclevelandsleft" we eagerly await the Cleveland's return when they come to visit! We were so excited when Brad and Meredith said they were coming to town and wanted to do a session while they were here. Their week in Raleigh was a bit crazy with Brad being busy with work and Meredith having to do life with sick babies, but you never would have known it on their photo day. We were supposed to have dinner with them during the week, but plans changed when Amos decided to throw up all over his sister right before dinner #lifewithkids. Thankfully, everyone was feeling better by the time their session came around! Isabell was all smiles, Amos perfected the can't make me smile stare, Meredith was beautiful and Brad....well Brad is Brad! We love you Cleveland Family and can't wait to see you again!

beardsley family :: wake forest, nc

We met with the Beardsley family on a beautiful Saturday morning and got some awesome photos of their family! The Beardsley's are one of the sweetest families we know. They have 5-year old twins, Laila and Ty, and two-year old, Decker. It didn't take long at all for Ty and Laila to get into the session and not soon after Decker was right there with them "cheeeeese'ing" it up! The love this family has for each other was so transparent and it was a lot of fun getting to hang out with them and capture these beautiful memories.

courtney and chris :: engagement :: lexington, nc

As if we weren't already excited to get to shoot Chris and Courtney's wedding this coming weekend, after meeting them at the beautiful Childress Vineyards for their engagement portraits, excited is now an understatement. With the time change, our next visit there will be in the dark so we definitely wanted to capture some images of them on this beautiful property before then! I have known Courtney since college, when we were both interns at NBC17. I guess working at a TV station will bring people together because we have been friends ever since! When Courtney started dating Chris, I was so happy for her, and so were my boys because Chris is a golfer and we have gotten to go watch him play at tournaments here in Raleigh and they always seem to walk away with a golf ball!

It was a beautiful autumn afternoon at the vineyard and we had a great time with Chris and Courtney. We even made Courtney a little late to the Taylor Swift Concert she was heading to that night (sorry..not sorry!), because the lighting was beautiful and Paige just couldn't put the camera down!

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!

ashley and tanner :: wedding :: Aiken, SC

My best friend got married!!! Let me say it again...MY BEST FRIEND GOT MARRIED!! Ashley and I have been best friends since the 6th grade when we both moved to NC from Florida. Middle School isn't fun for anyone, but especially when you're new to a very small town and don't know anyone so Ashley and I became fast friends. We have always talked about our husbands, weddings and future lives and to get to be there for her big day was beyond amazing! The best part was I got to just be a part of it as a bridesmaid while Paige was a one man band getting all the pictures! The wedding was in Aiken, SC at the beautiful, historic Willcox Hotel . Even though we were there during the historic South Carolina flooding, the rain held off enough that day for us to get to have the outdoor ceremony she had always dreamed of. The wedding was perfect, she was beautiful, and it was a truly magical evening! Congratulations Tanner and Ashley!