Logan Jacobs - Oak City Studios - Raleigh, NC

[vimeo width="925" height="525"]http://vimeo.com/102896486[/vimeo] As many of you know, when we decided to open Fifth of June, I was pretty set that we would not be doing weddings. Not because I do not enjoy them, I do. But  I thought it would be best if we focused on families and lifestyle portraits. That being said, when Logan of Oak City Studios approached me about second shooting with him this past summer, I couldn't pass on the opportunity.

I met Logan at a wedding he was shooting and  I was attending. After a brief conversation we exchanged contact information and that was that. After a few emails back and forth Logan reached out to me about some upcoming weddings he would be shooting. Being that it was his first summer in business he was looking for a helping hand. I was glad to jump in and it was a great summer shooting together.

Logan was gracious enough to answer a few questions for the blog and any of you budding videographers out there:

When did you become interested in videography?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved taking pictures and videos.  It wasn’t until I was finishing up with college that my true passions emerged.  Since then, I’ve been practicing and studying as much as possible.

How did Oak City Studios begin? 

In July of 2013, my best friend planned out a proposal to his long time girlfriend. He knew that he wanted pictures of the proposal but I decided to experiment with making a video.  After releasing “The Proposal,” something happened that I never expected.  In less than a day, the video had over 1000 views.  It was then that I decided that I would turn my hobby into a business.

You're coming to the end of your first year of business, what have you learned?

I have learned that running a business isn’t as simple as creating a facebook page and paying fees.  After a full year of very diverse jobs and gigs, the one thing that I have learned above all else, is that making friends is the most important part of my business model.  Without my amazing friends and family, Oak City Studios would not exist and there’s no better place to make friends than when I’m working a gig.

What are your upcoming plans?

After graduating from NC State in May, I’ve decided to take a little bit of a break before entering the engineering field.  I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to voulenteer with an organization called Surfing the Nations as a service team member.  During my 9 months there, I’ll be serving the organization by helping with their photography/videography needs.  So, on September 8^th, I’m moving to Hawaii!

What are your hopes for the future of Oak City Studios?

Once I return from Hawaii, I am hoping to pick up right where I left off with the business.  This summer has been the most amazing experience and getting to work with Fifth of June has been a Godsend. After seeing just how well this summer has gone, who knows what the Lord has in store for our next wedding season! My hope for the future is that I will be able to continue my pursuit of videography and provide clients with more than just a video, but an experience that they remember forever.

I am very excited for Logan and his upcoming time in Hawaii (tough life). If you want to learn more about Surfing the Nations you can check it out here 0r if you would like to support Logan as he goes you can do that here. I am so thrilled to have met Logan and it was a true pleasure working alongside of him this past summer - we are both very excited about what next summer will hold as we will again be teaming up!

If you have a wedding coming up - be sure to reach out to him! While you do that check out some of our work from this past summer - Cam & Sarah's Wedding Video (above) as well as some photos from Greg & Erika's wedding (below)!

Project52 - Brothers [4:52]

The Lee Family - Raleigh, NC

I am so glad we had the opportunity to do some family photos for Nate & Lane. I spent the past year together with them in a small group - from Lane's pregnancy through Anna Kate's birth and now these first few months, I have been able to watch this sweet couple go through this season of life together! They're sweet little girl was cute as could be and a real trooper throughout the whole session. Always grateful for a happy baby! Nate and Lane, you guys are awesome and I am so glad we could capture these memories for you! - Paige

Emma - Baby Session - Raleigh, NC

When Ashely contacted us about taking one-year photos of her sweet niece, Emma, we were happy to help out! We were even more thrilled that she found us through a referral! We had a great time taking photos of Emma - who was accompanied by her mom, aunt, and grandmother! It was a beautiful, though warm, morning over at the NC Arboretum. Though Emma would prefer to wear as little as possible, we were in love with the lovely dress Aunt Ashley picked out for her! Thanks guys - we had a great time meeting up with you all!

Project 52 - Brothers [3:52]

Bay Leaf Missions Site & "Send Me" Series

I have been honored to assist the Missions Ministry of Bay Leaf Baptist Church  in building and launching their new site. Check out the new site and watch the video we created to launch the "Send Me" series. A special thank you to Oak City Studios for helping me shoot the promo! [vimeo width="875" height="500"]http://vimeo.com/102403511[/vimeo]

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.

The Lee Family - Sneak Peek - Raleigh, NC

Emma - Sneak Peek - Raleigh, NC

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

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!

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

 

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.

He's Here!

Welcome Home - Grant Alexander Wilkins! (Born: 7/3/14)

Happy 4th!

New Partner

Between Teran and I, life has been full, busy, exciting, busy, joy-filled and did I mention busy? As Teran and JJ continue to wait on little man who has officially declared his intentions of being fashionably late, I figured it would be a good time to update you on some other projects we have going on at Fifth of June. One of the most recent steps we have taken has been to join as a partner with the Lightstock Community. What is Lightstock? Well, as stated on their website...

Lightstock is a two-sided marketplace that aggregates, curates, and licenses stock content to the faith-based community.

For over a year, we have built up a stock portfolio with some other stock companies, but we are thrilled for the opportunity to work with Lightstock, as they are a smaller company with core values and beliefs that we align with. We are excited about the contribution they are making to the present day church-community and we are thrilled to be part!

Waiting Patiently

We had a great weekend these past few days. For those of you who don't know, after Teran and JJ sold their house rather quickly, they moved in with me for a few weeks until they were able to find their next home. Well a few weeks turned into a couple of months and while the plan was to be settled into a new place before baby brother arrived, things haven't worked out as planned. So as we continue to play out our modern day version of "Full House", it looks like little guy will be joining us here, along with our parents who are heading over today! That being said, just wanted to give you all a quick update as we continue to wait for Baby Wilkins #2 to make his arrival!