Katie & Steven

Katie and Steven are one of those couples that you immediately love spending time with! Steven is the technical wizard when it comes to computers and Katie has a creative passion for scrap-booking. They fit together like two peas in a pod. :) Our session was split between my favorite abandoned field & a beach overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. We lucked out with gorgeous blue skies and plenty of sunshine! Here are a few shots from their session.

I loved this shot because it really captured their personalities. It was one of those unposed moments that make you smile! :)

There is something romantic about a tree growing & thriving on a beach.. inches away from the surf.

Thank you to Katie and Steven for being so wonderful! Be sure to check out Steven's WEBSITE Katie's fabulous BLOG. I also want to thank John from Eye on Annapolis for sending out a tweet supporting me that lead this wonderful couple my way! Eye on Annapolis is an incredible website that serves as a watchdog & support system for the community! Technology is such an amazing thing!

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Lunch & Learn

The Lunch & Learn went off without a hitch on Sunday and I had a blast with nine other photographers from the area! We walked around Annapolis, photographed each other, & had a delicious lunch. Here are a few shots from the day! :)

And what's a photo shoot without some indoor practice at YoFiore!

Thanks to Vida Carson for capturing this shot of me teaching. She drove down from Philly to help me out!

While Kylie was rocking her inner model - I stole her D90 and played with the HD video! It's amazing!

I also tried to show the girls a few ways to pose senior models. Taken by Kristen Kibby.

I absolutely loved being able to share tips & tricks with photographers who are just getting started. All of the girls were eager to learn and fun to spend the day with! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and kindness! :) Please stay in touch!

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Brianna & Vinnie's Wedding

Brianna works at the coffee shop by my house & when I noticed that sparkly ring on her finger -- I knew that I had to shoot her wedding. They decided to tie the knot on 07-08-09 and it was a gorgeous afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay. Surrounded by family and friends they said "I do" and promised to be together forever on a bluff in Bay Ridge.

Brianna looked absolutely beautiful wearing her grandmother's wedding dress from the 50's.

Walking to the ceremony on the bluff.

It's moments like these that I love the most.. When time is flying past a couple, but they are so deeply in love that nothing else matters. They just hold on to one another and the world is perfect. 

Showing off the bling!  :)

The cake topper was timeless.

Brianna & Vinny - thank you so much for having me capture the moments of your special day! I wish you both the best of luck in the future & know that you have a very long and happy life ahead of you! :) Congratulations. 

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Carie & Zachary's Wedding

It was the one of those summer days that was simply made for a wedding. The blue skies over Walkersville were speckled with clouds and a soft breeze rustled through the fields. It was clear that God had his hand in bringing these two incredible people together. The unconditional love and genuine care that they shared for one another was astounding. Here are a few pictures from the day:

Right before the ceremony - all of the groomsmen & the pastor placed their hands on Zach and began to pray.

Carie & her bridesmaids snuck off to a small barn right before the ceremony to have their own moment of peace.

Surrounded by friends and family, beneath the canopy of trees, they said "I do".

Every table was decorated with gorgeous flowers.

My favorite part about the entire day, was when Carie threw on her apron & Zach rolled up his sleeves to serve all of the guests dinner. They fed everyone else before themselves & were so happy to share this time with all of their loved ones. The food was amazing too! :)

Midway through their first dance, the music stopped. Zach grabbed a microphone and sang the rest of the song to Carie. It was planned & way too cute!

And not long after, they were busting their moves on the dance floor.

The night came to a close as the two love birds shared a sparkler send off! :)

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Ritz! :) I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to photograph your wedding. It was absolutely beautiful and I hope you have an amazing time on your honeymoon!

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Food For Thought

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

— Mother Teresa —

I came across this quote today & I wanted to share it with all of you. It reminded me that if we use our hearts and our minds to do small things that matter, eventually we make an impact on the people around us.

Yesterday I had a client email me after seeing the entire gallery of her childrens' pictures online and replied "Thank you SO much for capturing these beautiful moments. I can't imagine I'll ever want anyone else to take pictures of our family from now on... Natalie, thank you for using God's gift to its fullest extent" -- And then it hit me -- Photography has been a gift. It was God's plan all along to turn my passion into my purpose. And now, I have the ability to give back to others in my own way through photography. With each day we must ask ourselves what we are doing to make this world a better place. And maybe, just maybe, if each of us gives back in our own way - it might be enough to change the world. Just food for thought. :)

All the best,

Natalie Franke