Spontaneous Florida Vacation

Last week I was out to dinner with Shannon and her friend Becky that flew in from England to visit for a few weeks over the summer. We were talking about how much fun it would be to plan a spontaneous trip & just jet off into the sunset... the following morning - Shannon called me with a plan. Before I knew it, my bags were packed and I was holding a ticket to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This short vacation turned out to be one of the best I've ever had & I wanted to share a few pictures from our adventure!

My first mirror shot when we got to the hotel!

I promised Becky that when she came to the US - we would have a photo shoot! :) It was a blast!

Lounging by the pool.

These lizards were everywhere. When we would walk on the sidewalk, dozens would dart out of our way.

My friend Shannon rocking her favorite sunglasses.

The best friends! :) Separated by the Atlantic Ocean.

Becky & I after a long day at the beach!

Our last sunset!

The view from our balcony at night, overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway.

If you are one of the many people who emailed or called me over the last few days, I am doing my best to get back to you all! :) I'm hoping to finish responding to emails by tomorrow morning. Thank you for being so patient!

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Amanda & Josh's Wedding

Amanda & Josh are one of those couples that are absolutely meant to be together. They look at one other like they have everything in the world & indeed they do! Their wedding was held at the Grachur Club in Pasadena, MD overlooking the beautiful Magothy River. Amanda took an immense amount of time to prepare each beach-themed detail herself, a true creative bride! :) Josh and Amanda are going to be stationed in Washington State in a short amount of time & I wish them the best of luck as they begin this chapter of their lives together. I also want to thank Natalie Obringer & Michael Jewell of Natalie Jewell Photography for assisting as a second shooting/videography combo! They were absolutely fantastic!

I couldn't get enough of how cute her garters were!

Most of the "getting ready" time was spent smiling and laughing. Amanda has an incredible personality!

The gentlemen were looking sharp and classy.

And the girls were going to have a blast no matter what! :)

One of the great aspects of the ceremony was the creating of the unity "sandle" rather than the traditional unity candle lighting. The blending of the sands represented the creation of a new family from two separate people.

Amanda also made the place cards for each guest! :) They were beautiful

There were a few moments in the ceremony where all they could do was laugh,overfilled with happiness.

And it's official! Mr. & Mrs. George! :)

Oh & completely forgot to mention that the look like a pair of models! Seriously.

And they know how to have fun! Perfect jumping shot!

The cake was not only delicious, but beautifully decorated.

Next Stop: Forever.

One of my favorite send offs yet.

Thank you again to Amanda and Josh for having me photograph their special day! I hope you both are enjoying your honeymoon! ;)

All the best,

Natalie Franke

MJ's Session

I met MJ during my freshman year of high school during my first lacrosse season! She is an incredible athlete who has so many incredible goals to use her passion for sports to help others. We had a great session that consisted of smiling, chatting, and laughing. :) MJ is not only a great friend, but also a brunette bombshell.

Oh and this girl could really laugh! :) Haha!

I absolutely loved her shoes, so fun!

I'm excited for MJ - I know that she is going to do incredible things with her talents. :) Good luck girl!

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Jessica & Mike's Wedding

I never realized how absolutely beautiful Rocky Gap, Maryland could be or even where it was - until I worked as a second shooter for Julia MacInnis Photography. It was the most unusual weather days... raining one minute & sunny the next! Jessica and Mike were absolutely wonderful & incredibly kind to us during the entire day! I want to thank Julia for having me as a second shooter & teaching me so much over the course of these last few months. She is not only an incredible photographer but a great role model and friend. I admire her work and adore her compassionate personality! :)

I always love having "guy duty" as a second shooter.. especially when they decide to blow of steam with an intense game of bocci ball!

Jessica looked stunning.. truly stunning!

Thank you again to Julia, Jessica, and Mike for having me along on this very special day! Please check out Julia's blog post HERE.

All the best,

Natalie Franke