Vendor Spotlight

A few weeks ago I was browsing one of my favorite sites on the web (Etsy) when I came across Beth Sapafora's page and fell in love! When I saw this absolutely adorable camera necklace, I couldn't resist! :) Definitely an artist to check out for the shutterbugs as well as any lover of vintage jewelry. Just thought I would share!

Marci & Brian's Wedding

Last Saturday, Marci and Brian were married at St. Mary of the Mills Parish in Laurel, Md. The entire day was filled with friends, family, and love for the happy couple. The reception was held at the Marriot Renaissance Hotel overlooking Baltimore's beautiful Inner Harbor. They integrated Polish traditions into the reception in order to celebrate Marci's heritage and it had all of the guests dancing together. Noah Hayes did a fantastic job second shooting the day for me and photographing the groomsmen as they prepared before the wedding.

Marci works as a producer for the Lou Dobb's Show on CNN. Monday night, he congratulated them on his broadcast with a photo that I had taken from the wedding. Lou Dobbs summed it up by saying: "Marci and Brian, we are delighted for you both. We wish you congratulations. All the very best, all the happiness possible." This is exactly how everyone present that day felt. Marci and Brian are so happy together, so in love! I have no doubt that this new chapter in their lives will be blessed and filled with happiness! Congratulations Marci and Brian! :)

Noah did a fantastic job photographing Brian and the groomsmen getting ready. I loved this shot!

Leaving for the church!

One of the highlights of the night was the Polish babushka tradition. (The babushka is a veil worn by the bride.) Marci danced with her guests as they encircled her and threw money into her veil. The bridesmaids kept Brian away until he threw his wallet into the veil signifying his commitment to the marriage. He then picked Marci up and ran with her out of the room! It was fantastic!

An Update

Confessions of an Ivy League Transfer Student

Who is also a wedding and portrait photographer, running her own business, trying to figure out a new city, making new friends, working as a communications intern, and passing class at the same time. If that seems to be a mouthful, imagine living it and loving it at the same time.

One of the most peaceful times on Penn's campus is at 8 am on a Saturday morning. It's just about the only time you'll find Locust Walk empty; the college students are still sleeping from the night before, professors are home for the weekend, and the restaurants have yet to open for the day. It's silent. It's beautifully silent.

It's my perfect break from the crazy life that I've been living these past few weeks. Weddings, photo sessions, an internship, new friends and classes constantly calling for my attention. As much as I love every single moment of it, it's nice to have a little time for myself. It's quite ironic how the one thing that keeps me so busy - my camera - is the same thing I run too when I need a little peace.

This weekend will include a train ride back to Maryland, two weddings for two absolutely amazing couples, driving back up to Philly, and somehow finishing all of the reading that I need to have completed by Monday. So if I've been a little slow to respond to your emails or maybe I haven't been calling you back as quickly as I'd like to -- please forgive me! I'm still here, I promise! Haha!

Here is where I need your help! I want to plan something this winter to implement for Summer 2010 as a way to give back using my photography. Maybe having an essay contest for a free session, organizing a marathon session day for a charity, or donating a portion of my profits during a certain month to your cause of choice. If you have any fun, creative ideas please send me an email! After all of the craziness in my life, I want to have something philanthropic to look forward to doing this summer. So talk with your friends -- create an idea -- and shoot me an email! :)

All the best,

Natalie Franke

Kaitie & Alan's Session

On Sunday I photographed Kaitie and Alan at a fun lifestyle / senior session in Philadelphia. We covered 6 blocks of old buildings and walkways in the gorgeous morning light. It is easy to see how much they care about each other. I love photographing couples like that! Here are just a few images from the shoot.

Kait is also a photographer! She brought her camera along for a few pictures.

Kaitie has such a gorgeous smile!

Paisley Turns Two!

Yesterday, I met up with Steven, Katie, and their daughter Paisley for a family photo shoot in celebration of Paisley's second birthday! Steven and Katie drove up from Maryland to visit art galleries in the city and have a family session! They came more than prepared with tons of toys to keep her happy & a gorgeous hot pink petticoat! This was my first shoot in Philadelphia (yay!) and we never even left Penn's campus. Here are just a few of my favorites from the session!

Katie & Paisley!

The squirrels on Penn's campus are too familiar with people!

This little guy thought that we had food and kept running up to us!

Steven & Paisley!

Hugs for Paisley!

I love the curiosity that children have. Everything is so new to them & they aren't afraid to explore!

Katie & Steven -- Thank you so much for driving to Philadelphia! I had an amazing time at the shoot and it was great to see you both again! :)