Welcome to my blog! My name is Natalie Franke and I'm a wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer in the Philly, Baltimore, & DC metro areas!

My blog is a collection of weddings, friends, proms, and toddlers. Everything from my latest photo shoot to what I'm learning as an undergrad at UPenn.

I love my job & feel so blessed to have the opportunity to document the lives of my amazing clients. Take off your coat & stay a while!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Anna & Micah's Wedding

On a day forecasted to rain, my second shooter Vida Carson and I took the five hour drive from Philadelphia to Charlottesville, VA to photograph Anna and Micah's gorgeous wedding at the Veritas Vineyard and Winery. By the time we reached the venue there was only sunshine and a soft autumn breeze. Anna looked absolutely stunning and after she finished getting ready we headed outside for their "first look" before the ceremony. From the minute Micah saw his bride, he couldn't stop smiling. What mattered that day wasn't the gorgeous vineyard, the sun setting behind the mountains, or the intricate details on each and every table -- but it was the fact that two people dedicated their lives to one another. Anna and Micah make an absolutely incredible couple and I am so blessed to have been a part of their wedding day! Congratulations to both of you! And have an amazing time in Australia! :)

Anna put together nearly every detail for her wedding.
The bouquets, table settings, and color scheme came together perfectly due to Anna's creativity!



The "first look" before the ceremony.



Anna and her gorgeous bridesmaids!

I have honestly never seen such a beautiful background for a ceremony. It was breathtaking!



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Anna and her parents.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Lauren & Michael's Engagement Session

From the minute we started photographing, Michael couldn't take his eyes off of Lauren. The happiness between these two is contagious. It finds its way into every laugh and every kiss. When Lauren and Michael are together, you can't help but smile along with them! Here are a few shots from their engagement session! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to photograph Lauren and Michael's wedding in the spring. Congratulations to both of you!



"A day without laughter, is a day wasted "
Charlie Chaplin




After photographing at my favorite abandoned field, we headed to the beach just before sunset.



Monday, October 26, 2009

Weekend Sneak Peek

This weekend was one of the best by far! I photographed Anna and Micah's gorgeous Charlottesville wedding on Saturday and wrapped up my 2009 wedding season! The fabulous Vida Carson drove down with me to second shoot and the 5 hour trip from Philadelphia to Charlottesville seemed to fly by! :) Here is one little sneak peek picture from Saturday! I'm loving the autumn colors!


On Sunday afternoon, after returning from Virginia, I photographed Lauren and Michael's engagement session in Annapolis. I'll be photographing their wedding in early April and (especially after their amazing photoshoot) I am extremely excited! They are so happy together, and it shines through in every single image. Here is a sneak peek from their session on Sunday as well!


Stay tuned for more pictures from these two amazing couples later on in the week! :) I've been incredibly busy lately so if you are waiting for images, just hang tight! I sent out one shipment of discs this afternoon and will start editing again after my midterms conclude on Thursday. You all are the best and I appreciate your constant support!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Akeia & Mike's Engagement Session

Akeia and Mike drove up to Philadelphia for their engagement session and we lucked out with gorgeous fall weather! After days of 45 degree mornings and rain, the sun arrived at the perfect time! It becomes obvious after a few minutes how happy Akeia and Mike are together. They are one of those couples that you can honestly see spending the rest of their lives together. Here are a few photos from yesterday's session! Enjoy! :)






Her ring is absolutely gorgeous! Seriously, gorgeous!



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When looking through the images there was something really magical about this one. It fits them so perfectly. The world is spinning, cars are passing by, and all that matters are that they are together.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Ashley & Erich's Wedding

From the minute I met Ashley and Erich early last spring, I knew that I wanted to photograph their wedding. When Ashley told me about their plans for the ceremony, Erich kept looking over at her and smiling. It was a simple, "you are my entire world", kind of smile. The type of smile that can only come from a deep and honest love. It's the little things about Ashley and Erich that make them so perfect for one another... the way he makes her laugh, the way she lights up when she is around him, and how his hand always seems to find hers when they are standing side by side. Their wedding day was absolutely beautiful and I feel blessed to have been a part of it! Congratulations Ashley & Erich! :)


In the taxi on our way to the church.

Their "first look" before the ceremony.Firstlook

The ceremony was held at the beautiful International Student House in Washington DC.



I love when brides where cute shoes... especially when those shoes are their "something blue".


The reception was held at Washington DC's Tabard Inn. All of the details were beautiful and the food was delicious!

One of my favorite moments during the course of the day was when Ashley's sister and Erich's brother gave the toasts. Everyone was laughing and it really captured the joyful emotion of the day! :) I would be lying if I said that I didn't laugh a little myself!




I also want to thank the amazing Natalie of Natalie Jewell Photography for second shooting! :)