Ashley’s Bridal Shower | Personal

One of my dear friends, Ashley, is getting married at the end of the month and I cannot wait! I am beyond excited for her and so happy that I get to celebrate this day with her. God has done AH-MAZING things in her life over the years that I have known her and has brought her a guy that is perfect for her. I can’t wait to see the things that God does in their life (although I’m not excited that they are moving right after they get married – BOO COAST GUARD!). 

This past weekend though along with two other friends, Kristi and Christie, we threw a shower for the bride to be and celebrated this joyous time with her – filled with love, hugs, prayers and of course, gifts 🙂 

The theme of the shower was “Winter Wonderland” since Ashley is hoping for snow on the big day! So here is the invitation I designed for the event:

Kristi and Christie did a superb job on this dishes, even tying in some of Ashley’s favorite treats, and Kristi went above and beyond on the decor – it was absolutely beautiful! Here are some pictures from the day:

Hauser’s Jewelers’ Love At First Sight Event | Newport News, Virginia

This past week I again had the privilege of photographing a beautiful event at Hauser’s Jewelers. The event was to showcase their newest pieces and to kickstart the Holiday season. Amy and the rest of the staff do such a wonderful job putting on these events, and I just love how Joanne does such a fabulous job in making most of the treats for the event. Here are a few snapshots rom the evening. Be sure to check them out as you shop for gifts this holiday season! 

Kaylee Grace Turns One | Personal

I have been holding my breath for over a year waiting for this day, ever since Lauren told me that she was expecting with this little one. And on July 3rd, sweet little Kaylee Grace turned ONE! Nick and I were so excited to share in this celebration of life with Alex, Lauren, Kaylee and Kaylee’s new little sister Hadley! It has been quite a year for this family and it was so much fun to be among their family and friends on this joyous day of celebration! 

Taylor & Madison’s Nautical Wedding | Deltaville, Virginia

This past May, a day shy of the one year anniversary of their first date, my youngest brother in law Taylor married Madison! Adding another girl to the boy overloaded Franks family! 

Taylor and Madison had a very sweet Christmas Day engagement, her ring was gorgeous (it helps when you sister in law is a jewelry goddess!). In fact, Christmas dinner my niece Robyn informed Madison that she would make an excellent flower girl since she already had practice in our wedding. So for awhile there was discussion on whether they were going to have a 2014 or 2015 wedding . . . and with about a month or so to spare, they informed us they set a date for May 2014. 

The wedding was held in Madison’s hometown of Deltaville, Virginia at the church she grew up in, Zoar Baptist Church. Gorgeous church! Gorgeous day! They had a small, but beautiful wedding surrounded by close friends and family. The small details of the day were gorgeous and each bit had some history to it. For example, behind their cake was one of the wooden ships her Grandfather used to build. 

My favorites are the after wedding images when we venture over to a pier near her house . . . oh my stars! The lighting! 

Jackosaurus Turns One | Newport News, Virginia

I was so excited to photograph Jack’s first birthday party (and design the invite and place cards). I have been photographing this little dude since he was in his Mommy’s tummy! Rebecca did such an amazing job on this party. As I walked up to the house there was dinosaur tracks going up the walk way, the little toy dinos decorating the tables had little party hats and with the help of her mom, Rebecca maid tails for all of the kiddos! It was such a fun day and I was honored to be a part of it and celebrate this little guy’s life! 

Alabama | Personal

This past Friday, Lauren, Christie, Lydi and I packed up and headed down to Alabama. We got to celebrate sweet Kaylee a little early with Lauren’s Alabammy friends and family and most importantly, I got to bring my adorable little Maggie (well, that became her name once she was home in Va) back to her new home in Virginia. It was a ton of fun traveling with the girls and being able to shower Kaylee a little early! Those southern women sure do know how to put a baby shower together – although Christie and I did learn, you don’t actually eat the food at these things, so we dived in!! 

Here are some pics from the trip!

Where’s the road man?

And then there was snow!

And then sunshine and cows . . . we must have been in Alabama! 🙂

Then I got to meet my Mags!!! (Well, Riley)

I had to see what all the hype was about this place!

Stuffing her face pre-shower!

Rosie’s

And the shower begins!!

Aubrey | Ring Dance

I cannot believe how much this girl is growing up! She is turning into a truly stunning woman on the inside and out, just like her Mom. I was thrilled when she asked me to take some pictures before Ring Dance (I was also in shocked when she asked because I couldn’t believe she was already old enough to go to Ring Dance!). Her group was meeting at the Lion’s Bridge in Newport News, so before they all got their, we decided to do some individual pictures and once her date arrive we got lucky and were able to get some gorgeous sunset pictures! Seriously – that sky, that dress – AMAZING!

Bridal Shower | Personal

I am beyond thankful and blessed to have the ladies in my life that I do. This past Saturday, Megan, Tammy and my Mom gave me a bridal shower at Tammy’s home. Let me just tell you, I am so grateful to that woman and for opening up her home, she is like a second mother to me! And – I am just so excited that Megan flew in for the occasion and put so much work into! I love her – and everyone else that was there!! 

Look at this beautiful cake Tammy had made to match the invitation!

The fabulous Holly Likes hooked me up with some YUMMY carrot cake mini cupcakes!

The welcoming committee 

Doug and Zatha Say I Do | Personal

2012 is a good year for the Franks’ family! Nick and I get married in August, Thad and Eliz’s third child is due in November, and Aunt Zatha just married Dougy Doug! It was a great day! Friends and family gathered at Amy’s house in Williamsburg where Doug and Zatha said their “I Do’s”. Zatha had asked if I would capture some pictures of the day, so of course I said yes! We’re all excited for Zatha. This is a woman who has dealt with quite a few health blows in the past and recently, and since Doug has came into her life, she has been a new woman. One full of love and life and they have just been having the time of their lives! (The only downside, Doug has now converted her into a Yankees fan – BOO!)

Here are some pictures from their big day!

Lindsey Lou Graduated | Personal

My niece graduated from Denbigh High School yesterday! I am beyond excited for her! I know she worked hard to get where she is. It’s funny though – she is the first in the family to not graduate from Menchville haha! Christopher graduated in 1994, Shanna six years later in 2000, then I followed in 2006 and now Lindsey in 2012. It was such a fun and exciting day, I was one proud and emotional aunt watching her walk across that stage!

one proud momma and her baby!

SHE DID IT!!!