I am so thankful, lucky and ecstatic that my sister is one of the best friends that I have ever had. She has always been there for me; and I know that she will always be there. Over the years, we have found new best friends, not replacements just ones that could fill different spots in our hearts. Last week we traveled to Mexico so that she could marry her best friend, and now husband, Nathaniel. It is interesting how one exchange of words and a signature on a piece of paper can change so much, yet preserve even more. We had a beautiful trip, it was a lovely wedding and a fabulous party. I want to share a few images from the trip because it was such a magnificent experience filled with so much love, beauty and just plain amazing-ness. These images are from the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

I am so proud of them and the people they surround themselves with. Calina and Nathaniel’s wedding was not just about their union but it was about true friends being family and family being true friends. I will always be here for you Calina no matter how many miles are between. I love you!!! I love you both more than words could ever say.

*And don’t worry I have a new best friend too (hopefully our wedding will be next

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What is the Pictures of Hope Foundation?

Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization of professional photographers who provide complimentary, documentary-style, photography sessions to babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families. The Pictures of Hope Foundation is comprised of photographers (many of whom are “NICU mothers” themselves) from across the United States and Canada who are dedicated to donating their time to a cause they believe in, and sharing the gift of photography with families in need.

Why Pictures of Hope?

Throughout pregnancy most parents don’t anticipate the possibility of their baby needing to stay in the NICU after birth. Whatever that reason may be, time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration, and unfortunately, at times grief. Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these precious moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road. In some cases, a little extra TLC from the NICU is needed to be sure the little one gets off to the best possible start, for these families on the road to well being, photographs are a wonderful reminder of just how far their little one has come, however, photographs also play a necessary and very important role in the healing process for other families. In the most heart breaking circumstances, photos may be the only tangible keepsakes some parents have of their precious little one. All Pictures of Hope participating photographers are dedicated to providing NICU families with invaluable images you will cherish forever, captured in a sensitive and caring manner.

I encourage you to visit the Pictures of Hope website at www.picturesofhopefoundation.org for more information. Or I can be reached at (805) 729-6547 or julia@julia-franzosa.com with any questions you may have.

When preparing for a photography session in Santa Barbara, or anywhere for that matter what you wear has a huge    impact on your final photographs. It is really important for everyone to coordinate but not necessarily match perfectly. I    love textures and think that they photograph so beautifully, so always keep this in mind.

The best way to coordinate all outfits, is usually to start with Mom, for example a purple top with a pair of jeans or white  pants. Dad could also wear denim and incorporate a purple tie. Kids are the most fun to dress. Put your daughter in a  purple dress and son in a purple dress shirt, or again just a purple tie. So you can coordinate with a single color, or if you  are feeling brave you can coordinate with different colors in the same tonal range. Such as everyone in white with different  pastel accents. Or denim with darker jewel tones. Go crazy and have fun!

My favorite place to shop for children’s clothing in Santa Barbara is Mon Petit Bijou. There website looks a little limited, but when you go into the store it is amazing. They have clothing for infants to toddlers that are just perfect for your photography session! If you are a newborn client they also have beautiful strollers and to die  for cribs! My favorite crib is the Natart Leander, it has four stages; crib (with 2 mattress heights), daybed, transition bed and junior bed.

Sorry, I tend to get a little carried away with baby things!!! =) Good luck shopping and I can’t wait for our session!