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Nashville wedding photographer and senior portrait photographer Emily Anne's Photo Art (photographic services) captures and documents the beautiful images she takes along with writing. Only the BEST will do!

Posts tagged Leuven photographer
The Best of Belgium Pt. 2: The Pride & Joy of Leuven - The Library of the Catholic University of Leuven Fun Portrait Photoshoot on the Bell Tower by Barcelona & Nashville Photographer Emily Anne

Had the privilege of exploring this beautiful Library of Leuven Catholic University. If you are visiting Leuven, it is well worth it to stop by this gorgeous tower and take the audio guided tour in your preferred language of this historical landmark. 

top library in Leuven must visit and do Spanish and English tour by Barcelona Spain & Nashville Leuven Belgium Photographer Emily Anne Photo Art

You can also climb up to the tallest bell tower for a stunning view if the city of Leuven, especially at sunset- it is the perfect place for gorgeous photos - almost reminds me of Notre Dame. 

sunset golden portrait shoot on the bell tower in the library Leuven by top European wedding portrait photographer Emily Anne Photo Art
best of leuven by emily Anne photography

This beautiful library built in 1834 was burned by German soldiers at the beginning of the First World War and ever since has been restored bit by bit. 

inside the famous historical library of leuven Belgium
gorgeous photoshoot up in the heart of Leuven, Belgium by best portrait photographer in Europe Nashville Barcelona Emily Anne Photo Art

If I lived here, I would certainly put this gorgeous natural light room filled with knowledge to use-- one of the most beautiful libraries I have seen. 

gorgeous library of the university of leuven by Belgium leuven Barcelona photographer emily Anne photo art (photography)
The Best of Belgium Pt. 1: 5 Reasons Why to Visit the European City Leuven One of the Best Hidden Secrets By Barcelona & Nashville Based Portrait and Wedding Photographer Emily Anne Photo Art

Ok, so what do you know about Belgium? Waffes, fries & chocolate. -- You're not wrong! Belgium is filled with these delicious things so if you have a sweet tooth & like chocolate it might be heaven or even a bit dangerous to go to Belgium. But what I am about to tell you about are 4 important reasons why you should give this country a chance. 

top reasons why to visit European city Leuven by Portrait Wedding Photographer Barcelona & Nashville European Belgium Photographer
the best of Belgium, Leuven Belgium by top European wedding portrait photographer emily Anne Nashville based

Brussels, Belgium and especially Leuven are majorly underrated compared to bigger cities in Europe like London, UK, Paris, France, Barcelona, Spain, Rome, Italy or Amsterdam in the Netherlands but it does have a lot to offer for less price. 

Leuven Belgium exploring the best city in Belgium best architecture in Belgium found in Leuven by top wedding portrait photographer Emily Anne photo Art in Europe Barcelona

1. Since Belgium is so small, it is very easy to get around. Public transportation such as the trains and metro stations run smoothly and on time. You can easily explore some of the best of Belgium in a small amount of time: Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, some of the biggest tourist attractions are all within 1 hour by train. Also Brussels was chosen as the location that hosts the official seats of the European Commission Union for a reason. This small little country is centrally located and is less than 4 hours train ride to all the main European cities including Amsterdam, London, Paris & many other parts of Germany and others. 

top viewpoint Leuven Belgium from the library Central Library of Catholic University of Leuven by European Belgium Wedding Portrait photogrpaher Emily Anne

2. The chocolate really is as good as they say it is. Enough said. Almost a little too good. Be prepared to walk down the streets and every other shop to be a chocolatier. Also tip- pralines aren't the same in the United States as in Belgium. In Belgium they aren't nut filled chocolates but rather some sort of soft creamy inside- they can be addicting- can't say I didn't warn you. Also, Leonidas is one of the chain chocolatiers on the lower end, very delicious but while you're there try some of the artisan handmade chocolates from the local shops and it will be well worth it. :) 

best chocolate in Belgium by top wedding portrait photographer Emily Anne European Belgium Nashville Barcelona Photographer
When you walk into a chocolate store, suddenly the most difficult decision you will ever have to make in your life, is which chocolates to pick! It is pure torture! Especially when you are in Belgium surrounded by Belgian chocolates!
— C. JoyBell C.
best chocolate picture in the city centre of Leuven Belgium by Belgium Wedding Portrait Photographer European Photographer Emily Anne Photo Art from Nashville and Barcelona

3. Belgium, Leuven in particular is a brilliant blend of both German and Dutch culture. The best of both worlds. In Leuven, they speak Flemmish which sounds like a mixture of both German and Dutch & the architecture is very similar to homes in the Netherlands like in Amsterdam. And the people are so very friendly- everyone walks or bikes everywhere, are well dressed & smile and have a positive countenance as you walk down the street- a bit different than the culture in Barcelona where people are friendly but not "street friendly" you may say. 

lovely tulips in Belgium in the Springtime by European Belgium Leuven Barcelona Nashville wedding portrait photographer

Although it does get quite cold in the winters, I can absolutely see how this sweet town would be a lovely place to retire for elderly couples - it is so peaceful and honestly felt like I was in another world - maybe the world of Frozen for a day. 

sweet old couple in Leuven Belgium walking down the street great places to retire by top European BelgiumNashville Barcelona photographer Emily Anne Photo Art

4. The street markets are fantastic. You can find both old & young at the street market in Leuven- not only fresh produce, cheeses, meats are available but also many different practical necessities - including mops being sold on the street haha. That was interesting! 

Leuven Markets by Belgium Barcelona Portrait Wedding photographer fresh markets

5. The architecture is fantastic. For a small little town, Leuven has a lot to offer as far as visual sights go. The historic city town hall looks like THIS. 

historical Leuven town hall top architecture is stunningly beautiful in Leuven by top Leuven wedding photographer Emily Anne Photo Art (photography) outside royal courthouse
immaculate perfect little village European town best of Europe by Leuven Barcelona Portrait wedding photographer

Each street is so immaculate and unique in its own way - I can imagine shooting a gorgeous winter engagement session in the middle of these darling streets or photographing an elaborate classic wedding on the steps of the city hall and it would look FANTASTIC-- any takers!? 

perfect little frozen movie town Leuven by top wedding portrait photographer in Belgium, Barcelona Emily Anne Photo Art

One of the cutest gardening stores in all of Belgium - Dille & Kamille. I pretty much wanted to buy everything in that store but somehow my little Easy Jet backpack wouldn't permit it. 

Dill & Kamille - cutest gardening store in Belgium by Belgium Leuven Portrait Wedding Photographer Emily Anne Photo Art based in Barcelona
gorgeous town city hall of Leuven by top Barcelona Leuven Wedding Portrait photographer Emily Anne photo art (photography)

Have you ever explored the little hidden secret of Leuven, Belgium? I'd say it's for sure underrated and for me personally one of the top cities if not my favorite in all of Belgium. If you have been comment below & tell me your favorite part about it! I want to know :)