Well, London. You might as well say that red is definitely its colour. :) Red phone booths, red buses, red accents on walls, royal guards in red... it really does suit the vibe of this intriguing place. Believe it or not, even if you have a layover in London for one day or only have a short stay in this top of the line city, it is very possible to see some of the biggest sites in a day.
These giant double decker tour buses are most definitely the iconic "London" look.
Almost everywhere you turn in London you'll find absolutely gorgeous architecture - it is a city filled with history and these old, magnificent cathedrals and churches you can find every few blocks throughout this gorgeous city- they are definitely fun to photograph. Can you imagine having a wedding inside -- or outside these crazy cathedrals?
We walked down past Westminster abbey and were pleasantly surprised to find royal guards on horses standing their ground - so neat. :) Be warned - Big Ben is under construction and, just like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, it won't be completed for a while so it is almost unrecognizable right now and a bit disappointing.
We took a stroll through Hyde Park on the way to Buckingham palace and met plenty of these little friends along the way. Hyde Park very much reminds me of the parks in London, Ontario Canada.
We knew we had reached Buckingham Palace as soon as we saw these gorgeous golden gates glimmering in the sunshine.
I am certain the Queen of England would have asked me to tea if she was home, she just must have been out doing her "queenly" duties. ;)
Again, if you do decide to see London, you can hit all these iconic points by walking, starting at Westminster, going to Buckingham Palace back across the bridge past St. James Park and crossing over onto the London Eye Bridge and over to the Natural History Museum by the fountains.
What is a trip to London, UK without a picture inside a red phone booth!?
I heard this quote and couldn't resist...
Little Venice is a lovely little part of England further to the North! Absolutely gorgeous & there are lots of little shops to check out and brunch places- basically, London is the capital of brunch.
Tenerife - what an absolutely beautiful and unique island. In case you didn't know, Tenerife is one of the 5 Canary Islands located 60 km off the coast of Africa and is a province of Spain. This rugged destination is the perfect place to relax and unwind walking on volcanic rock the deep Atlantic blue ocean seaside, walking beneath the gorgeous palm trees, or hiking up mountains and volcanic rock formations-- this island has it all. Not to mention, the perfect climate 60- 70 degrees and sunny year round - talk about the best of everything!
One thing we did quickly learn is that, since this island is pretty small - public transportation is not always that reliable so I would 10/10 recommend renting a car for the time you stay.
The north of the island is more well known for white sandy beaches but also quite windy. The middle of the island close has a mixture of both but black beaches instead of white! The south of Tenerife is most touristy with many restaurants, shops & boutiques, and it is also even more steady weather temperatures & almost always sunny. :)
Such unique terrain- unlike anything I have seen before. Also, this island is a very popular European vacation hotspot for people from the UK - we saw many British people relaxing on the beach.
We stopped at a lovely restaurant in Candelarias, Santa Cruz Tenerife called Crepe de Emilie and it was absolutely delicious- just look at these healthy salads! Also, grilled goat cheese is a thing. :)
There are so many other neat things you can do here on this island for free: and here are a few ideas:
1. See the 1000 year-old Drago tree- The Millennium Drago is the multi-crowned king of Canarian flora and the best view of it is from Plaza de la Constitución.
2. Visit Masca- Setting eyes on Masca for the first time is like discovering a lost world tucked away in the creases of Tenerife's ancient Teno Mountains.
3. Swim in Garachico's rock pools- 1706 when an eruption sent two destructive molten rivers careening through the town to fill the harbour with lava instead of ships. Ironically, the event which nearly took the town off the map 300 years ago is now the reason people flock there. The pools are various depths and shapes; some are suitable for toddlers, as long as they don't mind mingling with sub-tropical fish, others require good lungs to reach the bottom.
4. Explore the Anaga - the right choice if you want to explore the beautiful area of Anaga - a UNESCO biosphere reserve. An excursion to Antequera Beach with this great team is one of our favourite things to do in Tenerife the right choice if you want to explore the beautiful area of Anaga - a UNESCO biosphere reserve. An excursion to Antequera Beach with this great team is one of our favourite things to do in Tenerife.
5. Hike the Teide- hiking in this gorgeous National Park is a real treat, excursions, visiting the Teide Observatory, Sunset and Stars on the peak, a visit to the Altavista del Teide Refuge and a cable car ride up the mountain.
We really enjoyed this trip and it's really fun taking portraits on an island! Honestly, it is much easier to get to Tenerife from Barcelona, Spain or a European country rather than Nashville or anywhere in the US but if you do get a chance to visit, don't pass it up! :)
London really is as lovely as it sounds in a British accent- this city is truly the epitome of beauty, elegance, rich Roman history and architecture all in one place.
Had the privilege of going to explore with this absolutely lovely human - Meghan Swanson who is also a photographer! :) --- check out her beautiful work HERE
We had so much fun exploring the city and YES we took advantage of these gorgeous classic old UK phone booths--- they are literally the best.
Isn't she absolutely stunning!? Best model award goes to Meghan--- she's a natural in front and behind the camera.
Westminister Abbey is absolutley stunning- we went on a cloudy day but finally the sun came through and reflected over the water beneath the London eye and it was priceless. I can hardly wait to see the Royal Wedding and where they end up taking their romantic wedding photos- wonder if they will choose some of the same locations?!
We went to the London National History Museum and the London Victoria and Albert Museum and it was marvelous to see years of history, old civilizations from the ancient Chinese, to renaissance, to modern art - highly recommend!! :) One of my favorite exhibits was the TimeCapsule history of women's fashion throughout the last century - so interesting. Basically, we have VERY boring fashion now compared to earlier decades.
From Barcelona - London is really only an hour flight away which is quite amazing but from the US, specifically from Nashville, it is quite the trek "across the pond." But this day in London was brilliant thanks to this lady!
You would think that living in a Beach city, one would go to the beach all the time. However, I was completely wrong and it’s all about proximity. While I am relatively close to the beach from American standards and transportation, in Europe things such as city transportation take longer.
Nonetheless I got put out and finally had the chance to snap some images of the gorgeous sun & Mediterranean Sea.
Looking across the Mediterranean Sea feels different than looking at an ocean. When I stare across I can imagine the excitement of citizens who traveled and ended up in a paradise called Italy.
We went to Brunch and Cake by the Sea. Super lovely!
This was my first beet root lattes and it was certainly not my last. Beautiful floral designs welcomed guests into this lovely restaurant.
Be warned, if you do go to the beach in Barceloneta or any of the beaches close to the Old Gothic Quarter you should be vigilant and prepared to prevent pick-pocketing by bringing very few pieces or wearing a wallet protector right on your body.
Girona, beautiful Girona! Home of the Game of Thrones movie set (which I do not endorse by the way), the oldest Jewish Quarters in all of Spain and filled with rich history.
In this beautiful town you can absolutely see the old medieval architecture but also later Roman influence. This city had been laid siege to over 20 times, so it has had its fair share of invasions.
Girona now has another reason for the larger flux of tourim- Game of Thrones backdrop. However, personally the streets like these are ones that made me feel like I was waltzing through a romantic movie.
"La muralla" the wall of Girona was built to protect this beloved city from invaders, but clearly it didn't work, due to the number of invasions!
Nothing like finding fresh fruit in the markets on the streets of Girona on Las Ramblas de Llibertat.
Girona is one of the most nationalistic cities that is 110% for the independence of Spain. Almost every street corner you turn, you will see either the Catalonian flag of independence or these ties on the windows, indicating the desire for separation from el gobierno de Espana.
The Arab baths were one of my favorite findings in Girona! These Arab baths are Romanesque construction (12th century) inspired by Roman baths, its most outstanding elements include the entrance, which was used as a changing room and relaxation area and is covered with a barrel vault, and the cupola covering the central pool, which is supported by slim columns with gorgeously capitals.
Very mysterious, are they not?!
Of course we had to try the gelato made by the #1 best restaurant in the world for 2013 and 2014- El Celler de Can Roca. And it really was fantastic!
We climbed up this old German barracks fortress to get this view of the city. Worth it!
Located within the Força Vella, the Jewish Quarter or Call is one of the city's most emblematic areas. It consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets and patios that have maintained their medieval atmosphere. It is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world and clear evidence of the importance of the Jewish culture in Girona.
Can there ever be too many gelato pics!? :)
Running up these stairs where they filmed the Game of Thrones TV series truly did feel like a cinematic moment. It also reminded me of the beautiful ethereal fairytale wedding ceremony scene of Arwen Undomiel and Aragorn Elessar from Lord of the Rings. :)
Thanks so much for taking the time to enjoy some of the journey with me!
Hope you enjoyed & until next time!
Love & Light Forever
Emily
This weekend, had the privilege of traveling from Barcelona to the historic city of Girona, Spain. While in this gorgeous town that felt like a movie set--- if you would like to see the city click HERE --- we discovered one of the best coffeeshops in the world - Espresso Mafia.
Not only is the coffee incredibly smooth and house roasted, but the shop is absolutely fantastic and biker friendly-- but really. Started by an amazing couple Christian and Amber Meier. Christian is a professional cyclist with a passion for coffee who decided to start this coffeeshop along with their other coffeeshop La Fabrica in the heart of Girona, Spain. Even with our brief time in Girona, we could instantly tell that Espresso Mafia was the place to be as 6 or 7 professional bikers stopped in for a fresh cup early in the morning.
Not only is the decor absolutely fantastic, but the people are fantastic and make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in the door.
Do yourself a favor and go try Espresso Mafia on your trip to the gorgeous city of Girona!
I love this city! If you are a history buff- you would too! Filled with gorgeous little streets, ancient Roman ruins along the Golden coast, Tarragona is one for the books.
We took a day trip excursion from Barcelona to Tarragona - perfect place to visit if you are spending a week or so in Barcelona as it was only an hour drive away.
A cat in the midst of the ancient Roman ruins - that was interesting!
The Catedral de Tarragona is one of the most lovely and intricately designed cathedrals in all of Catalonia. It was actually built upon the foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to Zeus under the reign of Julius Caesar.
Tarragona was the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and became CAPITAL of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis during the Roman Empire. We walked on the ancient ruins of the old Roman circ- where they held chariot races of fire on the tracks.
If you can imagine, these streets used to be the very foundation of the Roman circ which held the greatest chariot races in all of Spain - couldn't feel any further away from Nashville right now - Roman ruins in Spain ha!
Park Guell or should I say Candyland? This wonder filled intricate and whimsical architecture was designed by Antoni Gaudi I Cornet, one of the best known architects in Catalonia and in Spain. Gaudí's works have a highly individualized and distinctive style. Most people note him for the infamous Sagrada Familia, which we will do a part 2 on! :) But for now enjoy this lovely place!
Parc Guell has one of the best, most incredible views of Barcelona-- only a few minutes from the neighborhood Gracia and maybe 15-20 minutes from the heart of Barcelona, this Parc is a must for anyone who appreciates great art. It really is one of the #1 best places to go when you visit Barcelona.
Walking into this park truly felt like magic. I wish we had more extravagant architecture like this in Nashville or in the United States! Perhaps someone will get inspired and it will come. :)
Parc Guell is located on Muntanya Pelada (bare mountain). Its location was unbeatable, in an incredible setting and with splendid views over the sea and city of Barcelona.
If you would like to learn more about the history of this gorgeous place I recommend you check out this website HERE. Also, wouldn't this make the most unique wedding destination!? If we shot a wedding here it would have to be one of the the most avant-garde weddings perhaps with quite modern florals or even a sweet themed wedding- the bride perhaps in a gold wedding dress rather than white?! Dream with me now. :) Parc Guell would be a gorgeous location for a wedding or engagement portraits - if there was some way to slow down the tourism even for a couple hours. :)
Just take a look at that magnificent mosaic.
Hope you enjoyed and get a chance to visit this little Candyland paradise on Earth!
Love & Light Forever,
Emily Anne
Hello my friends! It has really been a while. Where do we begin? This place is a little European dream French village we stumbled upon on an excursion from Geneva Switzerland to France! Filled with rich history, historical castles, colorful vibrant streets, delicious street food and bells of Christmas holidays ringing, this place holds a special place in my heart and is one of the best cities I have experienced in Europe.
In the distance you can see the most gorgeous view of the Swiss/French Alps. It was slightly cloudy so you couldn't see them entirely but enough to see the gorgeous snow!
Not gonna lie- don't know if I was fully living until I tried a crepe in Annecy, France. WOW. They sure know how to do it! So thankful we were able to stop in this beautiful village during our stay in Geneva Switzerland and on our way to Barcelona Spain!
Textured walls, singing in the streets, coral blue water --- can someone please decide to have a destination wedding or elopement here in this beautiful town!? --we'll be your photographer/videographers. You want to? Ok DONE, see you there.
Sometimes when you travel, it's not the top destination cities like Rome, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, or Paris, France that you need to visit to see such beauty, its the small, hidden local gems that make it worth your while and offer clearer glimpse into other distinct cultures.
Had the privilege of traveling with my dear friend Floriane who took this lovely photo of Emily! :)
The warmth and quaintness of this city just makes you want to buy everything which can be dangerous haha! :)
I love the complexity and excitement of this photo- this little boy running across the French street on New Years Day still filled with the thrill of the holidays and wonder.
Annecy, France is by far one of the best European towns I have been to visit and I do hope we shall meet again!
Hope you all enjoyed!!
Love & Light Forever - Emily Anne
FYI if I haven't convinced you that this should be one of the top and best European destinations for your future wedding and that we will be there to photograph it--- I don't know what will! ;)
Hayden Kelly, you are a stunner!! Wow, we had SO much fun!!!
When Hayden smiles, she sure lights up a room! Isn't that smile contagious!?
Hayden's shoot was SO much fun the perfect mix of natural with golden sunlight shooting through the trees at illuminating her gorgeous hair to a more urban industrial look on Clinton Street. We had originally tossed around about the idea of doing them over fall break on the beach in Florida. Obviously, it's not the same but this was the perfect location to capture her personality & style. Maybe next time on the beach pics though ;)
Aren't her outfits just ADORABLE!? A mix of soft classic + trendy causal... the perfect combo!
No big deal, Hayden just walking the streets of Nashville like a BOSS.
100% yes to the glitter!!! Marathon Music Works on Clinton Street was the perfect spot to get the retro urban look we were going for. :)
Okay, Hayden... maybe you should think about a career in modeling and fashion!?
I've got to say, Hayden's mom Mary was absolutely incredible!!! She had the entire trunk set up like a portable wardrobe + brought props of our dreams. So prepared and all the hard work totally paid of in these lovely pics!!
Take a look at these fantastic retro shades ;)
When Hayden isn't working it as a model, she also happens to be a Centennial High basketball star! :)
One of my favorite shots ever... golden glitter glory! Funny story, the Emily Anne Senior video has Hayden featured with her blowing glitter. The day we set for Hayden's veiwing/ordering session, I happened to run into her before at CVS and she was covered in glitter- I get to their house later that evening & she's COVERED in what... GLITTER!! I hereby have named her "Glitter Girl." :)
In all seriousness though, Hayden is truly a remarkable girl. I am so excited to see what she is going to do an accomplish in her lifetime. This is only the beginning!!
Congratulations, Hayden!!! :)
WOW. This beautiful young lady is INCREDIBLY talented!! Actress, dancer, model... what does Brittany NOT do?! This session was absolutely breathtaking!
WATCH RIGHT HERE BELOW HER GORGEOUS MOVING PICTURE IN HIGH DEFINITION!!!! I get chills every time I start watching her dance to the music.
Wow, just wow... am I right!? Absolutely love this in air action shots of her in the streets of Downtown Franklin!
I'm really so happy with how the outfits turned out, mix of classic rich & soft blues blues, skirts, black dress & the sunglasses are the perfect touch.
Brittany does want to pursue some sort of career in the arts. I am confident, whether it is acting, singing, dancing, modeling she will do absolutely incredible!!
Here blue eyes against the soft greens <3 <3 <3
Brittany's smile could light up an entire room. In this moment she was looking at her dad who made her laugh throughout the whole shoot... so precious!!
If you need a talented model or dancer for your next gig... Brittany is your gal!!
Anyone else a sucker for the absolute classics like Anne of Green Gables? Well, this shot of Brittany in the blue with the sun kissing her from behind and this lovely hat completely reminds me of a modern day Anne! I have a special place in my heart for Anne of Green Gables especially because it's part of my name and I do now say her infamous line, "It's Anne with an E."
SOO beautiful Brittany!!!
I love this quote because it inspires us to keep moving forward and pushing past the hesitations and uncertainties of the future. Brittany, I am SO excited to see how your future unfolds as you embark on this new chapter of life & pursue your passions and discover more about who you were created to be. I look forward to seeing the next steps you take!!
Lauren's artist portraits turned out even cooler than I imagined them to be!!
Wow you gotta check out her amazing new country album "Rebel Soul" HERE . Not only is she beautiful but she's an incredibly talented artist and musician with vocals & guitar.
This one with Lauren on top of her truck I absolutely love. What a fun dream idea come to life! Can't wait to work with her again in the future!
Where do I begin!? These pics speak for themselves. First of all, the locations of Anna's shoot were absolutely perfect. Mix of both city/rustic/urban/natural! What more could you want in a session?
Check out her BEAUTIFUL MOVING PICTURE VIDEO RIGHT HERE BELOW! WATCH IN HD! :)
Using Baskin Robbins ice cream was definitely the BEST idea!! But then again, you can never go wrong with ice cream, can you?
Anna's sweet personality really shines through these images and just WOW when the sun through the trees illuminates her from the behind! :) Anna is graduating this year from Battle Ground Academy and couldn't be more excited her and her future! Not only is she stunning on the outside but she is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and her smile immediately lights up a room.
Talk about a classic beauty. Black & white truly never fails. When she's not slaying it on camera, you can find her killin' it on the volleyball courts or volunteering her time at Young Life.
Just walking down the streets of Downtown Franklin like she owns the town. The bouquet of flowers was a perfect touch.
Heading down to the creek for a swim, are we? :)
How cool is this background? The twinkling lights + cobblestone pathway are amazing!
Is she a BGA senior graduate or a Baskin Robbins model? Haha I can't quite tell!
The location of this pic reminds of some places you would find in Zurich Switzerland or the streets of Ascona/Roma Italy!
In the heat of summer, the ice cream was a fantastic prop idea... that was until it melted haha!
I absolutely LOVE this quote!
A little humor for today! In all seriousness, Anna, I am so excited to see how your future unfolds!! <3
Nick and Dina are absolutely amazing!! Here are just a few snippets into their special day. <3
This lovely classic wedding took place at one of the best, oldest homes in Nashville, The Buchanan Log House of Elm Wood. This beautiful early spring/ late winter wedding fused together with soft silvers, blush pinks and vibrant rich blues, purples and greens - the perfect classic wedding color palette.
Dina's wedding dress was absolutely gorgeous!! Nick & Dina met while serving at a non-profit ministry in downtown Nashville called the Foundry... they courted, and then the rest is history!! They are absolutely adorable together. :)
Dina is so adored by her friends and beautiful mama. Mother daughter moments... so special!
Shout out to some amazing vendors:
Venue: Buchanan Log House
Florist: Petals & Fields
Cake: High Five Cakes
Would you just take a look at this gorgeous Hispanic princess and her lovely bridesmaids!?
Beautiful florals designed by Petals and Fields.
Jen is just an absolute treasure! As soon as you meet her, her warm smile lights up a room!
The most amazing thing is that she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. When she is not killing it on camera, you can find her caring for and rescuing elderly people in the cardiac ICU.
This Brazilian beauty truly kicked this shoot out of the park!!
AND, when she's not slaying it on camera or saving lives she likes to spend time with her family or exploring/traveling the world and around Europe!! Next time, I want to go with!! Sao Paulo Brazil, Athens, Greece, Barcelona, Spain... wherever. You name it, I'm there. :)
Also, not to mention, her wardrobe is top knotch! If you are looking to hire a model for your new clothing brand, commericial...anything, look no further than Jennifer Ludi! She's the one! :)
Jen did an absolutely stellar job on this shoot and I look forward to hopefully working with her more in the near future!
This wedding was an ABSOLUTE DREAM!!! Seriously, everything truly turned out so beautifully!!
It takes a full team to pull of a wedding, so here are a few shoutouts to some of the best vendors in Nashville and your go-to wedding vendors.
CHECK 'EM OUT!!
Obviously, Emily Anne Photo Art did the Photography/Videography is soon to come!!!
Best Wedding/Reception Venue in Town: Foundry Events
Wedding Styling: Nashville Bride Guide
Florist: Petals and Fields
Hair and Makeup Styling: Morgan Jae Beauty
Wedding Dress: Geny's Bridal Nashville/Ellis
Groom's Tuxedo: Street Tuxedo
Vintage Furniture: Vintage Sparkle
Lighting & Drapery: Nashville Audio Visual
Table Decor: Liberty Party Rentals
Wooden Farm Tables: Love South Social
Cake: Connie Cakes
Donuts: Five Daughters Bakery
Coffee Bar: Foundry Coffee Bar
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Cards: Darby Cards
Everything came together like a beautiful masterpiece and work of art.
Yes, sir! Looks like a straight up model out of Vogue showing off that beautiful Armani watch.
Wow, it's been a hot minute since I've had the chance to get back on here! Back & ready to show ya an absolutely gorgeous young lady... Rachel Fisher!
WATCH HER AMAZING VIDEO- MOVING PICTURE --- BE SURE TO TURN ON HD!!!
Just take a minute to admire how absolutely gorgeous she is. RADIANT & GOLDEN BEAUTY!
We found a lovely flower field and it was the perfect touch to complement her soft blue dress. And, thankfully we were far south enough that we got full blossom & didn't even have to go down to Alabama or Georgia to get perfect summer evening weather for her pics.
Rachel wanted a mix between urban/natural and that's exactly what we did! I looked all over Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin to find the best location & it turns out all of these were in Franklin! Gorgeous golden sunset shots are the absolute BEST and she looks like a model for urban outfitters or some other company haha!
Staring into a coffeeshop window... or more like "staring in to her future like..." Her future is bright!! Rachel is multi-talented and is looking at attending University of Knoxville next year.
Look at her adorable car!! Ahhh LOVE LOVE IT!!! She looks like a gorgeous vintage model chic from the 1920s with a classic flare.
Chasing the sun again. :) Ah, look at her!! With that flower in her hair she looks like she could be a Hawaiian princess. :)
I just recently found this quote that I absolutely LOVE:
So proud of you, Rachel! It was an absolute blast getting to capture your senior portraits & I am so excited about your future!
Having a bad day? Take one look at this radiant Indian princess and may your mind be put to ease. The gorgeous golden summer sunset with roses in the background and beautiful hair and makeup by One10Beauty.
Just take a look at that gorgeous hair and makeup!? And her perfect skin tone. :)
She was most certainly a joyful bride and so fun to capture!! Check out her full wedding photography HERE.
Ok, first of all, these girls are the SWEETEST and were an absolute joy to work with!!! And Harlinsdale Farm is SUCH a fun place to do photoshoots in the heart of downtown Franklin.
Senior year is an unforgettable year so why not document it along with some of your best friends?!
These Class of 2018 seniors are not only MODELS but also MULTI Talented!! The two on the left are both competitive volleyball players! And Quinn (on the right) is an incredible actress and artist and has her own music up on spotify! You should check her out under Quinn O' Donnell Music. :)
These summery colors have me like.... AHH :) Soft blues and rustic barn + white washed wood at Harlinsdale Farm was the perfect backdrop for this senior portrait session! These girls are actually from different high schools as well. :) Quinn and Sam go to Ravenwood in Brentwood TN and Anna goes to Battle Ground Academy (BGA) in Franklin.
Beauty, beauty, so much beauty and so much fun!!! Seriously, PLEASE let's do more joint best friend sessions!!!! :D I almost enjoy them more than the girls themselves haha! :)