A couple weeks ago, I ventured out on my first trip to Atlanta, GA. Needless to say, I had an absolute blast! I already want to go back haha:) I happened to stop through Chattanooga on my way down and that's never a mistake. Tennesee is beautiful. 

My dear friend Elizabeth took me around town to these adorable vintage shops in Buckingham area. Check out this cute diner/coffee shop! They served gelato and definitely had some Italian vibes. Isn't it simply darling?! Unfortunately the place looked a lot better than the coffee actually tasted, but the company made it so much sweeter.☺️

There were also tons of fancy retail stores as well as boutiques that were quite gorgeous to admire but a pretty penny.

I absolutely love this quote by Pico Iyter, "We travel, initially to lose ourselves. We travel, next to find ourselves."  It's so true. Discovering new cities, places, flavors, sights enables me to discover new facets of myself.

Check out this breakfast of my dreams. Food may or may not be the way to my heart.  😜 

And Yeah Burger is now officially my new favorite burger place!!! Too bad we don't have one yet in Nashville. The lettuce wrap + garlic aoli sauce with sweet potato fries. 😍

Most of all, what makes a new place special is the people. This girl is the bomb.com!! You should also check her out HERE on tumblr. She has an absolutely gorgeous, simplistic feed @simplessence. Also, you can check out the beautiful photoshoot we did in the cutest coffeeshop in Franklin TN HERE. 

You know you got a good friend when you can both work hard & play hard together!  

Took some time to rest and reflect at one of my most favorite coffee shops in Franklin TN, The CoffeeHouse on 2nd and bridge. 

It also just so happened to be perfect weather to sit outdoors. The air was so humid from the rain I could almost taste it and whisps of clouds painted the turquoise sky.  

I also happened to find these delightful little flowers that brought me so much joy! It truly is the little things in life that make life that much more exciting. Pink is definitely not my favorite color but laced and paired with my favorite shade of green, I found the flowers irresistible to capture. Haha I almost bumped into this girl walking behind me when I crouched down to get this pic haha! Worth it though.  

Had some time to myself to relax and quiet my mind. So necessary at times to truly BE and be present in a world filled with constant demands and tasks. Also, if you meet me in person, you're probably going to meet my new VANS shoes along with me ;) Pretty much obsessed with them because they are SO comfortable. 

Anyways, it was a delightful day!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by.:) 

Until next time,! 

Love & Light Forever, 

Emily

Tianna is one of the most authentic, delightful people to be around. Just an honor to be able to photograph Ms. Fisk University commemorating such a joyous occasion. 

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. "

- Jackson Brown Jr. 

She's just so stylish we just laughed the whole time and had a blast!! 

This lovely lady is a Fisk University graduate and is SUCH a doll. She graduated with a Bachelors in Businessand how she juggled rigorous academics with pageants, shows, and banquets, I have no idea!!

Anna is just absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Aside from being just perfectly adorable in every way, Anna is also a professional ballet dancer, which made her a complete pro in front of the camera... so graceful and elegant! 

We walked down Mainstreet in downtown Franklin, turned a little corner and found a hidden flower haven!! The hyacinths truly make her lips pop and match perfectly! 

Alex and Tanoa are just fantastic together! They are so easygoing and just fun to be around. Absolutely loved capturing their romantic engagement session at Cumberland Park Amphitheater in the heart of Downtown Nashville. 

The waterfront was such a perfect location for their engagement session, as even the colors tied in perfectly with their outfits. :) 

Would you just take a look at that gorgeous engagement ring!? So looking forward to capturing their special wedding day this fall. 

These girls were the absolute sweetest! Best friend sessions are honestly some my absolute favorites too! :) 

These three girls grew up together, and even though they went to separate high schools Christ Presbyterian Academy, Independence High School, and Battle Ground Academy, they decided they wanted to celebrate their last year together with a joint portrait session! 

Needless to say, they were so much fun. :) 

If you want the best vacation with an incredible stay, I HIGHLY recommend the Magnolia House in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina. We stayed at this home while vacationing in Charleston, SC this spring. It comfortably rooms 8 people and has the most beautiful pool in the back yard surrounded by palm trees. It truly is a little paradise on Earth. Enough descriptions, let me just show you the house! 

Don't get me wrong, I really do love Nashville. HOWEVER, staying in this gorgeous Charleston home made me think twice about living 8 hours away from the nearest beach haha. :) 

Take my advice and go enjoy your stay in the Magnolia rental home ... the best vacation stay in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina! 

 I had such a blast capturing these sweet angel babies! Can I please just take them home already? 

What a joy this beautiful family is! So fun to be around and just an all around naturally photogenic family. Must be partially their Swedish blood. :) 

Everytime I looked back this little boy was grinning and practically showing off for the camera. I absolutely love when this happens! 

We decided to do a mixture of both and indoor/outdoor session for variety. Both settings turned out perfectly and I am so pleased with the results. 

Smiley baby, happy day. :) 

Had a blast capturing Sarah's musician artist photoshoot her the cover of her next CD! Sarah is multi-talented!! She sings, plays the piano and writes beautiful original music - a mix of country and Christian. 

Her golden blonde hair just seemed to perfectly fit the golden fields and piano in the midst of the field. 

Shot a professional promotional photoshoot of Kevin, a highlighted employee at Porsche Auto Dealership Nashville, TN. 

The quality of their service and product excellence is truly remarkable. The customer care at Porsche is absolutely wonderful... each customer is treated with devoted care and attention whether first inquiring or returning for a repair. 

Had the privilege of shooting some product shots for Peg Leg Porker, a barbecue restaurant in Nashville. 

Seriously one of the best pork sandwiches I have ever had! 

Wow, Meadow is absolutely stunning inside and out. Her wedding preparation photos were a dream. And she looked gorgeous, like a regal princess straight out of a castle in Iceland!! 

Also, look out, Nashville, this lady's coming for you... she's an incredible musician and artist and writes her own heartfelt music. You can check out some of her music HERE

Wedding details... some of my most favorite things to capture. The top highlights of the day to cherish and forever look back on. :) 

These two are simply the best!!! So enjoyed their romantic shoot on this cloudy, yet dramatic day. :) Such a treat to have them in from London!! 

Aren't these two simply amazing!? It was so special to find these streets which very much reminded me of the romantic cobblestone streets of Rome, Italy. I told them next time they have a destination anniversary trip to definitely take me with them. ;)   

They have been married for 4 years and still act like newly weds. :) It's so sweet!!! 

Couples that laugh and dance together... stay together. :) 

So loved capturing this beautiful lady in the heart of London!! Sarah's simply stunning inside and out. :) 

Isn't Sarah absolutely stunning!? We found the most gorgeous coffeeshop to take her portraits and shooting through reflected glass windows on a perfectly cloudy day was THE BEST! 

Sarah just graduated university and is now a registered nurse! So proud of her for pursuing her dreams... she is going to make the most incredible nurse with her attentive, caring, and compassionate personality. 

First of all... I LOVE the sun. Second of all I LOVE capturing the beauty of family IN the sun... how much better does it get!? To me, not much. :) This stunning family celebrated their son's 1st birthday, and what better gift to give him than the gift of special memories!? 

Also, what's really special is we are now offering both moving pictures AND photos for your ULTIMATE photography experience to forever relive your special moments. 

Seriously.... does it really get any cuter than this?! Look at those brilliant eyes. 

SUCH a photogenic family... and the lighting in early Autumn was absolutely perfect. Seriously, such a happy baby :) 

“Family is the most important thing in the world. ”

— Princess Diana

This lovely couple not only has a beautiful family but they also have a FAMILY owned restaurant called Boudreaux Brother's Cajun Cuisine and it's the best out there, ya'll! I'm not kidding, the cod fish literally melts in your mouth. If you're in Downtown Franklin, you gotta pay them a visit... on Main St for a little family dine-in. 

Also, you gotta check out their sweetest moving picture highlight trailer... this videography session was so beautiful. 

Ok, so the holidays are now officially over, BUT that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating! That's what I think at least. ;)  

Thought I would share with ya'll my favorite recipe for gluten-free, dairy free apple pie! I have allergies so it's definitely allergy friendly and still delicious.  

FILLING INGREDIENTS

• 2 Gluten Free Pie Crusts (usually get mine from Whole Foods)
• Gluten Free Flour Mix (Pamela's is good) - for the top crust  
• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons sorghum flour
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon almond milk (or your favorite dairy free milk)
• 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar, (optional)

TOP CRUST INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of All Purpose Gluten Free Flour 
• ½ cup Coconut Oil, or Real Butter
• 1 egg 
• ⅔ cup water (approx. depending on consistency - add a little at a time - not too wet, not too dry.)
• ½ tsp salt (or season to taste)
• 2 tsp sugar or alt. sweetener for desserts if desired (or sweeten to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

Top Pie Crust Instructions (makes 2)

1. 2 cups of Erika's All Purpose Gluten Free Flour (or you can use King Arthur's Brand)
2. ½ cup Palm Shortening, Coconut Oil, or Real Butter
3. 1 egg (CLICK HERE for my GF VEGAN Pie Crust Recipe)
4. ⅔ cup water (approx. depending on consistency - add a little at a time - not too wet, not too dry.)
5. ½ tsp salt (or season to taste)
6. 2 tsp sugar or alt. sweetener for desserts if desired (or sweeten to taste)
7. Mix together Gluten Free Flour along with optional Salt & Sugar.
8. Add in Shortening (or butter), and mix until crumbly.
9. Add in Egg and mix until well incorporated - mixture will still be crumbly.
10. Add Water by stirring in 1 TBSP at a time until dough holds together for rolling - better a little moist, then too dry.
11. Cut Mixture in Half and roll into 2 balls (one for each crust or topping).
12. Shape dough balls into disc with floured hands and place onto a sheet of floured parchment or wax paper.
13. Cover with an additional sheet of parchment or wax paper. Roll crust out to slightly larger than your pie tin.
14. Too with the crust layer after adding your pie filling crimp edges of crust to make a decorative edge.
15. Pierce bottom slightly with fork (and slit top layer with knife to vent).

FILLING INSTRUCTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples and lemon juice.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the palm sugar, sorghum flour, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and toss to coat.

1. Place the apple mixture in the pie shell, including any of the juices that may have accumulated.
2. Roll out the second pie crust and gently place it on top.
3. Trim the overhanging pie crust dough edge about 1 inch from the rim of the pie plate. Fold and roll the top pie crust under the lower pie crust and flute as desired.
4. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a series of slits, at least 4-8, in the top of the pie crust so the steam can escape.
5. Brush the crust with coconut milk (you may not need to use the entire teaspoon), and sprinkle it with the cane sugar.
6. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips), and baking in a preheated 425 degree (F) oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees (F) and continue baking for another 45-50 minutes. The pie will be done when the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft (carefully insert a knife in one of the steam slits to test the softness).
7. Cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy!!! Serve with vanilla ice cream (I do coconut milk ice cream) and hot PG Tips tea. :) 

I have to confess, I have a thing for fall weddings... the colors, the beauty, the almost perfect weather.... just SO delightful. Ah, where do I begin!? Austin and Jozi's wedding was absolutely GORGEOUS, shot in Leiper's Fork at Garrett Farms, one of the most beautiful parts in Tennessee in my favorite month of the year... November :) 

Isn't this beautiful couple absolutely adorable!? We were so delighted to service both as the photographer and videographer team of this rustic wedding. I LOVE capturing love. <3 I once heard a quote, "the greatest gift in life is to love and be loved in return." 

Alan Anders brilliantly stated, "love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses." 

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
– Dr. Seuss

Watch their super moving highlights video with one of the sweetest first looks I've ever seen! <3 

I just think rustic fall weddings are the greatest things, with old barns, wooden chairs, candles in mason jars, stringed lights... I love capturing it all through my lens and preserving memories that will be forever cherished!

Congrats Austin & Jozi! I'm SO excited for your lives together & all the future holds for you two. :)  

What a delight it was capturing this fun family!!! Although an early December shoot and it was quite nippy in the great outdoors, I am so thrilled with how these turned out! Sweet little baby girl (only 3 months old by the way) did amazing!!! 

Although it was absolutely freezing in this early December shoot, the photos were well worth it on this cloudy in Franklin, TN! 

Nothing like a mother-daughter bond!!! Seriously the sweetest! 

Is she not SOOO adorable?!? Babies are to be treasures from heaven!!! Too bad they grow up so quick. Good thing we have a way to capture the moments in time. Haha :) 

Look at that beautiful Danielle Wellington watch!? 

This woman right here is a beautiful soul!!! Not only is she absolutely beautiful on the outside, she radiates from within. 

Elizabeth is currently pursuing a career in nursing... and you can bet she's gonna be one of the best out there! 

Everything she does, she does with such excellence. She also has an amazing eye for special moments and details in life and you can follow her photographic journey right HERE on Instagram for a beautifully curated feed. She's seriously the BEST!!!! And she has one of the TOP trending photography tumblrs that has gone viral. Check it out! Simple Essence is her blog. 

I just love the rustic/ambient feel of this coffee shop. Always on the lookout for fun new spots in town and this one was definitely a hit! 

This candid lifestyle portrait shoot was so fun to do. Special thank you to the Coffeehouse in Franklin, an amazing local business. If you want wonderful hot drinks in the heart of downtown Franklin, you should definitely check it out! 

I absolutely love indoor portrait sessions!! So much fun! 

Hope you enjoyed. :) 

Love and Light, 

Emily 

It was such a privilege to capture this STUNNING couple's artist photoshoot! These talented musicians also happen to be husband and wife and are releasing their VERY FIRST CD under the Harvest Sound Record Label in Nashville, TN! Link will be below for you to download and pre-order! 

Golden sun kissed beauty!!! 

Their CD STRONG will be released November 29th, so be sure to check it out because it is an incredible worship album with songs from the heart!! Funds from the CD will go to support their lives as full time missionaries, or should I say "Musicianairies" in the heart of downtown Nashville. Both Austin and Courtney are full-time staff at Provision International, and they are the on-campus pastors and assistant directors of a creative arts and evangelism equipping school in Nashville, TN called Thunder School. 

So much fun shooting at dusk at Bicentennial Park. We had this super fun but crazy idea to get pictures from a top of Capitol Hill and so the last half of the shoot, I spent panting out of breath, haha! :) 

Click to pre-order their album Strong HERE!