Valencia is known for their paella- Spanish paella originated here, so you know they know what they're doing. This paella was honestly the best I have ever had- I don't think any other place in Europe, or in the world, for that matter could compare. 

Our Liberal Arts Program at CIEE had the privilege of attending the official Paella Escuela in Valencia, Spain to learn the art of cooking paella. Even though you can find paella in just about any part of the country of Spain and even around the world now, there is really an art to cooking it that the Valencians have mastered. 

Yes it's really as fun as it looks! Making paella is not just about the final product, it is an excuse to get friends and family together to have a great time cooking, snacking, laughing and just being together and the final product is a wonderful bonus. :) 

We were given wooden spoons to be able to make our own paella one day. I do plan to attempt making Paella when I get back to Nashville but I doubt it will turn out the same. I will give it my best try though. Thank you, CIEE for this amazing opportunity! 

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. :) 

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.”

— William Least Heat Moon

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! ;) 

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.