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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. :) 

“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.

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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!? 

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. 

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 :) 

What a super fun model photoshoot in the heart of Barcelona- otherwise known as Las Ramblas on a perfectly sunny day with beautiful Heloisa. 

Las Ramblas is a street in central Barcelona, popular with tourists and well known to the locals of Barcelona Spain. A tree-lined pedestrian mall, connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell & was the perfect location for our sun drenched shoot! :) 

Heloisa is absolutely stunning inside & out. Originally from Brazil, she moved here to Barcelona to study Spanish and work on business & design. She is extremely talented at all that she does & I cannot wait for what the future has in store for her as she continues to pursue her dreams. If you need any sort of business strategy/branding techniques- she's your gal!!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:5

One thing you won't find as much in Nashville as here in Barcelona is the tremendous amount of street art & graffiti. It really does photograph well though because it add more depth & dimension to the shots & that's one of the best things about Barcelona in my opinion- the street art. 

Heloisa, you are beautiful & I am so excited to see what you accomplish all in your future! 

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.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

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 

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! 

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

— Gustave Flaubert

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! ;)