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! 

Gorgeous golden sunsets, dreamy rustic fields? This shoot with Sydni for her graduation senior portraits was an absolute dream! She looked like a model straight out of a magazine. 

This Franklin High School Class of 2017 Graduate made my job the easiest. Sydni is so easygoing and was so fun to work with!! 

These photos were shot in an open field in Franklin, TN, about 25 minutes south of downtown Nashville. 

Eleanor Roosevelt once elegantly said these moving words that truly resonate with Sydni's passion to follow her dreams in her desires after high school graduation. 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Bennett's session was an absolute blast! This Class of 2017 Brentwood High School graduate has a bright future ahead of him!

Bennett just recently received his Eagle Scout award. Not only is brilliant but he is also persistent and dedicated having pursued this achievement! 

What a delight it was capturing Ms. Emily Suttle's senior portraits. She is truly radiant inside and out. So proud of her accomplishment in achieving the status of Ms. Teen Tennessee USA. 

To me, senior portraits are so much more than a few pictures before graduation. Senior portraits are about capturing the beauty and essence of each person, and reminiscing on the beautiful accomplishments as well as the exciting possibilities the future holds. 

Mary Kay the founder of Mary Kay cosmetics once stated it beautifully, "When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. the choice is yours and yours along. Refuse to throw in the towel." That is exactly what Emily chooses to do. She did not give up in anyway on pursuing her dreams and accomplishments and is watching the future unfold for her. I can hardly wait to see what Emily has yet to accomplish! 

High school is a HUGE part of life. 4 years of your life spent engaging in team activities, Friday Night Lights, honors societies, ACT prep, late night Sonic drinks, pep rallies... the list goes on. We focus our intent on walking across that platform on graduation day with a diploma in our hands for hard work, but what next? 

Choosing a university can be a daunting experience, but with proper guidance, you can have rewarding results. 

Just Make Up Your Mind!!! 

Believe me, you're not the only one. Many studies have gathered that approximately 50% of students that enter college declare "undecided." That is 1 out of every 2 people you meet that walk the halls of your college campus do not know what career path they would dedicate their lives to. 

AND, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80% of students change their major at least once. Changing your major at least once can result in additional semesters of schooling, delaying graduation and accumulating even more debt. 

What's the Point? 

Well, the point of asking the question is to at least address it! Why are you going to college? Is it for a social connection? To meet a future spouse? To party and maybe kinda figure out life? To escape from your parents grasp? Maybe it is to get a well-paying job and start an independent life of your own? Whatever the reason, it would just be down right miserable to waste 4+ invaluable years at the prime of your life on something you do not love or can even see yourself doing. 

Let's break down some of the stereotypical assumptions about college and start helping you figure out what is the best path for you. 

1. Be Proactive. Do Your Research. 

I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but, as in anything in life, if you want it you have to work for it. 

Thomas Jefferson once wisely said, "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

While you're in high school, over summers, during breaks, when you have spare time, make a list of anything and everything that sparks your interest, even things that are remotely fascinating to you and begin exploring those possibilities. 

For example, if you feel drawn to the medical field, why not volunteer at your nearby hospital, a nursing home, ask for some shadowing experience. I cannot tell you how many times friends have told me about beginning their career on a pre-med track and then as soon as they saw blood, they were grossed out and couldn't handle it anymore. How to prevent this? Check it out on the front end! Even maybe try watching some medical TV shows (I haven't personally done this so I can't recommend any and I know they are not always accurate) but at least you get a better idea of the field and mentality. 

If you are drawn to the arts, try experimenting with all different mediums: maybe you're good with pencil, but have you tried sketching on an iPad? Watch Photoshop or Graphic Design Illustrator Tutorials on YouTube? An IMMENSE amount of knowledge is at the TIPS of your fingers! Try to engage in the arts communities by joining local art gallery events or showcases, networking with other artists or photographers could give you an advantage and more experience than others entering it blindly and studying theories in class. 

2.Have a Goal

 Many people claim that you can "figure it out" in college, you can be clueless about what you want to do in college, just GO. 

Well friends, that is a MYTH. In reality, all you will be doing is wasting time confusing yourself, spending unnecessary amounts of money to go in circles on something you are not even certain about. 

According to the US Bureau of the Census in 2011, only 27% of college graduates actually used their college major degree in their level of profession. Thinking of the 50% of students who even change their majors multiple times before they achieve this is risky.

In the United States, we are given the privilege to create our own image. The brand we wear, how we walk, how we talk, how we apply ourselves... all creates a unique individualism. In some cases prove the "rags to riches" story. However, let us not take this privilege of education lightly. 

3. Visit Campuses. 

Based of personal experience, a university may appear to be your dream school on paper, but you may be missing out on the entire picture if you go off the impression the college administration and web designers want you to see. 

Choosing a university is a holistic process. Logistically it should make sense with what career goal you have in mind and ideally not make your grandchildren still have to pay off your debt. However, no matter how good it looks on the website, your own intuition and emotions may compel you love or hate you school choice. 

Lining up a school tour or simply stepping foot on a university campus may save you years of regret or give you a serene confidence that bolsters your college decision all the more. 

4. Explore Other Possibilities. 

Some people believe that college straight out of high school is the only option. Familial pressure or traditions based on previous notions may influence a teenager's decision on college entry. Also, quite candidly, college is not for everyone. Yes, it can help to have a degree for some higher paying jobs, but a degree in itself is not everything. 

However, there are other alternatives to mediate the gap between attending or not attending college. Recently, the term "gap year" has become more prevalent in modern culture. A gap year or two is simply a time frame in which a high school graduate can work, study, travel or do things otherwise they would not be able to do while at university or afterwards. 

While gap years are not for everyone, they can prove to be an excellent alternative for students not quite certain about a major or career path. In this time, the student can explore different possibilities in the forms of: internships, unique jobs, volunteering, mission trips, religious ministry opportunities, etc. For example, some excellent world wide missions and Christian evangelism training base schools that focus on community, self-discovery and identity, include: Thunder School in Nashville, TN, YWAM, Hillsong College and many more. 

These valuable years could be spent experiencing real-life applications to interests and generating authentic interest or disinterest in subjects. After these few years, students could then apply for university and know exactly what goal and direction they have in mind. Not to mention, it's always handy to save up a little extra cash for school on the front end while narrowing one's focus. 

5. Consider the Costs. 

Education is valuable, but is it worth years and years of debt? Unfortunately school in the twenty-first century is NOT CHEAP. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2015-2016 year at private institution was $32,403, $9,410 for state residents, and $23,893 for out of state tuition at a public institution... For ONE YEAR. Tell me that is not ridiculously expensive!? 

Thus, it is crucial to take college seriously and to know what you want and understand how you can get it. Planning out financially with your parents how much they can contribute,  how much you are expected to cover, and how much you can can obtain from scholarships and grants is especially helpful when determining a school. 

Sometimes, making certain accommodations such as living at home or attending community college for general ed. courses may be wise, frugal decisions that save in the long run. 

Well I hope this was insightful for you! Good luck on your college journey! 
Feel free to email me at emilyannephotoart@gmail.com and let me know your thoughts about this article, how it has helped your, or your own personal struggles and I would be delighted to hear. 

Love and Light Forever, 

Emily Anne 

Sarah was a delight to work with! Her serene yet bright personality puts you at ease immediately. I had a blast shooting this Artist Musician Portrait shoot for Nashville Singer and guitarist, Sarah Pearl. 

AH, I love this one! The sun illuminates her gorgeous dark hair from the back, casting a golden halo of light around her. 

You should absolutely check out this amazing Nashville musician's music which is soon to be released or go hear her perform live at a concert or maybe on Broadway. One of my favorite moments during the shoot was when I asked her if she could play something or pretend to play so I could get a shot. Immediately she breaks out into this incredible instrumental electric guitar solo and acts as if it was second nature and could do it in her sleep!! Talk about talent. :) 

Would you look at this headshot of Sarah.... isn't she absolutely gorgeous!! What a natural beauty. 

Would you just take a look at that electric red guitar!? I'm in love. Hello new album cover?? :) 

Shot in Brentwood, TN at the perfect secluded park Marcella Vivrette Park.